11 Top-Rated laptops for Kdenlive 22 in 2023

As a video editing enthusiast, I understand the importance of finding the best laptop for Kdenlive 22 to ensure a seamless editing experience. Kdenlive, a powerful open-source video editor, offers a comprehensive set of features for creators, making it an excellent choice for both beginners and professionals. Choosing a laptop that meets the specific requirements of Kdenlive 22 users can make all the difference in the quality and efficiency of your video editing projects.

To help you find the perfect match, I've reviewed an extensive laptop spreadsheet of recent releases, comparing specs and reviews from both professional and user-generated sources. By narrowing down the top laptops based on the unique needs of Kdenlive 22 users and considering various price ranges, I've created a targeted and relevant guide to ensure a smooth editing process.

When searching for the best laptop for Kdenlive 22, it's crucial to consider factors such as processing power, dedicated graphics, and display quality. These elements directly impact the performance of Kdenlive 22 and your ability to work on complex projects with minimal lag or stutter. Moreover, investing in a laptop with a high-resolution display and color accuracy is essential for precise color grading and previewing your edits in real-time. With these factors in mind, this guide will help you make an informed decision and elevate your video editing capabilities with Kdenlive 22.

Processor Power

With so many laptop processors available on the market, it can be difficult to decide on the right one for your video editing needs. In this section, we’ll provide an overview of the current CPU landscape and offer advice on how to choose the best processor for your Kdenlive projects.

What's new in the CPU market

Since our last update, Apple has released their own ARM-based M1, M1 Pro, M1 Max and M2 system-on-chip modules. These chips offer exceptional single-core performance and battery life. AMD has managed to take 20% of the CPU market thanks to their 6th generation Ryzen processors, while Intel’s 13th-gen CPUs are still only available in PCs and not laptops. The new Intel and Apple chips also have adopted a hybrid performance/efficiency core design based on big.LITTLE. This means that when running lighter tasks, such as word processing or web browsing, the processor will use a smaller number of cores, helping save energy and battery life.

Why not a laptop, but a desktop for video editing

Kdenlive is available on both Windows and macOS and laptop computers are a popular choice. However, Kdenlive is not as demanding as other video editors like Premiere Pro or Davinci Resolve and you don’t necessarily need a powerful laptop to run it. If you’re looking for a budget laptop – don’t expect to get the best possible performance even if you go for a mid-range CPU; instead, prioritize battery life over performance.

Multiple cores vs single-core performance

To compare different processors, we’re using Cinebench R23 which is one of the most popular benchmarks for video editing applications. This benchmark tests a processor’s single-core performance and its ability to utilize multiple cores and threads to run more complex tasks. A higher score is indicative of better performance.

How I rank processors by their performance

The table below shows how I’ve ranked various processors in terms of both single-core and multi-core performance.

Processor Single-Core Score Multi-Core Score
AMD Ryzen 3 3200U 886 2,853
Intel Core i3-10110U 1,092 3,699
Intel Core i5-10210U 1,144 4,382

My recommendations for Kdenlive users based on your budget

If you’re looking for a good balance between performance and battery life, we recommend AMD Ryzen models. The Ryzen 3 3200U is the minimum you’d want to go for, while the Intel Core i3-10110U would be our recommended processor. For higher-end performance, the Intel Core i5-10210U is the best option.

Graphics Power

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The laptop GPU market is dominated by Nvidia, which has recently released a few RTX 40 series cards, but these are not yet available on laptops (expected in 2023). The current laptop GPUs from Nvidia are in the RTX 30 series, such as RTX 3070 Ti. The gap between power-limited notebook graphics and desktop graphics cards has widened in the past few years due to desktop GPUs becoming more power-hungry. Unfortunately, Nvidia has also discontinued the Max-Q label for its RTX graphics cards, meaning an exact GPU wattage is determined by a laptop manufacturer (OEM), resulting in a wide variance in graphics performance even in laptops with the same GPU chipset.

