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Is the Acer Aspire 5 really the best budget laptop for video editing? Our unbiased review reveals the truth. If you want to use professional video editing software but your budget is low, finding a laptop with the right tech specs is important for producing high quality video content
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If you're looking for some good cheap laptops for video editing, this article has all you need to know. $500 is an extremely low price for laptops considering the value and functionality they provide. For video editing, vfx, motion design and other activities which involve high CPU and RAM usage, it is recommended to invest in a fast, powerful laptop that can handle processor consuming software. Although extremely cheap, here is a list of the top 5 laptops which provide the most 'bang for your buck' value for video production.
My personal laptop is the Asus X515. Although it costs a little over $770 USD, it's worth the money. I manage most of my websites including Free Visuals from this laptop. I'm able to run multiple programs and tabs on google at the same time, all without any lag or speed issues. That's because it has powerful Intel i7 processor and 8gb of ram (which isn't much but it's still good compared to most of the laptops I've listed here.
Video Editing Laptops For Every Budget:
Under $500 - You are here
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The #1 laptop that money can buy for video editing would undoubtedly be the Dell Inspiron 3511. Not only does it have an 11th gen i5-1135G7, but it also has 8gb RAM. Note: this laptop isn't actually under $500 but it's been on sale for the past few months so I might as well just add it in.
In a market that's increasingly saturated with more-than-adequate laptops, the Dell Inspiron 3511 stands out as a remarkable machine tailored to the demands of video editing while staying comfortably within the $500 price point. This laptop deftly harmonizes power, efficiency, portability, and comfort, carving out a niche for itself as a competent video editing workhorse.
From the moment you open the lid, you're greeted with a keyboard that promises a gratifying typing experience, and a trackpad so responsive that it virtually becomes an extension of your fingertips. These are far from trivial considerations when you're spending hours editing video footage, tweaking transitions, or finessing your VFX. These input features provide a seamless interface between your creative vision and its realization on the screen.
Speaking of the screen, the Inspiron 3511's display is nothing short of a visual treat. With its anti-glare LED-Backlit Non-touch Narrow Border WVA Display, it boasts a level of clarity and colour fidelity that are quintessential for intricate video editing tasks. The full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 ensures no jagged edges or visible pixels will interrupt your editing flow, while the screen's brightness level ensures your eyes remain undisturbed during those long editing sessions.
Under the hood, the Dell Inspiron 3511 is powered by an Intel i3-1115G4 Processor, coupled with 8GB DDR4 RAM, which together provide a robust platform for smooth video editing. The laptop's power and performance can handle even resource-intensive tasks like rendering 3D graphics, color grading, and compositing, while the dual storage setup – a nimble 128GB NVMe SSD for your OS and applications, and a spacious 1TB HDD for your video files – ensures you're never left juggling for storage space.
For video editors who frequently work with large files, the laptop's suite of connectivity options, including an SD card reader, USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, and HDMI 1.4, prove to be invaluable, facilitating swift data transfers and seamless secondary monitor connections. Its inbuilt Wi-Fi and Bluetooth functionalities make for convenient wireless connections, be it for online file sharing or adding external devices.
Weighing in at just about 3.91 lbs, this Dell machine proves to be an easy travel companion. It's slim and lightweight enough to slip into a backpack and be carried from one location to another, without compromising on its robust set of features. Plus, its battery life is impressive, with up to 6 hours of run time on a single charge under moderate use. This means you're not perpetually bound to the nearest power outlet and can continue crafting your visual narrative virtually anywhere.
I still think it's important to have a higher budget for a laptop, especially when it comes to video editing. Only cheap out if you absolutely must. Otherwise, I'd recommend increasing your budget to at least $700 if not $1000 to ensure you have the smoothest experience with popular editing programs such as After Effects.
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The Lenovo Idea pad is a great starter laptop for basic video editing as well as gaming. It's very slim and portable so you can transport it easily if your job or school involves frequent relocation from one location to another.
The first thing you'd notice when interacting with the IdeaPad is its phenomenal keyboard, engineered with finely spaced keys that deliver a satisfying tactile feedback. Complementing this is a trackpad that marries precision with sensitivity, allowing for seamless navigation. These two features underscore the ease of executing commands - be it scrubbing through footage, keyframing animations, or executing a bevvy of keyboard shortcuts for quick edits, the user-interface on the IdeaPad makes these tasks a breeze.
