Best laptop for video editing and 4K rendering in 2025

Laptops have gone far beyond the basic use cases of simply checking your email and browsing the web. Modern users can use laptops for just about any high-end function, including content creation and gaming, both of which require high-end specifications and performance to be able to carry out the processes efficiently. Tasks related to video editing include rendering and conversion, which are processor-intensive functions and need the right components to go with it, including a flagship processor and a capable dedicated graphics processing unit.

Naturally, there’s a lot more that goes into making a laptop suitable for video editing, such as the operating system, software, and optimisation of the hardware for the specific video editing software you will use. While premium options are usually best suited for the task, you can also make do with a relatively affordable pick that has the right specifications and hardware.

Best laptop for video editing in 2025

Asus ROG Strix G16 (Intel Core Ultra 9)

Apple MacBook Pro (M4 Pro)

Acer Nitro V15 (AMD Ryzen 5)

Microsoft Surface 7th Edition (Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite)

Asus ROG Strix G16 (Intel Core Ultra 9)

Gaming laptops are obviously optimised for gaming, but those same capabilities translate rather well to video editing functions as well, thanks to the powerful hardware and graphics processing capabilities. The Asus ROG Strix G16 is powered by the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor which is among the most powerful current-generation options for laptops right now, giving the device serious video editing capabilities. There’s also a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX5070Ti GPU and a solid 32GB of RAM to keep things flowing.

Apple MacBook Pro (M4 Pro)

Although you do get the MacBook Pro with the newer M5 chipset, the previous-generation option with the M4 Pro silicon might be a better option for those looking at serious video editing on the go. The chip is a bit more powerful and can deliver faster results with 4K rendering and video editing, and the benefits of Apple’s macOS software and up to 48GB of integrated RAM will definitely help get video work done efficiently.

Acer Nitro V15 (AMD Ryzen 5)

Video editing typically requires powerful laptops which obviously come at a premium, but you can get a relatively affordable option with decent capabilities for basic video editing requirements as well. The Acer Nitro V15 is powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 processor and also has a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce RTX3050 GPU, making it suitable for PC gaming and video editing, all at a reasonable price point for those looking to get a start in the field.

Microsoft Surface 7th Edition (Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite)

Most powerful laptops are also typically heavy, given the hardware and cooling requirements. However, devices such as the Microsoft Surface which are powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite processor offer a reasonable level of power and capabilities in a thin-and-light form factor, making this the ideal productivity laptop for those also seeking portability and ease of handling. The Surface has built-in graphics, multiple RAM and storage options, and is capable of handling most video editing apps and tools with a decent level of performance.