Top 3 Picks for Best Laptop for Video Editing under 700
Video editing is a time-consuming process and choosing the right laptop can save you a lot of time. You can get amazing specs in a video editing laptop under $700 as well.
We went through a lot of laptops under $700 for video editing, so you don’t have to. After tireless searching, we think that ASUS Zenbook 14 is one of the best laptops in this category. With its NIVIDA GeForce graphics card and powerful processor, it can take on any editing task easily. We even tried editing in 4K and it was smooth.
However, video editing is a subjective task so we have chosen other laptops as well considering different requirements.
Quick Comparison – Best Video Editing Laptops Under 700
IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
---|---|---|---|
Best Overall |
| 9.9 | View on Amazon |
Best for Video Editing |
| 9.8 | View on Amazon |
Runner-Up |
| 9.5 | View on Amazon |
Best on Budget |
| 9.7 | View on Amazon |
Premium Option |
| 9.6 | View on Amazon |
Best Design |
| 9.4 | View on Amazon |
Best Value |
| 9.6 | View on Amazon |
Best Performer |
| 9.2 | View on Amazon |
The Powerhouse |
| 9.5 | View on Amazon |
Editor’s Favorite |
| 9.8 | View on Amazon |
How we did the Test?
Laptops are a considerable investment and we know that. This is why we have a team of dedicated people who have specialized in analyzing laptops. We buy or test try the laptops to pick out the best for you to choose from.
Our team members, especially Micheal Hall, Anthony Mark, and Ryan Miles performed various hardware and software tests. The tests were from the video editing aspect. Also, we inspected the products for over a week to come up with the results.
Color Testing
We used Datacolor’s SpyderXElite colorimeter test at 50% and 100% brightness to calculate the nits and color density. We performed sRGB, Adobe RGB, and DCI-P3 standard tests for color gamut. These tests help us to confirm our verdict regarding different screen displays of laptops. Video editing is based mainly on color conception, so we make sure that the quality of the display is good.
GPU Testing
An edit without lags or data loss is the ideal one, and the speed of graphics depends on the GPU of a laptop. Our team performed 3DMark Time Spy and Night Raid test to check the FPS and speed of each laptop. We also did a 3DMark Port Royal test for NIVIDA GPUs for real-time ray tracing and rendering used in video editing.
CPU Performance
The overall performance of a laptop is primarily based on its processor or CPU. If the CPU cannot process heavy software fast enough, everything lags. So, we picked up the laptops with good-performing CPUs through Maxon’s Cinebench multi-core benchmark tests. We also tested the CPU performance by Geekbench 5.4 Pro to make sure the best functioning.
Adobe Premier Testing
Alongside Corel, and Avid Media, the Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the most commonly used software for video editing. We did Pudget Benchtest for Premiere, to see the playback output in 2K and 4K resolution, and file export speed. Moreover, we performed GFXBench 5.0 GPU stress test to see the rendering and texturing capabilities of the laptops.
Battery Performance
We know that video editing takes a lot of time, and thus a lot of battery as well. So, we tested the battery timings of most of the laptops listed here. To check the battery health, we went through the PowerShell option given in most models. However, to get a real-time experience, we played various games like Dota with brightness at 50% and 100% to check the battery timing. Since no one has 6 to 7 hours for it, we confirmed our estimate with PassMark BatteryMon software.
Detailed Guide – 10 Top Choices for Video Editing Laptops Under $700 in 2022
1. Asus Zenbook 14
- Screen Size: 14 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color: Blue, Gold, Gray, Rose Gold
- Weight: 4.8 lbs
It has an OLED display that is color accurate and gives a stunning performance. It is best for editing and color grading videos for stellar results. Asus Zenbook 14 gives high color fidelity to edit raw videos.
The Asus Zenbook series is one of the most popular laptops for editing videos. As a passionate video editor, you will appreciate the power of the Asus ZenBook 14. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U Hexa-Core processor and NVIDIA GeForce MX450 graphics card, it provides you with the speed and efficiency that you need in the creative process.