Kdenlive is a video editor that can be used on Linux, Windows, or macOS. While you can use it on any of these platforms, we’ll focus on laptops with dedicated graphics for Linux. The GPU is not essential for Kdenlive since it’s not a resource-intensive application like Premiere Pro or Davinci Resolve. However, if you’re looking for a dedicated graphics card, make sure it has at least 4 GB of dedicated memory (not shared). To compare different GPUs, we'll use 3DMark as it's a well-known benchmark with a single score that can be used to compare different models. If you're looking for a gaming laptop, look for one with an Nvidia Max-Q GPU; they offer excellent performance while maintaining long battery life due to lower power consumption.

We’ve compiled a table of recommended GPUs depending on your budget. For a minimum laptop, consider an Iris Xe Graphics G7. For a laptop with more processing power, the Quadro T500 offers better performance than the Iris Xe Graphics G7. If you’re looking for the highest performance and are willing to spend the money, go for the GeForce MX550.

Recommended GPU Estimated Price
Iris Xe Graphics G7 Low
Quadro T500 Mid-Range
GeForce MX550 High-End

Memory Matters

Whether you're editing small home videos or large-scale commercial projects, you'll need the right laptop RAM to ensure smooth performance and output quality. And while there are many different options out there, Kidenlive 22 is a popular video editing software, so you should make sure to get the right RAM for it.

Why more RAM is needed for video editing

Kdenlive can use up a lot of memory, particularly when working with 4K footage. To get the most out of the software and avoid lags or dropped frames, it's recommended to have a minimum of 32 GB of RAM. For even smoother performance, it's ideal to have 64 GB of RAM for high-end editing tasks.

How much memory is needed for video editing?

For most mid-range laptops, 16 GB of RAM should be enough for casual video editing. For heavier tasks, you'll need 32 GB or more, depending on the size and quality of the footage you're working with. High-end laptops may come with up to 32 GB or more.

DDR4 vs. DDR5 (and why it matters)

The latest generation of Intel and AMD CPUs support both DDR4 and DDR5 memory types. However, DDR5 is still quite expensive and needs time to mature as a technology. At the moment, there's not much difference in terms of performance between the two, so if you're on a budget, go with DDR4. However, if you can afford it, DDR5 may give you a slight edge in terms of speed and power efficiency.

Other considerations – frequency, ECC, CL/s, and thermals

When deciding on the right laptop RAM for Kidenlive 22, it's also important to take into consideration other factors like RAM frequency (measured in MHz), ECC (error-correcting code), CL/s (cycles per second), and thermals (temperature). For the best performance, look for RAM sticks with high frequencies and low CL/s values. Also make sure the RAM you choose is able to run at lower temperatures, as this can affect its longevity and performance.

Table of recommended RAM configurations by laptop price range

Here is a table with my recommendations for RAM configurations by laptop price range:

Price Range Minimum RAM Recommended RAM High-end RAM
Budget 8 GB 16 GB 16 GB
Mid-range 8 GB 16 GB 32 GB
High-end 16 GB 32 GB 64 GB

Laptop FAQs

Q: Which laptop is best for Kdenlive 22?

When it comes to choosing the best laptop for Kdenlive 22, you'll want to consider a few key factors. The recommended system requirements include a minimum of 16 GB of RAM, a dedicated graphics card, and a powerful processor. Based on these requirements, we recommend the MSI Summit E13. It offers excellent performance, ample memory, and a dedicated graphics card to handle Kdenlive 22 with ease.

What are the recommended system requirements for Kdenlive 22?

To ensure a smooth and efficient experience with Kdenlive 22, we recommend the following system requirements:

  • Memory: 16 GB RAM
  • Graphics: GeForce MX550 or higher
  • Processor: i5-10210U or equivalent

These requirements will provide you with enough power to handle video editing tasks in Kdenlive 22 without any major hiccups.

Can I run Kdenlive 22 on a low-end laptop?

Running Kdenlive 22 on a low-end laptop may be a challenge due to the software's resource-intensive nature. While it may be possible to install and run Kdenlive 22 on a low-end laptop, you may experience slow rendering times, lag, and overall poor performance. We recommend opting for a laptop that meets the recommended system requirements to ensure a smoother editing experience.

How much RAM do I need for Kdenlive 22 on a laptop?

To handle the demands of Kdenlive 22, we recommend a minimum of 16 GB of RAM. This will allow for smooth multitasking, faster rendering times, and a generally more responsive editing experience. With 16 GB of RAM, you should have sufficient memory to handle most video editing projects in Kdenlive 22.

