Top Budget Laptops for Video Editing and Film Production in 2023

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 5 June 2023 12 min read

Considerations for Choosing the Best Laptop for Video Editing and Film Production on a Budget

Processor Power
RAM and Storage
Graphics Card
Display Quality

Comparing the Best Laptops for Video Editing and Film Production on a Budget

Performance Comparison
Price Comparison
Portability Comparison

Software Compatibility for the Best Laptop for Video Editing and Film Production on a Budget

Video Editing Software
Film Production Software
Operating Systems

Accessories and Tips for Enhancing Your Budget Video Editing and Film Production Setup

External Storage
Keyboard and Mouse
External Monitor
Optimization Tips

Finding the best laptop for video editing and film production on a budget can be a challenge, especially when you want a machine that strikes the perfect balance between performance and affordability. In this blog, we'll guide you through the key factors to consider when searching for the ideal budget laptop for your creative needs. We'll also introduce the top budget laptops for video editing and film production in 2023 and provide tips on how to optimize your setup.

Considerations for Choosing the Best Laptop for Video Editing and Film Production on a Budget

Before we dive into the top budget laptops, let's first discuss the essential factors to consider when choosing the best laptop for video editing and film production on a budget. This will help you make an informed decision and select a laptop that meets your specific requirements.

Processor Power

The processor, or CPU, is the heart of any laptop. It's responsible for executing instructions and carrying out tasks. For video editing and film production, you'll need a capable processor that can handle multiple tasks simultaneously. Look for:

A multi-core processor: A quad-core or higher processor will allow you to run multiple applications and process video files more efficiently. This is important when editing large, high-resolution videos.
A high base clock speed: Aim for a CPU with a base clock speed of at least 2.5 GHz. This will help ensure smooth performance when working with demanding video editing software.

RAM and Storage

RAM (Random Access Memory) and storage are important components of any laptop, especially when working with large files and complex projects. Consider the following when choosing a budget laptop for video editing and film production:

RAM: Aim for at least 8GB of RAM, but 16GB or more is recommended for smoother performance when working with multiple applications and large video files.
Storage: Video files can be quite large, so look for a laptop with a fast SSD (Solid State Drive) of at least 256GB. If you need more storage, consider adding an external hard drive to your setup.

Graphics Card

When it comes to video editing and film production, a dedicated graphics card is crucial for rendering and exporting videos efficiently. Here's what to consider:

Discrete vs. integrated graphics: Discrete graphics cards are separate from the CPU and offer better performance than integrated graphics, which share resources with the processor. Look for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card for optimal video editing performance.
GPU memory: Aim for a graphics card with at least 2GB of dedicated VRAM (Video Random Access Memory) so your laptop can handle large video files and complex visual effects.

Display Quality

Last but not least, the quality of your laptop's display is important for accurate color grading and precise editing. Keep these factors in mind:

Resolution: A Full HD (1920x1080) display is the minimum requirement for video editing, but a higher-resolution display, such as 4K, will provide a better editing experience.
Color accuracy: Look for a laptop with an IPS (In-Plane Switching) panel, which offers better color accuracy and wider viewing angles than other display technologies.

Now that we've covered the key factors to consider, let's move on to our top budget laptops for video editing and film production in 2023.

Comparing the Best Laptops for Video Editing and Film Production on a Budget

Now that we've introduced you to our top picks for the best laptop for video editing and film production on a budget, let's compare them in terms of performance, price, and portability. This will help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and preferences.

Performance Comparison

When it comes to performance, all four laptops offer similar specifications. They all come equipped with either an Intel Core i5-9300H or an AMD Ryzen 5 4600H processor, providing enough processing power for most video editing tasks. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 has a slight edge with its hexa-core AMD Ryzen 5 4600H processor, which can handle more demanding tasks and multitasking better than the quad-core processors found in the other three laptops.

