Best Laptops for Video Editing and Animation (Jan 2024)

Best Video Editing Laptop for Professionals on the Move

CPU: M2 chip | GPU: Apple 10-core GPU | Hard Disk Size: 512GB SSD | RAM Memory Size: 16GB

The Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15“ is a remarkable blend of portability and performance, making it an ideal choice for professionals who require a lightweight yet powerful laptop for tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and on-the-go productivity.

Upon first handling the MacBook Air, its slim profile and light weight of approximately 3.3 pounds stood out, facilitating effortless mobility during travels and commutes.

The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display delivers exceptional color accuracy and clarity, enhancing the experience of editing videos and viewing high-resolution content.

Powered by the M3 chip with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, the MacBook Air efficiently manages demanding applications like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro.

The 16GB of unified memory ensures smooth multitasking, allowing seamless transitions between various software and tasks without performance degradation.

The 512GB SSD provides ample storage for project files and media, though users handling extensive libraries may consider external storage solutions.

A notable feature is the impressive battery life, offering up to 18 hours of usage, supporting extended work sessions without the need for frequent charging.

Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports and a MagSafe 3 charging port, which, while efficient, may necessitate adapters or hubs for multiple peripheral connections.

The Magic Keyboard with Touch ID enhances security and user experience, providing quick and secure access to the system.

In summary, the Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15″ offers a compelling package for professionals seeking a lightweight, high-performance laptop.

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Best Lightweight Laptop

6. ASUS ROG Strix G16 — Best Cooling System

Best Laptop for Video Editing and Graphic Design with Advanced Cooling System

CPU: Intel i9 13th Gen | GPU: RTX 4070 | Hard Disk Size: 1TB PCIe SSD | RAM Memory Size: 16 GB

As an artist or creative professional who has struggled with laptops overheating during intense design sessions, I can attest to the capabilities of the ASUS ROG Strix G16 as a video editing laptop. When using it, the innovative cooling system was a major relief, especially during extended periods of graphic design and video editing.

The core of the Strix G16’s impressive performance is its ROG Intelligent Cooling system. It features Thermal Grizzly’s Conductonaut Extreme liquid metal on the CPU and an extra third intake fan, creating a highly effective system for getting rid of heat. This cooling design ensured the laptop stayed cool and functioned at its best, even when I was working on high-resolution video rendering or complex 3D modeling software.

The laptop is powered by the powerful 13th Gen Intel Core i9-13980HX processor, which excels in CPU-heavy tasks and multitasking. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 at 140W Max TGP offers extraordinary graphics capabilities, something I particularly appreciated for my 3D and animation software projects. Additionally, its 16GB DDR5-4800MHz memory and 1TB PCIe 4×4 SSD made for quick application loading and smooth multitasking.

For those in creative fields, a good display is crucial, and the ROG Strix G16 delivers. It has a fast FHD 165Hz panel with full coverage of the sRGB color spectrum. This was especially beneficial in my digital painting work, where accurate colors are essential. The inclusion of Dolby Vision and Adaptive-Sync support further improved the visual experience with vibrant and smooth images.

However, there were some drawbacks. The laptop’s size and weight made it less convenient for travel. Also, while the FHD resolution is adequate for many everyday tasks, it might not meet the needs of professionals who require a higher screen resolution.

In summary, my experience with the ASUS ROG Strix G16 was largely positive. Its excellent cooling system, potent processor, superior graphics, and high-quality display make it a strong choice for creative endeavors. Despite its few cons, such as bulkiness and screen resolution, the advantages significantly outweigh the disadvantages, particularly for those who value performance and efficient cooling.

“The Asus ROG Strix G16 is a great all-round 16-inch gaming laptop, being powerful, exceptionally stylish, and packed with useful features.” [Dominic Bayley, pcworld]

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Best Cooling System

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7. MSI Katana 15 — Best for Content Creation

Best Laptop for Video Editing and 3D Rendering

CPU: i7 13th Gen | GPU: RTX 4070 | Hard Disk Size: 1TB NVMe | RAM Memory Size: 16GB RAM

The sleek and simplistic design of the MSI Katana 15 initially caught my eye, but it was the powerhouse within that truly made a lasting impression.

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, backed by the Ada architecture, was a standout feature during my time with the Katana 15. It effortlessly handled everything from video editing to graphic design, rendering complex visuals with a level of realism and speed that was nothing short of impressive.

The 15.6″ FHD display was another aspect that greatly benefited my content creation. The clarity and color accuracy of the screen made it ideal for fine-tuning visual details. However, I did observe that the peak brightness could be a bit limiting, especially when working in bright environments, which slightly affected color grading tasks.

Equipped with a 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, the laptop handled multitasking with ease. Whether I was editing videos, streaming content, or running multiple applications simultaneously, the processor ensured a smooth and lag-free experience. This was particularly crucial during tight deadlines when efficiency was key.

The DDR5-4000 memory and Thunderbolt 4 ports significantly enhanced the laptop’s performance, especially in terms of data transfer speeds. As someone who frequently worked with large video files, the fast data transfer capabilities saved me considerable time and frustration.

One area where the MSI Katana 15 fell short was its color gamut. For content creators who require precise color accuracy for detailed work, this could be a concern. While it didn’t completely impede my creative endeavors, it was an aspect I had to adapt to, especially when color fidelity was paramount.

In retrospect, the MSI Katana 15 proved to be a valuable asset in my content creation toolkit, enabling me to push the boundaries of my creativity. Though I no longer use the Katana 15, the impact it had on my work during our time together remains evident in the quality and efficiency of my projects.