Is a dedicated graphics card necessary for Kdenlive 22?

Yes, a dedicated graphics card is necessary for optimal performance in Kdenlive 22. A dedicated graphics card, such as the GeForce MX550 or higher, will significantly improve rendering times and provide smoother playback of high-resolution video files. While integrated graphics may work, a dedicated graphics card is highly recommended for a seamless video editing experience.

Can Kdenlive 22 run on a Macbook?

Yes, Kdenlive 22 can run on a Macbook. Kdenlive is an open-source video editing software that is compatible with macOS. However, it's important to note that the performance and experience may vary depending on the specific model and specifications of your Macbook. To ensure optimal performance, we recommend a Macbook that meets or exceeds the recommended system requirements for Kdenlive 22.

Which processor is best for video editing in Kdenlive 22?

For video editing in Kdenlive 22, a powerful processor is essential. We recommend using an i5-10210U or equivalent processor for optimal performance. This processor will provide enough processing power to handle rendering, effects, and transitions smoothly. However, if you're working with more complex projects or higher-resolution footage, consider upgrading to a more powerful processor to ensure smooth editing.

What storage capacity is recommended for Kdenlive 22 projects?

The recommended storage capacity for Kdenlive 22 projects depends on the size and duration of your video projects. We recommend having at least 500 GB of storage space to accommodate your video files, project files, and any other media assets you may be working with. If you anticipate working on larger projects or working with high-resolution footage, consider opting for a laptop with 1 TB or more of storage capacity.

Can I use Kdenlive 22 on a Chromebook?

Unfortunately, Kdenlive 22 is not available for Chromebook. Kdenlive is primarily designed for Linux-based operating systems and is not officially supported on Chrome OS. If you're specifically looking for video editing software for your Chromebook, we recommend exploring other options such as PowerDirector or Adobe Premiere Rush, which are compatible with Chrome OS.

Are there any known issues with Kdenlive 22 on specific laptop models?

While Kdenlive 22 is compatible with a wide range of laptops, there may be certain models that experience compatibility issues or performance limitations. It's always recommended to check the official Kdenlive website or community forums for any known issues specific to your laptop model. Additionally, keeping your laptop's drivers and operating system up to date can help mitigate any potential issues and ensure optimal performance with Kdenlive 22.

5 Best Laptops for Kdenlive 22

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Acer Swift 3 SF314-59-75QC $580
i7-1165G7 | Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs | 8 GB RAM | 256 GB SSD | 14″ IPS; 1920x1080 |

1.Acer Swift 3 SF314-59-75QC

Acer Swift 3 SF314-59-75QC: Powerful and Affordable, with Some Flaws
Pros
  • Compact, ultra-lightweight, and ergonomic design
  • Sturdy build quality
  • Fine matte IPS screen and good IO
  • Excellent performance within the platforms capabilities
Cons
  • High thermals under load
  • Poor audio quality
  • Shabby typing experience
  • No memory card reader
Summary

The Acer Swift 3 SF314-59-75QC is a compact and lightweight laptop that offers excellent performance for its price. It has a sturdy build, a good display, and a solid selection of ports. However, it suffers from high thermals, poor audio quality, and a subpar typing experience.

Alternatives
HP Pavilion$420
HP Pavilion
Pros
  • Numpad
  • Backlit keyboard
Cons
  • Garden-variety graphics card (Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs)
  • Its screen gives away its price
ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71 $730
i7-1165G7 | Iris Xe Graphics G7 96EUs | 8 GB RAM | 512 GB SSD | 13.3″ OLED; 1920x1080 |

2.ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71

ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71: Powerful and long-lasting, but with some audio and display drawbacks.
Pros
  • Sleek, lightweight frame
  • Powerful overall and gaming performance
  • Excellent battery life
  • Very comfortable keyboard
Cons
  • Weak speakers
  • Display could be brighter
  • No headphone jack
Summary

The ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71 offers impressive power and battery life, thanks to Intel's 11th Gen chips. It is sleek and lightweight, with a comfortable keyboard. However, the weak speakers and dim display, as well as the lack of a headphone jack, are notable downsides.