As for the display, the IdeaPad presents an anti-glare 15.6-inch full HD screen that bathes your eyes in sharp, vibrant visuals. Boasting a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, the screen brings every frame to life with stunning detail, eliminating the risk of jagged edges or visible pixels that could compromise your editing precision. Its brightness is adjustable to a comfortable viewing experience, ensuring that your eyes won't strain during marathon editing sessions.
Powering this device is an AMD Ryzen 3 3250U processor, backed by a robust 8GB DDR4 RAM. This duo delivers a smooth performance even during CPU-intensive tasks such as rendering high-resolution footage, applying complex effects, or managing multi-layered timelines. The IdeaPad comes equipped with a 256GB SSD, providing swift boot times and faster loading of applications. The ample storage space can comfortably house your editing software and video files without leaving you wrestling for space.
The IdeaPad also ticks the box for an impressive array of connectivity options, featuring HDMI, USB 3.1 and 2.0 ports, and an SD card reader, facilitating seamless data transfers and peripheral connections. The in-built Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 4.2 support enable seamless wireless connections, whether you're sharing large video files online or connecting to other devices.
Despite its solid build, the Lenovo IdeaPad weighs in at a manageable 4.84 lbs, rendering it portable enough for on-the-go video editing tasks. The robust battery life of up to 6 hours on a single charge under normal use ensures you're not tethered to a power outlet, providing the freedom to edit where you please.
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Cheap, powerful and multi-functional. The HP 6X0R2PA has multiple functionalities which the other laptops listed here don't have. If you require a camera with average quality, this laptop comes equipped with a 2mp front facer. It also charges faster than most laptops, reaching 50% in just 45 minutes!
In the pursuit of discovering the best budget-friendly laptops for video editing, one of the standout contenders that caught my eye is the HP 6X0R2PA. Nestled comfortably under the $500 price range, this laptop skillfully balances power, efficiency, portability, and comfort - a harmony that I've found to be paramount in differentiating stellar laptops from merely good ones.
As I started interacting with the HP 6X0R2PA, the first thing I noticed was its outstanding keyboard. The keys are a delight to tap on, offering a level of responsiveness that, to me, is crucial for long hours of editing, cutting, slicing, and adjusting clips. The trackpad, on the other hand, feels precise and sensitive. It's these interactive elements that make me choose a laptop for video editing over a smartphone or tablet.
The HP 6X0R2PA's display is a joy for my eyes. Its anti-glare 14-inch HD SVA BrightView micro-edge WLED-backlit screen ensures that I am not distracted by jagged edges or visible pixels while editing. It provides a resolution of 1366 x 768 pixels, a brightness level that does not strain my eyes, and a color fidelity that I find particularly useful when color grading or working on detailed VFX tasks.
Under the hood, the laptop houses an Intel Pentium Silver N5030 Processor and a 4GB DDR4 RAM. While I wouldn't go as far as to say it's perfect for the most intensive tasks, I've found it more than capable of handling tasks such as layering effects, rendering previews, or running applications like Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro. Moreover, it comes with a 128GB SSD, providing me with the necessary speed and space to install my preferred editing software and store my video files.
As a video editor, I can't stress enough the importance of connectivity options. With the HP 6X0R2PA, I get the convenience of HDMI, USB Type-C, and Type-A ports, allowing me to easily transfer large video files and connect to secondary monitors or other peripherals. It also includes a multi-format SD media card reader which comes in handy when I'm transferring footage directly from my camera.
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You're not going to find a high performance laptop in new condition with at least an i7 processor for under $500. With that being said, running any video editing software on any of these budget laptops may be strenuous when working with large file sizes and high resolutions. You should consider increasing your budget if you intend to produce complicated effects, long length or high quality videos in video editing softwares such as Adobe Premiere Pro or Adobe After Effects.
The Asus VivoBook goes way over the $500 budget which you probably have if you're reading this post. I've decided to include it anyways because it is the cheapest laptop you can buy that has an i7 Processor.
Featuring 512GB SSD storage with 8GB RAM, the Asus VivoBook provides the most value considering it's low price in comparison to other laptops available in the same price range. It's perfect for running any video editing program and producing any type of video, regardless of how complex it may be. Since Final Cut Pro cannot run on windows, we recommend Adobe After Effects with plugins as a low cost alternative if you choose to purchase this laptop for video editing.
In a similar vein to Apple’s late 2020 MacBook Air, the Asus VivoBook, a contender that came out in early 2023, has aged like a fine wine and its power is still prevalent today. I've found that for the budget-conscious video editor, this model really stands out, particularly considering its price point of under $500. It makes a strong case for itself as the best bang-for-buck laptop for anyone knee-deep in video editing or VFX work.
