.avif)
Everything You Need to Know About the Best Laptops for Video Editing: Our detailed comparison reveals why the Apple MacBook Air with M2 chip takes the top spot for advanced projects, while the Dell G5590 provides a balance between performance and affordability.
.png)
Finding the optimal laptop for video editing that won't obliterate your budget might feel like an uphill battle. Factors such as processing speed, RAM, graphic capabilities, and the longevity of the battery play crucial roles, and they all need to be taken into account within the constraint of a $1500 budget. It's a complex balancing act, but don't worry, we've done the legwork for you. None of these picks will make a massive dent in your wallet, but they'll definitely improve your video editing game.
The current lineup of laptops in the market offers a wide spectrum of options, perfect for beginners to professional video editors. The key lies not in making an expensive purchase but in discovering the perfect fit for your unique requirements. Be it a Windows-based laptop or a powerful Apple MacBook specifically engineered for video editing, the difference boils down to the specifics of video editing software, screen resolution, and top-tier performance. The best options offer a fine balance of everything.
With a bit of careful consideration, you'll find a laptop for video editing under $1500 that will tick all your boxes. So, let's get down to the nitty-gritty and explore these devices to find your perfect match in video editing.
Trust me when I say, as a professional artist and editor, speed is everything. When I'm deep into editing a video, there's nothing worse than experiencing lags or stutters. That's where the MSI Creator 17 comes into its own. Its powerful Intel Core i7 processor (10th Gen) coupled with 32GB DDR4 RAM ensures that my workflow is seamless and lag-free, even when handling high-resolution footage or multiple layers in Adobe After Effects. Having tried a variety of laptops in this price range, I can confidently state that this machine stands out for its speed and performance.
Mini LED Magic
In my line of work, accurate color representation is vital, especially when editing photos and videos for clients. The MSI Creator 17's Mini LED display is a game-changer. It offers vibrant colors and excellent contrast levels, making my edits look more lifelike and authentic. The 4K (3840x2160) resolution gives me an ample amount of screen real estate, allowing me to meticulously pick out and correct even the smallest details.
On-the-Go Editing
The battery life of the MSI Creator 17 is pretty decent for a high-performance laptop, clocking around 7 hours on a single charge while performing tasks like video editing or using graphic-intensive software. This means that I can carry the laptop to different shooting locations without worrying about finding a power outlet immediately.
The Good and The Bad
Every laptop comes with its highs and lows, and the MSI Creator 17 is no exception. Here are some key pros and cons I've found during my experience with this machine:
Keep it Cool
Heat management is another area where the MSI Creator 17 performs well. When I've had it working hard, processing complex Lightroom and Photoshop tasks, it's managed to maintain a reasonable temperature. The fans do kick in to keep the laptop cool, but they can get a bit noisy during heavy tasks, which is something to be aware of.
With a 1TB NVMe SSD, I've got ample room for all my large video files and editing software. The read-write speeds of the SSD are impressive, speeding up the file transfer process. Additionally, if you ever need more storage or wish to upgrade the RAM, MSI provides the option for it, which is a big plus in my book.
Having used various laptops for my editing work, I know the value of good performance. In the world of video editing, every second counts and any lag can slow down the entire process. The Dell G5590 delivers commendably in this department. It's equipped with an Intel Core i7-9750H processor and 16GB RAM which ensures that my Adobe Premiere Pro runs smoothly, even with complex multi-layer timelines.
Visual Brilliance
The Dell G5590 sports a Full HD (1920x1080) display that produces crisp and vivid visuals. For video editing, this display does a decent job, offering a reasonably accurate color reproduction. Although, I do have to admit, it's not as vibrant or as high-resolution as the 4K Mini LED screen of the MSI Creator 17, but it's more than sufficient for most video editing tasks.
Work on the Move
Weighing around 6 pounds, the Dell G5590 isn't exactly a featherweight, but it's not overly heavy either. It's still portable enough for me to carry it around to various photo shoots or editing sessions. The battery life is pretty decent too, averaging around 6 hours with regular use, which includes video editing and other tasks.
