1. Alienware R4-
While it’s primarily a gaming laptop, we could not help but include the Alienware R4 on the list. The display is simply breathtaking and can create the sRGB color gamut at 119-percent and brightness at 311 nits. The audio also delivers top notch quality which is a must-have if you want to sync the sound of the video you are editing.
Clocking in at 2.1 GHz, the Alienware R4 is quite fast for a gaming laptop, but it sits in the middle pack of our list in terms of processing speed. It does excel, however, at multitasking thanks to its 16GB of ram. Additionally, it has a 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD hard drives, which can help rev up your editing. Moreover, you have tons of ports such as USB Type C, USB 3.1, HDMI 2.0 and an 802.11ac Wifi with Bluetooth 4.1.
The backlit keyboard is like a small trampoline with a 2 mm travel and 78 grams actuation force. The touchpad also has enough room to perform multitouch gestures. This thing also has a nifty webcam equipped with the Tobii EyeX Lite which is an eye-tracking technology that controls certain functions of the built-in camera. The battery life is also at an acceptable 5-hour range, while the heat index all measure at a comfortable threshold.
Display: 15.6-inch screen; 1920×1080 resolution
Processor: 2.1 GHz Intel Core i7-8750 H
Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070; Intel HD Graphics 630 with 8GB memory
Storage: 256GB SSD; 1TB HDD
RAM: 16GB
Weight: 7.8 pounds
Pros
- Beautifully designed case
- Bright display with strong graphics
- Comfortable keyboard
- Long battery life
Cons
- Bottom gets hot during intense editing
- Requires a faster SSD
MacBook Pro with Touch Bar-
For Apple lovers out there who also perform video editing as a hobby or as a professional, you definitely can’t look past the MacBook Pro. It’s easily one of the most luxurious laptops in its class thanks to its sleek ultrathin design and overall performance. While its display is not true 4K HD quality, the 2,880 x 1800 resolution is still an eye candy. It’s Cinema 4D performance is nothing short of masterful especially with its improved render times and complex material reflections. For best video editing compatibility, you should use Final Cut X as it’s already optimized for Apple’s system.
The new Intel Core i9 processor with 6 cores and 12 threads matched with a 32 GB RAM is simply phenomenal. This upgrade allows you to work faster on your video encoding including the demanding H.265 code. You can also multitask with ease without having to worry about its performance dropping when several programs are open at the same time. The ultra-thin design, however, limits the number of ports in the laptop. Not to mention, it’s still using the USB-C ports which means you need to get your dongles ready.
The keyboard has been one of the main sources of ire for the MacBook Pro over the years. Apple changed it in this new model. However, though it may feel different the keys still have less than 1 mm travel which could mean it’s prone to be obstructed by small things like fallen hair and chips crumbs. The MacBook Pro also has a bit of issue when it comes to the CPU decreasing its throttle speed to cool down the unit. Its battery life is at a laudable 9 hours.
Display: 15.4-inch screen; 2,880 x 1,800 resolution
Processor: 2.9GHz Intel Core i9-8950HK (hex-core)
Graphics Card: AMD Radeon Pro 560X; Intel UHD Graphics 360
Storage: 2TB SSD
RAM: 32GB
Weight: 2.03 pounds
Pros
- Very impressive overall performance
- Clear and bright display
- Large storage space
- Unique owning experience
Cons
- A limited number of ports
- A tendency to slow down when it heats up
3. Asus ZenBook UX330UA-
Many of the video editing laptops in the market cost a decent amount of money. The Asus ZenBook, however, is one of the few budget ultrabooks under $1,000 that can perform light video editing with ease. While it does not have a Nvidia graphics card, the Intel HD Graphics 620 can do its part of the job well. Its display produces the sRGB spectrum at 105-percent and has a brightness of 302 nits; which in ultrabook standard is above average.
The 8th Gen i5-8250U mated with an 8 GB RAM is plenty enough to do some multitasking. However, there is visibly some lag to your video editing tool when a few programs are open at the same time. The 256 GB SATA can transfer files at a decent rate, but it could sure use an SSD upgrade. The audio is also quite solid and can easily fill a small room with loud sounds. You also have some familiar ports a USB 3.0, USB Type-C, micro HDMI and the usual 802.11ac Wi-Fi with Bluetooth 4.1.
