Best Video Editing Laptops Under $1500
When it comes to video editing, having a powerful laptop is key. You need a device that can handle heavy software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve with ease. For under $1500, it’s still possible to get a high-performing laptop that can manage tasks like 4K video editing, color grading, and rendering without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re a professional editor, content creator, or an aspiring YouTuber, a good laptop will make all the difference. The right choice balances power, portability, display quality, and features like a strong processor, ample RAM, and good graphics. Below are my top 4 picks, offering excellent value in terms of performance, battery life, and design.
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Best Video Editing Laptops Under $1500:
1. MSI GL65 Leopard 10SFK-062
2. MSI GF65 Thin 10UE-091
3. Acer Nitro 5 (Core i7–9750H RTX 2060)
4. SAMSUNG 16" Galaxy Book4 Pro
1. MSI GL65 Leopard 10SFK-062
The MSI GL65 Leopard is a high-performance laptop designed for gamers and video editors alike. Its Intel Core i7–10750H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 graphics card make it capable of handling complex tasks, from video editing to 3D rendering.
Display: 15.6-inch Full HD, 144Hz refresh rate (great for smooth visuals).
RAM: 16GB (upgradeable to 64GB), plenty for heavy multitasking.
Storage: 512GB SSD, fast access to your files but might need external storage for large projects.
Battery Life: About 2 hours (better for home/stationary use).
Other Features: RGB keyboard and Intel Wi-Fi 6 for faster connections.
This laptop is great for those looking for power on a budget, though it’s not the most portable due to its weight.
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2. MSI GF65 Thin 10UE-091
The MSI GF65 Thin is a sleek and lightweight option for video editors who need power on the go. It’s equipped with the Intel Core i7–10750H and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060, which ensures smooth performance even for demanding tasks like video rendering and gaming.
Display: 15.6-inch Full HD, 144Hz refresh rate for crisp visuals.
RAM: 8GB (expandable for heavier workflows).
Storage: 512GB SSD, offering fast load times but could be expanded.
Battery Life: Moderate.
Weight: 4.1 pounds — this is one of the more portable video editing laptops.
While it has a slightly smaller RAM, its powerful processor and RTX 3060 graphics make it a solid choice for creators who need mobility.
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3. Acer Nitro 5 (Core i7–9750H RTX 2060)
The Acer Nitro 5 is a fantastic laptop for video editing and gaming, thanks to its powerful Intel Core i7–9750H processor and NVIDIA RTX 2060 graphics card. It’s great for tasks like 4K editing and real-time rendering.
Display: 15.6-inch Full HD, 144Hz refresh rate.
RAM: 16GB, excellent for smooth performance while multitasking.
Storage: 256GB SSD, but there’s room for upgrades with an open slot for more storage.
Battery Life: Around 8 hours — better for longer editing sessions.
Cooling: Built-in cooling system with twin fans, ensuring it stays cool even during intensive tasks.
This laptop offers good cooling, making it suitable for longer editing sessions without overheating.
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4. Samsung 16" Galaxy Book4 Pro
The Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro stands out for its sleek design and high-end display, making it a great choice for video editors who need portability without sacrificing power. Its Intel Core Ultra 7 processor and Intel ARC graphics offer a smooth editing experience, especially on the laptop’s beautiful 3K AMOLED touchscreen.
Display: 16-inch 3K AMOLED (2880 x 1800), ideal for color accuracy in video editing.
RAM: 16GB, ensuring fast and efficient multitasking.
Storage: 1TB SSD — plenty of space for large video files.
Battery Life: Excellent battery life, lasts throughout a full workday.
Weight: Just 3.44 lbs, very portable.
This laptop is perfect if you’re looking for a lightweight yet powerful laptop with a stunning display for on-the-go editing.
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Things to Consider Before Buying:
Processor: An Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 is recommended for heavy video editing.
RAM: At least 16GB is ideal for multitasking and smooth video rendering.
GPU: A dedicated GPU, like NVIDIA’s RTX series, will make a big difference in editing performance, especially for 4K video.
Display: A high-quality screen with good color accuracy is crucial for video editing.
Storage: Opt for at least 512GB SSD to handle large video files, though external storage may still be needed for bigger projects.
Conclusion:
When choosing the best video editing laptop under $1500, the focus should be on performance, portability, and display quality. The MSI GL65 Leopard and MSI GF65 Thin offer solid performance, while the Acer Nitro 5 provides smooth visuals and efficient cooling for extended editing sessions. For those who want a lightweight and stylish option with a beautiful display, the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro is an excellent choice. Each of these laptops can handle demanding video editing tasks while staying within your budget.
FAQs
1. Is a 16GB RAM laptop good for video editing?
16GB is enough for editing 1080p projects or 4K files with minimum effects.
2. Is the RTX 4050 good for video editing?
The RTX 4050 is quite powerful as an upper mid-range laptop GPU, though it’s not the most high-end option available.
3.What is the best budget laptop for streaming and video editing?
ASUS TUF Dash F15
4.Is the GTX or RTX better for editing?
The RTX line-up of the Nvidia graphics card is certainly better than the GTX one as far as video editing is concerned.
