7 Best Laptops for Editing Youtube Videos in 2024

This is a guide to the best laptops for editing YouTube videos for Mac and Windows users.

With many YouTube content creators working on the move, a great laptop for editing is an essential part of their workflow.

While you don’t need a top-of-the-line processor to edit YouTube videos, your device must meet certain performance requirements.

I’ve been editing videos for several years using basic editing software such as VideoPad and more advanced programs like DaVinci Resolve.

Choosing a laptop with the right specs can make the difference between a smooth editing workflow and hours of frustration.

In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know when choosing a laptop for YouTube video editing.

I’ll also cover a range of suggested laptops that suit different budgets and requirements to help you choose the best for your needs.

What is the Best Best Laptop for Editing Youtube Videos in 2024?

MacBook Pro 16″ (M1 or M2)

The MacBook Pro 16″ laptop has long been considered the gold standard for portable computing, widely used by professional video editors.

Opt for the MacBook Pro 16″ with an M1 processor, and you’ll have plenty of power and efficiency to handle the most demanding YouTube editing.

While the M1 is incredibly fast, upgrade to the M2, and you’ll be working with one of the best laptops for video editing on the market, particularly if you’re rendering 3D effects.

Both versions offer impressive battery life for editing on the move, while the crisp and well-rounded built-in speakers offer stunning audio fidelity for their size.

The MacBook Pro 16″ laptop is also an exceptionally quiet performer, even when rendering out big videos and running additional programs in the background.

It’s an outstanding laptop for YouTube video editing, even if you don’t fork out extra for the M2, as the late-model 2019 version is a powerhouse in its own right.

• Best Video Editing Software for YouTube

ASUS Studiobook 16 OLED (Best Windows)

Designed first and foremost for content creators, the ASUS Studiobook 16 OLED is in many ways comparable to the MacBook Pro 16″ laptop.

It comes with a powerful CPU capable of handling processor-intensive workloads with consistently quiet and cool performance.

When it comes to YouTube video editing, the ASUS Studiobook 16 OLED’s 4K display delivers in spades, with full high color gamut coverage for image accuracy.

Despite this impressive power, everything is packaged in a surprisingly small and compact body, with keyboard size sacrificed to make space for its physical dial.

The ASUS dial is something of a game-changer for a video editing laptop, particularly when using software from the Adobe Creative Suite, such as Premiere Pro and After Effects.

It can be set up to easily alter various video editing elements, from browsing through layers and moving through a timeline to adjusting the time axis.

This combination of outstanding performance with the tactile dial makes the ASUS Studiobook 16 OLED the best Windows laptop for YouTube video editing.

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MAINGEAR Vector Pro 2  17.3″ (Best Deal)

Maingear is one of the lesser-known laptop brands on the market. It’s best known for its custom-built desktop computers and comfortable gaming chairs.

The advent of the Maingear Vector Pro 2 looks set to enhance its reputation, delivering high-end performance at a more attractive price point than its closest rivals.

This fantastic laptop comes highly recommended for both gaming and YouTube video editing tasks thanks to its rock-solid performance and beautiful display.

Powered by an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070, it features 32 GB RAM capable of handling extensive editing and rendering, and features a plethora of ports for extended connectivity.

Meanwhile, the display delivers a 2560 x 1440 pixel resolution and a 165Hz refresh rate – more than capable of editing YouTube videos in your resolution of choice.

Slightly underperforming speakers and the inability to charge through the Thunderbolt port are two minor downsides on an otherwise excellent laptop for video editing.

• Best Webcams for YouTube

Another quality Windows-based laptop that’s more than capable of performing any video editing tasks is the HP 16″ ZBook Studio G9.

This powerful laptop is available in a variety of configuration options, with an impressive 16:10 4K OLED screen for reference-quality images.

This high-end fidelity is matched with the integrated Bang & Olufsen speakers that serve up plenty of bass and a solid blend of overall tones.

The HP 16″ ZBook Studio G9 comes with an Intel Core i9 H series processor and up to 4TB of SSD storage, which is ideal for large-scale projects requiring plenty of space.

Additional storage space is possible thanks to the array of ports, including a MicroSD card slot and a pair of Thunderbolt ports to expand your screen coverage.

Those with money to spare can upgrade to the current G10, but for everyone else, the G9 model is enough for all but the most demanding video editing and motion graphics.

MacBook Air M2 (Best Battery)

While the MacBook Pro 16 (above) represents the pinnacle of Apple’s laptop manufacturing, few people can afford the high price it commands.

Enter the MacBook Air 2, which retains the M2 chip for outstanding performance but comes at a significantly lower price point.

Featuring an exceptional design that keeps bulk and weight to a minimum, the MacBook Air 2 remains a highly capable laptop for light video editing and more complex tasks.

Reliably fast while remaining silent during operation, its extensive battery life makes it among the best laptops for video editing on the go.

The base model comes with an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 8GB of memory, and 256GB SSD storage, which is plenty of oomph for basic YouTube video editing.

If its price puts you off, you can pick up a renewed version of the M2 model for under $900, or pick up a new M1 model for around the same price.

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HP Victus 15 Gaming Laptop (Best Budget Choice)

Many commendable gaming laptops are highly recommended for video editing, with the HP Victus 15 gaming laptop a great example of this crossover appeal.

While it lacks the raw power of its more expensive rivals, the 512 GB of storage and 8 GB internal memory are suitable for light editing with basic editing software.