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Best for Content Creation

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8. New Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5 — Best for 3D Rendering

Best Video Editing Laptop for 3D Modeling and Rendering

CPU: Intel Core i7-13700H | GPU:  NVIDIA RTX A1000 | Hard Disk Size: 512 GB SSD | RAM Memory Size: 16GB RAM

Next on my list is the Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5, which impressed me with its video editing capabilities– especially when it comes to 3D rendering and modeling.

Central to its performance is the 13th Generation Intel Core i7-13700H Processor, which provides all the necessary power for 3D rendering, ensuring seamless multitasking and rapid processing. The Windows 11 Pro 64 operating system complemented this power, offering a stable and efficient platform for my 3D rendering software.

The NVIDIA RTX A1000 Laptop GPU with 6GB GDDR6 stood out significantly. It wasn’t just suitable for video editing; its robust rendering capabilities were crucial for real-time 3D visualization and rendering. This GPU allowed me to work on detailed 3D models and animations effortlessly, providing the smooth performance needed for high-resolution rendering tasks.

Memory and storage are crucial in 3D rendering, and the ThinkPad P1 excelled in this regard. With 16 GB DDR5-5600MHz memory and a 512 GB SSD, I experienced swift access to large 3D files and smooth operation of demanding rendering software. 

The 16″ WUXGA (1920×1200) IPS, Anti-Glare screen was another highlight. For 3D rendering, accurate color reproduction and a wide screen are essential, and this display delivered precisely that. The comfort of the low blue light feature was noticeable during long rendering sessions, reducing eye fatigue.

Using the 1080P FHD IR/RGB Hybrid camera, I had many seamless client presentations and collaborative sessions for my 3D rendering projects. The reliable 170W AC Adapter further kept the laptop powered throughout intense rendering processes.

For connectivity, the availability of Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI 2.1 ports was beneficial for attaching additional monitors, graphic cards, and high-speed storage devices, essential for a streamlined 3D rendering workflow. The rapid charge feature of the 90Whr battery, providing significant power in a short time, was critical during continuous work.

However, the laptop’s weight of 1.78kg was occasionally a challenge, especially when I needed to work remotely. The 300 nits brightness, while adequate for indoor work, posed difficulties in brightly lit environments.

In summary, Lenovo ThinkPad P1 Gen 5’s processing power, advanced graphics, and thoughtful design elements make it a reliable choice for professionals engaged in high-end video editing and 3D graphics work.

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Best for 3D Rendering

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9. SAMSUNG 16″ Galaxy Book3 Pro — Best Laptop with Extensive Connectivity

Best Video Editing Laptop for Elaborate Workspace Setup

CPU: i7 – 13th Gen | GPU: Iris Xe Graphics | Hard Disk Size: 1TB SSD | RAM Memory Size: 32GB

If you’ve ever found yourself scrambling for more ports and seamless connectivity in your creative endeavors, the Samsung 16″ Galaxy Book3 Pro might just be the device you’ve been looking for.

For starters, Galaxy Book3 Pro’s wealth of connectivity options significantly streamlined my workflow. Its suitability for video editors, animators, and graphic designers stems not only from its technical prowess but also from its ability to integrate effortlessly into a multi-device environment.

The core of the Galaxy Book3 Pro’s appeal lies in its 13th Gen Intel® Core™ i7 processor, complemented by a substantial 32GB of RAM. This combination ensures the smooth running of demanding applications, a feature I heavily relied on during intense video editing sessions and 3D modeling tasks.

Additionally, the Intel Evo platform gave a significant boost to my workflow and overall productivity– allowing me to switch between creative software without any lag.

Its 16-inch display, boasting a 2880 x 1800 resolution, was a delight for detailed graphic work. I found the clarity and color accuracy indispensable for precise edits and designs. Additionally, the eye care feature was a godsend during long work hours, helping to reduce eye strain.

However, my time with the Galaxy Book3 Pro wasn’t without its challenges. The laptop’s tendency to warm up under heavy usage was occasionally a cause for concern, particularly during long rendering tasks. Also, the built-in speakers, while adequate for general use, fell short of the mark for professional audio editing, necessitating the use of external speakers or headphones.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro stands out as a top-tier choice for creative professionals. Its blend of power, high-quality display, and exceptional connectivity options make it an excellent investment for those in video editing, animation, and graphic design.

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Best with Extensive Connectivity

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10. HP 2024 Envy 17.3″ Copilot AI Laptop — Best Budget Laptop

Best Budget Laptop for Video Editing

CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (16-core) | GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 | Hard Disk Size: 1TB SSD | RAM Memory Size: 32GB DDR5

The HP Envy 17 (2024) is a compelling choice for professionals seeking a budget-friendly laptop capable of handling video editing and graphic design tasks.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, with its 16 cores and a turbo frequency of up to 4.8 GHz, efficiently manages demanding tasks such as video rendering and multitasking.

Equipped with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 GPU featuring 4 GB of dedicated GDDR6 memory, the Envy 17 delivers solid performance for video editing and graphic-intensive applications, ensuring smooth playback and rendering.

The 32GB DDR5 RAM facilitates seamless multitasking, allowing users to run multiple applications simultaneously without performance degradation.

The 1TB SSD provides ample storage for large project files, enabling quick access and efficient file management.

The 17.3-inch display offers a spacious workspace, enhancing productivity during editing sessions. However, the Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution may not meet the needs of professionals requiring ultra-high-resolution displays for detailed work.

While the Envy 17’s larger size accommodates a more expansive display and additional ports, it also results in increased weight and reduced portability compared to more compact laptops.

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Best Budget Laptop

HP 2024 Envy 17

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12/31/2024 07:37 am GMT