Top Picks for Best Laptops for Video Editing Under $1000
- M1 Chip
- Retina Display
- Battery Saving Technology
- No Noise/ Eco-friendly
- 8 GT/s Clock Speed
- 32 GB RAM
- NVIDIA Graphics Card
- Large SSD Storage
- Remarkable CPU
- Color Accurate Gamut
- Multi-touch Enabled Screen
- Flexible Hinge Design
Looking for the best laptop for video editing under $1000? A laptop not only with a sound graphics card but also high-end features like a fast processor, display, etc.
We recommend Apple Macbook Air for the best video editing experience due to its fast processing M1 chip and amazing retina display. It is hard to find such features in any other laptop at such a price. Moreover, it is lightweight and produces almost no noise. So, it is a great laptop for indoor as well as outdoor editing.
However, different people have different choice features for video editing. So, we have come up with a list of the 10 best laptops for video editing under $1000 after extensive testing, based on GPU, CPU, battery life, etc.
Quick Comparison – Best Video Editing Laptops Under $1000
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | RATING | PRICE |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall |
| 9.9 | View on Amazon |
Best for Video Editing |
| 9.8 | View on Amazon |
Best on Budget |
| 9.8 | View on Amazon |
Premium Option  |
| 9.8 | View on Amazon |
Runner- Up  |
| 9.7 | View on Amazon |
Best Design  |
| 9.7 | View on Amazon |
Best Design  |
| 9.6 | View on Amazon |
Best Performer  |
| 9.6 | View on Amazon |
The Powerhouse  |
| 9.5 | View on Amazon |
Best Value  |
| 9.4 | View on Amazon |
How we did the Test for the Best Laptops for Video Editing Under $1000?
Whether buying a laptop for video editing for the first time or considering upgrading, we understand that laptops are expensive. We don’t want you to bet on the wrong horse, so we have a team of professionals to test the laptops.
Our team has seasoned computer engineers, hardware experts, software developers, and graphic geeks. We use the laptops sent to us for a test try and a few we buy for our use. Apart from this, some of our members like Ryan Miles, Vincent Chase, James Ridge, and Anthony Mark work in this industry and have first-hand experience with laptops. It took us about 15 days to test the 10 best laptops for video editing under $1000.
- Display Test
We believe in real-life use as well as benchmark tests. Screen resolution and color fidelity are important in editing any video. So, we tested the display with DataColor’s SpyderXElite colorimeter test at 50% and 100% brightness to measure the brightness nits and color density.
Along with daily use, our team also ran color gamut tests like Adobe RGB, sRGB, and DCI-P3 Standard tests. Our team uses the laptops extensively so we also take into account the feel and the vibe of any laptop.
- Speed
Laptops for video editing should be smooth while performing heavy tasks. It majorly depends on the CPU or the processor of a laptop. We tested the laptops with different fps videos in HD and 4K. But for the sake of scoring CPU performance, we tested laptops using Geekbench 5.4 Pro and Cinebench multi-core benchmark tests.
- RAM and ROM
Memory space is crucial to video editing because the working memory should be enough to accommodate the raw data. We tested it off and on by editing simple videos but the numbers look fancy. So, we used PassMark’s Memory benchmark test to evaluate memory speed, and compatibility in laptops for video editing under $1000.
- Battery Time
We know that laptop battery time is important while traveling or when working in different places. Also, finding an electric socket is rare, especially in a public place. So our hardware experts, not only used laptops but tested their batteries while charging and discharging. On top of that, we also used PCMark10’s battery performance test to be extra sure about our recommendations.
- Graphics
Video editing is a complex process and a fast GPU can make it easier to run and re-run any edit, add after effects, and so on. Our gaming expert, James Ridge, tested all laptops with different graphics modes in games. He also performed benchmark tests like 3DMark Time Spy and Night Raid test to check the GPU performance. For NIVIDA GPUs we did a 3D Mark Port Royal test which helped quantify their power to render and edit a video.
1. Apple MacBook Air
- Screen Size: 13.3 inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1600
- Color: Silver, Space Grey, Starlight, Midnight
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
MacBook Air has a long battery life that can last up to 18 hours running on 50% brightness. It is one of the most power-efficient laptops we have come across. For heavy editing, it ranges from 7 to 11 hours.
