The 7 Best Laptops for Video Editing Under $1,000 Reviewed
If you need a laptop for video editing on a budget, have no fear. Affordable laptops capable of handling video editing are now available thanks to increases in technology. Whether you are using Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Cyberlink, we found the best laptops to meet the system requirements. An average computer may work for your needs, but the right computer will excel at editing footage and turning your work into a masterpiece.
When considering a laptop for video editing, you will need more RAM, a better GPU, plenty of storage space, decent sound, and a full HD monitor. Many of the laptops we found are gaming laptops as they include better hardware perfect for a myriad of uses. Find your perfect laptop and stay within budget – although you may need to hit the top of your budget – with the seven best options on the market.
Best Laptops for Video Editing Under $1,000
1. Apple MacBook Air
Edit videos with the New Apple MacBook Air with the new blazing fast M1 chip. The Air is extra quiet as the silicone processor doesn’t heat up like an Intel chip and doesn’t require a fan. Paired with less noise, the Dolby Atmos on the stereo speakers guarantees even better sound. While it’s an exceptionally amazing machine, it’s at the top of the budget but includes impressive features ready to help you make videos.
With an 8 core M1 chip processor, the 8GB of RAM goes farther and faster than any other laptop (except the new Macbook Pro). To get the lower price, the computer comes with just 256GB of storage space, but you have iCloud storage at your disposal. It’s still on a solid-state drive for impressive speeds. Also, the laptop includes necessities such as a microphone, multiple ports, webcam, and Bluetooth.
No other computer under a thousand boasts a battery life of 18 hours, making this our favorite pick. Moreover, the computer offers 13.3 inches of screen space while still being portable and weighing just three pounds. Apple even improved the GPU and CPU for incredible graphics.
Finally, the computer provides everything a video editor needs and wants except maybe a touchscreen. Honestly, the only problem with the laptop is it doesn’t have a numeric keypad, and you will need to use Rosetta 2 for some editing software. However, it works perfectly with Final Cut Pro. The computer comes with macOS and all of the accompanying software you know and love, along with the incredible Retina display.
- All-Day Battery Life – Go longer than ever with up to 18 hours of battery life.
- Powerful Performance – Take on everything from professional-quality editing to action-packed gaming with ease. The Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU delivers up to 3.5x faster performance than the previous generation while using way less power.
- Superfast Memory – 8GB of unified memory makes your entire system speedy and responsive. That way it can support tasks like memory-hogging multitab browsing and opening a huge graphic file quickly and easily.
- Stunning Display – With a 13.3 inch Retina display, images come alive with new levels of realism. Text is sharp and clear, and colors are more vibrant.
- Why Mac – Easy to learn. Easy to set up. Astoundingly powerful. Intuitive. Packed with apps to use right out of the box. Mac is designed to let you work, play, and create like never before.
2. Dell Inspiron
Dell beats the price of other computers and offers hardware you will love. With the Inspiron 17.3″ FHD Laptop Computer, run any software you need and even use the built-in CD drive to install the software if necessary. It’s the most affordable for the hardware option if you want to stay in the Windows-based computers.
Not only do you get a massive 17.3 inch full HD display, but it also includes WVA technology and anti-glare LED backlighting for typing in darker settings. However, what you really want to know about is the Intel quad-core i7 processor with an ultra-low-voltage platform. Add in 16GB of RAM with a 256GB solid-state drive for faster multi-tasking and access to anything you need. An Nvidia GeForce MX230 2GB graphics and video card makes editing a breeze.
Next, the computer provides a full numeric keypad for those who use the laptop for more than just video editing but also want to use it for gaming or running numbers. The laptop comes with all the necessary ports, stereo speakers, webcam, and microphone too perfect for meetings. Keep in mind that the laptop will have a shorter battery life thanks to all of the impressive hardware. Also, it’s heavy at over six pounds, which is still portable but on the heavy side for laptops.
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3. Lenovo Legion 5
One of the benefits of a gaming computer is the refresh rate. With the Lenovo Legion 5 Gaming Laptop, you get a refresh of deep colors at 144Hz for exceptional clarity. Another benefit is the laptop offers soft-landing switches for hair-trigger inputs, which are better for gaming but can definitely help with accuracy for video editing too.
If you prefer AMD to Intel, this is the perfect laptop for you as it includes an AMD Ryzen 7 mobile processor with plenty of speed, especially with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage on a solid-state drive. Coupled with an Nvidia GeForce GTX GPU with 6GB, the graphics will look amazing, especially on a large 15.6-inch screen with full HD and IPS display.
The laptop is ultra-thin, too, and fairly lightweight at just under 5.5 pounds. It offers WiFi 6 for fast connectivity too. Get a webcam, backlit keyboard, microphone, preloaded software, and Bluetooth. Another great feature is the laptop charges to fifty percent in under thirty minutes with Rapid Charge Pro and comes with long battery life with a dynamic discharge power management system.
