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Laptops for Video Editing

Every laptop here has a dedicated graphics card, at least 16 GB of memory and at least 1 TB of storage: the baseline for editing video without waiting on every preview.

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Choosing a laptop for video editing

Video editing uses every part of a laptop, which is why this page sets a high bar: a dedicated graphics card, at least 16 GB of memory and at least 1 TB of storage.

The graphics card speeds up effects, previews and exports in Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve and similar apps. Memory matters as projects get longer: 16 GB handles 1080p, while 4K footage and long timelines run better with 32 GB. Storage fills quickly with footage, so 1 TB is a starting point, and fast external drives help.

Don’t forget the screen. A sharp panel with a wide colour range (look for DCI-P3 coverage) shows your footage accurately. Thunderbolt ports are useful for fast external drives and monitors.

Frequently asked questions

How much RAM do I need for video editing?

16 GB for 1080p video and short projects. 32 GB or more for 4K footage, long timelines and effects-heavy work.

Do I need a graphics card for video editing?

It helps a lot. Editing apps use the graphics card to speed up previews, effects and exports. Apple M-series chips are the exception, with strong built-in graphics.

Is a gaming laptop good for video editing?

Often, yes: they have strong graphics cards and good cooling. Check the screen's colour range, as some gaming screens favour speed over colour accuracy.

How much storage do I need for video editing?

At least 1 TB inside the laptop, plus an external drive for finished projects and archives. 4K footage can use several gigabytes per minute.