Driving the Asus VivoBook is an Intel Core i5 processor that, although might not hold the same prowess as Apple's M1 chip, is still capable of handling complex timelines and layering effects in After Effects. Moreover, the 8GB RAM makes the editing process smoother, especially when you're working with 1080p footage. Higher resolution content can be managed too, although proxy editing is recommended to ensure a seamless workflow.
This Asus VivoBook comes with a pre-installed SSD that tops at 512GB, allowing for read and write speeds close to 2000/1500 MB/s, which is impressive for a laptop at this price point. This kind of speed proves to be a godsend when you’re handling heavy video files or need to quickly preview your VFX compositions.
Another feature I appreciate as a video editor is the VivoBook's 15.6-inch Full HD NanoEdge display. While it might not match the colour-accurate HDR screens of premium laptops, the display offers an admirable color spectrum, which proves to be beneficial while color grading footage in Premiere Pro.
One thing that needs to be highlighted about the VivoBook is its remarkable battery life. On lighter tasks, it can run up to 10 hours, but when dealing with intensive video editing or rendering, it manages to provide around 5 hours of life, which is pretty decent for the under $500 category.
Finally, the port selection on the VivoBook is pretty generous, offering USB Type-C, HDMI, microSD card reader, and more, making it easy for me to connect additional storage or external monitors.
To summarize, here are the pros and cons:
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If you choose to use this laptop for YouTube video editing, I wish you all the best. It only has the bare minimum requirements for running nay creative software. At best, you'll be able to run Hitfilm, but it won't be long before you run out of storage space. Luckily this laptop does come with some positive features. You can expand the RAM of this laptop easily up to 20gbs. It also comes with multiple USB 2, 3 and 3.1 ports providing compatibility for external drives and devices. If that's not all, it also comes with Acer True Harmony Audio, all for under $500!
Stepping into the spotlight in the sub-$500 category for video editing and VFX work is the Acer Aspire 5. With a combination of smart design and judicious hardware choices, Acer has managed to deliver a machine that packs a punch without breaking the bank.
Powering this laptop is an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, demonstrating adequate performance in dealing with extensive video editing tasks. Although it may not compete with the industry-leading CPUs, it manages to keep software like After Effects and Premiere Pro running smoothly.
A highlight for me as a video editor is the Aspire 5's 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display. It may not offer the high color accuracy found in more premium machines, yet it does a respectable job when you're trying to adjust the color balance or correct exposure in Premiere Pro.
Included in this package is an 8GB RAM, enough to navigate through layers of 1080p footage without major hitches. For those venturing into 4K editing, creating proxy files could be the trick to keeping your workflow smooth.
Moreover, the Aspire 5 is furnished with a 256GB NVMe SSD. This enables quicker access to your video files and reduces the time you spend staring at the rendering bar, an essential aspect for meeting project deadlines.
In terms of endurance, the Aspire 5 boasts a commendable battery life. On a single charge, it can handle a typical workday with ease, and still manages to support about 4-5 hours when faced with intensive video editing or rendering tasks.
Finally, the Aspire 5's comprehensive set of ports, including USB Type-C, HDMI, and Ethernet, proves highly useful when I need to connect additional devices like external monitors or high-speed storage drives.
So here's my summary of the Acer Aspire 5's strengths and weaknesses:
If you're sticking to Acer but want to be able to edit with greater capabilities and unlock more plugins, I'd highly suggest the Acer Swift 3 OLED Intel Evo. You will need to increase your budget just a little (to about $1500), but it's 100% worth it.
In our quest to identify the best laptops for video editing under $500, we've employed a comprehensive testing protocol that's been honed over years of product reviews and analysis. Here's a peek behind the curtain at our rigorous evaluation process.
Our testing process begins with evaluating each laptop's display, as it's a crucial element for video editors who require accurate colors and good brightness levels. Using our in-house light meter and colorimeter, we measure the display's average brightness and color quality, checking the sRGB and Adobe RGB color gamut coverage. These tests help us determine how well the laptop's screen can reproduce the different colors required for precise video editing.
Next, we turn our attention to performance, specifically looking at how each laptop copes with video editing and VFX tasks. We run demanding software like Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, and DaVinci Resolve, closely monitoring how the laptop handles video rendering, effects processing, and real-time playback of 1080p and 4K footage.
For CPU performance, we use the Geekbench 5 benchmark, which measures how well the processor handles various computational tasks. Given the CPU-intensive nature of video editing, it's vital that the laptop can stand up to the challenge.
