I am somebody who spends hours in modifying software program. I understand how necessary the suitable laptop computer is for getting work finished. From frame-accurate timelines to heavy rendering, video modifying pushes {hardware} to its limits, and never each machine is constructed to maintain up.
I examined a spread of laptops throughout worth factors to see which of them really carry out beneath stress. Some price range fashions can get by means of primary edits, however in case you’re severe about your craft, investing in a high-performance laptop computer makes all of the distinction.
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What’s the finest laptop computer for video modifying proper now?
We have extensively researched and examined dozens of computer systems for the most effective video modifying laptop computer. The Asus ProArt P16, for instance, has one of many higher shows on the market, and the Dell Inspiron is a strong price range possibility. My choose for the most effective general is Apple’s M4 MacBook Professional because of its M4 chipset, beautiful Liquid Retina XDR show, and long-lasting battery. It’s relatively costly however well worth the worth. Naturally, it is not the one possibility on the market. Beneath is a listing the place we evaluate the highest fashions from main manufacturers like Asus and Dell.
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The perfect laptops for video modifying in 2025
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Why we prefer it: Apple’s M4 MacBook Professional takes the highest spot as the most effective video modifying laptop computer. It handles heavy workloads, like exporting massive information to scrubbing by means of high-resolution footage, with relative ease. This efficiency is because of the M4 chipset. The MacBook Professional can home totally different chip fashions, relying on what you need. For instance, the M4 Max consists of a 14-core CPU and a 32-core GPU. In keeping with Apple, a MacBook Professional geared up with the M4 Max is 3.5 occasions quicker than an M1 MacBook Professional.
There may be extra to the MacBook Professional than simply its {hardware}. The Liquid Retina XDR show stays best-in-class with an anti-glare coating and as much as 1,600 nits of brightness. Unified reminiscence choices scale as much as 48GB, giving customers extra headroom for multitasking or massive AI fashions.
Final, however not least, the MacBook Professional has a powerful battery lifetime of as much as 24 hours on a single cost.
Who it is for: I like to recommend the MacBook Professional to anybody juggling video modifying initiatives with high-resolution footage or initiatives that require numerous rendering. This machine can sustain with out breaking a sweat. Digital nomads can even admire the full-day battery and sharp show.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The M4 MacBook Professional might be overkill for individuals who do not typically cope with heavy artistic work, particularly with its excessive price ticket. Costs begin at $1,599 for the bottom mannequin and might go over $5,000 with all elective options included. Informal customers are higher off utilizing a MacBook Air or one thing extra price range pleasant.
Apple MacBook Professional 16 specs: Processor: Apple M4 | Show dimension: 14 or 16 inches | Working system: Mac OS | Dimensions: 14 x 9.77 x 0.66 inches
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Why we prefer it: Asus’ ProArt P16 has the most effective show I’ve seen on a video modifying laptop computer. Two elements make it pretty much as good as it’s. First, it is massive, measuring 16 inches diagonally. The dimensions helps you be extra productive and multitask. Second, it’s an OLED touchscreen with a vivid, deeply vibrant output. The show precisely represents colours, which, as you may think about, is an important characteristic when creating content material.
A very good modifying pc can solely accomplish a lot with the suitable {hardware}. The mannequin homes an AMD Ryzen 9 HX 370 processor, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card, and 32GB of RAM. This configuration can chew by means of high-res footage and render the ultimate product with out a drawback.
I additionally need to shout out the customized DialPad. It’s a small circle on the trackpad that gives shortcuts to varied modifying instruments. Battery life is first rate. It will possibly final over 10 hours on a single cost.
Evaluate: Asus ProArt P16
Who it is for: The ProArt P16 is right for artistic professionals searching for a cellular pc with a color-accurate show and numerous customization choices. That DialPad is useful everytime you need to change brush sizes in Photoshop or lower one thing in Adobe Premiere. Plus, the top-notch {hardware} makes it an incredible choose for cartoonists, animators, and 3D designers engaged on massive initiatives.
Who ought to look elsewhere: The show could also be its finest characteristic, nevertheless it does have one main flaw. It is an ultra-glossy display, inflicting distracting reflections. Utilizing the laptop computer beneath brightly lit situations might show tough. Additionally, the customization choices might show overwhelming for some. In his evaluate, ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski identified that it took a very long time to arrange the DialPad.
Asus ProArt P16 specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 | Show dimension: 16 inches | Working system: Home windows 11 | Dimensions: 13.97 x 9.72 x 0.68 inches
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Why we prefer it: Dell’s Inspiron 16 Plus is a well-rounded, reliable laptop computer. It sports activities a 2.5K show with a refresh charge of 120Hz, delivering sharp and impressively clean visible outputs. Due to its 120Hz refresh charge, it is sharp, color-rich, and impressively clean. The 16:10 side ratio gives a very good quantity of vertical workspace, so you may get a very good view of your venture. I ought to point out that the panel has a peak brightness of 300 nits, which is not superb. Nevertheless it’s serviceable for indoor work and allows a protracted battery life.