It can handle the most demanding creative work like transcoding and editing a 2K video. While the Asus Zenbook is a great budget option for video editing, it also has its high-end features. Its graphic card is better than most of the competition, and it can handle up to 4K video editing you need to do.
Moreover, it has 512GB of ROM, which is double the amount of ROM that most laptops have. This means that you have more room on your computer. It has a sleek design, with a brushed aluminum frame, which makes it look great. It also has a 3200 x 1800 pixel resolution display, which is great for video editing. The Asus Zenbook is a laptop that’s perfect for video editing under $700.
Technical Specifications
Screen Size | 14-inch |
Refresh Rate | 90 Hz |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
RAM | 8 GB |
ROM | 512 GB |
Weight | 4.8 lbs |
Colors | Blue, Gold, Gray, Rose Gold |
Material | Aluminum |
Dimensions | 15.86 x 10.35 x 2.91 inches |
- Sleek and Modern Design
- Impressive OLED Display
- Battery Backup
- Smooth High FPS rate
- No Fingerprint Sensor
2. Acer Nitro 5
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color: Shale Black
- Weight: 5.07 lbs
It has a 144 Hz frames per second (fps) speed which is mindblowing. Since it is has a strong GPU, Acer Nitro 5 can be used for editing, rendering, or adding textures to videos in 4K with ease.
This is a great laptop for someone who is looking for a good video editing laptop. The specs are good for the price and the software included is a bonus. Its 256 GB SSD storage is somewhat limited but the other features make it a good laptop for video editing under $700.
The graphics on the screen were great and the sound was amazing. There is no need to buy a separate graphics card because of this laptop’s “gaming” features. Its Nivida GeForce RTX 3050 GPU gives amazing graphics. According to our teammate, Rick Tyler, it performed well when the 3D Mark Port Royal test was run on it.
With such a powerful GPU and Intel Core i5 processor, you can edit 4K videos without any stalling. The amazing IPS display makes it easy to edit videos as well. We tested the screen through real-time ray tracing to check light effects and it was better than Acer Swift 3 laptop.
Technical Specifications
Screen Size | 15.6-inch |
Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
RAM | 8 GB |
ROM | 256 GB |
Weight | 5.07 lbs |
Colors | Shale Black |
Material | Plastic |
Dimensions | 10.04 x 14.31 x 0.94 inches |
- Excellent Graphics
- RGB Backlighting
- Superb CPU processor
- 144 Hz IPS HD Display
- Its case is heavy and bulky.
3. Dell Inspiron 15 5510
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color: Platinum Silver
- Weight: 3.6 lbs
It has an amazing hinge design that makes it easy to work on all sorts of surfaces. Dell Inspiron 15 5510 has a narrow bezel screen with a sturdy chassis makes it reliable to use for video editing during travel.
Dell Inspiron 15 5510 is one of the best laptops in terms of durability and sustainability. Our hardware design expert, Micheal Hall, ran some system diagnostic tests and found the chassis quite sturdy. Its lightweight and strong build make it ideal to use for editing videos when outdoor.
Also, editing videos take up a lot of time and meanwhile heats the laptops, but this one has an amazing heat sink. Dell Inspiron’s high-speed fans keep the device cool and running smoothly. For the best video editing experience, it has the latest 11th-generation core i5 processor.
As far as graphics are concerned, it has an Intel Iris Xe Graphics card which is good for editing videos. Be it rendering or adding new animations to it, it can do it all at a high fps rate. Our team found that it works great for exporting 2K videos but takes longer to export videos in 4K format.
Technical Specifications
Screen Size | 15.6-inch |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
RAM | 8 GB |
ROM | 512 GB |
Weight | 3.6 lbs |
Colors | Platinum Silver |
Material | Aluminum |
Dimensions | 9.01 x 14.02 x 0.71 inches |
- Long Battery Life
- Adaptive Thermal System
- Narrow Bezel FHD Display
- Backlit Keyboard
- It lacks a CD Drive.
