Video editing is one of the most demanding tasks you can do on a laptop. Rendering 4K footage, adding effects, running DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, or Adobe Premiere Pro — all require a machine with serious performance.
The best laptops for video editing in 2026 combine powerful CPUs, GPUs, high-resolution displays, and fast SSD storage to give creators smooth editing and playback without lag.
👉 In this guide, we review the Top 3 Laptops for Video Editing in 2026, chosen for different needs — from professional filmmakers to YouTubers and creators on a budget.
🏆 Top 3 Best Video Editing Laptops (2026 Picks)
- Best Overall (MacOS): Apple MacBook Pro 2024 (M4 chip, Liquid Retina XDR)
- Best Windows Powerhouse: ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 (RTX 5070 Ti, Intel Ultra 9)
- Best Value Laptop for Creators: ASUS Vivobook 16 (Copilot+ PC, Ryzen AI 7)
Quick Comparison: Best Laptops for Video Editing 2026
| Laptop | Display | Processor / GPU | RAM / Storage | Best For | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Pro (2024, M4) | 14.2” Liquid Retina XDR | Apple M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | 16GB / 512GB SSD | Professional creators using Final Cut, MacOS users | 👉 Check Price on Amazon |
| ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 (2025) | 18” 2.5K Nebula HDR, 240Hz | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, RTX 5070 Ti | 32GB DDR5 / 1TB SSD | Heavy 4K editing, VFX, gaming + editing combo | 👉 Check Price on Amazon |
| ASUS Vivobook 16 (Copilot+ PC) | 16” WUXGA, 60Hz | AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, Radeon Graphics | 16GB / 1TB SSD | Budget creators, students, AI-powered workflows | 👉 Check Price on Amazon |
💡 Tip: If you’re a Mac user or pro filmmaker, get the MacBook Pro M4. If you need Windows + raw GPU power, choose the ROG Strix Scar 18. For budget-friendly video editing, the Vivobook 16 is a great choice.
Best Laptop for Video Editing in 2026
🔹 1. Apple 2024 MacBook Pro (M4 Chip) – Best Mac Laptop for Video Editing
- SUPERCHARGED BY M4 — The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 chip gives you spectacular performance in a powerhouse laptop built for Apple Intelligence.* With all-day battery life and a breathtaking Liquid Retina XDR display with up to 1600 nits peak brightness, it’s pro in every way.*
The 2024 MacBook Pro with M4 chip is a dream machine for professional video editors. Designed with Apple Intelligence, it combines blazing-fast performance with efficiency.
Its 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display delivers HDR, mini-LED brightness, and stunning color accuracy — perfect for editing in Final Cut Pro, Premiere Pro, or DaVinci Resolve.
Key Specs
- Processor: Apple M4 chip (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU)
- Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR (3024×1964, HDR)
- RAM: 16GB unified memory
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- OS: macOS Sequoia (with Apple Intelligence integration)
Real-World Video Editing Performance
With the M4 chip, tasks like rendering 4K timelines, handling multicam footage, and applying effects are buttery-smooth. Its unified memory architecture ensures blazing performance across both CPU and GPU tasks.
Why You Need This Laptop
If you’re a professional editor or YouTuber, this laptop delivers reliability, battery life, and best-in-class display quality.
Who Is This Best For?
- Professional editors using Final Cut, Adobe Premiere, or DaVinci Resolve.
- MacOS loyalists who value Apple’s ecosystem.
- Creators who need portability + pro-grade performance.
Pros ✅
- Best display for editing (HDR, XDR brightness, wide color)
- M4 chip optimized for video editing workflows
- Incredible battery life vs Windows laptops
- Silent, efficient cooling system
- Great resale value
Cons ❌
- Higher starting price
- Limited ports (though USB-C/Thunderbolt solves most issues)
🔹 2. ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 (2025) – Best Windows Laptop for Heavy Video Editing
- BEST-IN-CLASS PERFORMANCE – Achieve unrivaled performance with Windows 11 Pro an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti Laptop GPU.
The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 (2025) is a Windows powerhouse built for gamers and creators alike. Featuring an Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX, NVIDIA RTX 5070 Ti, 32GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB SSD, it’s perfect for heavy 4K editing, VFX work, and rendering.
Key Specs
- Processor: Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5070 Ti
- Display: 18-inch ROG Nebula HDR 2.5K (240Hz, 16:10)
- RAM: 32GB DDR5
- Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD
- OS: Windows 11 Pro
Real-World Video Editing Performance
This machine handles 8K footage, VFX-heavy projects, and multi-layer timelines with ease. The RTX 5070 Ti GPU accelerates rendering in Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve, while the Nebula HDR display ensures accurate colors and smooth visuals.