As for graphics cards, the Acer Aspire 7, Lenovo IdeaPad L340, and ASUS TUF Gaming A15 all feature the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 with 4GB of VRAM, ensuring smooth rendering and efficient exporting of videos. The HP Pavilion 15, on the other hand, has a slightly less powerful NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 with 3GB of VRAM, but it's still capable of handling most video editing tasks without any issues.

Price Comparison

Of course, one of the most important factors when choosing the best laptop for video editing and film production on a budget is the price. While all four laptops are budget-friendly, there may be slight differences in price depending on the exact configuration and location. To give you a rough idea, the Acer Aspire 7 and Lenovo IdeaPad L340 are typically priced similarly, while the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 and HP Pavilion 15 can be slightly more expensive. However, it's always a good idea to shop around and look for deals to get the best bang for your buck!

Keep in mind that investing in a laptop with better specs can save you time and frustration in the long run, so it might be worth spending a bit more for the ASUS TUF Gaming A15, for example, if you frequently work with large video files or complex visual effects.

Portability Comparison

Portability is another crucial factor to consider when choosing the best laptop for video editing and film production on a budget. All four laptops have a 15.6-inch display, making them relatively easy to carry around. However, the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 is slightly heavier and bulkier than the Acer Aspire 7, Lenovo IdeaPad L340, and HP Pavilion 15. If portability is a top priority for you, you might prefer one of the lighter options.

That being said, the difference in weight and size among these laptops isn't drastic, so you should be able to find a suitable option regardless of your portability needs. In the end, it's all about finding the perfect balance between performance, price, and portability for your specific situation.

Now that you have a better understanding of how these top budget laptops for video editing and film production compare, you're one step closer to finding your ideal creative companion. So, which one will be the best laptop for video editing and film production on a budget for you? The choice is yours!

Software Compatibility for the Best Laptop for Video Editing and Film Production on a Budget

Now that we've compared the top budget laptops in terms of performance, price, and portability, let's talk about software compatibility. After all, the best laptop for video editing and film production on a budget must support the software you plan to use. In this section, we'll discuss compatibility with popular video editing and film production software, as well as operating systems.

Video Editing Software

When it comes to video editing, there's a wide range of software available, each with its own set of features and requirements. Some popular options include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Avid Media Composer. The good news is that our top budget laptops should be capable of running most of these programs, albeit with varying levels of performance. For instance:

Adobe Premiere Pro works well on all four laptops, though you might get slightly better performance from the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 due to its hexa-core processor.
Final Cut Pro is exclusive to macOS, so it won't work on any of these Windows-based laptops. However, you can consider using alternatives like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve instead.
DaVinci Resolve can be demanding on your system, but all four laptops should handle it reasonably well, especially with their NVIDIA GeForce GTX graphics cards.
Avid Media Composer should run smoothly on all four laptops, but you might need to adjust the settings for optimal performance on the HP Pavilion 15 due to its slightly lower-spec graphics card.

Remember, it's always wise to check the system requirements of your preferred software before making a purchase, ensuring the best laptop for video editing and film production on a budget meets your needs.

Film Production Software

For film production tasks, you might need additional software like Adobe After Effects, Cinema 4D, or Blender for visual effects, motion graphics, and 3D modeling. Similar to video editing software, compatibility and performance may vary between laptops and programs:

Adobe After Effects should work well on all four laptops, but you might experience smoother performance on the ASUS TUF Gaming A15 due to its hexa-core processor and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card.
Cinema 4D may run better on the Acer Aspire 7, Lenovo IdeaPad L340, and ASUS TUF Gaming A15, which all feature the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card. The HP Pavilion 15, with its slightly less powerful GTX 1050, might require some settings adjustments for optimal performance.
Blender should work on all four laptops, but as with the other software, better performance can be expected from those with more powerful graphics cards and processors, such as the ASUS TUF Gaming A15.

Once again, don't forget to check the system requirements for your desired software to ensure compatibility with the best laptop for video editing and film production on a budget.

