From color-accurate displays to high brightness and powerful components to support apps like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe After Effects, the best laptops for editing YouTube videos are ideal for editing on the go, remotely, and even replacing a desktop setup entirely.
You’ll need one of the best laptops to deal with raw HD or 4K video or produce special effects and reduce lag time so you don’t ever have to stay staring at the roof, waiting for a project to finish rendering. But which laptop models are the best for your video editing needs, given the wide range of options available?
This article will discuss the different laptops with strong processors, lots of RAM, and high-quality screens. The finest laptops for video editing must have these qualities, but you should note that they are not inexpensive if you want the high performance.
Table of contents
- How do I choose the best laptops for editing YouTube videos in 2024?
- Best laptops for editing YouTube videos in 2024
- 1. MacBook Pro 16-inch (2024)
- 2. Dell XPS 15 OLED (2024)
- 3. Razer Blade 15
- 4. Acer Predator Triton 300 SE
- 5. MacBook Pro 14-inch (2024)
- 6. Asus ROG Zephyrus G15
- 7. Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, M2, 2024)
- 8. Dell XPS 17 (2024)
- 9. MacBook Air M2 (2024)
- 10. Alienware X17
- 11. MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020)
- 12. HP Envy 17
- 13. Microsoft Surface Book 3 (15-inch)
- 14. Asus ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED
- 15. Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED (2024)
- FAQs on the best laptop for editing YouTube videos
- Final thoughts
How do I choose the best laptops for editing YouTube videos in 2024?
There are some features that you should check for in the best laptops for editing YouTube videos, including:
CPU
The CPU is an essential feature for checking laptops for editing videos. With a strong CPU, you can manage several tasks concurrently and edit videos effectively, with minimal lag time.
A decent choice for video editing is a processor from the Intel i-series or AMD Ryzen. While the Intel i7 is a powerful option, the AMD Ryzen 7 is also more affordable.
GPU
You can edit videos in higher resolution and with better graphics quality with a decent GPU for video editing, like Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 or 1080. Another good alternative is the integrated graphics of AMD Ryzen or Intel i-series processors. You can also check for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card if you need something more powerful, like the Nvidia GeForce RTX 30-series.
RAM
Your computer uses RAM (Random Access Memory) to store information while executing other tasks temporarily. The available RAM on your laptop determines the number of functions it can handle simultaneously without crashing or slowing down.
We recommend at least 8GB of RAM for video editing. But you can get up to 16GB or more if you can afford it.
Storage
A laptop with an SSD disk would be preferable for editing YouTube videos. Also, remember that your editing software will take up a lot of space, and you will also need some ample reserve. Get a laptop with at least 512GB of storage or even 1TB.
Display:
Your laptop’s screen’s dimensions and resolution are crucial for video editing. You will see your videos comfortably on laptops with more prominent, higher-resolution screens. Get at least a 14-inch screen with a 1920×1080 resolution or higher. The UHD or OLED screens are also a fantastic alternative if you want something with superior image quality.
Battery
You will need a laptop that can run for several hours on one charge to work more efficiently. You should also check for laptops with fast charging abilities in the best laptops for editing YouTube videos.
Portability:
For the best laptops for editing videos, portability is equally vital. So, lightweight, thin laptops are best in this case.
Read also: 15 Best Laptops for Music Production 2024
Best laptops for editing YouTube videos in 2024
1. MacBook Pro 16-inch (2024)
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Apple M1 Pro 10-core – M1 Max 10-core
Graphics: Integrated 16-core – 32-core GPU
RAM: Up to 64GB
Screen: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
Storage: Up to 8TB
The MacBook Pro 16-inch (2024) is not just the best laptop for editing YouTube videos. It is also one of the best laptops on the market.
For starters, it features a screen more prominent than the 14-inch model and is excellent for creatives. Additionally, the display’s brightness can exceed 1,600 nits; the Dell XPS 17 (2024) can only manage 500, which is still thought to be above average for most computers. The display is also a Liquid Retina XDR MiniLED, which produces bright whites and deep blacks, making it perfect for video editing.
With new features like ProMotion and HDR (High Dynamic Range), Apple realized it was underserving the creative industry by reintroducing special connectors like the HDMI and a memory card slot on this laptop.