Since this is first and foremost a gaming laptop, it comes with enough graphics and processing power to run modern games, which is what counts when editing video.

It also includes a 12th-generation Intel Core i5-12500H processor that’s designed for multitasking, as well as a great cooling system for prolonged editing sessions.

The 15.6-inch display included with the HP Victus 15 is nice and sharp considering the low price point, with a consistent 144H refresh rate and accurate colors for grading tasks.

If you’re a casual video editor looking for a budget laptop for editing YouTube videos, the HP Victus 15 will help you achieve great results without breaking the bank.

Lenovo 2022 Legion 5 (Best Gaming Laptop For Editing)

Like the HP Victus, the Lenovo 2022 Legion 5 is a gaming-first laptop that delivers the power and performance needed for editing YouTube videos.

One of the more affordable laptops on the market for gaming, it’s capable of packing a punch thanks to its Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics processor and Intel Core i7 CPU.

Its design, while on the large side, is robust and durable, so if you’re editing YouTube videos while traveling, it’ll stand up to the most demanding commutes and baggage handlers.

There are also plenty of ports to enhance its functionality, including multiple USB ports, an HDMI output, and an audio jack for checking sound without disturbing your fellow travelers.

Perhaps the main downside to the Lenovo 2022 Legion 5 is the speakers, which sound underwhelming and tinny, a common complaint with many gaming laptops.

With that said, the Lenovo 2022 Legion 5 represents great value for money, with better deals available through B&H, so it pays to shop around before picking one up for your editing needs.

• Best Desktop Computers for Video Editing

What Computer Specs Do You Need to Edit YouTube Videos on a Laptop?

 

YouTube video editing can become fairly processor intensive, particularly when working on large projects using many video files.

As a result, when looking for the best video editing laptops, it’s crucial to ascertain what computer specifications you should be aiming for.

There are several core factors to consider when investing in a video editing laptop, including processing power, random access memory (RAM), and hard drive space.

Additional considerations when looking for laptops for video editing include the source resolution and whether you plan on adding graphics and other visual effects.

In terms of processors, Windows users should opt for video editing laptops that feature a multi-core Intel processor of i5 or later, with i9 highly recommended.

For storage space, a bare minimum of 256 GB is recommended, while an SSD or SSD M.2 drive type will deliver rapid performance and access to video files.

This needs to be paired with enough RAM to ensure consistent performance. 8 GB is sufficient for basic editing, but 16 GB or even 32 GB is preferable for large projects.

Your choice of graphics card will vary depending on the software you’re using, with AMD and NVIDIA graphics cards commonly associated with professional editing tools.

Most video editing software is compatible with all current operating systems, but you should check to verify this is the case before choosing a platform for editing videos.

Before taking the plunge, make sure you’ve researched the minimum recommended specs for your video editing software of choice before you invest in a laptop.

While desktop PCs are easy to upgrade, adding additional RAM and upgrades to laptops can be problematic, so it’s best to get your setup right from the outset.

Is Mac or Windows Better for Video Editing?

 

Depending on the laptop you go for, there’s often more than enough processing power available in both a Mac and Windows video editing laptop.

The best laptops for video from Apple typically include their power-efficient M processors along with highly capable graphics cards for an efficient workflow.

That said, Windows-operated laptops that use an Intel i7 or next-generation i9 processor offer speed and power that handily compete with the best Mac devices.

Combined with a 3080ti GOU or greater, these models are among the best laptops for video, particularly when handling any 3D modeling work.

Macs, however, are generally superior when it comes to provisioning external Thunderbolt ports, opening up options for using external storage devices or displays.

This comes with a caveat, as some top-of-the-line Mac laptops face certain limitations on external monitors, which is worth considering before you invest.

In general, there’s a lot more scope for upgrading and customizing hardware when using a Windows laptop or desktop PC, along with an adherence to open standards.

So, if you’re hoping to upgrade your editing rig over time, you may find you hit a brick wall when using something like a Macbook Air or another Apple computer.

As always, there’s a trade-off to be expected, and while Macs were once the most commonly used computers for editing, today, PCs and laptops are frequently used by professionals.

For example, the ASUS ProArt laptop will give any MacBook a run for its money in performance terms, proving that Mac and Windows devices are both worth consideration for editing.

FAQ

Do you need a good computer to edit YouTube videos?

Video editing can be incredibly demanding on computers, particularly when processing files and rendering the final video.

If you’re looking for the best video editing laptop, you’ll need a computer that can quickly read files to allow for complex editing and effects.

When performing YouTube video editing, aim for a CPU with at least 2.8GHz clock speeds and 8GB of RAM when editing video with a 1366×768 resolution.

Which laptop can handle 4K video editing?

Many great laptops on the market are capable of handling 4K video editing, with Apple’s MacBook Pro frequently ranked among the best.

While minimum laptop requirements for 4K video editing vary between different video editors, you should aim for one with at least four core processors.

You should select a laptop with a video card of at least 4 GB, with 16 GB RAM the recommended baseline when YouTube video editing at 4K resolution.

Which laptop is best for professional editing?

Arguably the best laptop for video editing on the market is the MacBook Pro 16-inch, featuring an M2 processor that can handle any editing scenarios.

If you’re invested in Microsoft’s ecosystem of products, the ASUS Studiobook 16 features similar performance capabilities at around the same price point.

The Razor Blade 16 is another hugely popular laptop for editing YouTube videos on the Windows platform and is also one of the best gaming laptops you can buy.