But it's not just the CPU that matters for video editors. We use the Cinebench benchmark, which tests both the CPU and GPU's ability to render complex 3D scenes. This provides insights into the laptop's ability to handle VFX tasks, which often require significant GPU power.
Storage speed is another key factor we test. A slow hard drive can be a real bottleneck for video editing, especially when working with high-resolution footage. We run a file transfer test to measure how quickly the laptop's drive can read and write data.
To evaluate the laptop's battery life, we conduct a custom battery test. We simulate a typical video editing workflow, with the laptop running video editing software and various background tasks until it runs out of power. This gives us a realistic estimate of how long the laptop can last during an intensive video editing session.
It's important to note that we don't just rely on these quantitative tests. We also spend hours using each laptop in real-world video editing scenarios, assessing its ergonomics, build quality, and other factors that aren't easily captured by benchmarking tools.
Through this exhaustive testing process, we strive to provide an objective and in-depth analysis of each laptop's strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to make an informed decision about which laptop best suits your video editing needs and budget.
The processor (CPU) is arguably the most critical element in a video editing laptop. This is because video editing and rendering are CPU-intensive tasks, so a stronger CPU will help speed up these processes. However, other factors such as the laptop's RAM, storage speed, and GPU should not be overlooked as they play integral roles in the overall performance of the laptop.
Technically, yes, but it may not be a smooth experience. Editing 4K videos require powerful hardware, especially a robust CPU, ample RAM, and a capable GPU. While a laptop under $500 might be able to handle 4K editing to a certain extent, it might involve a slower, more lag-prone editing process. However, proxy editing can be a workaround, allowing you to edit a low-resolution version of your video and then apply the edits to the high-resolution video during export.
An integrated GPU can handle basic video editing tasks reasonably well, especially for lower-resolution footage. However, for more complex tasks like 3D effects, color grading, or editing high-resolution footage, a dedicated GPU would provide a significant performance boost.
The recommended minimum is 8GB for HD footage. However, if you're dealing with 4K videos or heavy VFX work, 16GB or more would be preferable. Remember that more RAM allows your system to handle larger files and work more smoothly when you're multitasking.
Absolutely! A high-quality display with good resolution, brightness, and color accuracy is essential for video editing. You'll need to be able to see the details in the footage and accurate colors to ensure your final product looks as intended.
Video files can be quite large, especially if you're working with 4K footage. Many budget laptops come with 256GB or 512GB SSDs, which can fill up quickly. You might need to invest in an external hard drive or regularly transfer files to keep your laptop's storage from filling up.
If you often work on the go, battery life will be a significant factor. Video editing is resource-intensive and can drain a laptop's battery quickly. When working away from an outlet, a laptop with long battery life is a plus.
Navigating the landscape of budget laptops for video editing can be a challenge, but hopefully, this guide has clarified the key factors to consider in your search.
What's the level of performance you require? If your needs are relatively simple—cutting together home videos or creating content for social media—a budget-friendly option like the Acer Aspire 5 with its AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor and 8GB RAM could be a perfect fit. This laptop offers enough power to smoothly run applications such as Premiere Pro and After Effects, making it a capable choice for entry-level editing tasks.
Do you plan on delving deeper into VFX work or editing 4K footage? For these more demanding tasks, you might need to work with proxy files on the Aspire 5, as the laptop's integrated Radeon GPU may not be cut out for heavy-duty VFX work. But remember, we're working within the $500 price bracket. For more intensive work, you might need to raise your budget or consider desktop solutions.
The size and weight of your laptop can also play a pivotal role, especially if mobility is important to you. The Aspire 5, with its 15.6-inch display, offers a good balance between screen real estate for editing and overall portability. However, bear in mind that its build quality may not withstand the rigors of constant travel.
Finally, which operating system do you prefer? The Acer Aspire 5 comes with Windows, the most widely used OS and compatible with the vast majority of video editing software. While macOS might appeal to those already in the Apple ecosystem, and Chrome OS serves those needing a lightweight solution, Windows is typically the safest bet for broad compatibility.
Remember, every video editor's needs are unique. Whether you prioritize processing power, display quality, or portability, the key is to find a laptop that matches your personal requirements and budget. From our perspective, the Acer Aspire 5 stands out as the best laptop for video editing under $500, providing a balance of performance and features that should satisfy most entry-level video editors.
Once you've chosen your laptop, you might also consider investing in the best peripherals to optimize your editing workflow, such as a high-quality mouse for precise cursor control or an ergonomic keyboard for those lengthy editing sessions.
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