5 Best Laptops For Video Editing Under $600 + FREE Calculator

Is the Lenovo Yoga 7i Really the Best for Video Editing Under $600? Our unbiased review reveals the truth. Dive into our comprehensive comparison to discover how this high-performing, slightly pricier option stands out in the crowd.

December 8, 2024
5 Best Laptops For Video Editing Under $600 + FREE Calculator

Best Laptops For Video Editing Under $600 Dollars

Choosing your next laptop can be an exhilarating experience, especially if you're a technology enthusiast. The thrill of unpacking a brand-new machine that's designed to enhance your video editing journey is truly something to look forward to. But let's face it, the best laptops for specialized tasks like video editing often come with a hefty price tag. However, if you're working with a budget constraint, don't fret. We've curated a list focusing on the best laptop for video editing under $700, with a special emphasis on machines priced under $600.

The sub-$600 price range is a sweet spot for those looking for a balance between performance and affordability. It's a segment where your patience can truly pay off, with deals popping up that make higher-performance models more accessible. While many laptops in this category may not blow you away, judicious hunting can reveal some hidden gems. Just remember, we've curated this list with prices accurate at the time of writing. These prices may fluctuate based on sales or discounts, so it's a good idea to check these best laptop for video editing under $1000 or best laptop for video editing under $1200 lists occasionally for comparison. Let's embark on this journey to find your ideal video editing companion within budget. Without further ado, here are the best laptops 600 and under!

Laptop Processor Display Special Features Main Benefits for Video Editing
ASUS VivoBook F512 AMD Ryzen 7 3700U 15.6" Full HD Lightweight, ErgoLift hinge for better typing position Good performance, comfortable typing experience
HP 15 Laptop 11th Gen Intel Core i5 15.6" HD Integrated Intel Xe Graphics, Long Battery life Solid performance, Long uninterrupted editing sessions
HP Pavilion x360 Intel Core i5-10210U 14" Full HD touch 2-in-1 Convertible, B&O Audio Flexible editing workflow, Immersive audio experience
ASUS VivoBook S15 Intel Core i5-10210U 15.6" Full HD Color-blocking Enter Key, ErgoLift hinge Powerful performance, Comfortable typing, Good viewing angles
Lenovo Yoga 7i (2023) 11th Gen Intel Core i7 14" Full HD touch 2-in-1 Convertible, Thunderbolt 4 ports Robust performance, Versatile working modes, Quick data transfer

ASUS VivoBook F512 Thin and Lightweight - Best Laptop For Video Editing Under $600

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Let me start off by saying that I'm impressed with the ASUS VivoBook F512. I've been using Lightroom and Photoshop extensively for my photo editing work, and this machine, despite its price point, has managed to handle my workflow rather smoothly.

The Power of Modern AMD Ryzen 7030 Series Processors

This VivoBook houses a modern AMD Ryzen 7030 series processor under its hood, which I've found to be quite competent. I've been working on a large photo project recently, and despite having dozens of high-resolution images open in Photoshop, the laptop managed to maintain a steady performance. A couple of times, I found it slightly struggling with very complex filters but, for the price point, I can hardly complain.

Build Quality: Durable Design Meets MIL-STD-810H Standards

When it comes to build quality, the VivoBook F512 shines. The design is durable and meets MIL-STD-810H standards, which ensures that the laptop can withstand a reasonable degree of wear and tear. As a creative who frequently travels for photo shoots, this durability aspect has been a big plus for me.

Display Quality: Large 16-Inch Display with 16:10 Aspect Ratio

The display is another feature that has won me over. With a large 16-inch display boasting a 16:10 aspect ratio, it provides ample workspace for video and photo editing. The colors are vivid, and the contrast is spot on.

Despite these positives, there are a few areas where the VivoBook F512 falls short.

Base Model RAM: Just 4GB of RAM

The base model comes with just 4GB of RAM, which might be a limiting factor for some demanding tasks. I felt this limitation when working with multiple large files and demanding software like Adobe Premiere Pro.

Webcam Quality and Security: 720p Webcam and No Facial Recognition

For those who frequently participate in video calls or webinars, the 720p webcam is a bit of a letdown. The quality is okay for casual use, but don't expect stunning clarity. Also, the absence of facial recognition might be a drawback for some users who prefer this feature for security reasons.