It is one of the best 13-inch laptops available in the market that revolutionizes the idea of video editing laptops. The star of the show is the Apple M1 processor that can run both legacy apps as well as optimized ones. Also, it can run editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, and DaVinci Resolve better than any Intel processor. Its Octa-Core processor surpasses all the editing challenges so far.
Apart from the ARM-based chip, Macbook Air has a Retina display of 2560 x 1600 resolution with 400 nits brightness. It is a jackpot for any video editor because it gives one of the best clarity and color accuracies for editing videos. Moreover, it adjusts the lighting based on the environment through Apple True Tone technology.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 13.3-inches |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| ROM | 256 GB |
| Weight | 2.8 lbs |
| Colors | Silver, Space Grey, Starlight, Midnight |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 8.36 x 11.97 x 0.61 |
- Fast Performance
- Improved Webcam
- Lightweight
- No Noise While Using
- Thick Bezels
2. Lenovo Legion
- Screen Size: 17.3 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color: Slate Grey, Black
- Weight: 6.57 lbs
It has two SSD slots along with an SD card reader that was absent in previous versions. It has a USB 3.0 speed that reached 90 MB/s in our benchmark test. Moreover, it has Bluetooth connectivity with high speed which makes it easier for wireless connections.
This laptop is an all-rounder based on various features that favor video editing. From the storage aspect, Lenovo Legion is a champion because of 32 GB RAM with 1 TB SSD storage. It ensures fast data transfer, editing, and even storing the final cut in the laptop.
As far as graphics are concerned, NIVIDA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU is quite good. It may not be as good as the i9 processor, but does a decent job with its 4 GB of GDDR5 memory at 8 GT/s clock speed. Moreover, AMD Ryzen 5 5600H hexacore processor has better performance than the intel i7 processor in real-time.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 17.3-inch |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM | 32 GB |
| ROM | 1 TB |
| Weight | 6.57 lbs |
| Colors | Slate Grey, Black |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 22 x 4 x 14 inches |
- Bright and colorful screen
- Chiclet Keyboard with Backlighting
- 1 Year Warranty
- Long Lasting Battery
- It does not have the Thunderbolt 4.
3. HP Envy
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color: Silver, Dark Ash Silver, Mineral Silver, Natural Gold
- Weight: 4 lbs
HP Envy has flexible hinges with a multi-touch enabled screen that can be folded. It gives video editors, especially animators, the creative freedom to create and edit on the go.
This laptop has a sleek design with updated features such as the dual speakers being moved to the bottom, and the power button being moved to the deck. As per the 15.6 inches display, we ran DCI-P3 color gamut that came out to be 80% which is quite close to MacBook Air’s (81%). Also, its peak brightness is 361 nits.
Talking about the processor, the AMD Ryzen 5 5625U is quite an improved version. It scored 18604 points on the 3DMark Fire Strike test and 5363 points on the 3DMark Time Spy CPU test. All this with a 16 GB makes a decent cut for a laptop for video editing under $1000.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 15.6-inches |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| ROM | 512 GB |
| Weight | 4 lbs |
| Colors | Silver, Dark Ash Silver, Mineral Silver, Natural Gold |
| Material | Aluminum + Plastic |
| Dimensions | 14 x 9 x 1-inch |
- Vivid, bright display
- 11+ Hours Battery Life
- Attractive Design
- Contains Thunderbolt Ports
- Plastic Touchpad
4. Apple MacBook Pro
- Screen Size: 13.3 inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1600
- Color: Gray, Silver
- Weight: 3 lbs
Apple Macbook Pro offers an exceptional battery life that lasted up to 14 hours according to our test. This is an amazing span considering 4K video running at 50% on loop. However, the advertised battery life is 20 hours which can be true for light editing.
After Dell XPS 17, one of the most commonly used laptops for video editing is Apple Macbook Pro. It is because it can easily edit XF AVC footage in 4K resolution. Also, it can be used to edit 6K raw footage which is unheard of in any other laptop under $1000.
The M1 processor is optimized for DaVinci Resolve and it performs well while editing a video. Compared to the previous versions of the MacBook, the M1 processor is 2.8 times faster. The graphics rely on the integrated chip but it also runs on 5X speed than earlier versions.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 13.3-inch |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1600 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| ROM | 256 GB |
| Weight | 3 lbs |
| Colors | Gray, Silver |
| Material | Aluminum |
| Dimensions | 11.97 x 8.36 x 0.61 |
- Long Battery Life
- Ultra High-Resolution
- Upgradable PCle-based Blade
- 2 Thunderbolt (2) Ports
- Old Design
5. Dell G15
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color: Grey, Black, White, Specter Green
- Weight: 5.39 lbs
It has a 240-watt power adapter that has 3 to 13 watts usage in idle form and 100-200 watt usage in 3D intense mode. Due to the graphics switching technology, the battery life is extended over 11 hours.