Operating Systems

All four of our top budget laptops come with Windows 10, which is compatible with most video editing and film production software. However, if you prefer using macOS, you'll need to look for a budget-friendly MacBook option, keeping in mind that macOS-exclusive software like Final Cut Pro won't work on Windows-based laptops.

Alternatively, if you're a fan of open-source operating systems like Linux, you can consider dual-booting or replacing Windows with your preferred Linux distribution. Just make sure to research the compatibility of your desired software with Linux, as not all programs may be available or function the same as their Windows or macOS counterparts.

Ultimately, the best laptop for video editing and film production on a budget should be compatible with your preferred operating system and software. So, take the time to do your research and find the perfect match for your creative needs!

Accessories and Tips for Enhancing Your Budget Video Editing and Film Production Setup

So, you've found the best laptop for video editing and film production on a budget, and you're ready to start creating amazing content. But wait! There's more to a great setup than just the laptop itself. In this section, we'll discuss accessories and tips to help you get the most out of your budget video editing and film production setup.

External Storage

Even with ample internal storage, you might find yourself running out of space for all your video files and projects. To avoid having to constantly shuffle files around or delete older projects, consider investing in an external hard drive or solid-state drive (SSD). These devices offer additional storage for your files and can be easily connected to your laptop via USB. Not only will this give you more room to work with, but it can also help keep your laptop's internal storage free for essential applications and software.

When choosing an external storage option, pay attention to factors like storage capacity, transfer speeds, and durability. A higher storage capacity will allow you to store more files, while faster transfer speeds will help you move files between your laptop and the external drive more quickly. Durability is especially important if you plan to take your setup on the go, as you'll want a drive that can withstand the occasional bump or drop.

Keyboard and Mouse

While your laptop's built-in keyboard and trackpad might be sufficient for everyday use, you may find it more comfortable and efficient to use an external keyboard and mouse for video editing and film production tasks. A full-sized keyboard with dedicated media keys can make it easier to access shortcuts and control playback, while a mouse with customizable buttons can help you navigate your software and make precise adjustments.

When selecting a keyboard and mouse, consider factors like comfort, responsiveness, and customization. Ergonomic designs can help reduce the risk of strain during long editing sessions, while responsive keys and buttons can improve your overall workflow. Customizable features like programmable keys and adjustable DPI settings can also help you tailor your input devices to your specific needs and preferences.

External Monitor

While the display on your budget laptop might be suitable for basic video editing tasks, you might benefit from adding an external monitor to your setup. An external monitor can provide a larger screen area, higher resolution, and better color accuracy, which can help you make more precise edits and adjustments to your projects.

When choosing an external monitor, look for features like resolution, panel type, color accuracy, and connectivity options. Higher resolutions like 4K can provide more detail and clarity, while IPS panels typically offer better color accuracy and viewing angles compared to TN panels. Make sure the monitor you choose is compatible with your laptop's available ports, such as HDMI, DisplayPort, or USB-C.

Optimization Tips

To get the most out of your best laptop for video editing and film production on a budget, you'll want to ensure it's running at peak performance. Here are a few tips to help you optimize your setup:

Keep your software up-to-date: Regularly updating your editing and production software can ensure you have access to the latest features, bug fixes, and performance enhancements.
Maintain your hardware: Keep your laptop clean and well-ventilated to prevent overheating, and consider upgrading components like RAM or storage if needed.
Optimize your operating system: Adjust your Windows or macOS settings for better performance, such as disabling visual effects, closing unnecessary background apps, and keeping your system updated.
Customize your workspace: Tailor your software's layout and shortcuts to your preferences, making it easier to access frequently used tools and features.

By following these tips and investing in the right accessories, you can transform your best laptop for video editing and film production on a budget into a powerful and efficient creative workstation. Happy editing!

If you're exploring the best budget laptops for video editing and film production, why not take your passion for filmmaking a step further? Check out the workshop 'How To Get Your Start As A Filmmaker' by Alex Kahuam. This workshop will provide you with valuable insights and guidance on how to kickstart your filmmaking journey and make the most of your equipment.