Top 10 Best Laptops With Fast Rendering for Video Editing in 2020

Apparently, there are lots of best video editing laptops available right now. You are going to need one of the best laptops with fast rendering for video editing to work with raw HD or 4K video or to make special effects. While you are able to trim small clips with a cheap laptop, they will not boast a fast processor, a high-resolution display or a strong discrete graphics.

Top 10 Best Video Editing Laptops in 2020

1. Acer ConceptD 7

Description:

• CPU: Hexa-core Intel Core i7
• Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080
• RAM: up to 32GB
• Screen: 15.6-inch, 3840 x 2160 (UHD) IPS
• Storage: 1TB SSD
• SD card reader: No
• Thunderbolt 3: Yes

If you have got many cash to invest, the Acer ConceptD 7 is a series of laptops which have been fine-tuned for an editor or designer. Particularly, the ConceptD 7 laptop has gaming laptop power without any of the gaudy casing or attention-grabbing RGB lighting. Also, it is quiet, staying cool without loud fans whirring or roaring away.

This ideal for color grading. The Acer ConceptD 7’s 4K UHD display covers 100% of the Adobe RGB gamut. Aside from that, its color loyalty is Pantone validated, with a color accuracy of Delta E <2. With the latest Hexa-core i7 internals from Intel, an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 graphics card and up to 32GB RAM, whether you are processing out Full HD or 4K footage, this Acer’s ConceptD can make short work of it.

Pros:

• It is beautifully calibrated screen.
• It is not an RGB gaming light in sight.
• This is 4K screen.

Cons:

• This laptop is very expensive.
• There is no SD card slot.

2. Razer Blade 15

Description:

• CPU: Up to octa-core Intel Core i7
• Graphics: up to GeForce RTX 2080 Super
• RAM: 16GB
• Screen: 15.6-inch, 3840 x 2160 OLED/LCD
• Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
• SD card reader: Yes (Advanced model only)
• Thunderbolt 3: Yes

This is the best for showcasing 4K content. You have to know that the Razer Blade 15 is special in that it features an optional OLED display rather than a traditional LCD. With deep, inky blacks and punchy, vibrant colors, it looks incredible, and with its 4K resolution equating to a pixel density of 282 ppi, it is extremely perfect for editing your UHD content on. With its top-tier Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Super graphics, it is up to the task once it comes to the most demanding projects, and once you consider how lots of ports this thing has; three USB-A ports, one HDMI 2.0b port, one USB-C,a Thunderbolt 3 port, and a headphone jack, it is versatile too. If you choose for the base version, you get an Ethernet port for fast, wired internet, while the Advanced models trades this for a useful SD card reader instead.

The Razer Blade 15 is able to be specced with a fast 256 or 512GB SSD for storage. Even, the Advanced model is able to be had with a 1TB SSD. A lightweight sub 2.3 kg design and sleek finish still set the Blade apart externally.

Pros:

• 4K OLED display is stunning.
• It has a sleek matte metal design.

Cons:

• This laptop is very expensive.
• Top-end GPU not important for video editing.

3. Asus ROG Zephyrus G15

Description:

• CPU: Up to octa-core AMD Ryzen 9
• Graphics: GeForce RTX 2060
• Screen: 15.6-inch IPS (1920 x 1080)
• Storage: 1TB NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
• RAM: Up to 32GB
• SD Card Reader: No
• Thunderbolt 3: Yes

It is best for super-smooth video playback. This is a slim machine measures 36 x 25.2 x 1.99cm and it has weighs only 2.1kg. With a potent 8-core, 3 GHz AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS processor is simply to the job of intensive video rendering, specially once backed up by 16 or 32GB of RAM. Also, GPU-accelerated rendering will be speedy thanks to a fast Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 graphics card with 6GB VRAM.

However, the standout feature is the 15.6-inch FullHD 1920 x 1080 display. Its 240Hz refresh rate will create video and games play silky-smooth, while IPS display tech enables wide 178 x 178° viewing angles and 100% sRGB coverage for consistent color and contrast.

