11 Ideal laptops for Openshot in 2023

As an avid video editor and content creator, I understand the challenge of finding the best laptop for Openshot. Openshot, an open-source video editing application, is popular for its user-friendly interface and versatility. As a resourceful alternative to expensive commercial editors, it's crucial to find a laptop that can keep up with the software's demands without breaking the bank.

When searching for the best laptop for Openshot, it's essential to prioritize factors like processing power, RAM, and storage to ensure smooth performance while working on your projects. Equally important is a vibrant, high-resolution display that accurately represents colors and details, making it easier to perfect your edits. As a frequent contributor to Openshot forums and an active member of the video editing community, I know that finding a laptop with the right balance of performance, display quality, and budget can be quite challenging.

To help you with this task, I've gone through an extensive laptop spreadsheet, comparing specs, professional reviews, and user-generated feedback for the latest releases. After narrowing down the top laptops based on Openshot-specific requirements and various price ranges, I've compiled a list of recommendations for the best laptop for Openshot users. So, whether you're a beginner looking to explore video editing or a seasoned professional seeking an upgrade, this guide will provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision.

Table of Contents

Processors Explored

The current laptop processor landscape is dominated by Intel's 12th generation CPUs, Apple's M1 ARM-based SOCs, and AMD's 6th gen Ryzen processors. Intel's and Apple's chips have adopted a hybrid performance/efficiency core design based on big.LITTLE architecture. Ryzen models are best for laptops that need a good battery life.

Since Openshot is a single-threaded application, we can ignore the CPU's core count and focus on its frequency instead. Openshot is not well-optimized for multi-core CPUs, so I'd recommend going for a single-core/thread performance laptop. If you're looking for a MacBook – Apple's processors are known for their excellent single-thread performance, so they're a good option if you're looking for a fast laptop with a long battery life.

I use Cinebench R23 to compare processors because it's one of the best ways to measure single-thread performance; however, it's not the only way – other tests such as PassMark and 3DMark could be used instead. Other considerations include the amount of RAM and storage space – these are essential for any video editor; however, if you're on a budget – don't worry about them too much since they're not as important as the processor and graphics card (if you need one).

To help you decide on the best processor for your needs, here are some recommendations based on the median laptop prices of each tier:

Minimum: AMD Ryzen 3 3200U
Recommended: i3-10110U
High-end: i5-10210U

Graphics Power

The laptop graphics market is dominated by Nvidia, who recently released their RTX 40 series cards, but unfortunately these aren't yet available for laptops. Instead, the latest laptop graphics chips from Nvidia are in the RTX 30 series, such as the RTX 3070 Ti. Desktop GPUs are now a lot more power-hungry, and so the gap between notebook and desktop graphics cards has widened in the past few years. Nvidia has also discontinued the Max-Q label for its RTX graphics cards, so a laptop manufacturer (OEM) now has to decide the exact wattage for each GPU. That can result in a wide variance in graphics performance even for laptops with the same GPU chipset.

For basic video editing, you can get by with an integrated graphics chip, but if you're looking for better performance and effects, then you'll need a dedicated GPU. If you're only using the stock video effects that come with Premiere Pro and/or After Effects then you don't need a dedicated GPU.

To choose between an AMD and Nvidia GPU, it really depends on your budget and what you're planning to use it for. Generally, Nvidia graphics cards are more power-hungry, but they tend to perform better in many applications, especially when paired with an AMD Ryzen CPU (which has been known to perform well with Nvidia GPUs).

To determine how well a certain GPU will perform, we can use benchmark scores like 3DMark, although these scores are not always indicative of real-world performance.

When it comes to OpenShot video editing, it's best to look for a laptop with a dedicated graphics card (not just an "Advanced" or "Professional" version of the integrated chip). For OpenShot, you'll need at least 4GB of VRAM, which is best provided by the Iris Xe Graphics G7. For better performance, you should look at something like the Quadro T500 or the GeForce MX550.