Finally, the laptop delivers a full numeric keypad and Harmon Kardon speakers with Dolby Atmos headphone support. You get a wide selection of ports, too, including HDMI, audio, four USB ports, and much more. Start out with Windows 10 home, too, so all you need to do is wait for updates and install your preferred video editing software.
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- Welcome to the next generation of gaming performance with the AMD Ryzen 7 4800H mobile processor, 16GB 3200MHz DDR4 memory, and 512GB M.2 NVMe PCIe SSD storage
- Enjoy fast refresh and deep colors with a 144 Hz refresh rate and outstanding clarity on a 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080) IPS display
- The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti GPU is a blazing-fast supercharger for your favorite games and the newest titles
- Get maximum performance via Dual Burn Support, which pushes the CPU and GPU together for improved framerates, and Legion Coldfront 2.0 for thermal tuning
4. ASUS ZenBook Duo
Check out the computer of the future – the ASUS ZenBook Duo UX481 Laptop, which is perfect for video editing but at the top of the price range. The extended display is what makes this special, as the Screen Plus on the keyboard as it increases your visibility and allows for separation of open applications. Grab this deal quick before it flies off the shelves, thanks to the fantastic price disappears.
The computer provides a full-sized keyboard and a full trackpad with the numeric option on the trackpad. It will take a while to get used to the trackpad, which is off to the side and comes with two-click keys as well. Keep your video software on the main 14-inch screen and other necessary apps on the smaller keypad 12.6-inch matte screen.
Next, the Screen plus allows for handwriting and touchscreen mode for more functionality. Add in all of the specs for a stellar machine ready to make video editing much easier. Starting with an Intel i7 processor, GeForce Mx250 graphics card, 8GB of RAM, 512GB SSD, the computer can handle almost anything. We would love to see this model with 16GB of RAM, but the increase causes a significant price jump.
Last of all, the laptop provides dual fans and triple heat pipes to keep the computer cool even when running multiple applications at once. Add in WiFi 6, Bluetooth, a webcam, voice command capability with Alexa, Windows 10 Pro, and speakers for an even better machine. It’s lightweight, too, despite a military-grade case weighing just over 3.5 pounds.
- ScreenPad Plus: 12.6 inch matte touchscreen, giving your endless way to optimize your multitasking experience by extending the screen or split windows and apps on both displays
- 14 inch Full HD NanoEdge touchscreen glossy main display
- Latest 10th generation Intel Core i7-10510U Processor (8M Cache, up to 4.9 GHz) with NVIDIA GeForce MX250
- Detachable palm rest, sleeve and ASUS active stylus pen included
- Fast storage and memory featuring 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD with 16GB RAM
5. Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
The Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop is an affordable option with tons of features. However, it does not have an Intel i7 and instead comes with an i5, but it can work for many video editing needs but may take just a little longer. However, the processor is a 10th generation with up to 4.5GHz making it a very viable option. Moreover, the laptop includes a 15 inch widescreen HD and IPS display with a 144Hz refresh rate.
Continue the strong specs with an Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card with 4GB. Trust us, this computer will show your videos very clearly. Although, you will sacrifice speed with just 8GB of RAM for decent but not fantastic multi-tasking. Also, the solid-state drive provides 256GB, which means you may need to find external or cloud storage options.
With this affordable laptop, you can upgrade the RAM later when need with two easy-access slots with one open for more RAM. Also, the keyboard includes a full numeric keypad, and it’s backlit too. Add in Acer CoolBoost Technology with twin fans and quad exhaust ports. It may be a little loud but will definitely not overheat!
Lastly, the laptop comes with an impressive nine-hour battery and a low weight of just over five pounds. Add in WiFi 6, built-in stereo speakers, purified voice technology, dual microphones, and Bluetooth for a fantastic laptop. Enjoy extensive connectivity with multiple ports and Windows 10 Home too.
- 10th Generation Intel Core i5-10300H Processor (Up to 4.5GHz)
- 15" Full HD Widescreen IPS LED-backlit 144Hz Refresh Display | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Graphics with 4 GB of dedicated GDDR6 VRAM
- 8GB DDR4 2933MHz Memory | 256GB NVMe SSD (2 x PCIe M.2 Slots - 1 Slot Open for Easy Upgrades) & 1 - Available Hard Drive Bay
- LAN: Killer Ethernet E2600 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN | Wireless: Intel Wireless Wi-Fi 6 AX201 802.11ax
- Backlit Keyboard | Acer CoolBoost Technology with Twin Fans and Quad Exhaust Ports Design
6. ASUS TUF
While the 2020 Newest ASUS TUF Gaming Laptop hits the top of the price range, it comes with a full 1TB solid-state drive, which translates to more storage for your videos. Everything about this computer will work for video editing. Keep in mind, though, the box is opened to install upgrades to increase the value without increasing the cost.