Aging Processor and Display Resolution

The 11th-gen Intel processor is starting to show its age, especially when stacked up against newer processors in the market. Also, as someone who works with high-resolution images, I would have appreciated a higher display resolution.

Pros & Cons Summary

Pros:

  • Powerful AMD Ryzen 7030 series processors
  • Durable design meets MIL-STD-810H standards
  • Large 16-inch display with 16:10 aspect ratio

Cons:

  • Base model has just 4GB of RAM
  • 720p webcam and no facial recognition
  • 11th-gen Intel processor is starting to age
  • The display resolution could be higher

In a nutshell, the ASUS VivoBook F512, while having some drawbacks, offers good value for the money. For someone with a budget constraint looking to get into video editing, this machine provides a solid starting point. It may not match the performance of pricier models like the best MacBook for video editing, but for under $600, it's a worthy contender.

HP 15 Laptop - Second Best Video Editing Laptop Under $600

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Having worked with the HP 15 for my video editing projects, I can share some useful insights about this machine. I've used After Effects quite extensively on it, and I must say, the laptop has proven to be a reliable partner.

Performance And Capability of HP 15

The HP 15 is equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, and it handles regular tasks with relative ease. In the thick of a project, I've had After Effects, Google Chrome with multiple tabs, and Spotify all running simultaneously. The laptop managed to keep up with my multitasking without any noticeable lags or stutters.

Adequate Storage for Video Editing Projects

When it comes to storage, the HP 15 doesn't disappoint. The model I've been using came with a 256GB SSD which, for most, is a decent amount of space. On a recent project, I was working on an explainer video (roughly 3 minutes in length), and despite the numerous assets and render files, I didn't run into any significant storage issues.

Display and Viewing Experience on HP 15

The HP 15 comes with a 15.6-inch FHD display. While the color accuracy is decent enough for most video editing work, it's not the best out there in the market. During my edits, I often had to rely on an external monitor to get the true color grading right.

Audio Quality: A Potential Downside for Video Editors

As a video editor, sound is just as crucial as visuals in my workflow. And this is where I found the HP 15 lacking. The inbuilt speakers are just average and lack the depth needed for fine-tuning audio in videos. I often found myself using headphones or external speakers for audio edits.

Battery Life: A Balancing Act

The battery life of HP 15 is a mixed bag. For lighter tasks, the laptop does a decent job of keeping the power for extended hours. However, while using After Effects or other power-intensive software, the battery drains faster. I noticed this while working on a client project at a coffee shop - I had to look for a power outlet sooner than I'd expected.

Pros & Cons From A User’s Perspective

Pros:

  • Reliable AMD Ryzen 5 Processor: Provides adequate power for most video editing tasks. It handled my After Effects workflow pretty well.
  • Ample storage: 256GB SSD is more than enough for regular video projects. My explainer video project fit easily without any significant storage issues.

Cons:

  • Average Display: The color accuracy isn't the best, and I often found myself needing an external monitor for color grading.
  • Poor inbuilt audio: Fine-tuning audio can be a challenge with the inbuilt speakers. For most audio edits, I had to use headphones or external speakers.
  • Mixed battery life: For light tasks, the battery life is decent, but during intensive video editing, it drains faster.

HP Pavilion x360 - My personal Favorite Laptop For Video Editing Under $600

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One of the standout features of the HP Pavilion x360 is its 2-in-1 design. Whether I'm presenting to a client or working on the go, the flexibility to switch between a laptop and tablet is incredibly handy. Couple this with the laptop's performance, and we have a pretty solid machine for video editing.

I run Adobe After Effects quite a bit, along with a few other demanding applications. The HP Pavilion x360, powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, holds up well under these workloads. There's a smoothness to the workflow that makes editing less of a chore and more of an enjoyable process.

Reliable Storage and Display

Equipped with a 256GB SSD, the HP Pavilion x360 provides ample storage for most editing projects. I recently edited a promotional video that was laden with high-resolution footage and graphics. Despite the heavy load, the laptop handled the storage requirements pretty smoothly.

The 14-inch HD display, while not the highest resolution out there, is still adequate for most editing tasks. It's also touch-enabled, which comes in handy when I'm using the laptop in tablet mode.

Battery Life and Portability

In terms of battery life, the HP Pavilion x360 is pretty dependable. I've found that it can keep up with a full day of light usage, but, as with any laptop, the battery life does shorten when running intensive programs like After Effects.

