The Best Laptops for Video Editing in 2026: A Complete Rating and Recommendations
December 12, 2025
These days, when video content is everywhere, from social media to large scale projects, a good video editing laptop is like a reliable tool in the hands of a professional. Imagine working through hours of high resolution footage, or even pushing beyond that, while the machine barely breaks a sweat and everything runs smoothly. Technology has moved forward, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence to speed up tasks like automatic color correction or noise reduction. The key is choosing a device with a powerful multi core processor that can handle heavy multi threaded workloads. Plenty of RAM is important so large projects do not freeze or slow down. Storage should be a fast SSD with enough headroom and the option to expand. The display needs to be bright, high resolution, ideally OLED or Mini LED, with wide color gamut coverage for accurate color work. Battery life should be solid enough to work on the go. These laptops are well suited for leading video editing platforms that use hardware acceleration for rendering, stabilization, and effects, making the whole process faster and easier. In short, if the budget allows, go for a high end option with AI features, and for a mid range setup, choose something balanced without overpaying for extras.
1. Asus ROG Strix Scar 18
Asus ROG Strix Scar 18 with the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor handles heavy video workloads thanks to its 24 cores and 24 threads, with performance cores reaching up to 5.4 GHz and efficiency cores up to 4.6 GHz, which makes exporting multi threaded projects much easier. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5090 graphics with 24 GB of GDDR7 memory takes care of rendering when complex layers are added in After Effects. The 18 inch Mini LED display with a 2560x1600 resolution, 240 Hz refresh rate, and 100% DCI-P3 coverage shows bright details with local dimming, so shadows in video look natural. With 64 GB of DDR5 at 5600 MHz and a 2 TB SSD, large files stay open without slowdowns.
The 3.48 kg weight is better suited for desk based work, while the 399x298x32 mm dimensions provide plenty of space on the table. Ports include three USB-A, Thunderbolt 5, and HDMI 2.1, making it easy to connect peripherals like external RAID storage. Wi-Fi 7 ensures fast data transfer. The chassis combines an aluminum lid with a plastic base for durability, and the per key RGB keyboard helps with visibility in darker rooms.
Advantages
Mini LED with over 2000 dimming zones improves contrast in dark editing scenes.
RTX 5090 with 24 GB handles complex rendering without long waits.
64 GB of RAM supports heavy multitasking in video editors.
240 Hz refresh rate makes timeline scrolling smoother.
Who it is for
Professionals working on large scale projects.
Those who prefer a large display for precise work.
Windows 11 Pro users who want G-Sync support for stability.
2. Gigabyte Aorus Master 16
Gigabyte Aorus Master 16 with the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor handles video editing smoothly thanks to its 24 cores and 24 threads, with eight performance cores reaching 5.4 GHz and sixteen efficiency cores up to 4.6 GHz. This allows complex scenes with effects to be rendered without noticeable pauses. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 graphics with 16 GB of GDDR7 memory supports ray tracing when adding realistic highlights to footage, making the visuals feel more alive. The 16 inch OLED display with a 2560x1600 resolution, 240 Hz refresh rate, and 100% DCI-P3 coverage delivers deep blacks and accurate colors, so color grading feels closer to the final result. With 32 GB of DDR5 at 5600 MHz and a 2 TB SSD, there is enough space for large projects without relying on external drives.
Weighing 2.5 kg, it is still manageable for travel, and the 357x254x23-29.9 mm size fits into a backpack. Ports include Thunderbolt 5, two USB4 ports, and HDMI 2.1 for connecting a second monitor or camera without hassle. Wi-Fi 7 provides stable connectivity in busy environments. The plastic chassis with blue accents feels solid, and the built in card reader makes importing footage from memory cards easier.
Advantages
240 Hz display keeps playback smooth, even in fast paced scenes.
RTX 5080 with 16 GB speeds up ray traced rendering for visual effects.
OLED with 100% DCI-P3 helps with accurate color work in HDR content.
2 TB SSD stores raw video without constant rewriting.
Who it is for
Editors focused on graphics and effects at high resolutions.
Those who value a large screen for detailed timeline work.
Windows 11 Home users who want AI tools for automation.
3. Dell XPS 16 9640
Dell XPS 16 9640 with the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor takes on complex video projects thanks to its 16 cores and 22 threads, with performance cores up to 4.8 GHz and efficiency cores up to 3.8 GHz. This is noticeable when rendering effects without freezes. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics with 6 GB of GDDR6 memory supports ray tracing when adding realistic reflections to scenes. The 16 inch WVA display with a 1920x1200 resolution and 60 Hz refresh rate provides a wide workspace for detailed timeline editing without edge distortion. With 16 GB of DDR5 memory and a 1 TB SSD, raw files stay easily accessible.