Its keyboard has 1.6-millimeters of travel and an actuation force of 81 grams, which far exceeds the minimum for its ultrabook category. The touchpad though is not as impressive as it’s quite stiff and unresponsive with your clicks. Hence, you’re better off using a mouse. Finally, the ZenBook’s battery life is at more than 8 hours, which is quite useful when you’re doing any all-nighter activity.
Display: 13.3-inch screen; 1920×1080 resolution
Processor: 1.6 GHz Intel i5-8250U
Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics 620
Storage: 256GB HDD
RAM: 8GB
Weight: 2.66 pounds
Pros
- Affordable Price
- Very Portable
- Bright and vibrant screen
- Speedy performance for an ultrabook
Cons
- Can only do light video editing task
- Stiff touchpad
4. Dell XPS 15-
The Dell XPS has a vivid display that can reach 111-percent of the sRGB gamut and has a brightness of 371 nits. While it has a native 1920×1080 resolution, you can upgrade it to a maximum of 3840×2160 resolution. It’s supported by a GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q which is what you usually get in most entry-level gaming laptops. That is to say, it can hold fairly well in terms of producing the most detailed display with occasional to no stuttering during the editing process.
The XPS 15 may have a slim built, but it has some muscles to flex coming from its Intel Core i7-8750H processor coupled with 16GB of RAM. You can even have your browser with multiple tabs opened running on the background as you edit and it wouldn’t even be a problem. Its 256 GB HDD storage, however, may be considered ho-hum, as far as its competitors are concerned. The built-in speakers also produce clean and loud sounds. It’s got the customary ports much like the ones that came before it on this list.
This laptop also has an island-style key which has a shallow 0.7 mm travel and a 70 grams actuation which isn’t too shabby. The touchpad is quick and responsive enough especially when doing a three-finger tap and other multi-touch strokes. If we have one gripe about this laptop it would be the webcam which is awkwardly placed above the hinge. Battery life is at a stellar 11 hours and it stays cool everywhere during that period.
Display: 15.6-inches screen; up to 3840×2160 resolution
Processor: 2.2 GHz Intel Core i7-8750H
Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti Max-Q with 4GB memory
Storage: 256GB SDD
RAM: 16GB
Weight: 4.2-pounds
Pros
- Great overall graphics performance
- Top notch battery life
- Doesn’t heat up fast and stays cool
- Vibrant and lively display
Cons
- Awkwardly placed webcam
- Outdated case design
5. HP ZBook X2-
A laptop made specifically for graphics and digital artists may sound like a concept of the future, but it’s already here. The HP ZBook X2 is a convertible laptop designed specifically for working with visual content such as images and videos. It can turn into a tablet with a native resolution of 3840×2160 pixels spread across its 14-inch touchscreen. The display is probably the most vivid on this list with a whooping sRGB color gamut at 178-percent and brightness at 313 nits. To top it off, it’s also equipped with a Nvidia Quadro M620 which makes the editing task much easier.
The combination of Intel Core i7-8650U and a 32 GB RAM allows you to multitask and open several programs at the same time. It does quite well on many video-editing tests and can transcode a 4K video to a 1080 pixel video in faster than two minutes than the average. The 512 GB SSD storage is also a welcome addition since you can have more files in it. It also has two cameras- a selfie cam with 720p and a rear shooter with 3264×1836 resolution. Audio quality is also in tip-top shape as one would expect from a Bang & Olufsen-made speakers.
While many convertible laptops fail when it comes to the keyboard, the ZBook seem to thrive in it. Thanks to 1.5 mm travel and 68 grams of pressing force, you can increase your typing speed by a significant amount. The touchpad is also quite pleasant with ample of space and responsiveness. It also comes with a handy stylus which is useful especially when you’re drawing. The ZBook tends to heat up faster on tablet mode but can handle remaining cool when on laptop mode. Its Achilles’ heel, however, is in its short battery life that lasts only 4 hours.