With its compact size and light weight, this laptop is easy to carry around. It's become my constant companion to coffee shop editing sessions or client meetings.

Pros & Cons: HP Pavilion x360 Experience

Pros:

  • 2-in-1 Design: The flexibility of switching between a laptop and tablet form factor is a great feature. It's especially useful during presentations or casual browsing.
  • Solid Performance: The Intel Core i5 processor handles After Effects and other demanding applications pretty well. It makes my editing workflow smoother and more efficient.
  • Reliable Storage: The 256GB SSD is ample for most video editing projects. Even with high-resolution footage and graphics, storage has not been a problem.

Cons:

  • Limited Display: The 14-inch HD display, while adequate, is not the best for color grading tasks. I sometimes find myself connected to an external monitor for better color accuracy.
  • Moderate Battery Life: While the battery can last a full day under light usage, it does drain quicker under heavy load from applications like After Effects.

Looking at the broader picture, the HP Pavilion x360 does well as a video editing laptop under $600. Of course, it might not deliver the same performance as some of the best laptops for video editing under $1000 or those in higher ranges, but for its price, it's a competent and versatile choice for video editors.

ASUS VivoBook S15 - A Little Over Budget But Worth It

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What first attracted me to the VivoBook S15 was its powerful Intel Core i7 processor, which has proved to be robust enough for video editing tasks. I regularly run Adobe After Effects, a program known for its heavy resource usage, and I've been pleasantly surprised at how well the laptop copes. The processes run smoothly, and I've experienced very few instances of lag or freezing, which is a definite plus.

The VivoBook S15 sports a 15.6-inch full HD display, giving me a bigger canvas for my editing work. The screen is vibrant, the colors are accurate, and the details are sharp. While the brightness could be a little better, the overall viewing experience has been pretty solid.

Handling Storage and Connectivity

The VivoBook S15 comes with a 512GB SSD, which is a generous amount of space for storing video files, footage, and other project files. While working on a recent project (a five-minute short film), I found the storage more than adequate for handling all the data.

In terms of connectivity, the VivoBook S15 shines. It has a comprehensive set of ports including USB Type-A and Type-C, HDMI, and even a MicroSD card reader. I haven’t had to worry about carrying around extra adapters or dongles.

Weight and Battery Life

Coming to portability, the VivoBook S15 is relatively light and thin for a 15-inch laptop. I've taken it to client meetings, coffee shops, and even on trips, and it hasn't been a burden to carry around.

As for the battery life, it's pretty much what you'd expect from a laptop of this caliber. It can last up to six hours on a single charge during regular use, but this can vary depending on the intensity of your tasks.

Pros & Cons: My Experience with ASUS VivoBook S15

Pros:

  • Powerful Performance: The Intel Core i7 processor offers reliable performance for intensive tasks like video editing.
  • Full HD Display: The 15.6-inch display offers an immersive viewing experience. The colors and details are excellent for video editing.
  • Ample Storage: The 512GB SSD offers more than enough room for all your project files and footage.

Cons:

  • Average Brightness: The screen brightness could be better, especially when you're working in well-lit conditions.
  • Battery Life: The battery life is decent but can be a limiting factor if you're using the laptop for intensive tasks for extended periods without access to a power source.

To sum it up, the ASUS VivoBook S15 provides an excellent value proposition. It is a capable performer with a comfortable keyboard, plenty of ports, and a compact form factor. If you can stretch your budget a little, the VivoBook S15 is definitely a laptop worth considering for video editing.

Lenovo Yoga 7i (2023) - Best $600 Laptop

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The laptop market is flooded with options, and it's a challenge to find one that truly stands out. As a professional video editor, I've always been on the lookout for laptops that can handle my work, primarily using After Effects with its notorious Element 3D plugin. The Lenovo Yoga 7i (2023) is one such laptop that fits the bill and, in my opinion, it’s greatly underrated.

Performance and Graphics: Keeping Up with After Effects

The first thing I want to highlight is the performance. The Yoga 7i (2023) is powered by an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, providing the muscle needed to run heavy-duty applications like After Effects. It really shines when running the Element 3D plugin, which is known for being quite demanding on system resources. I've been able to create complex 3D models and render them with less waiting time than I'm used to.