At 2.13 kg, it works well as a desk laptop, and the 358x240x19 mm dimensions provide comfortable viewing. Three Thunderbolt 4 ports and a combined audio jack allow multiple devices to be connected, such as a second display and a microphone. Wi-Fi 7 supports fast file transfers over the network. The metal chassis feels solid, and the built in card reader simplifies importing footage from SD cards.
Advantages
RTX 4050 with 6 GB speeds up rendering with lighting effects.
Three Thunderbolt 4 ports help expand the workspace with external displays.
1 TB SSD fits multiple video archives at once.
Card reader removes extra steps when transferring footage from a camera.
Who it is for
Video professionals working with heavy effects and graphics.
Those who mainly work at a desk with a large screen.
Windows 11 Pro users who need dedicated graphics.
4. Dell XPS 14 9440
Dell XPS 14 9440 with the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H easily handles demanding projects thanks to its 16 cores and 22 threads, with performance cores up to 4.8 GHz. Intel Arc graphics combined with the Intel AI Boost NPU help with effects and stabilization tasks. The 1920x1200 IPS display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, 500 nits of brightness, 100% sRGB coverage, and an anti glare coating makes it comfortable to work outdoors or in bright offices without losing shadow detail. With 16 GB of LPDDR5x at 6400 MHz and a 1 TB SSD, multitasking stays smooth when a browser, Photoshop, and Premiere are all open.
Weighing 1.7 kg, it works well for daily travel, and the 70 Wh battery supports mobile use. Ports are limited to USB-C with Thunderbolt 4, but all three support charging and display output. The backlit keyboard and Copilot key make it easier to quickly generate subtitles or ideas. The chassis is made of aluminum.
Advantages
120 Hz refresh rate and anti glare coating keep the timeline responsive even in sunlight.
Three Thunderbolt 4 ports allow connecting two 4K monitors and a RAID at the same time.
NPU accelerates AI tasks in Premiere and After Effects.
500 nits of brightness is enough for working in well lit environments without losing contrast.
Who it is for
Those who edit on Windows and prefer a minimalist design.
Users who often connect external monitors and storage.
People looking for a balance between screen size and portability with a 320x216x18 mm form factor.
5. HP ZBook Ultra G1a
HP ZBook Ultra G1a with the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ PRO 395 processor handles video editing with ease thanks to its 16 cores reaching up to 5.1 GHz and 32 threads, allowing projects with many tracks to be exported without long waits. The AMD Radeon 8060S graphics combined with the AMD Ryzen AI NPU accelerates tasks like automatic noise removal from footage. The 14 inch IPS display with a 1920x1200 resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate, and 100% sRGB coverage shows fine details clearly, making focus checks easier. With 64 GB of LPDDR5x at 8533 MHz and a 1 TB SSD, there is enough room for heavy files without constantly sorting archives.
At 1.5 kg, it is easy to carry, and the 312x216x20 mm size fits into a standard backpack. MIL-STD-810H certification helps the device handle vibration during travel. Ports include HDMI 2.1, two USB4 ports, Thunderbolt 4, and USB-A, making it easy to connect peripherals. Wi-Fi 7 supports stable data transfer, and the Copilot key brings up an assistant for editing ideas.
Advantages
64 GB of RAM handles complex timelines and plugins in parallel.
MIL-STD-810H adds confidence when working outside the studio.
100% sRGB makes color calibration easier in different environments.
NPU helps with AI based stabilization of shaky footage.
Who it is for
Professionals handling multi threaded video workloads.
Those who travel often and need durability.
DOS users who want to customize the system for their own needs.
6. Dell Pro 13 Premium Touch
Dell Pro 13 Premium Touch with the Intel Core Ultra 7 268V processor handles video editing thanks to its eight cores and eight threads, with performance cores boosting up to 5.0 GHz and efficiency cores up to 3.7 GHz. This makes it possible to work with 4K clips without major delays when adding effects. Intel Arc Graphics 140V helps with rendering, especially when quickly applying stabilization to shaky footage. The 13 inch WVA touchscreen with a 2560x1600 resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate, and 100% sRGB coverage delivers accurate color reproduction, so color adjustments feel close to working with a real image on the desk. With 32 GB of LPDDR5x at 8533 MHz and a 512 GB SSD, current projects stay stored without constantly running out of space.