4. Acer Swift 3 SF314-43
- Screen Size: 14 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color: Gold, Blue, Silver
- Weight: 2.62 lbs
Acer Swift 3 has a multi-touch gesture, to scroll or perform other functions using touchpad. Also, its brightness nits can be notched up or down based on the activity.
Acer Swift 3 is another good choice for video editing due to its AMD Ryzen 5700U octa-core processor that has a fast response time. Our team member, Anthony Mark ran Cinebench R15 Multi Duratest and the overall performance was good that was 45 W to 22 W, maintained in a loop.
This laptop is a multitasker with a running memory of 8 GB. It can run editing softwares like Adobe Premier Pro smoothly with dozen files open. We even tested games on this laptop and it can run at 92 fps. Moreover, it has multiple ports like Kensington lock slot, USB ports, HDMI, and DC Jack so many different devices can be attached at once.
Talking about its display, it has a 1080p LED backlit screen. The screen brightness is 320 nits which is rare to find in a laptop under $700. Also, it has amazing color density. It has 91% sRGB coverage, 86% Display P3 Coverage, and 93% AdobeRGB coverage for a good display experience.
Watch our Video Review of Acer Swift 3 Laptop
Technical Specifications
Screen Size | 14-inches |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
RAM | 8 GB |
ROM | 512 GB |
Weight | 2.62 lbs |
Colors | Gold, Blue, Silver |
Material | Plastic (TPU) |
Dimensions | 12.71 x 8.35 x 0.63 inches |
- Easily Portable
- It has Thunderbolt 4 support
- Reliable AMD Octacore Processor
- Multiple USB Ports
- Subpar Webcam
5. Microsoft Surface Laptop Go
- Screen Size: 12.4 inches
- Resolution: 1536 x 1024
- Color: Blue, Sandstone, Platinum
- Weight: 2.45 lbs
Microsoft Surface Go also has a touchscreen that makes the work flow easier. Also, it has Microsoft PixelSense that is a great platform to share video content in real time after editing it.
If you are looking for an elegant laptop with decent performance, under $700, then this may be the one. Microsoft Surface Go has been making waves on the internet due to its stylish design and durable built along with being lightweight. It is one of the best laptops that our hardware design expert has come across in a while.
It has only 12.4 inches of display screen compared to Acer Nitro 5 having 15.6 inches. But this weak spot is overcome with its 4K resolution and a good balance of color and contrast. It boasts 319 nits that are almost the same as Acer Swift 3 on our list. However, its color fidelity and 100% sRGB is what make it stand apart.
Moreover, the rare 3:2 aspect ratio display is a treat for the eyes. For video editors, it gives larger screen real estate that rivals Macbook Pro. Along with a quad-core Intel Core i5, it performs well on basic video editing but due to limited memory, takes more time for larger files.
Technical Specifications
Screen Size | 12.4 inches |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
Resolution | 1536 x 1024 |
RAM | 8 GB |
ROM | 256 GB |
Weight | 2.45 lbs |
Colors | Blue, Sandstone, Platinum |
Material | Aluminum and Poly Carbonate |
Dimensions | 8.1 x 11 x 0.62 inches |
- Multiple Color Options
- Lightweight
- Comfortable Keyboard
- Up to 8 hours Battery Life
- Only 256 GB of Internal Storage
6. HP 17 Business Laptop
- Screen Size: 17.3 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color: Natural Silver
- Weight: 5.25 lbs
The integrated UHD graphics work at maximum boost frequency of 1050 MHz which can handle video editing well. You can also add special effects or animations in the video if needed.
If you are a fan of wide viewing angles, then this HP 17 Business laptop is the one for you. It has a 178-degree wide viewing angle screen with vibrant colors. Its refined look with outstanding performance is what makes it the editor’s favorite.
All the essentials for video editing are top-class in this laptop. The Intel Core i5-1035G1 has a maximum frequency of 3.6 GHz which is better than MSI Modern 15A on this list. Its processor exceeds expectations for creative tasks like video editing. HP 17 Business laptop scored 2150 points on our Geekbench 4 test.
Also, 16 GB RAM is better than most laptops listed here. Along with a working memory of 1 TB, it gets storage-intensive tasks done in no time. The graphics are also good, however, the 15 FPS rate is somewhat underwhelming.