The Tuf includes an AMD quad-core Ryzen 5 processor with up to 3.7GHz. It’s upgraded to include 16GB of RAM for short term multi-tasking memory too. The laptop also includes a dedicated 4GB Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card. All this with the upgrades SSD means you won’t need to replace this laptop for several years and can still keep up with the latest technology needs.
Furthermore, the laptop includes Windows 10 Home 64-bit ready to run on the 15.6 inches full HD LED display. It also houses WiFi 5, Bluetooth, a backlit keyboard, webcam, and a microphone. The laptop is lightweight, too, at under five pounds. It’s only lower on the list because the battery life is very short, and you may need to stay near an outlet when working on your videos
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7. ASUS ROG
The 2019 ASUS ROG G531GT 15.6″ FHD Premium Gaming Laptop sells out quickly as it’s last year’s model but with today’s hardware and a phenomenal price. Mind you, the price is at the top of the thousand dollar budget but comes with specs you will need for properly running any video editing software. As a gaming laptop, you get plenty of power on a Window’s based laptop with fun features like an RGB backlit keyboard.
Speaking of the keyboard, the Rog does save money by eliminating the numeric keypad. With a 9th gen 6-core Intel i7 processor and 16 GB of memory, the computer is exceptionally fast. Also, the Rog offers more long-term storage than the other options above, with 512GB on an SSD. Paired with the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 with 4GB, this laptop can handle any video or game, too, especially with the large 15.6-inch screen.
Moreover, the laptop includes a Windows 10 Home 64-bit, Bluetooth, HD audio with stereo speakers, and full HD widescreen display. However, the computer is lower on the list because it doesn’t have a webcam or microphone, which means you will need an external option for online meetings. Also, the battery life is short because of the hardware and will only last about four hours. It’s a little heavy, too, at just under five and a half pounds.
Buying Guide for Laptops for Video Editing Under $1,000
Video editing is demanding, especially for those on a budget. Let’s take a look at the key features you should pay focus on to make sure you get the best machine for your needs.
Recommended System Requirements
The hardware is one of the most important features of a laptop, especially power-hungry software like Adobe Premiere Pro and similar options. While you can make do with lower specs, we highly recommend an Intel i7 with 16 GB of RAM, a 4GB graphics card, and a 512GB solid-state drive. Most of the options on this list meet these needs with a few options with lower specs but a better price to keep people on budget with a variety of options.
For more information on system requirements for video editing, watch this video:
Battery Life
Battery life is a definite need for those who edit videos on the go, but most computers under a grand often come with much shorter battery life. Hardware with higher specs can drain batteries even faster, as can power-hungry software. If you cannot afford a laptop with an all-day battery, try to choose one that charges quickly. If access to power isn’t an issue, then you can worry more about other features and save a little money on the battery.
Screen & Display
As video editing is graphics intensive, we chose options with at least full HD display. Graphic cards were a major consideration for this list, too, as we did not put a single option on the list with subpar GPUs. If you want an even more impressive display like 4K or better, you will need to save up and increase your budget. While full HD is becoming standard, most computers do not offer increased screens without upping the price.
Another consideration for the screen is the screen size. The smaller the screen, the more portable it is but provides less visual space. We tried to keep the list full of larger screen options ready to work for most people and provide the best display. Consider which is more important to you, portability or space before purchasing.
Questions About Laptops for Video Editing Under $1,000
Will a Macbook Air with an Intel chip work as well as the M1 chip option?
The Macbook Air with the intel chip definitely works extremely well but lacks a fan and runs slower but not enough to discourage purchase. If you can find any Mac under a grand, then definitely consider purchasing as they are the preferred choice for video editing for most designers and companies. Also, macOS allows for Windows software, too but may require a little extra work with the Rosetta 2 to get it on the M1 chip laptop.
Should I check the software before picking a laptop?
Absolutely. Most software provides system requirements to help customers make the best decision. As some software requires specific operating systems or hardware, you can save yourself a lot of hassle looking first.
Do I need to worry about audio for my laptop?
Lower end computers do not always come with stellar sound but do include stereo speakers usually. While sound is important for video editing, it doesn’t need to be the top priority as you can always use external speakers instead of a higher quality. However, if you would rather better sound built-in, then consider saving up a little more and increasing the laptop for better sound options.
Conclusion
Video editing is processor intensive, but you can find decent options even on a budget. We love the new Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip as it offers the best specs, including the M1 Chip for incredible speeds and power. Also, it works with most software and offers the best battery life for its price range, not to mention the stunning Retina display with True Tone technology for impressive resolution.