Best Budget Laptops for Video Editing: Top Picks for 2023

Video editing is a captivating and creative process that can push the limits of even the most powerful laptops.

With all the software and tools available these days, finding the right laptop to handle this workload can be a daunting task, especially when you’re on a budget.

Editing videos requires a fine balance between processing power, graphics, and storage capabilities.

However, budget constraints don’t mean you need to sacrifice quality or performance.

There are numerous options for affordable laptops with the right combination of features to handle video editing tasks.

These laptops must have dedicated graphics cards, powerful processors, and sufficient RAM to ensure smooth playback and rendering.

When searching for the perfect budget laptop for video editing, it’s essential to consider aspects like screen size and resolution, portability, and battery life.

These factors will greatly impact your editing experience and enable you to work comfortably in various environments.

Connectivity options such as USB ports and HDMI outputs are also crucial for seamless integration with external devices.

After researching and evaluating several budget laptops that cater specifically to video editing needs, I’ve narrowed down the selection to a few impressive options that deliver the best performance for your hard-earned money.

Join me as I guide you through the top choices to help you make an informed decision and enhance your video editing journey.

Best Budget Laptops for Video Editing

I’ve gathered a list of the best budget laptops for video editing to help you find the perfect one for your needs.

Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook (2022)

For those on a budget seeking a laptop capable of video editing, Lenovo’s IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook proves to be a versatile and powerful option.

Pros

• Impressive performance with Intel i3 processor
• Convertible design for various usage modes
• Long battery life for on-the-go usage

Cons

• Chrome OS may have limitations for some video editing software
• Storage may be insufficient for large projects
• Lack of dedicated graphics card

Having recently used the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook, I found that the Intel i3 processor readily handled various video editing tasks without any noticeable strain.

The convertible design allowed me to switch between laptop and tablet mode effortlessly, offering diverse workflows for different editing scenarios.

One aspect I enjoyed was the long battery life, providing about 10 hours of use.

This made working on my video editing projects while commuting or traveling convenient and worry-free.

The full HD IPS display also enhanced the viewing experience with its narrow bezels and wide viewing angles, making it pleasant while editing or showcasing my work.

Consider that Chrome OS may not support all video editing software, and the 128 GB storage might not be sufficient for larger projects.

Also, the IdeaPad Flex 5i relies on an integrated Intel UHD Graphics coprocessor instead of a dedicated graphics card.

Despite these limitations, I believe that the Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5i Chromebook is a robust budget option for video editing enthusiasts.

Acer Swift X SFX14-41G-R1S6 Creator Laptop

The Acer Swift X is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly laptop for video editing without compromising on performance.

Pros

• Powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU
• Portable and lightweight design
• Long battery life and fast charging capability

Cons

• Keyboard and chassis may get hot during heavy usage
• Uneven keyboard backlight
• Limited built-in storage at 512GB

I recently used the Acer Swift X for video editing, and I must say I was impressed with its performance.

The AMD Ryzen 7 processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti GPU packed a punch and enabled quick rendering and seamless multitasking.

The laptop’s portable design was also a standout feature, weighing just above 3 lbs and sporting a slim profile.

Despite its compact size, the Swift X packs a considerable battery life, helping me work for extended periods without worrying about finding an outlet.

The fast charging capability was a pleasant bonus, getting my laptop back up and running in no time.

However, I did notice that the keyboard and chassis tended to get hot during heavy usage, which might be a concern for some users.

The uneven keyboard backlight made it difficult to see the characters in certain lighting conditions

I found the 512GB of built-in storage somewhat limiting, especially when working with large video files, so an external storage device might be necessary for more storage-intensive editing projects.

Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R3UB

I recently used the Acer Aspire 5 for video editing, and I found it to be a budget-friendly option with impressive performance.

Pros

• Powerful AMD Ryzen 3 processor
• 15.6″ Full HD IPS display
• Backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader

Cons

• Only 4GB RAM out of the box
• 128GB internal storage
• Integrated graphics

When I started editing videos on the Acer Aspire 5, the powerful Ryzen 3 processor didn’t disappoint, proving to be efficient and reliable even during heavy multitasking.

The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display provided crisp, clear visuals with vibrant colors, making it a pleasure to work on my projects.

Although the backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader made my experience more comfortable and secure, the laptop’s 4GB RAM meant I had to upgrade to ensure smooth performance while editing.

The 128GB internal storage was also a constraint, requiring me to invest in additional storage for my large video files.

Despite the need for upgrades and the limitations of integrated graphics, the Acer Aspire 5 is a great budget laptop for video editing, offering excellent performance, a beautiful display, and useful security features.

If you’re willing to invest in some upgrades, this laptop could serve you well with satisfying results.