At 1.07 kg, it is easy to hold with one hand, and the 296x208.9x17.9 mm size fits into a slim bag. Ports include two USB4 with Thunderbolt 4 and one USB-A, making it simple to connect an external drive or monitor for extended viewing. Wi-Fi 7 maintains a reliable signal in crowded environments. The metal chassis in black holds up well to daily movement, and Gorilla Glass on the display protects against scratches.
Advantages
The touchscreen makes it easier to select areas for masks in video editors with a simple tap.
32 GB of RAM handles multiple effect layers without slowdowns.
100% sRGB helps see colors accurately during everyday color correction.
Two USB4 ports remove the need for adapters for cameras or RAID storage.
Who it is for
Editors who prefer touch input for precise work.
Those who value the light 1.07 kg weight for on location shoots.
Windows 11 Pro users focused on compact form factors.
7. Dell XPS 13 9340
Dell XPS 13 9340 with the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H processor handles video editing thanks to its 14 cores and 18 threads, with performance cores boosting up to 4.5 GHz and efficiency cores up to 3.6 GHz. This allows smooth work on a 4K timeline without noticeable delays. Intel Arc Graphics with the Intel AI Boost NPU accelerates tasks like automatic frame stabilization when fixing shaky footage. The 13 inch WVA display with a 1920x1200 resolution and 120 Hz refresh rate makes scrolling through sequences feel smooth and natural, without stutter during playback. With 16 GB of DDR5 memory and a 512 GB SSD, there is enough space for active projects without constantly moving files around.
Weighing 1.19 kg, it feels light when taken on the road, and the 295x199x15 mm size fits into a small bag. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports make it easy to connect an external monitor for a wider timeline view. Wi-Fi 7 maintains stable connectivity even in busy locations. The metal chassis feels solid for daily use, and the matte display finish helps reduce glare in well lit rooms.
Advantages
The 120 Hz refresh rate makes editing feel more responsive when scrubbing clips.
The NPU helps with AI tasks such as noise reduction in audio tracks.
Two Thunderbolt 4 ports remove the need for adapters for cameras or drives.
The light 1.19 kg weight makes it easier to carry for on location work.
Who it is for
Editors focused on mobility and simple 4K projects.
Those who value the compact 295x199x15 mm size for working on the go.
Windows 11 Pro users with an emphasis on AI tools.
8. HP Spectre x360 16-aa0002ua
HP Spectre x360 16 with the Intel Core Ultra 7 155H and 32 GB of LPDDR5x at 6400 MHz handles video editing without issues. With 16 cores, 22 threads, Intel Arc graphics, and an NPU, it works smoothly with 4K timelines and effects. The 2880x1800 OLED display with a 120 Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and HDR 500 delivers rich colors and true blacks, making color grading more accurate, especially in dark scenes. The touchscreen layer and 2 in 1 form factor allow you to draw masks or select areas with a stylus directly on the timeline. A 1 TB SSD and 32 GB of RAM provide enough headroom for large projects.
At 1.95 kg, the weight is noticeable, but the large display makes up for it. The 83 Wh battery, webcam privacy shutter, and fingerprint scanner add convenience. Ports include HDMI 2.1, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and one USB-A, which is uncommon for thin convertible laptops.
Advantages
OLED with 100% DCI-P3 and HDR makes color grading noticeably more accurate.
The touchscreen and 2 in 1 mode are useful for masks and precise retouching.
32 GB of RAM allows many plugins and effects to stay open at once.
120 Hz refresh rate and anti glare Gorilla Glass provide smoothness and comfort.
Who it is for
Editors working with color critical and HDR content.
Those who like drawing masks with a stylus directly in the software.
Users who need a large, accurate display and the flexibility of a convertible.
9. Lenovo LOQ 15IRX10
Lenovo LOQ 15IRX10 with the Intel Core i7-13650HX processor handles video editing thanks to its 14 cores and 20 threads, with six performance cores boosting up to 4.9 GHz and eight efficiency cores up to 3.6 GHz. This helps render complex scenes with effects without long waits. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 graphics with 8 GB of GDDR7 and G-Sync support accelerates tasks like ray tracing and stabilization in After Effects or Premiere. With 32 GB of DDR5 at 4800 MHz and a 1 TB SSD, large multi track projects stay open, while the 1920x1080 IPS display with a 144 Hz refresh rate and 100% sRGB coverage shows accurate colors without blur when scrolling through the timeline.