Read also: 10 Most Expensive Graphics Card in The World
2. Dell XPS 15 OLED (2024)
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
Display: 15.6-inch, 3456 x 2160 (3.5K) OLED
Size: 13.6 x 9.1 x 0.7 inches
Weight: 4.3 pounds
The magnificent 3.5K OLED panel with its mind-blowing colors, contrast, and brightness is the high point of the laptop. It features a fashionable and transportable design with a board that merges a machined aluminum outside with an interior of the woven pattern. You also get a massive touchpad, a roomy keyboard, and powerful speakers on the deck.
However, choosing the expensive display means giving up hours of battery life, like with the XPS 13 OLED. Furthermore, updating this new model would require giving up a USB-A port and relying solely on the supplied adapter. Despite its few flaws, the XPS 15 OLED remains one of the best laptops for video editing.
3. Razer Blade 15
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Up to octa-core Intel Core i7
Graphics: up to GeForce RTX 3080
RAM: 16GB
Screen: 15.6-inch, 3840 x 2160 OLED/LCD
Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
SD card reader: Yes (Advanced model only)
Thunderbolt: Yes, version 4
The optional OLED display rather than a conventional LCD makes the Razer Blade 15 absolutely outstanding. It looks impressive and is razor crisp display thanks to its 4K resolution, which equates to a pixel density of 282 ppi. This makes it ideal for editing your UHD material.
With a lightning-fast Nvidia GeForce graphics card inside, it can handle even the most demanding projects. Additionally, this device is multifunctional with three USB-A connections, two Thunderbolt/USB-C connectors, one HDMI 2.1 port, and a headphone jack.
While the Razer Blade 15 has a 512GB or 1TB SSD for storage, the Advanced model supports a 2TB SSD.
4. Acer Predator Triton 300 SE
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel Core i7-11375H
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Display: 15.6-inch (1080p, 144Hz)
Size: 12.7 x 9.0 x 0.7 inches
Weight: 3.8 pounds
The Acer Predator Triton 300 SE occupies that comfortable space between durable, top-grade components and affordability. Now, this compact and thin 14-inch, 144Hz laptop with a potent Intel Core i7-11375H processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU costs $1,099. It also offers a respectable battery life.
Despite the low audio and the inconsistent keyboard and touchpad performance, the Predator Triton 300 SE is unquestionably one of the best video editing laptops available.
5. MacBook Pro 14-inch (2024)
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Apple M1 Pro 8-core – M1 Max 10-core
Graphics: Integrated 14-core – 32-core GPU
RAM: Up to 64GB
Screen: 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
Because of the increasing demand for ultra-portability, the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2024) is a better option. This is especially if you found the larger 16-inch model extra for editing YouTube videos.
The mini-LED screen still supports 1,600 nits of peak brightness and the P3 broad color gamut. And you can choose between the M1 Pro or M1 Max Apple CPU, which houses an absurd amount of power for this little, quiet laptop.
Since both of these models have built-in SD card slots, an HDMI port, and three Thunderbolt 4 ports, you basically get the same performance and ports in a smaller package. So, you can still edit 8K videos in Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro without worrying about bringing a dongle or adapter.
Read also: How to Get the Adobe Students Discount In 2024
6. Asus ROG Zephyrus G15
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Up to octa-core AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS
Graphics: Up to GeForce RTX 3080
RAM: Up to 48GB
Screen: 15.6-inch IPS, 2560 x 1440
Storage: 1TB NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
SD card reader: Yes, microSD
Thunderbolt: No
The Asus ROG Zephyrus G15 is the best option if you want one of the best laptops for editing videos but don’t want a MacBook. This fantastic machine can handle almost any task with its powerful octa-core AMD Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9 processors and staggering 48GB of RAM.
You also have an option of Nvidia’s super-powerful GeForce RTX 30-series graphics cards. The additional video acceleration is not only excellent for gaming but also very useful for GPU-increased video encoding.
While this laptop does not boast a 4K, it has 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 video color space and Dolby Vision HDR support.
However, the memory card slot is microSD, and the USB ports are not USB 4.0 but USB 3.2 Gen 2. Nonetheless, this laptop is one of the best for editing YouTube videos.
7. Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, M2, 2024)
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 13.3-inch, 2560 x 1600-pixel
CPU: Apple M2 (8-core)
Weight: 3 pounds
While you still get the extra ports and the posh design change, there is the new and improved M2 SOC.
The company’s wager on custom silicon is still paying off as the next chapter in Apple computing unfolds. With an 8-core CPU, M2 is 18% more powerful than its predecessor. A new 10-core GPU 35% quicker than the prior model is available in M2. If that isn’t enough to be excited, Apple has also found a way to increase the laptop’s power efficiency, giving you a battery life of over 18 hours.
8. Dell XPS 17 (2024)
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Up to 11th Generation Intel Core i9-11980HK
Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 6GB GDDR6
RAM: Up to 64GB DDR4-3200MHz
Screen: Screen: 17.0″ FHD+ (1920 x 1200) InfinityEdge Non-Touch Anti-Glare 500-Nit – 17.0″ UHD+ (3840 x 2400) InfinityEdge Touch Anti-Reflective 500-Nit
Storage: Up to 4TB M.2 PCIe NVMe
For individuals who prefer Windows over macOS and a large, powerful laptop, the Dell XPS 17 (2024) is the best option. With a 17-inch 4K display, you have 3,840 x 2,400 pixels to work with and a 16:10 aspect ratio.
The machine covers 100% Adobe RGB and 94% DCI-P3 color gamuts, making it an excellent choice for video editors and photographers. However, it cannot compete with the MacBooks for brightness.
While you don’t need a dedicated GPU, the Dell XPS 17 can handle up to an Nvidia RTX GeForce 3060, which could improve performance in graphically demanding programs.
If you value some screen real estate, don’t overlook this tremendous mobile workstation.
9. MacBook Air M2 (2024)
SPECIFICATIONS
Processor: Up to 8-core Apple M2
Graphics: Up to 10-Core Apple M2 GPU
RAM: 8GB – 24GB
Screen: 13.6-inch Retina display with True Tone
Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD
The Macbook Air has been revamped and is now powered by a more powerful M2 chip (no longer the 2020’s M1), though it appears remarkably similar to its predecessor.
The standard M2 chip has an 8-core CPU and an 8-core GPU; you can also add a 10-core GPU for an additional fee. Additionally, you receive 8GB RAM and 256GB of SSD storage as standard, although creatives would almost surely want at least 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD storage.
It doesn’t heat up under pressure and remains quiet, as there are no fans. This basic yet functional design is complete with a MagSafe power connector, two USB-C ports, a 3.5mm headphone socket, a crystal clear display, and a comfortable trackpad and keyboard.
10. Alienware X17
SPECIFICATIONS
Display: 17.3-inch, 1080p
CPU: Intel Core i7-8700 to Intel Core i9-9900K
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 to RTX 2080
RAM: 8GB to 64GB
Storage: 1TB SSHD to two 2TB SSD and 1TB SSHD
Weight: 8.5 pounds
The X17 is the newest member of the Alienware family that is 0.8 inches thick, with a gorgeous desktop replacement. The ultra-premium system includes a 17.3-inch, 4K display, powerful speakers, an Intel Core i7 processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, double SSDs, and Cherry MX keyboard sound.
Now, you should expect a hefty price tag for a beast like this. But if it’s within your budget, you should get this laptop for editing YouTube videos.
Read also: 15 Best Laptop For Youtubers In 2024 | SPECS
11. MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020)
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU
Graphics: Integrated 8-core GPU
RAM: 8GB – 16GB unified memory
Screen: 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 LED-backlit Retina display
Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD
Dimensions (H x W x D): 30.41 x 21.24 x 1.56 cm
Because of its well-optimized M1 chip, this portable laptop is more than capable of editing 4K or even 8K video if the 14-inch MacBook Pro is still a little too extra for your needs.
Although the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro’s base M1 chip isn’t as powerful as the M1 Pro and M1 Max chips, you may not need to get it unless you absolutely require that level of power. So you can consider the 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro as a viable alternative.
In addition to being extremely portable, the MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020) has one of the best battery lives, lasting more than 13 hours between charges.