The HP 17 Business laptop has a 41 Wh 3-cell battery that performs well under pressure. It has long battery life that can last up to 7 hours and 45 minutes. So, it is quite a competent laptop in terms of video editing under $700.
Technical Specifications
Screen Size | 17.3-inch |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
RAM | 16 GB |
ROM | 1 TB |
Weight | 5.25.lbs |
Colors | Natural Silver |
Material | Aluminum and Plastic |
Dimensions | 16.33 x 10.72 x 0.96 inches |
- 32 GB Tela USB Card
- 1 TB Large Storage
- Wide Screen
- Long Lasting CPU Performance
- It does not include a CD or DVD reader.
7. Lenovo Flex 5
- Screen Size: 14 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color: Platinum Grey, Charcoal Grey, Teal
- Weight: 3.3 lbs
It has AMD Radeon Graphics, which performed well on the 3DMark Fire Strike test. Lenovo Flex 5 can reach up to 25 fps which is amazing for video editing or using any other power-intensive software.
Just like Acer Swift 3, the Lenovo Flex 5 laptop also has AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor. Wouldn’t it be nice that a video is edited in a single go? This laptop gives such an opportunity with its 16 GB RAM along with a octa-core processor.
Also, it is a 2-in-1 touchscreen convertible laptop that gives creative freedom to editors. Especially, if someone wants to add digital artwork to the videos, it is a good laptop to invest in. However, it is not a suitable choice to use in outdoors or bright light because it has limited screen brightness of only 250 nits. When compared to Microsoft Surface Go on this list, it is quite low.
Also Read: Best Laptop For Data Science
Apart from this, it has speakers that produce rich sounds. So, video editing can be done without headphones while using this laptop. We also performed a Geekbench 5.4 performance test for the CPU, and the overall score was 3841 which is average. But it surprised us by transferring 25 GB of multimedia files in only 45 seconds.
Technical Specifications
Screen Size | 14 inches |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
RAM | 16 GB |
ROM | 512 GB |
Weight | 3.3 lbs |
Colors | Platinum Grey, Charcoal Grey, Teal |
Material | Plastic |
Dimensions | 12.66 x 8.56 x 0.82 inches |
- Good CPU Performance
- Excellent Sound Quality
- Long Battery Life
- Narrow Bezel Display
- Dim Display
8. HP Pavilion 17 Laptop
- Screen Size: 17.3 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color: Silver, Gold, Rose Pink, White
- Weight: 5.25 lbs
HP Pavillion 17 has three different settings for a backlit keyboard. You can adjust the light to soft, medium, and bright based on your preference. It also has the option to turn the backlight off.
Speed is your friend while editing a video. So, HP Pavillion 17 has Intel Core i5 11th Gen processor to speed up the workflow. The 4.2 GHz Turbo speed will get you by for video editing.
It has one of the best graphics given to the Intel Xe Integrated Graphics. The full HD screen has bright colors with a 99% sRGB score and 300 nits of brightness. It is better than the one in Lenovo Flex 5, but Microsoft Surface Go and Acer Swift 3 still perform well than this one.
However, the best thing about this laptop is its 1 TB SSD memory and 16 GB DDR4 RAM. It can store a ton of data and run smoothly with multiple editing software at once. It has an abundance of ports as well. However, its battery timing is not that great but if the brightness is set at 150 nits, it can last up to 7 hours.
Technical Specifications
Screen Size | 17.3-inch |
Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
RAM | 16 GB |
ROM | 1 TB |
Weight | 5.25 lbs |
Colors | Silver, Gold, Rose Pink, White |
Material | Aluminum and Plastic |
Dimensions | 16.33 x 10.72 x 0.96 inches |
- Adjustable Backlit Keyboard
- 1 TB SSD Memory
- Contains Optical Drive
- Multi-format Digital Media Card Reader
- Lacks Thunderbolt 3
9. Lenovo Thinkpad E15
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color: Black, Silver
- Weight: 3.09 lbs
It has AI Noise Cancellation software that can pick up voices from 10 ft far without any distortion. It is good for recording background audio for videos or for listening to the final outcome of video edits.