Sometimes upgrading various laptop parts is not an option. So, Dell G15 is a perfect answer for it with its enormous 32 GB RAM and 1024 GB SSD. It is one of the best laptops for video editing under $1000 because it has a higher refresh rate (120 Hz) and the capacity to run any software smoothly.
It has a GeForce RTX 3050 graphics card with NIVIDA Optimus technology which optimized graphics performance and conserves battery. According to our team, it has a good screen response rate. Moreover, the Windows 11 operating system scored wonderful on the PCMark 10 benchmark test with 5235 points.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 15.6-inch |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM | 32 GB |
| ROM | 1024 GB |
| Weight | 5.39 lbs |
| Colors | Grey, Black, White, Specter Green |
| Material | Plastic |
| Dimensions | 10.4 x 14.1 x 0.98 |
- Stable Performance
- Durable Built and Chassis
- Good Battery Life
- USB-C and HDMI Connectivity
- Webcam quality is not good.
6. Lenovo Yoga 6
- Screen Size: 13.3 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color: Abyss Blue, Grey
- Weight: 2.91 lbs
It has up-to-date storage features with memory as big as 2 TB. This means one can store raw footage, edit, and save the final cut as well. Such ROM space makes it easy to capture and edit videos while traveling
This is a slim, 2-in-1 convertible laptop with a unique fabric top cover. It has a denim texture feel, which was a pleasant surprise to find out. Moreover, the light chassis, matching the denim color, makes the laptop quite portable.
As far as the editing aspect is concerned, it is a lottery. The AMD Ryzen 7 5700U Octacore processor gave a 54% performance rating with 10139 points on the Cinebench CPU test. This, paired with VEGA 8 graphics and 16 GB RAM makes a dope mix for video editing under $1000. However, the brightness is quite average having only 300 nits.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 13.3-inches |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| ROM | 2 TB |
| Weight | 2.91 lbs |
| Colors | Abyss Blue, Grey |
| Material | Fabric (lid), Polycarbonate, ABS (base) |
| Dimensions | 12.12 x 8.12 x 0.72 inches |
- Useful Port Selection
- Unique Fabric Waterproof Lid
- Fast Ryzen 7 Performance
- Extensive Storage Space
- The cooling fans produce revving sound at times.
7. ASUS TUF
- Screen Size: 17.3 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color: Fortress Grey, Crimson Stripped Black
- Weight: 5.73 lbs
ASUS TUF laptop is one of the quietest and cool laptops we have come across. The fans don’t make any noise even when running system intense benchmark tests. It performed well on the DPC Latency test as well.
This is an updated version of the ASUS TUF laptop. The hardware design is unique with its protruding physical notch having a camera and microphone. Also, there are star-like indicators for battery charging, airplane mode, and others. It has 79.5 dB speaker loudness which is quite good.
Its Intel Core i5- 11260H CPU and NIVIDA GeForce RTX3050 GPU can process videos up to 360 FPS. Its sRGB score was 62.5%. The GPU has a dedicated 4GB space that makes it easy on the 8GB RAM to run video editing software. However, our team found it a little tough to edit a 4K video on this laptop due to its limited storage.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 17.3-inches |
| Refresh Rate | 120 Hz |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM | 8 GB |
| ROM | 512 GB |
| Weight | 5.73 lbs |
| Colors | Fortress Grey, Crimson Stripped Black |
| Material | Aluminum, Plastic |
| Dimensions | 15.71 x 10.59 x 0.94 |
- Relatively Quiet and Cool
- Powerful Graphics Card
- Large Anti-Glare Display
- Thunderbolt 4 Support
- Dimly Lit Screen
8. ASUS ROG Strix
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color: Black, Grey, Electro Punk
- Weight: 4.63 lbs
The GPU works great when it is subjected to Ray Tracing tests. It shows only a difference of five frame rates between DLSS and the native benchmark, which is a good sign.