Weighing the Benefits and Drawbacks
Here's what I've gathered about the Dell G5590 from my personal experience:
The Dell G5590 comes with a 256GB SSD and an additional 1TB HDD. This combo provides me with plenty of storage for all my video files, while also offering the speed benefits of an SSD. Plus, Dell allows for easy upgradability of both storage and memory, a feature I appreciate.
During my intense video editing sessions, I've noticed that the G5590 manages to keep cool, thanks to its efficient cooling system. The dual fans kick in when the system is under heavy load, keeping temperatures in check.
Overall, the Dell G5590 is a robust machine that can handle demanding video editing tasks quite efficiently. While it doesn't outshine the MSI Creator 17 in terms of display quality, it definitely holds its ground as a strong contender for the best laptop for video editing under $1500.
When it comes to the display, the Spectre x360 15 truly shines. The 15.6-inch 4K OLED panel delivers breathtaking visuals, enabling me to accurately edit and color grade my video projects. As someone who frequently uses Lightroom and Photoshop, the vibrant colors and deep blacks the display offers are a pleasure to work with.
Freedom to Work Anywhere
The Spectre x360 15 is not only powerful but also quite portable. I appreciate the 2-in-1 design that allows me to use the laptop in various modes. I've found this especially useful when presenting my work or during collaborative editing sessions. Moreover, the battery life impresses as well, offering around 7-8 hours on a single charge with moderate use.
Balancing the Scales
Every device comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here's what I found during my time with the Spectre x360 15:
With a 512GB SSD, the HP Spectre x360 15 offers ample storage space for all my video files. While not as spacious as the 1TB offered by some other video editing laptops under $1000, it’s plenty for me.
When pushing the laptop with heavy video editing, I've noticed the fans start to spin up. While not excessively noisy, it's something to keep in mind if you prefer a whisper-quiet workspace.
The striking feature of this laptop is undoubtedly its 13.5-inch 2K OLED display. Trust me, as someone who spends a considerable amount of time color grading and finetuning visuals, the color accuracy and contrast ratio this display offers are simply unmatched. Working with high-resolution images and videos became so much more immersive due to the quality of this display.
Being a 2-in-1 convertible, the Acer Swift 3 offers a level of versatility that I've come to value highly. Whether I'm sharing my work with a client or just want a change of pace, being able to switch into tablet mode is quite refreshing. Despite all its power and versatility, the laptop manages to maintain a compact form factor, weighing just under 3 lbs, making it super portable for work on the go.
Let's talk about the battery life - I managed to squeeze out around 10 hours on a single charge with moderate use. This feature is invaluable to me as a video editor, as it allows me to work uninterrupted without being chained to a power outlet.
The device does come with its own set of pros and cons.
Coming straight from my personal experience, the MacBook Air's M2 chip takes video editing to a whole new level. Its performance is strikingly fast and efficient, even when juggling multiple demanding tasks at once. My daily work often includes using Adobe's suite of creative applications, primarily Lightroom and Photoshop, and this machine handles them effortlessly, reducing my workflow time significantly.
I specifically found the MacBook Air's ability to render and export high-resolution video files very impressive. Comparatively, the M2 chip handles these intensive tasks with much more ease than some of the other laptops I've used for video editing.
The MacBook Air comes with a 13.3-inch Retina Display. Being a visual artist, I was thrilled with the remarkable color accuracy and sharpness it provided. It made my video editing work not only more enjoyable but also precise - critical when it comes to professional video and photo editing.
Another crucial factor for me is battery life, and this is where the MacBook Air truly shines. On a typical workday, it easily gave me around 15 hours of battery life, which is more than I expected. So, whether I was working at a café or on a long-haul flight, the MacBook Air proved to be a reliable partner.
Having spent a good deal of time with the MacBook Air, here are the key pros and cons I observed:
A subtle yet noticeable improvement in the MacBook Air is the Magic Keyboard. The key travel and tactile feedback are just right, making typing a real pleasure. And let's not forget the Force Touch trackpad, which is still the best in class, offering a highly responsive and smooth experience.
Running on macOS Monterey, the MacBook Air provides a streamlined user experience, especially when used in conjunction with other Apple devices. For instance, the AirDrop feature lets me quickly and wirelessly transfer files from my iPhone to the MacBook.