At 2.4 kg, it is better suited for a desk setup. The 60 Wh battery supports USB Type-C charging. RGB keyboard backlighting and a numeric keypad make it easier to enter effect parameters in the evening. Ports such as HDMI 2.1, three USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, and Gigabit Ethernet allow connecting an external monitor or RAID without adapters. Wi-Fi 6E provides a stable connection for downloading assets. The plastic chassis holds up to daily use, although the fans become noticeable under load.
Advantages
RTX 5060 with 8 GB of GDDR7 speeds up ray traced rendering and export.
The 144 Hz display with 100% sRGB delivers smooth playback and accurate color.
32 GB of DDR5 handles multitasking in video editors.
The numeric keypad and RGB backlighting make working with numbers easier in low light.
Who it is for
Editors working with graphics and effects on Windows 11 Home.
Those who prefer a more stationary setup with a 359.86x258.7x21.9-23.9 mm chassis.
Users who need dedicated graphics for professional tasks.
10. Lenovo Legion 7 16IRX9
Lenovo Legion 7 with the Intel Core i7-14700HX processor handles serious video editing thanks to its 24 cores and 32 threads, with eight performance cores boosting up to 5.5 GHz and sixteen efficiency cores up to 4.1 GHz. This is noticeable when rendering complex projects with effects. The NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics with 8 GB of GDDR6 and G-Sync support accelerates ray tracing and even 8K exports. With 16 GB of DDR5 at 5600 MHz, expandable to 32 GB, and a 1 TB SSD, large files fit easily. The 3200x2000 IPS display with a 165 Hz refresh rate, 100% DCI-P3 coverage, and 430 cd/m2 brightness helps with accurate color grading, while the matte finish reduces reflections.
At 2.24 kg, it leans more toward desk use, but the 99.9 Wh battery still allows moving the laptop around. Ports include Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, and a card reader for direct camera imports. Wi-Fi 6E and a backlit keyboard with a numeric keypad make evening work easier. The aluminum chassis feels sturdy. The fans get loud under load, but cooling remains effective.
Advantages
RTX 4060 speeds up ray traced rendering in After Effects.
165 Hz refresh rate and 100% DCI-P3 make color grading smooth and accurate.
The 1 TB SSD stores raw footage without relying on external drives.
The numeric keypad helps with entering effect parameters.
Who it is for
Professionals editing heavy graphics workloads on DOS with the option to install an OS.
Those who value a large display for detailed timeline work.
Users who prefer performance over mobility in a 357.6x262.5x17-19.7 mm form factor.
11. Apple MacBook Pro 14" M4 512GB 2024
Apple MacBook Pro 14" with the M4 chip handles video editing thanks to its 10 CPU cores and 10 core GPU, along with a 16 core Neural Engine that easily works with 4K and even 8K footage in Final Cut without slowdowns. The Liquid Retina XDR Mini LED display with a 3024x1964 resolution, 120 Hz refresh rate, and up to 1000 nits of brightness shows deep blacks and bright highlights. The 16 GB of unified memory and 512 GB SSD are enough for most projects, although larger archives are better stored on an external drive.
At 1.55 kg, it is light enough to carry all day without feeling tired. The battery is rated at 70 Wh, with charging via MagSafe or Thunderbolt 5. Ports include three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI, and an SD card slot, which is convenient for shoots. Wi-Fi 6E and macOS Sonoma make working with cloud libraries fast and smooth.
Advantages
The 120 Hz display and HDR make timeline scrolling and playback very smooth.
Almost silent operation even under sustained load.
Thunderbolt 5 transfers 8K files from external RAID storage almost instantly.
The battery realistically lasts through a full working day of editing.
Who it is for
Editors already in the Apple ecosystem using Final Cut or Motion.
Those who value the compact 221.2x312.6x15.5 mm form factor.
People shooting on SD card based cameras who need a built in card reader.
12. Dell Latitude 5450
Dell Latitude 5450 with the Intel Core Ultra 7 165U processor handles basic video editing thanks to its 12 cores and 14 threads, with two performance cores boosting up to 4.9 GHz and ten efficiency cores up to 3.8 GHz. This helps with exporting clips without excessive heat. Intel Graphics combined with the Intel AI Boost NPU speeds up simple tasks like automatic corrections in Premiere. With 32 GB of DDR5 at 5600 MHz and a 512 GB SSD, there is enough room for multi layer timelines. The 1920x1080 IPS display with a 60 Hz refresh rate and matte coating allows comfortable work without glare in an office environment. A webcam privacy shutter adds extra peace of mind during calls.