Pros:

• It has a power with portability.
• It has a super-fast screen refresh rate.

Cons:

• The screen color gamut not extremely wide.
• There is no built-in Card Reader.

4. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch

Description:

• CPU: 6/8-core Intel Core i7 up to Core i9
• Graphics: Radeon Pro 5300M-5500M
• RAM: Up to 64GB
• Screen: 16-inch, 3072 x 1920 IPS
• Storage: Up to 8TB SSD
• SD card reader: No
• Thunderbolt 3: Yes

This is the best track pad for editing. Based on the research, Apple’s MacBook line has become the industry standard for many editors and designers, and while that is in part down to a hangover from the prestige the brand has gathered with the industry in the last three decades. Also, it got a lot to do with Mac OS and Apple’s incredible track pad.

For your information, the latest 16-inch MacBook Pro is able to be specced with anything up to a 9th generation, octa-core Intel Core i9 processor, a whopping 64GB of RAM and Radeon Pro 5500M graphics. However an entry-level 16-inch MacBook Pro will keep you going whether you are working through large edits or complex after effects projects. The MacBook’s context sensitivity is what really manages it apart though. For instance, the Touch Bar, a touch-sensitive horizontal screen above the keyboard, alters depending on what app you are using. In Premiere Pro, for instance, it comes quick options to scrub through footage, showcase keyboards and more.

Meantime, the laptop’s trackpad vibrates once interacting with different elements in different apps. It offers you haptic feedback, for instance, when one clip you are dragging snaps to another in video editing applications. Combined with up to an 8TB SSD and a gorgeous display. It is no wonder lots of people love it. You are going to need deep pockets though. At close to £3,000 / $4,000 for the highest specced machine. Even, it is possible to spend around £/$6000 if you max out the options list.

Pros:

• It has a context-sensitive touch bar.
• This is a best trackpad for editing

Cons:

• This laptop is very expensive when specced up.
• There is no SD card slot.

5. Microsoft Surface Book 3 – 15 inch

Description:

• CPU: Quad-core 10th Gen Intel Core i7-1065G7
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti Max-Q
• RAM: 16GB
• Screen: 15.4-inch, 3240 x 2160 IPS
• Storage: 256GB – 1TB SSD
• SD card reader: Yes
• Thunderbolt 3: No

We get information that the Microsoft Surface Book 3 is an incredible feat of engineering, with an electro-magnetic latch which securely connects the tablet section to the keyboard without a wiggle or a wobble in sight. The laptop is able to be specced up to become the ultimate editing device with Intel Core i7 graphics and up to 1TB SSD storage. Also, it has an SD card reader in the keyboard section, and supports pen input, whether you are using it as a laptop or tablet. With Nvidia GTX 1660 Ti graphics, the Microsoft Surface book 15-inch is also able to manage advanced 3D gaming, video edits, and take After Effects renders in its stride. Thanks to a stunningly sharp, vibrant, 15-inch 3240 x 2160 PixelSense display with a 1600:1 contrast ratio, everything it showcases looks stellar. The overall experience is rounded off with amazing battery life of up to 17.5 hours and ultimate versatility as a package, the Microsoft Surface Book 3 is one of the most impressive bits of tech we have  ever used.

Pros:

• 2 in 1 (Tablet and laptop).
• It has a stunning design.

Cons:

• This laptop is expensive.
• There is no Thunderbolt 3 port.

6. Dell XPS 15

Description:

• CPU: Up to 10th-gen octa-core Intel Core i9
• Graphics: Up to Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650Ti
• RAM: Up to 64GB
• Screen: 15.6-inch, 3840 x 2160 touchscreen
• Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
• SD card reader: Yes
• Thunderbolt 3: Yes

The Dell XPS 15 is the best laptops for 4K edits. This is the 4K OLED-screened laptop to go for if you are not into gaming. While it utilizes an identically specced display to the Razer Blade 15, that is also in this roundup, its design and feature set are better suited to video editing. For the starters, it has an SD card slot, and up to Intel Core i9 power, not to mention up to a 64GB RAM. With up to 1TB solid state storage, it is also an ideal machine to have once ingesting gigabytes of 4K content.