Display and Touch Screen: An Artist’s Delight

Another noteworthy aspect is the display. The Yoga 7i comes with a 14-inch Full HD touchscreen. Not only are the colors vibrant and accurate, but the touch functionality has also brought a new dimension to my video editing process. It's like having a built-in drawing tablet for precise inputs. And yes, this works seamlessly with After Effects.

Convertibility: A Different Angle to Work

Being a 2-in-1 laptop, the Yoga 7i offers flexibility in how I work. The laptop's hinge is robust, allowing me to switch between standard laptop mode, tent mode for presenting work, and tablet mode for hands-on editing. This has made it more convenient when I'm meeting clients or working in different environments.

Lenovo Yoga 7i (2023) Pros & Cons

Pros:

  • High Performance: The 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor handles After Effects and the Element 3D plugin without any issues.
  • Vibrant Touchscreen Display: The 14-inch Full HD touchscreen offers excellent color accuracy and adds a new dimension to video editing.
  • Versatility: The 2-in-1 design allows for different modes of operation, fitting a variety of work situations.

Cons:

  • Battery Life: The battery life can dwindle when running power-hungry applications for extended periods.
  • Port Selection: Limited USB-A ports might necessitate the use of an adapter for certain peripherals.

Best Video Editing Laptops For $600 Or Less - How We Tested Them

In short, If you use After Effects a lot like i do, any of the laptops on this list will work just fine.

Getting the right laptop for video editing can feel like hunting for a needle in a haystack, so each laptop on this list has undergone a series of meticulous tests, akin to a rigorous boot camp. When I say 'tested', I mean they've been put through their paces in a real-world setting - my own day-to-day video editing life, which let's be honest, can be quite intense.

Evaluating Design and Portability

The design of a laptop might seem like a matter of personal taste, but it goes beyond aesthetics. These machines had to be more than just pretty faces, so their design elements were thoroughly vetted. Sleekness, portability, and ergonomics are as important as their looks. After all, a video editing laptop needs to be your trusty sidekick - easy to carry around, and comfortable for long editing sessions.

Checking Webcam and Microphone Quality

In today's interconnected world, the quality of a laptop's webcam and microphone can't be ignored. From virtual meetings to quality checks on video projects, these elements play an essential role in a video editor's life. So, each laptop's webcam and microphone were scrutinized. It's a bit like auditioning for a movie role - they have to deliver top-notch performance under different conditions.

Running the Gamut with Video Editing Software

Being video editing machines, they were inevitably subjected to the full force of intensive software like Adobe After Effects. This is not for the faint-hearted - this is where the real heroes emerge. It's similar to running a marathon uphill, the laptops need to demonstrate that they can handle the heavy load without so much as a hiccup.

Battery Life Evaluation

And what good is a laptop if it can't stay alive long enough to finish a project? Battery life is a significant player in the arena of video editing laptops. So, each laptop was tested using a looping high-definition video until the battery tapped out. I also ran a simulation of a real-world scenario that included tasks like web browsing, document editing, and of course, video editing. This strenuous endurance test ensures that the chosen laptops won't leave you stranded when you need them the most.

Benchmark Testing

To have a more objective assessment, benchmark tests were also conducted. These tests measured the performance of the laptop's core components - the CPU, GPU, and RAM. It's like assessing the horsepower, torque, and speed of a high-performance vehicle.

Conclusion

What is the most ideal laptop for video editing under $600? Well, it's up to you to decide!

For the budget-conscious, the HP Pavilion x360 offers a solid performance despite its friendly price tag. It's like finding an underrated gem in a sea of big-ticket items. On the other hand, the Lenovo Yoga 7i, despite being the most expensive of the lot, delivers superior performance and flexibility that's tough to beat, especially when running the Element plugin for After Effects - a factor that many might overlook when considering laptops for video editing.

Here's something you might not know: the ASUS VivoBook S15 has a unique ScreenPad 2.0 - a secondary touchscreen that enhances productivity and offers more versatility during editing. It's like having a mini editing console within your laptop, an unexpected but highly useful feature.

The Dell Inspiron 15 3000, on the other hand, has a unique cooling system that ensures the laptop stays cool even when running heavy-duty editing software. It's like having a built-in air conditioner for your laptop, maintaining optimal performance during those long editing sessions.

In choosing the perfect laptop for your video editing needs, it's not just about the specs or price tag. You have to consider what works best for you, your work habits, and your creative workflow. It's not a one-size-fits-all situation, so take the time to consider your personal preferences and the nuances of your video editing process.