It is a versatile gaming laptop that can be used for video editing as well. Just like HP Victus, it also has a GeForce 3050 GPU. However, it has a better processor. AMD Ryzen 7 4800H, as compared to the Victus, giving an edge over it. Moreover, its matte hardware finish is an appealing feature.
The best thing about this laptop from a video editing aspect is its Full HD 300 Hz display with 99.6% sRGB color gamut. Some models also offer WQHD 165 Hz panel calibrated to DCI-P3. Also, its 16 GB RAM can muscle video editing without a problem.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 15.6-inches |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| ROM | 512 GB |
| Weight | 4.63 lbs |
| Colors | Black, Grey, Electro Punk |
| Material | Plastic + Aluminum Lid |
| Dimensions | 13.94 x 10.2 x 1.02 inches |
- Plenty of Battery Power
- Excellent 300 Hz Screen
- Ergonomic Design
- RGB Keyboard
- It lacks an integrated webcam
9. HP Victus
- Screen Size: 15.6 inches
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Color: Silver, Blue, White
- Weight: 5.42 lbs
It has AI Noise Removal technology that removes all kinds of background noise from voice or video calls and recordings. It works great for recordings or voiceovers of videos that can be later used in edits.
The HP Victus has a 15.6 inches non-touchscreen display. It offers a good blend of modern features, good contrast colors, and different panel options. However, our team didn’t find the colors that lively.
On the other hand, it boasts a 144 Hz refresh rate that can run different videos at higher FPS. While it has a good GPU, it is not meant for intensive tasks like rendering. The HP Victus scored 6209 points on the PCMark 10 test for productivity and 3620 points on 3DMark Time Spy Test. So, overall it’s an average laptop but fares well under $1000 considering the features.
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Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 15.6-inches |
| Refresh Rate | 144 Hz |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| RAM | 16 GB |
| ROM | 512 GB |
| Weight | 5.42 lbs |
| Colors | Silver, Blue, White |
| Material | Plastic |
| Dimensions | 0.93 x 10.04 x 14.09 inches |
- Upgradable Processor and Display
- Solid Array of Ports
- Backlit Keyboard
- AI Technology
- Lacks Thunderbolt 4 Port
10. ASUS VivoBook 17
- Screen Size: 17.3 inches
- Resolution: 1600 x 900
- Color: White, Black, Red, Blue
- Weight: 4.9 lbs
It has 8GB onboard memory for graphics alone. It helps to process intensive pictures or videos at a much higher rate than any other. Also, the transfer time for raw and finished videos is quite short and efficient.
If you are looking for a budget laptop that gets the job done, then Asus Vivobook 17 has some pro features to be considered. It has a 17 inches sunny screen that is great for making edits. The stylish and modern chassis design adds to the beauty of this laptop.
Considering 24GB RAM and 1 TB SDD storage, it is a solid deal for running editing software. The integrated graphics in the Intel Core i7-1065G7 provide good competition to Microsoft Surface Go in our 3DMark test. Overall, it is a mid-performing laptop, good for video editing under $1000. However, its battery timing is not so good.
Technical Specifications
| Screen Size | 17.3-inches |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz |
| Resolution | 1600 x 900 |
| RAM | 24 GB |
| ROM | 1 TB |
| Weight | 4.9 lbs |
| Colors | White, Black, Red, Blue |
| Material | Plastic |
| Dimensions | 16.2 x 10 x 0.75 |
- Bright Display
- HDMI Port and MicroSD Card Reader
- Stylish Design
- Large Storage
- Disappointing Battery Life
Conclusion
We have tried to cover all the features and needs for video editing in our recommendations. If you want to make quality edits then Lenovo Legion and Apple Macbook Air are good choices. The HP Envy and Apple Macbook Pro come at a close second but they are somewhat short on storage.
However, if you are looking for a laptop with ample storage, Dell G15 and ASUS Vivobook 17 are great choices. A more unorthodox choice in terms of style can be Lenovo Yoga 6. On the other hand, if a good processor is your priority then the ASUS TUF, ASUS ROG Strix, and the HP Victus suit it well.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is important for video editing?
Some important features for video editing in a laptop are processing power, storage space, GPU, and display. If these features are of satisfactory capacity then the laptop is fit for editing a video smoothly.
How much memory do I need for video editing?
In ideal situations, 32GB RAM is more than enough to edit a video, even in 4K resolution. However, for video editing laptops under $1000, a running memory of 24GB to 8GB is also acceptable, considering other features are outstanding.