While its Nvidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics are not going to stack up against several the top-tier competition, thanks to the Thunderbolt 3 port you are able to supplement it with an external, desktop GPU for more demanding projects and for quick edits on the fly, it will be more than up to the task.

Pros:

• It has the jaw-dropping OLED screen.
• There is SD card reader.

Cons:

• It is not class-leading GPU for the price.
• It is not good choice for battery life.

7. HP ZBook Studio X360

Description:

• CPU: Up to octa-core Intel Core i9
• Graphics: Up to NVIDIA Quadro P2000
• RAM: Up to 64GB
• Screen: 15.6-inch, (3840 x 2160) IPS
• Storage: Up to 4TB SSD (2x 2TB drives)
• SD card slot: Yes
• Thunderbolt 3: Yes

The HP ZBook Studio X360 is a good option for an editor who requires maxed-out specs, portability and versatility. If you dig into HP’s workstation configurator, it is able to be specced up to include a whopping 64GB RAM, Intel Core i9 power and 4TB of SSD storage (comprised of 2x 2TB SSDs). Its screen folds back over itself to present a tablet form factor. Thanks to the Wacom digitizer under the display the included pen delivers 4096 levels of pressure sensitivity which is perfect for anyone who requires to illustrate elements of their animations or video edits.

This is available with a range of display options, peaking with the 4K Dream Color panel. Besides, it covers 100% of the Adobe RGB gamut, covering one billion colors and featuring a max brightness of 600 nits, all top of the line credentials. You are able to combine all that with an SD card slot and a solid array of ports. This HP ZBook Studio X360 can well justify its high asking price if you require an incredibly versatile, powerful machine.

Pros:

• The dream Color display is very sensational.
• There is Wacom pen input.

Cons:

• This laptop is very expensive.
• This is not class-leading GPU for the price.

8. Acer Predator Helios 300 15

Description:

• CPU: Hexa-core Intel Core i7
• Graphics: Up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070
• RAM: Up to 32GB
• Screen: 15.6-inch, 1920 x 1080 IPS
• Storage: Up to 1TB SSD + 2TB HDD
• SD card reader: No
• Thunderbolt 3: No

This is best for affordable gaming and video editing. According to the research, Acer’s Helios line convey gaming power at a comparatively affordable price once looking at the competition, especially given how much is crammed into those laptops. Also, that means video professionals are able to benefit from its clout without necessarily breaking the bank.

This laptop available with Intel Core i7 power coupled with up to 32GB RAM in its top of the line guise, it will be able to rival some of the best laptops around. Thanks to ample storage which up to a 1TB SSD plus a 2TB hard disk drive. It is really perfect option for 4K footage hoarders. Like some other gaming laptops, there is a Turbo button that you are able to hit to overclock performance for intense editing bouts. Aside from that, there is also granular control over the fan. Therefore, you are able to ramp it up or down depending on whether you are in the mood for a cool laptop or a quiet workspace.

Pros:

• The laptop is comparatively affordable.
• It is a great GPU option.

Cons:

• There is no thunderbolt 3.
• There is no SD Card Reader.

9. Huawei Matebook X Pro

Description:

• CPU: Quad-core Intel Core i5 – i7
• Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics, NVIDIA GeForce MX250
• RAM: 16GB
• Screen: 13.9-inch, 3000 x 2000 LTPS
• Storage: Up to 1TB SSD
• SD card slot: No
• Thunderbolt 3 port: Yes

Huawei MateBook X Pro is a MacBook alternative with a difference. For your information, the difference being, it really out MacBooks the MacBook in some key areas. It packs a exquisite metal build, biometric security and excellent speakers considering how thin it is, feeling more like Apple’s Air than its Pro. Meantime, it still sets to get an 8th-gen i7 processor loaded up inside and a full-sized USB port. Therefore, you will not have to carry a dongle with you.