For {hardware}, you may select to equip the machine with an Intel Core Extremely 7 processor and an Nvidia RTX 4050 graphics card. This setup is able to simply dealing with multitasking and artistic workloads. ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski additionally praised the Inspiron 16 Plus’ prolonged battery life in his evaluate. It is able to lasting as much as 12 hours on a single cost. Different notable options embrace a quad-speaker array and as much as 2TB of storage.
Evaluate: Dell Inspiron 16 Plus (7640)
Who it is for: If you happen to’re a content material creator, pupil, or an expert searching for a brand new laptop computer that will not break the financial institution, the Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 is among the many finest. It does not excel in a single specific space, nevertheless it does a number of issues fairly effectively. This pc boasts sufficient horsepower for animation work and even some gentle gaming.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Dell’s gadget is a chunky laptop computer, weighing practically 5 kilos. So, touring with the Inspiron 16 goes to be relatively tough. Though the show’s decision is excessive, it lacks help for enhancement software program like HDR. Customers who worth color-accurate imaging above all else ought to think about another choice.
Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640 specs: Processor: Intel Core Extremely 7 155H | Show dimension: 16 inches | Working system: Home windows 11 | Dimensions: 14.05 x 9.87 x 0.72 inches
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Why we prefer it: There’s numerous profit to having a large-screen video modifying laptop computer, however what in case you want one thing smaller? HP’s EliteBook X G1a matches the invoice properly, sporting a high-resolution 14-inch OLED touchscreen. Opposite to its dimension, this gadget packs numerous muscle beneath its slim body. Underneath the hood is an AMD Ryzen AI Professional chip delivering a severe efficiency that is greater than sufficient for artistic workloads.
ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski mentioned working “industry-standard packages like Da Vinci Resolve was a breeze” and on a regular basis productiveness duties felt snappy. The benchmark assessments again this up, indicating that the EliteBook X G1a is a “highly effective enterprise machine” too.
Evaluate: HP EliteBook X G1a
Who it is for: That is the best 14-inch laptop computer for customers searching for strong efficiency with out sacrificing portability. One of many points that some entries on the listing have is that they are often relatively heavy. Moreover, the EliteBook X G1a gives the facility and connectivity to maintain up with fashionable occasions.
Who ought to look elsewhere: Do not get this laptop computer if battery longevity is necessary to you. In keeping with ZDNET’s assessments, the gadget lasts a bit over 11 hours on a single cost, which is okay, nevertheless it will not be the period you are searching for. I also needs to point out that the pc can run relatively heat beneath heavy workloads.
HP EliteBook X G1a specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 7 Professional | Show dimension: 14 inches | Working system: Home windows 11 | Dimensions: 12.29 x 8.45 x 0.36 inches
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Why we prefer it: With regards to video modifying, 2-in-1 laptops are as much as the duty. Turning the pc right into a pill deepens the gadget’s usability. You’ll be able to instantly work together with a video’s timeline, lower out clips, or sketch out storyboards in actual time. There are lots of choices on the market, however the HP Envy x360 is the most effective. It boasts a big 16-inch, 2.8K OLED touchscreen that’s each sharp and shade correct.
HP claims that its laptop computer is “IMAX licensed” because of its means to point out “IMAX-formatted content material in [their] authentic… side ratio.” ZDNET Editor Kyle Kucharski states that though this can be a “flashy designation”, the 16-inch display “does look good”. That is not all. HP’s machine comes with an AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS CPU, an built-in AMD Radeon GPU, a long-lasting battery, and “beefy audio system”, all working collectively to offer you an expertise that is second to none.
Evaluate: HP Envy x360
Who it is for: The HP Envy x360 is an efficient selection for individuals who need the interactivity a pill gives whereas nonetheless having fun with the facility of a laptop computer. It strikes a pleasant center floor for individuals who need a mix of portability and adaptability. Plus, the massive display dimension makes touchscreen modifying much more snug for prolonged intervals of time.
Who ought to look elsewhere: There are a few points with Envy x360 that will dissuade folks from buying it. First, it is a bit heavy, at simply over 4 kilos. Second, the shiny show attracts fingerprints like a magnet. Moreover, I would not advocate the gadget to professionals with heavy workloads. You are higher off shopping for a laptop computer with a devoted graphics card or a strong desktop.
HP Envy x360 specs: Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS | Show dimension: 16-inch 3K OLED touchscreen | Working system: Home windows 11 | Dimensions: 14.04 x 9.68 x 0.72 inches
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Why we prefer it: Galaxy smartphones make it extremely straightforward for customers to take high-quality movies, because of their superior digital camera expertise. These cellular gadgets include their very own modifying instruments, however if you wish to take issues to the following degree, I like to recommend the Galaxy Book5 Professional.