Display: 14-inch screen; 3840×2160 native resolution
Processor: Intel Core i7-8650U
Graphics Card: Nvidia Quadro M620 with 2GB video memory
Storage: 512GB SSD
RAM: 32GB
Weight: 4.9 pounds laptop; 3.8 pounds tablet
Pros
- Top performing processor and RAM
- Excellent keyboard and touchpad
- Usable front and back cameras
- Impressive shortcut software
Cons
- Expensive
- Short battery life
6. Lenovo Yoga 720-
If you are looking for a more affordable 2-in-1 laptop for your video editing needs, then look no farther than the Yoga 720. It’s got an amazing display with a sRGB color gamut of 141 percent and brightness of 255 nits. Add in an Intel HD Graphics 620 and this setup can display videos with great accuracy especially in the shading and effects department. While the native resolution sits at 1920×1080, you can upgrade it to a 3840×2160 res for a true 4K experience.
The Intel Core i5-8250U is capable of giving a decent pace to your editing, however, the 8GB RAM limits how much multitasking you can do. File transfer speeds are above average when compared to its ultrabook competitors. We recommend that you only do light video editing on this laptop as it can only process so much at a time. The 720p webcam that comes with it can perform your casual chatting with ease but nothing else beyond that.
Among the issues that we have found out about this laptop is its unimpressive keypad which feels flat. The key’s 1.2 mm travel and 68 grams actuation can hamper your typing speed. Luckily, the touchpad performs better than the keyboard and is quite accurate especially on responding to Windows 10 gestures. Moreover, this device remains at a comfortable temperature both for the laptop and tablet mode even when used for a long period of time. Battery life is at an average of 8 hours.
Display: 13.3-inch screen; up to 3840 x 2160 resolution
Processor: Intel Core i5-8250U
Graphics Card: Intel HD Graphics 620
Storage: 256GB SSD
RAM: 8GB
Weight: 4.55 pounds laptop; 2.8 pounds tablet
Pros
- Super fast SSD
- Thunderbolt 3 port
- JBL stereo speakers
- Great value for its justified price
Cons
- Poor keyboard layout
- No SD card reader
7. Microsoft Surface Book 2-
Microsoft knows that a large number of its laptop market is comprised of creatives and artists. Hence, the Surface Book 2 was released to fill such need and compete with rival Apple’s MacBook Pro. The 2-in-1 Surface Book 2 has been revamped to fight toe-to-toe in a competitive space. The gorgeous display has been made into a true 4K display and backed with a capable Nvidia GTX 1050 graphics card. The screen’s texture quality looks crisp with 131-percent sRGB color gamut and easily beats that of the MacBook Pro. Attaching and detaching the tablet screen is also speedy.
Performance-wise it’s still at a modest standing with a quad-core Intel Core i7-865OU which can ooze out 1.8 GHz. It also has a 16 GB RAM and 1TB of SSD. However, it’s a couple of cores lower than the faster MacBook. On the flipside, because its bulkier than its rival the Surface Book 2 has the edge in terms of a number of ports with two USB 3.1, a Type C USB 3.1, SD card reader, and two Surface Connect. It also comes with two cameras- an 8MP rear and a 5MP front. The speakers, however, are placed awkwardly which results in its low volume.
The backlit keyboard has an acceptable travel time and has quite a punchy feedback that allows good typing speed. Moreover, the touchpad is responsible enough and does things just right. However, the Surface Pen, one of the best styluses in the market, is not included on its package which is a bummer. Both laptop and tablet mode stays relatively cool when doing simple tasks. To put the icing on the cake, the Surface Book 2 has an enviable 15 hours of battery life.
Pros
- Easy to attach and detach
- Long battery life
- Excellent display quality
- Multiple ports including USB Type C
Cons
- Lacks Thunderbolt 3
- Quite expensive
Display: 15-inch PixelSense screen; 3,240 x 2,160 resolution
Processor: 1.9GHz Intel Core i7-8650U processor
Graphics Card: Nvidia GTX 1050; Intel UHD Graphics 620
Storage: 1TB SSD
RAM: 16GB
Weight: 4.18lbs
Tech Review 2019 