Quick Breakdown: Best Laptops For Video Editing (2025)
Video editing isn’t light work — your laptop has to crunch huge files, run multiple streams, apply effects, and render smoothly without turning into a space heater.
This list covers the 5 best laptops for video editing in 2025, whether you’re using Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, or CapCut.
From YouTube creators to freelance editors, these laptops can handle high-res timelines, multicam projects, and full exports without melting down or lagging mid-cut.
1. MacBook Pro M4 (14") — Best Overall for Final Cut & Adobe Editing
This machine is built for creative pros — fast, stable, and dead silent under pressure.
• Why it’s great: Rips through 4K timelines, smooth with Final Cut, great battery for editing on the go.
• Specs: Apple M4 Pro chip, 11-core CPU, 14-core GPU, 16GB unified memory, 1TB SSD
• Pros: Stunning display, long battery, runs cool under load
• Cons: Expensive, limited port selection without a hub
Best For: Video editors using Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere who want smooth playback and exports without crashes.
2. ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16 — Best Windows Laptop for Pro-Level Editing
Spec’d out for creators who need pure GPU + CPU performance in a reliable workstation.
• Why it’s great: Built for editing, color grading, and 3D — tuned for Adobe CC, Resolve, Blender.
• Specs: AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX, RTX 4070, 32GB RAM, 2TB SSD
• Pros: Massive power, 100% DCI-P3 OLED, full-size ports
• Cons: Big and bulky, battery drains fast on GPU
Best For: Full-time editors working with 4K–8K footage, VFX artists, or anyone doing color-critical work.
3. Dell XPS 17 — Best for Multicam & Heavy Timelines
Handles huge projects, multiple streams, and heavy VFX layers like it’s nothing.
• Why it’s great: Large display, powerful internals, great for Premiere Pro and After Effects workflows.
• Specs: Intel Core i9–13900H, RTX 4060, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD
• Pros: Smooth for multicam, bright 17" display, clean design
• Cons: Big footprint, not ideal for travel
Best For: Editors working on client projects, weddings, documentaries, and media-heavy timelines.
4. MacBook Air M4 (13.6") — Best for Light Video Editing & Portability
If you’re editing on the move or doing short-form content, this one’s surprisingly capable.
• Why it’s great: Fanless but still runs Final Cut and Premiere smoothly for basic edits.
• Specs: Apple M4 chip, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB unified memory, 512GB SSD
• Pros: Ultra-light, silent, great battery life
• Cons: Struggles with 4K multicam or heavy rendering
Best For: YouTubers, students, or mobile editors cutting social content and short clips.
5. Lenovo Legion 5 Pro — Best Budget Pick With Dedicated GPU
Great power at a better price — ideal for editors on a budget who still want fast exports.
• Why it’s great: Solid CPU/GPU combo for under $1,500, handles DaVinci and Adobe well.
• Specs: AMD Ryzen 7 7745HX, RTX 4060, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD
• Pros: High refresh screen, upgradable RAM, plenty of ports
• Cons: Bulkier, loud fans when rendering
Best For: Entry-level editors or creators scaling up their workflow without spending $3K+.
What To Look For in a Laptop for Video Editing
Here’s what actually matters when choosing a machine for editing:
- CPU: M4 Pro, Ryzen 9, or Intel i7/i9 — for timeline and render speed
- GPU: RTX 4060 or better (or M4/M3 chip if you’re on a Mac)
- RAM: 16GB minimum (32GB ideal for multicam or effects-heavy projects)
- Storage: SSD — 1TB+ preferred if you shoot in 4K
- Display: Color-accurate, 100% sRGB or DCI-P3 if you’re color grading
- Ports: HDMI, USB-C, SD card reader = less dongle stress
- Battery: Not a priority for editing — but 6+ hours helps if you edit remotely
Final Thoughts: Best Laptop for Video Editing in 2025?
If you want a machine that just works, stays cool, and won’t choke on big timelines — go with the MacBook Pro M4.
Want a Windows beast with GPU muscle and OLED visuals? The ASUS ProArt StudioBook or Dell XPS 17 will carry the load.
Editing on the move or just getting started? The MacBook Air M4 or Legion 5 Pro both punch well above their price.
No matter what platform you edit on, these five laptops will help you cut faster, render smoother, and stay focused on the project — not the spinning wheel.