Acer Aspire Vero AV15-51-7617

If you’re looking for a powerful, eco-friendly laptop for video editing on a budget, the Acer Aspire Vero AV15-51-7617 is a solid choice.

Pros

• Impressive performance for video editing
• Eco-conscious design with PCR materials
• Comfortable backlit keyboard

Cons

• Mediocre speaker quality
• Average battery life
• Bulky design

I’ve recently had the pleasure of using the Acer Aspire Vero AV15-51-7617 for my video editing projects.

One of the things that immediately stood out to me was the responsiveness and power of the Intel Core i7 processor combined with 16GB of RAM.

This made my editing workflow smooth and efficient, allowing me to work on multiple tasks without any hiccups.

As someone who is environmentally conscious, I was also pleased with Acer’s use of PCR materials in the design of the laptop.

The build quality is surprisingly sturdy for being made of recycled plastics, and it feels good knowing that my purchase supports a more sustainable approach to technology.

The backlit keyboard provides a comfortable typing experience throughout those late-night editing sessions.

However, I did notice a few drawbacks to the Acer Aspire Vero.

The speaker quality is less than desirable, so you may want to invest in a good pair of headphones for the best audio experience during your edits.

The battery life could be better, lasting around 4-5 hours during normal usage.

This laptop is on the bulkier side due to its 15.6-inch screen size, so it may not be the most portable option if you’re constantly on the go.

Despite these drawbacks, the Acer Aspire Vero AV15-51-7617 is still a solid choice for budget-conscious video editors who prioritize performance and sustainability.

Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly laptop for video editing, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim is an excellent choice due to its solid performance, sleek design, and vivid display.

Pros

• Impressive Full HD IPS display
• Decent performance for video editing
• Backlit keyboard for late-night work

Cons

• Comes with Windows 10 in S Mode
• Only 4GB of RAM
• 128GB SSD might be limited for storage

When I first unboxed the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop, I was immediately drawn to the sleek silver design and the lightweight feel in my hands.

It didn’t take long to get it up and running, and I appreciated the aluminum cover and sturdy construction.

The 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display was truly a pleasure to edit my videos on, as it provided crisp, clear visuals and vibrant colors.

I was pleasantly surprised by the performance of the AMD Ryzen 3 3200U processor and Vega 3 graphics in handling my video editing tasks.

The laptop never lagged or stuttered, even when I had multiple video editing applications running simultaneously.

One of the things I loved most about the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop was the backlit keyboard, which made it surprisingly easy to work on my projects late into the night.

The 7.5-hour battery life allowed me to work on the go without needing a constant power source.

The laptop comes with Windows 10 in S Mode, which can be limiting in terms of software options.

Luckily, it’s relatively easy to switch out of S Mode to unleash the laptop’s full potential.

I found the 4GB of RAM and 128GB SSD to be somewhat limiting, especially for those who require more storage for large video files.

That being said, the Aspire 5 does have options for future upgrades regarding RAM and storage.

Despite these drawbacks, the Acer Aspire 5 Slim Laptop is an outstanding budget-friendly option for video editing.

It not only looks great but performs well in handling everyday video editing tasks without breaking the bank.

Buying Guide

As a content creator, I understand the importance of having a good laptop for video editing.

But finding the best budget laptop can be tricky, especially with so many options in the market.

To ease your decision-making process, I’ve come up with a buying guide that can help you consider various aspects when choosing the right laptop.

Processor

A powerful processor is essential for handling the demands of video editing software.

I recommend looking for a laptop with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 for a smoother editing experience.

Memory (RAM)

When it comes to RAM, more is always better. I suggest getting a minimum of 8GB of RAM.

However, if your budget allows, consider opting for 16GB to have a much more efficient editing workflow.

Storage

Video files are often large in size, so you’ll need a laptop with ample storage.

I prefer SSDs (Solid State Drives) over HDDs (Hard Disk Drives) because they are faster and more reliable.

Aim for at least 256GB of storage space, but upgrading to 512GB or 1TB would be even better.

Graphics

A dedicated graphics card will help you render and preview videos faster.

It doesn’t have to be a high-end card, but I would recommend at least an NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or AMD Radeon RX 5500 for a decent performance.

Display

Color accuracy and screen resolution are essential when editing videos.

I encourage you to look for a laptop with a minimum of 1080p resolution and, if possible, an IPS panel that offers more accurate color reproduction.

Battery life

As a video editor, you might need to work on the go, so having a laptop with decent battery life is crucial.

Aim for at least 6-8 hours of battery life to ensure uninterrupted editing sessions.

Connectivity

Having multiple ports for connecting external devices can be beneficial during the editing process.

Make sure your laptop has USB, HDMI, and SD card reader ports to cater to your needs.