Equipped with a 512GB SSD and 16GB of unified memory, the MacBook Air handled my large video files and editing software without a hitch.
In my experience, the Apple MacBook Air with the M2 chip was a highly capable machine for video editing. While it's not the cheapest option on the market, it proves its worth in the power, efficiency, and user experience it provides.
Each laptop listed here had to traverse a challenging road of comprehensive testing before earning its place. These examinations were conducted under conditions simulating both average and extreme usage, mimicking the real-world scenarios a video editor may encounter in their daily work.
The first stop on this journey was the Geekbench test, a litmus test of sorts, scrutinizing the overall performance of the CPU. This benchmarking tool evaluated how these laptops managed various tasks, ranging from simple everyday operations to handling demanding processor-intensive tasks.
But we didn't stop at just testing the CPU's capabilities. With video editing and rendering being highly demanding on the graphics unit, it was imperative to test the GPU's strength and endurance. In our tech lab, synthetic benchmarks like 3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited and 3DMark Fire Strike were employed. These are akin to the ultimate stress test for the GPU, pushing it to its limits and providing us with a clear picture of its true capabilities.
However, for video editing laptops, one key performance indicator outshines others – video transcoding speed. To measure this, we ran the HandBrake video editing test, which gauges how swiftly a laptop can transcode a video from 4K resolution to 1080p. It’s during this test that the rubber really meets the road, as it’s a demanding task requiring a high-performance processor and an efficient cooling system.
We also considered factors beyond just raw performance. The quality of the display, for instance, plays a vital role in the video editing process. Thus, the color accuracy, contrast ratio, and overall sharpness of each laptop screen were scrutinized to ensure a top-notch visual experience.
Equally important were factors like the laptop's battery life, as longer work sessions away from the power outlet are often required. As such, battery endurance tests were also a critical part of our evaluation process.
It's important to note that these tests weren't a one-and-done deal. To maintain consistency and accuracy, we ran multiple iterations and took an average of the results. Only after a laptop passed all these stages with flying colors did it earn its place on this list. These rigorous standards ensure that each laptop listed here is, indeed, well-equipped to handle the demanding needs of video editing.
Now, having traversed through the detailed reviews and rigorous tests, you might wonder - which of these laptops best suits your unique situation? Well, the answer lies within your individual needs and goals as a video editor.
If your work involves handling complex video editing projects, with multiple layers and effects, and you require raw power, the Apple MacBook Air with M2 chip stands out with its advanced computing prowess. Its superior performance, combined with the top-tier Retina display, ensures you get the most detail-oriented editing experience.
However, suppose you're more inclined towards a device that delivers robust performance without leaving a dent in your wallet. In that case, the Dell G5590 might be your go-to. It offers a balanced combination of performance and affordability, making it an excellent choice for aspiring video editors or those on a budget.
The HP Spectre x360 15, on the other hand, shines for its incredible versatility. Its 360-degree hinge and touch screen capability make it ideal for editors who prefer a hands-on approach to their work.
Lastly, the Acer Swift 3 OLED Intel Evo might be your perfect match if you value display quality and battery life as much as you do performance. Its OLED screen offers vibrant colors and deep blacks, while Intel Evo certification assures fast responsiveness and extended battery life.
An often overlooked feature of these laptops, which I found invaluable in my editing work, is their cooling solutions. Efficient heat management isn't just about comfort; it significantly impacts performance sustainability during prolonged rendering or exporting tasks. MacBook Air's fanless design relies on the efficiency of the M2 chip, while the other three laptops employ traditional fan-based cooling. Depending on your work intensity and duration, this could be a crucial aspect to consider.
Ultimately, it's about aligning your choice with your personal needs and future ambitions in video editing. Whether you're an enthusiast dipping your toes in the creative waters, or a professional seeking a device to handle demanding projects, rest assured that there's a laptop on this list tailored for you. Last but not least, If these are out of your budget, just remember there are several cheaper options available.
Browse Graphics, Mockups, Brushes & More!
Search
Room 37, 18 Footbridge Bvd, Wentworth Point, NSW Australia
Email: jack@freevisuals.net
0414 708 083
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
.avif)
%20(1).avif)
.png)
.avif)