The best laptops for video editing
Are you looking for a laptop suitable for video editing? Video editing requires a lot of processing power—so you need a powerful laptop with at least an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a good graphics card like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX.
Whether you want to edit 4K videos in Adobe Premiere Pro or retouch photos, this blog will tell you which laptop is right for you and what to look for in laptops for video editing.
A powerful laptop for video editing
Do you want to edit videos seamlessly or render 4K footage? Then you need a powerful laptop specifically designed for video editing. Not every laptop is designed for this by default.
Let's take a look at the technical specifications that are important for your laptop to deliver the performance you need for photo or video editing. Whether new or refurbished, we'll help you find the right laptop for your needs.
Which processor is recommended?
The processor is the heart of your laptop and largely determines its speed. For video editing, you need a powerful processor.
Therefore, choose at least a laptop with an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor. A Core i9 processor is ideal, as it offers the highest computing power.
For simple projects, an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 is sufficient, but programs like Adobe Premiere Pro or After Effects require significantly more power.
How much RAM is needed?
The more RAM, the more programs your laptop can run simultaneously. At least 16 GB of RAM is required for video editing.
If you're only editing light projects, 16 GB is a good starting point. However, for editing 4K videos or larger projects, you should plan on at least 32 GB. If your budget allows, 64 GB is optimal for heavy video editing.
Which graphics card for video editing?
The graphics card supports you in displaying images, effects, and 4K videos. For optimal performance, you should choose a laptop with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX graphics card. These cards offer fast processing and plenty of memory.
This allows for smooth playback, editing, and exporting of videos. Laptops are less demanding for photo editing, but a dedicated graphics card is essential for video editing.
How much storage space does your laptop need?
For video editing, you should have at least 512 GB of SSD storage. If you work with large files or store a lot of 4K videos, we recommend 1 TB or more. This gives you plenty of space for your projects, software, and temporary files—without any lag. Many laptops today even support up to 2 TB, which gives you plenty of expansion options.
Which software for video editing?
Most laptops can handle simple tasks, but demanding programs like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve require significantly more power.
The software you use will determine which laptop you need. Do you only use lightweight programs or do you edit complex video projects? Keep this in mind when making your choice.
Best laptop for photo editing
A laptop for photo editing doesn't need to be as powerful as one for video editing. However, you should still consider the laptop you choose carefully—especially if you work with software like Adobe Lightroom. Such programs require a system that can handle multiple tasks simultaneously without lag.
When editing photos, look for a display that's at least 14 or 15 inches, with a high resolution and a wide color gamut. This will allow you to see colors realistically—crucial for image editing. A high-resolution, wide-color screen is the window through which you view and edit your work—just as it is for video projects.
While theoretically all laptops are suitable for basic photo editing, for better performance, you should choose a model with a Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor, sufficient storage space, and RAM—at least 16 GB, preferably 32 GB. The processor is the engine and brain of your laptop and determines how efficiently you can complete demanding tasks.