For video editors, the laptop is more than a tool; it's the engine driving creativity. Juggling high-resolution footage, complex effects, and demanding renders requires hardware that doesn't buckle under pressure. As Cesar Cadenas details in his comprehensive testing for ZDNET, finding the right machine means matching specific workflows to the unique strengths of today's top contenders. Here's a breakdown of the best video editing laptops in 2025, based on ZDNET's expert analysis and hands-on evaluation.

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The Undisputed Champion: Raw Power Meets Precision Display

  • Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M4, 2024): Topping the list is Apple's latest powerhouse. The M4 chipset, especially in the Max configuration (up to 14-core CPU, 32-core GPU), delivers staggering performance gains – Apple claims 3.5x faster than the M1 Pro in demanding tasks like rendering and timeline scrubbing. This isn't just about speed; it's about smooth, uninterrupted workflow.
    • Key Strengths: Unmatched M4 performance, industry-leading Liquid Retina XDR display (anti-glare, up to 1600 nits brightness), exceptional battery life (up to 24 hours), Thunderbolt 5 ports.
    • Best For: Professionals handling high-res footage (4K/8K), complex effects, and long renders. Digital nomads needing all-day power and a brilliant screen.
    • Considerations: Premium price tag (starts at $1,599, scales significantly with upgrades), potential overkill for casual editors.
    • > "The M4 MacBook Pro handles heavy workloads, like exporting large files to scrubbing through high-resolution footage, with relative ease." - Cesar Cadenas, ZDNET

Contenders Across Key Categories

  1. Best Display: Asus ProArt P16:
    • This machine shines with its stunning 16-inch OLED touchscreen, lauded for its vibrant output and exceptional color accuracy – critical for color grading. Powered by an AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU with 32GB RAM, it handles heavy creative workloads adeptly. The unique DialPad on the trackpad offers customizable shortcuts for creative apps.
    • Caveats: The ultra-glossy screen can cause reflections, and setup complexity was noted.




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  1. Best Value: Dell Inspiron 16 Plus 7640:

    • Offering a compelling blend of performance and price, this model features a sharp 16-inch 2.5K 120Hz display (good workspace) and configurable with an Intel Core Ultra 7 and RTX 4050 GPU. It boasts a surprisingly long 12-hour battery life and up to 2TB SSD storage.
    • Caveats: Heavier build (~5 lbs), display brightness (300 nits) and lack of HDR support may deter color-critical pros.

  2. Best 14-inch: HP EliteBook X G1a:

    • Proving power comes in small packages, this ultraportable packs an AMD Ryzen AI Pro chip into a sleek frame. Its 14-inch high-res OLED touchscreen delivers excellent visuals. Performance for editing in apps like DaVinci Resolve was reported as snappy.
    • Caveats: Premium price, battery life (~11 hours) is good but not class-leading, can run warm.

  3. Best 2-in-1: HP Envy x360:

    • For editors who value touch interaction or sketching storyboards, this 16-inch 2.8K OLED touchscreen 2-in-1 is ideal. The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS CPU provides capable performance, complemented by long battery life and strong speakers. Its "IMAX Enhanced" certification hints at visual quality.
    • Caveats: Integrated GPU limits heavy rendering, glossy screen attracts fingerprints, weight (~4 lbs).

  4. Best for Galaxy Ecosystem: Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro:

    • Galaxy phone users benefit from seamless Quick Share file transfer to this laptop. Its 16-inch 3K AMOLED 120Hz display (120% DCI-P3) is excellent for editing, backed by an Intel Core Ultra 7 chip and 16GB RAM. Lightweight and boasting a large touchpad.
    • Caveats: Less compelling without Galaxy devices, keyboard quality noted as a drawback.

  5. Best Gaming Laptop for Editing: Alienware m16 R2:

    • Leveraging gaming-grade power (Intel Ultra 9, RTX 4070) for creative tasks, this machine features a vibrant 16-inch 2K 240Hz display ideal for smooth previews. Stealth Mode instantly disables RGB lighting for a professional look.
    • Caveats: Significant weight (~6 lbs), very short battery life (~6.5 hours), bulky charger dependency.
**Choosing Your Creative Engine: Key Factors** ZDNET's testing emphasizes several critical considerations beyond the raw specs:
  • Processor (CPU): Multi-core power (Apple M-series Max/Ultra, Intel Ultra 9, AMD Ryzen 9 HX) is non-negotiable for smooth editing and rendering.
  • RAM: 32GB is the new recommended minimum for comfortable 4K+ editing and multitasking. 16GB is functional but limiting; 48GB+ is ideal for heavy projects/8K.
  • Graphics (GPU): A dedicated GPU (Nvidia RTX 40-series, AMD Radeon Pro) dramatically accelerates rendering, effects, and playback vs. integrated graphics. Crucial for professional work.
  • Display: Prioritize size (16-inch+ ideal), resolution (QHD+/4K), color accuracy (100% sRGB/DCI-P3+), and brightness (500+ nits preferred). OLED offers superior contrast and color.
  • Storage: 1TB SSD is the practical minimum. 2TB+ is highly recommended for storing large video assets and project files. Speed (NVMe PCIe 4.0) matters.
  • Portability vs. Power: Larger screens and more powerful components often mean more weight and shorter battery life. Define your mobility needs.

The Evolving Landscape: AI and Beyond

The integration of AI is rapidly changing the editing landscape. As Cadenas notes:

"AI can improve hardware performance, streamline workflows, and enhance editing tools... AI tech can democratize video creation in ways we haven't seen before."

This shift is already influencing hardware, with Apple doubling base RAM in the M4 MacBook Pro to 16GB. Expect future laptops to prioritize even more memory and specialized NPUs (Neural Processing Units) to handle AI-assisted editing features efficiently, making powerful creative tools more accessible while demanding smarter hardware choices.

Source: Analysis and product details derived from "I tested the best video editing laptops: Here's what I recommend for your next project" by Cesar Cadenas, Staff Writer at ZDNET, reviewed by Allison Jewell. Published July 26, 2025. ZDNET.