The laptop computer has many helpful options that may assist folks refine their creations. Fast Share enables you to seamlessly switch information out of your cellular gadget to the pc, the place you may then work on them. It sports activities a 16-inch AMOLED touchscreen able to outputting photographs at 3K decision and covers 120% of the DCI-P3 shade gamut. The show additionally runs at a refresh charge of 120Hz. Specs like these enable the Galaxy Book5 Professional to be excellent for shade grading and scrubbing by means of footage.
Add in 15.5 hours of battery life, an enormous touchpad, and a light-weight construct, and you’ve got a well-rounded video modifying machine.
Evaluate: Samsung Galaxy Book5 Professional
Who it is for: I strongly advocate this laptop computer to Galaxy house owners, particularly those that personal a Galaxy S25. Content material creators can report footage on their smartphone and edit it on their machine. Constructed-in Galaxy AI options like Picture Remaster and AI Choose add handy artistic instruments for sharpening visuals or discovering reference supplies.
I also needs to point out that the Galaxy Book5 Professional has first rate {hardware}, working on an Intel Core Extremely 7 256V chipset and 16GB of RAM.
Who ought to look elsewhere: If you happen to do not personal a Galaxy smartphone, I’d advocate one other laptop computer. You may nonetheless get lots out of the Galaxy Book5 Professional even in case you personal a non-Samsung telephone. The issue is you will not have the ability to use most of the options to their fullest extent. Plus, it is not all that totally different from the Galaxy Book5 Professional 360, which, on the time of this writing, is cheaper.
Samsung Galaxy Book5 Professional specs: Processor: Intel Core Extremely 7 256V | Show dimension: 14 inches AMOLED | Working system: Home windows 11 | Dimensions: 13.99 x 9.93 x 0.50 inches
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Why we prefer it: Gaming laptops additionally lend themselves very effectively to video modifying initiatives. These machines typically have among the finest {hardware} in the marketplace. The principle drawback with these computer systems is which you could’t take them into the workplace. Their vivid RGB lighting will be very distracting. Seeing a chance, Dell made a gaming laptop computer with the workplace employee in thoughts: the Alienware m16 R2.
It homes an Intel Core Extremely 9 185H processor and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 graphics card, a {hardware} pairing that may adeptly deal with heavy workloads. The colourful, 2K show runs at a refresh charge of 240Hz, which is ideal for content material creation because it allows clean on-screen animations. However what actually makes the laptop computer stand out is its considerate design. It isn’t as cumbersome as many different gaming laptops, and the Stealth Mode characteristic immediately turns off the RGB lighting for a extra skilled look.
Evaluate: Alienware m16 R2
Who it is for: The Alienware m16 R2 is a superb pc that balances energy with practicality. I’d advocate this to customers wanting top-tier efficiency whereas sustaining a clear, office-friendly look. In my expertise, few laptops can do each equally effectively, however not this machine. It is the exception to the rule.
Who ought to look elsewhere: I’d not advocate the Alienware m16 R2 to individuals who worth portability and longevity. The laptop computer is fairly chunky, clocking in at practically six kilos. It’s not very travel-friendly, and you will need to hold the charger shut by. Throughout my time testing it, the gadget solely lasted for about 6.5 hours earlier than tapping out.
Alienware m16 R2 specs: Processor: Intel Core Extremely 9 | Show dimension: 16 inches | Working system: Home windows 11 | Dimensions: 14.33 x 9.81 x 0.93 inches
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What are the tariffs within the U.S.?
The current U.S. tariffs on imports from nations like China, Vietnam, and India purpose to spice up home manufacturing however are more likely to drive up costs on shopper electronics. Merchandise like smartphones, laptops, and TVs might turn into costlier as firms rethink international provide chains and weigh the price of shifting manufacturing.
Laptops and PCs are additionally hit exhausting by the brand new U.S. tariffs, with import duties probably rising costs by as much as 35%. Many main manufacturers nonetheless depend on Chinese language and Vietnamese factories for meeting, which means shoppers may quickly pay considerably extra for all the pieces from price range Chromebooks to high-end gaming rigs.
These tariffs might speed up efforts to maneuver manufacturing to areas like Mexico or India, however customers can count on larger prices and fewer reductions within the quick time period.
Proper now, it seems like some tech could also be exempt from the issued tariffs, however because it’s at all times altering and creating, we’re maintaining a tally of it and can replace you on the most recent.
Newest info on video modifying laptops in 2025
Newest updates
- Within the June 2025 replace, I examined and added the HP EliteBook X G1a to the principle listing.
- Within the Could 2025 replace, I up to date the highest listing to incorporate extra detailed info for every of the principle entries.
Different laptops we have examined
Laptops Reviewed & In contrast