Alternatives
HP Victus $939
HP Victus
Pros
  • Delivers smooth gameplay at 1080p.
  • Fast SSD.
Cons
  • No variable refresh rate to reduce screen tearing.
  • Slow response time on display causing ghosting.
Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16 $1,300
i7-12700H | RTX 3050 Ti | 32 GB RAM | 1000 GB SSD | 16″ IPS Touch G-Sync; 3840x2160 |

3.Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16

Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16: A powerhouse gaming laptop with sleek design and impressive performance.
Pros
  • Stylish, sleek form factor
  • Gorgeous display
  • Strong performance
  • Quiet fans
Cons
  • Webcam quality is poor
  • No biometrics
  • SSD is slightly slower than competition
Summary

The Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16 is a stylish and powerful gaming laptop that offers great value for money. It features a sleek form factor, a gorgeous display, strong performance, and plenty of ports. However, it falls short with its low-quality webcam, lack of biometrics, and slightly slower SSD compared to its competition.

Alternatives
Lenovo Legion 5 $1,400
Lenovo Legion 5
Pros
  • Solid gaming and productivity performance
  • Handsome 16-inch screen with 165Hz refresh
Cons
  • A tad overweight, with enormous power brick
  • Noisy cooling fans
ASUS ROG Strix Scar $2,050
Ryzen 9 5900HX | RTX 3080 | 64 GB RAM | 4000 GB SSD | 15.6″ IPS-level G-Sync; 1920x1080 |

4.ASUS ROG Strix Scar

ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15: Powerful and compact gaming laptop with some thermal and ergonomic issues.
Pros
  • Sturdy construction
  • Fast Wi-Fi 6E
  • Excellent response times and no PWM
  • Wide color gamut coverage with Dolby Vision support
Cons
  • Limited display angle
  • No biometric login
  • Heavy SSD throttling during continuous reads
  • High heat and noise emissions under load
Summary

The ASUS ROG Strix Scar 15 offers impressive performance and features in a compact and lightweight form factor. It outperforms its larger counterpart and previous models, but struggles with heating issues and has some ergonomic quirks. Despite these drawbacks, it remains a strong contender in the gaming laptop market.

Alternatives
Lenovo Legion Pro 5 $2,630
Lenovo Legion Pro 5
Pros
  • Good build quality and design
  • Good screen and IO
Cons
  • No Thunderbolt or biometrics
  • Hotspots during gaming
HP Omen 17 $4,290
i9-13900HX | RTX 4090 | 64 GB RAM | 8000 GB SSD | 17.3″ IPS; 2560x1440 |

5.HP Omen 17

HP Omen 17: A powerful gaming laptop for video processing and QHD gaming, but with some performance and noise issues.
Pros
  • QHD display with 165 Hz
  • Expandable working memory
  • PCIe-4 SSD (space for a second SSD)
  • Individual key illumination
Cons
  • Slightly below-average performance for an RTX 4080
  • High noise level
Summary

The HP Omen 17 is a high-end gaming laptop equipped with a Core i9-13900HX and GeForce RTX 4090, making it suitable for video processing, rendering, and QHD gaming. It features a QHD display with 165 Hz, expandable working memory, and Thunderbolt 4 with Power Delivery. However, it falls slightly below average in terms of performance for an RTX 4080 and has a high noise level.

Reviews
Alternatives
HP Omen $4,290
HP Omen
Pros
  • QHD display with 165 Hz
  • Advanced Optimus
Cons
  • Slightly below-average performance for a RTX 4080
  • High noise level

Table of the Best Laptops for Kdenlive 22

LaptopPrice (approx)
Acer Swift 3 SF314-59-75QC$580
ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71$730
Lenovo Legion 5i Pro 16$1,300
ASUS ROG Strix Scar$2,050
HP Omen 17$4,290
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Fred Newcorn
I am a seasoned professional video editor born and raised in sunny California. I pursued my passion for visual storytelling at the University of California, resulting in a flourishing career in the film and television production industry. My technical expertise opened the gateway to professionally reviewing laptops, where I channel my understanding of video editing software and hardware to create comprehensive reviews. With my unique perspective, I'm able to cater to a diverse audience, helping them make informed decisions. My blog is filled with informed insights and honest reviews, making life easier for fellow tech enthusiasts worldwide.