Remind its size, it is excusable that there is not a beefier graphics card inside for heavy edits, however the GeForce MX250 is up to light to moderate editing work. Thanks to its Thunderbolt 3 port it is able to be supplemented with an external GPU once you really require to power up your performance. With up to 1TB SSD storage, 16GB RAM, and a stunning 3000 x 2000 touch-sensitive display, if you require something thin and light this Huawei MateBook X Pro is certainly worthy of your consideration. Unfortunately, its pop-up webcam, while amazing from a security point of view, it is frankly terrible for video calls.

Pros:

• It has sharp and bright touchscreen.
• Over 90% screen fascia.

Cons:

• There is no SD card slot.
• A pop-up camera is very terrible.

10. Lenovo ThinkPad P53 (15-inch)

Description:

• CPU: Quad-core Intel Core i5 – octa-core Intel Core i9
• Graphics: Up to NVIDIA Quadro RTX 5000 in 2019 model
• RAM: Up to 128GB
• Screen: 15.6-inch, (3840 × 2160) LTPS
• Storage: Up to 6TB SSD
• SD card slot: Yes
• Thunderbolt 3 port: Yes

For those who are running a business and your video editors do not require MacBooks, this Lenovo ThinkPad P53 is a great laptop with incredibly capable internals. This is available in options ranging from an entry-level configuration that can manage basic edits, through to a supercharged version capable of tackling huge 4K masterpieces, it is as versatile as your business needs it to be.

Apparently, this is one of the only laptops on our list with an Ethernet port, also the latest version features two Thunderbolt 3 ports and a SIM tray for fast 4G speeds on the go. For editors who work with HDR content the P53’s optional Dolby Vision 4K touch display is on another level, with tones that other laptops are going to completely miss. With a huge choice of customization options (with up to 128GB of RAM is possible, along with an incredible 6TB storage space courtesy of three separate SSD drives), this laptop will be able to fly through edits and give you many space to store them.

Pros:

• It has Dolby Vision or OLED 4K screen option.
• Massively powerful once specced up.
• There is SD card slot.

Cons:

• Bulky
• This laptop is uninspired design.
• This laptop is very expensive.

How to select the best video editing laptop?

Selecting the best video editing laptop for you depends on some things. One is your budget. How much are you willing to spend? And another is what you will be using it for. Of course you are video editing, but are you easily trimming small clips in 720p? Or are you editing massive projects in 4K? Your answer will be able to decide what type of system you require.

For those who want to get into video editing as a hobby, we suggest you to select a cheap gaming laptop. It will allow you a decent amount of power. You are going to get a feel if you want to stick with video editing for the future. While if you are a professional which requires a top of the line video editing laptop, you have to select a sharper and brighter display to get your work done, that can cost a pretty penny. So, when you are purchasing a video editing laptop, you are able to ask yourself, how much do you actually require it?

How you test the best video editing laptop? 

There is a number of tests which we run on video editing laptops to ensure that they are up to par with our standards, such as Geekbench, that measures the overall performance of the CPU, and also the HandBrake video editing test, that specifies how long a laptop takes to transcode a video from 4K to 1080p. To test the GPU, you are able to use synthetic benchmarks like 3DMark Fire Strike or 3DMark Ice Storm Unlimited. You have to note that performance is not the only thing you have to worry about once you are looking to purchase a video editing laptop. Aside from that, we also take into account the display, especially the resolution, the sRGB color gamut coverage and average number of nits which its panel will produce. The content is frequently consumed on phones with OLED screens or huge colorful TVs, so you have to ensure that you are able to see what your users can be seeing when you are editing videos.