Why You Need This Laptop
If you work with large files, effects-heavy edits, or want a hybrid gaming + editing machine, the Scar 18 offers raw performance unmatched in its class.
Who Is This Best For?
- Professional editors & VFX artists needing maximum GPU/CPU power.
- PC gamers who also edit videos.
- Filmmakers working in 8K or multi-layer workflows.
Pros ✅
- RTX 5070 Ti = massive GPU acceleration
- Large 18-inch HDR display with wide color
- 32GB RAM (upgradeable for future needs)
- Wi-Fi 7 for ultra-fast transfers
- Excellent cooling for long renders
Cons ❌
- Heavier and bulkier than ultrabooks
- Battery life shorter than MacBook Pro
🔹 3. ASUS Vivobook 16 (Copilot+ PC) – Best Budget Laptop for Video Editing
- Copilot+ PCs. A New AI Era Begins Turn your ideas from text prompts into generated artwork. With Recall1, search across time to find the content you need. Understand new languages instantly with Live Captions. With Copilot+ PCs2, you will be all set to transform the way you create, find and communicate
For creators on a budget, the ASUS Vivobook 16 (Copilot+ PC) is a surprisingly powerful option. Featuring AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 with XDNA NPU, it offers AI-powered video workflows with Adobe Firefly, Premiere, and Windows Copilot integration.
Key Specs
- Processor: AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 with XDNA NPU
- GPU: AMD Radeon Graphics
- Display: 16-inch WUXGA (1920×1200, 16:10)
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
- OS: Windows 11 with Copilot+
Real-World Video Editing Performance
It’s not as powerful as the Scar 18 or MacBook Pro, but it’s excellent for 1080p and light 4K editing. The inclusion of AI acceleration helps speed up tasks like smart cut detection, noise removal, and auto-color correction.
Why You Need This Laptop
If you’re starting out as a YouTuber, student, or content creator, this laptop offers a huge 1TB SSD and AI tools at a very accessible price.
Who Is This Best For?
- Students or beginners learning video editing.
- YouTubers & social media creators working mainly in 1080p/4K light editing.
- Budget-conscious creators who need large SSD storage.
Pros ✅
- Affordable price point
- AI-powered workflows with Ryzen AI + Windows Copilot
- 1TB SSD for huge media libraries
- Lightweight, portable design
Cons ❌
- Not as powerful for heavy 4K/8K editing
- Display not HDR like higher-end models
Buying Guide: Choosing the Best Laptop for Video Editing
1. CPU Power
- Apple M4 & Intel Ultra 9 are excellent for rendering.
- AMD Ryzen AI offers AI-powered optimizations.
2. GPU Acceleration
- NVIDIA RTX GPUs (Scar 18) accelerate rendering in Premiere/Resolve.
- Apple GPUs (M4) are optimized for Final Cut.
3. RAM
- 16GB: Entry-level editing.
- 32GB+: Heavy editing, VFX, multicam workflows.
4. Storage
- 1TB SSD recommended for storing large video projects.
5. Display
- HDR / wide color (MacBook XDR, Scar Nebula HDR) = better accuracy.
- Standard IPS (Vivobook) works for budget creators.
❓ FAQs: Best Video Editing Laptops 2026
Q1: Is a Mac or Windows laptop better for video editing?
- MacBook Pro (M4) is best for Final Cut Pro and portability.
- Windows (ASUS Scar 18) is best for Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and GPU-heavy work.
Q2: How much RAM do I need for video editing?
- Minimum 16GB, recommended 32GB or higher for 4K/8K editing.
Q3: Can gaming laptops be used for video editing?
Yes — gaming laptops like ASUS Scar 18 are excellent due to powerful GPUs.
Q4: Which is the best budget laptop for editing YouTube videos?
The ASUS Vivobook 16 (Copilot+ PC) — affordable, 1TB SSD, AI-powered tools.
Q5: Do I need 4K display on my laptop for editing?
Not mandatory, but 4K HDR displays (MacBook, Scar 18) give better accuracy.
🚀 Final Recommendation: Best Laptops for Video Editing 2026
- 💻 Best Overall (MacOS): Apple MacBook Pro M4 – Stunning XDR display + pro workflows.
- 🎮 Best Windows Powerhouse: ASUS ROG Strix Scar 18 – GPU monster for 4K/8K editing.
- 🎥 Best Budget-Friendly Option: ASUS Vivobook 16 – AI-powered, affordable for YouTubers & students.
👉 Don’t let slow machines kill your creativity. Upgrade to one of these best laptops for video editing in 2026 and render like a pro.
👉 Check Latest Laptop Deals on Amazon
Latest Post: Best Cell Phone Booster For Rural Areas
English
Pingback: Best 3D Printer for Cosplay in 2026 - Electro Review Zone