12. HP Envy 17
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: 11th-gen quad-core Intel Core i7
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe
RAM: 32GB
Screen: 17-inch, (3840 x 2160) IPS
Storage: 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD
SD card slot: Yes
Thunderbolt 4: Yes
If you do not want to squint at your screen while editing videos, the HP Envy 17 gives you a significantly increased display space for video previews and timelines, thanks to its larger-than-a-typical 17-inch screen.
That’s not all. For its display, there are IPS LCD panel’s 4K (3840 x 2160) resolution, 400-nit maximum brightness, and ability to display 100% of the Adobe RGB color spectrum.
With the most recent quad-core Intel Core i7 CPUs and a generous 32GB RAM, even 4K edits should run well. Additionally, three USB Type-A connections and one Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 Type-C port ensure lightning-fast connectivity with external devices.
13. Microsoft Surface Book 3 (15-inch)
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Intel Core i7-1065G7
GPU: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Ti
RAM: 32GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Display: 15-inch (3240 x 2160)
Size: 13.5 x 9.9 x 0.9 inches
Weight: 4.2 pounds
The Surface Book 3 offers you a complete tablet and laptop in one. Though it has pretty much remained the same for 2.5 years since the Surface Book 2’s introduction, it is still an appealing tablet.
However, the performance of the 15-inch Surface Book 3 is inferior to rival systems, and it is thick and hefty.
But this is a beautiful choice if you really care for a laptop and tablet in one. It also offers a lovely display, a high-end look, and a really comfortable keyboard. Plus, as long as you’re in laptop mode, battery longevity is also a perk.
14. Asus ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H / AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 – Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070
RAM: 32GB
Screen: 16.0-inch, 4K (3840 x 2400) OLED 16:10 60Hz
Storage: 1TB – 2TB NVMe SSD
The OLED display weighs 2.5kg and is 109.2 x 264.1 x 20.3mm, making it surprisingly portable with its high brightness and color accuracy.
The Asus ProArt Studiobook 16 OLED is a popular Windows-based laptop for creative professionals, featuring a variety of Nvidia RTX graphics cards and AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors. Additionally, there is plenty of RAM in each configuration, and the built-in ‘Asus Dial’ offers an innovative way of using Adobe creative suite applications without a separate macro pad or graphics tablet.
15. Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo OLED (2024)
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: 12th-generation Intel Core i5 – i9
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe, Nvidia RTX 3050 Ti 4GB
RAM: 8GB – 32GB
Screen: 14.5-inch, 2.8K (2880 x 1800) OLED, 16:10 aspect ratio
Storage: 512GB – 2TB SSD
The ZenBook Duo has a second screen that sits directly below the primary one, giving you extra space for editing software windows and taskbars. This, combined with OLED display technology, makes for the best video editing laptop, with 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 gamut, beautiful dark tones, and 120Hz refresh rate.
With the most recent 12th-generation Intel chips, including the extremely powerful Core i9, plenty of RAM, and the choice of an SSD, you won’t need to worry about power consumption either.
Also, the choice of a GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU makes it capable of handling any video application.
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FAQs on the best laptop for editing YouTube videos
A gaming laptop or PC can be used significantly for video editing because they often have fast processors and discrete graphics cards. Most of the best laptops for editing YouTube videos in this article are also some of the best for gaming.
In terms of performance for video editing, the AMD Threadripper 3970X is now the top choice. The AMD Ryzen 9 5900X is the most excellent option if you’re looking for a decent CPU for video editing that costs less than $550.
Most of the best video-ed laptops can be pretty pricey due to their powerful hardware and sleek looks. However, because the costs of high-end technology are decreasing, you can discover a great video editing laptop without going over budget. You could be limited to editing only 1080p video.
Read also: 15 Best Laptop for Podcasting | SPECS
Final thoughts
You should get a good laptop if you want to edit and upload videos quickly as a YouTuber. The last thing you want to do is compromise on your video editing requirement and fail to satisfy your production needs.
The good news is that laptops provide excellent value for your money, enabling you to produce quality content without going over budget. Though several ideal laptops can easily handle YouTube video production, we have listed some top-tier laptops.
We hope that this advice has assisted you in selecting the best laptops for editing YouTube videos.
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