If you are looking for a portable laptop for video editing then Lenovo Thinkpad E15 is a good option. It is lightweight and sleek and can easily be stored in a backpack. It has a decent CPU performance that is great for light editing without adding any fancy animations. The AMD Ryzen 5 4500U along with AMD Radeon Graphics gives okayish results.
Our team member, Ryan Miles, tested the CPU and GPU performance on some benchmark tests. Lenovo’s power consumption was 25 W for 30 seconds and then fell to 15 W. It is fairly low than MSI Modern 15 A on our list. Cinebench score for CPU was 174 points while the PCMark10 test for GPU scored 5023 points.
On the other hand, it has the best connectivity ports including a USB-C port that is quite popular in certain regions. It has a sleek design but still, it can last 4 to 6 hours which is a feat. Lenovo Thinkpad E15 may not be the powerhouse but you won’t want to miss on its cool feature. Would you?
Technical Specifications
Screen Size | 15.6-inch |
Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
RAM | 8 GB |
ROM | 256 GB |
Weight | 3.09 lbs |
Colors | Black, Silver |
Material | Plastic with Aluminum Top |
Dimensions | 14.37 x 9.45 x 0.74 inches |
- Super Portable
- Decent Performance
- Matte FHD Screen
- Ample Room for Expansion
- It lacks a microSD slot.
- Slow Processor
10. MSI Modern 15A (A10M-656)
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color: Black
- Weight: 3.53 lbs
MSI Modern 15A has a Cooler Boost fan mode that can reduce the temperature from 2 to 4 degrees. This feature can be used while rendering, texturing videos, or making 3D drawings.
MSI Modern 15A laptop is rather a modest laptop under $700 that packs elegance and usability into it. It has a minimal design that allows a video editor to work with focus. It has a thin, narrow bezel FHD screen that is often preferred.
Considering the display, our team member Anthony Mark did some color testing. The IPS panel with a Full HD screen is a delightful experience but the color quality is average. The resulting parameters were 64% sRGB, 47% Adobe RGB, 47% DCI-P3, and DeltaE 2.07 color aberration. Also, the screen brightness was only 243 nits.
Moreover, the Intel UMA GPU is good for video encoding and some light editing. The Intel Core i5-10210U has a stellar performance. It is a quad-core processor with an impressive clockwork speed.
Our team ran Adobe Premier and Adobe Photoshop on the laptop while testing it, and the score of PCMark10 software was 4236 points which is good.
Technical Specifications
Screen Size | 15.6-inch |
Refresh Rate | 75 Hz |
Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
RAM | 8 GB |
ROM | 512 GB |
Weight | 3.53 lbs |
Colors | Black |
Material | Aluminum with Plastic |
Dimensions | 9.2 x 14.05 x 0.67 inches |
- Thunderbolt 4 Support
- Good Battery Life
- Fast Processor
- Bright Backlit Keyboard
- Screen Brightness is subpar.
Conclusion
In nutshell, these are our top recommendations for the best laptops for video editing under $700. Now, you can choose a laptop that fits your passion for making videos. We recommend ASUS Zenbook 14, Acer Nitro 5, Dell Inspiron, and Microsoft Surface Go for a versatile experience.
If you are looking for a stylish yet travel-friendly laptop then Acer Swift 3 and Lenovo Flex 5 are good options. On the other hand, HP 17 Business and HP Pavilion 17 are reliable laptops for long-term use. Apart from these, Lenovo Thinkpad E15 and MSI Modern 15A are innovative options for budget-friendly video editing.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do I need a graphics card for video editing?
Most laptops have integrated graphics cards for general use. GPUs like NIVIDA are powerful enough to handle all sorts of editing and graphic designing. So, dedicated graphics cards are only needed where extreme animations or rendering is required.
Which processor is good for video editing?
For laptops under $700, AMD Ryzen 7 and Intel Core i5 processors are good for video editing. These processors can handle all the basic video editing functions easily.