At 1.4 kg, it works well for daily commuting, with a 15 W TDP. Ports include two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, and HDMI 2.1 for connecting an external monitor or RAID storage. Wi-Fi 6E and Gigabit Ethernet provide a stable connection for online resources.
Advantages
The NPU speeds up AI features such as noise reduction in video.
The matte IPS panel makes it easier to work in bright rooms.
32 GB of DDR5 supports multitasking without slowdowns.
Two Thunderbolt 4 ports and HDMI make expanding the timeline view simple.
Who it is for
Beginner editors on Ubuntu looking for an affordable option.
Office based users who need Ethernet in a 321x212x21 mm form factor.
Those who prefer future upgrades up to 64 GB of RAM.
13. Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 512GB 2025
Apple MacBook Air 13" with the M4 chip performs well in video editing thanks to its 10 CPU cores, including four performance and six efficiency cores, along with a 10 core GPU that handles 4K rendering in Final Cut without fan noise. The 24 GB of unified memory keeps multiple effect panels open, while the 512 GB SSD keeps files close at hand. The 2560x1664 Retina IPS display with a 60 Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness includes True Tone, adapting to ambient light so colors look natural even when editing in a cafe. Passive cooling keeps everything quiet during exports.
At 1.24 kg, it is the kind of laptop you drop into a bag and forget about. The 53.8 Wh battery charges via MagSafe or Thunderbolt 4. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports with USB Power Delivery allow connecting an external monitor and camera at the same time. Wi-Fi 6E provides stable cloud access, and the aluminum chassis holds up well to daily travel.
Advantages
The 10 core GPU speeds up effects and stabilization in video editors.
True Tone helps maintain accurate colors in changing lighting conditions.
Passive cooling keeps editing quiet with no distracting noise.
Two Thunderbolt 4 ports simplify connecting 4K displays for a larger workspace.
Who it is for
Editors in the Apple ecosystem who prefer macOS Sequoia for iPhone integration.
Those who travel often and value the light 304.1x215x11.3 mm design.
Users focused on 4K editing without heavy graphics workloads.
14. Acer Aspire Vero AV16-71P
Acer Aspire Vero AV16-71P with the Intel Core Ultra 7 255H processor handles video editing thanks to its 16 cores, with six performance cores boosting up to 5.1 GHz and ten efficiency cores up to 4.4 GHz. This is noticeable when rendering a 4K timeline while applying effects at the same time. Intel Arc Graphics 140T with the Intel AI Boost NPU significantly speeds up tasks like noise reduction and automatic color correction in DaVinci Resolve or Premiere. The 16 inch IPS display with a 1920x1200 resolution, 60 Hz refresh rate, 400 nits of brightness, and 100% sRGB coverage delivers accurate visuals without blown highlights. The matte finish helps reduce glare even when sitting near a window. With 16 GB of LPDDR5x memory and a 1 TB SSD, large projects stay open without waiting on load times.
At 1.8 kg, it is comfortable to carry in a backpack, with a 53 Wh battery. The keyboard includes a numeric keypad and a Copilot key for quick access to AI assistants. A full set of ports is available, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, and HDMI. Wi-Fi 6E stays stable even in cafes. The plastic chassis feels solid despite its lightweight build.
Advantages
The NPU noticeably speeds up AI features in editors, especially noise reduction and stabilization.
100% sRGB coverage and 400 nits of brightness are enough for accurate indoor color work.
A full set of ports, including two Thunderbolt 4 ports, removes the need for adapters.
The 1 TB SSD fits several raw projects at once.
Who it is for
Those who edit on Windows and want AI assistance without overspending.
Users who need a large screen and numeric keypad for spreadsheets and timelines.
People who often work away from home in a 359.45x247x16.55 mm form factor.
Conclusion
Overall, when choosing a laptop for video editing heading into 2026, it comes down to whether the machine can handle heavy workloads without issues, especially when rendering hours of footage or adding high resolution effects. IPS or OLED displays with brightness levels between 250 and 500 nits and solid color space coverage help with accurate color correction, while SSDs ranging from 512 GB to 1 TB keep files close at hand. Battery life can range from a few hours to a full workday depending on load, which matters when traveling, though it is less critical for desk based setups.
The key is to think about your own workflow. If you move around a lot, a lighter model around 1.5 kg with passive cooling makes sense to avoid noise. For complex projects with AI features or dedicated graphics, a heavier laptop with active cooling is usually the better choice, even if the fans are audible. By 2026, technology has advanced to the point where even mid range models handle 4K editing well, but it is still worth checking compatibility with your editing software to avoid wasted time.