GPU	Recommended Price Range
Iris Xe Graphics G7	Under $1,000
Quadro T500	$1,000 – $2,000
GeForce MX550	Over $2,000

RAM Considerations

Video editing and graphic design are memory intensive tasks that require a lot of RAM to run smoothly. This is especially true when using professional-grade software like Openshot. Unfortunately, not all laptops come with enough RAM to handle demanding tasks. So, when shopping for the right laptop for video editing or graphic design, you need to consider the amount of RAM that it comes with.

Most mid-range laptops come with 16 GB of RAM and high-end – 32 GB or more. If you're looking for an entry-level laptop for your child or a secondary laptop, 16 GB should be sufficient for most tasks. However, if you're looking for a primary laptop that can handle video editing and other demanding tasks, 32 GB would be ideal.

The latest-gen Intel and AMD CPUs support DDR4 and DDR5, though DDR5 is still quite expensive and needs time to mature as a technology. DDR4 is still the most common type of RAM and is widely available at different speeds and capacities. DDR4 also supports ECC (Error-Correcting Code) which helps ensure data integrity, especially when working with high-quality RAW files.

The other factor to consider is the RAM's CL/TIMING CL benchmark which measures how quickly the RAM can access and transfer data. However, these benchmarks can be misleading and don't always reflect the actual performance of the RAM. That's why I don't use them in my laptop reviews.

Here's a handy table of recommended RAM configurations depending on your budget:

Budget	Recommended RAM
Entry-Level	8 GB
Mid-Range	16 GB
High-End	32 GB or more

Openshot FAQs

Q: What are the recommended laptop specifications for Openshot?

For smooth performance with Openshot on a laptop, we recommend a minimum of 16 GB of memory, a dedicated graphics card such as the Quadro T500 or GeForce MX550, and a powerful processor like the i5-10210U. These specifications will ensure that you can handle video editing tasks efficiently without any major performance bottlenecks.

Can I run Openshot on a budget laptop?

While Openshot can technically run on a budget laptop, it may not provide the best editing experience. Budget laptops typically have limited resources and may struggle with handling the demanding tasks involved in video editing. If you're on a tight budget, we recommend considering laptops with at least 8 GB of memory and an entry-level dedicated graphics card like the Iris Xe Graphics G7. However, be prepared for slower rendering times and potential performance limitations.

Which laptops are best for video editing with Openshot?

If you're serious about video editing with Openshot, investing in a laptop with higher specifications will greatly enhance your editing experience. We recommend laptops like the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9, Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i, or the Lenovo Legion 5 Pro. These laptops offer a combination of powerful processors, ample memory, and dedicated graphics cards that can handle intensive video editing tasks with ease. Of course, there are other options available on the market, but these laptops have proven to be reliable choices for content creators.

How much RAM do I need for Openshot on a laptop?

The amount of RAM you need for Openshot largely depends on the complexity of your projects. For basic video editing, 8 GB of RAM should suffice. However, if you're working with larger files or more demanding projects, we strongly recommend having a minimum of 16 GB of RAM. This will ensure smoother playback, faster rendering, and an overall more efficient editing workflow.

Can I use Openshot on a Windows laptop?

Absolutely! Openshot is compatible with Windows, as well as macOS and Linux. Regardless of the operating system, you can install and use Openshot to edit your videos on your Windows laptop. Just make sure your laptop meets the system requirements outlined by Openshot.

What are the system requirements for Openshot on a laptop?

To run Openshot on a laptop, you'll need a system that meets the following requirements:

Memory: Minimum 8 GB, recommended 16 GB
Graphics: Minimum Iris Xe Graphics G7, recommended Quadro T500 or GeForce MX550
Processor: Minimum AMD Ryzen 3 3200U, recommended i3-10110U or i5-10210U

Meeting these requirements will ensure that Openshot runs smoothly on your laptop, allowing you to edit videos with ease.

Is a dedicated graphics card necessary for using Openshot on a laptop?

While Openshot can run on integrated graphics, having a dedicated graphics card will significantly improve the performance and rendering capabilities of Openshot. Integrated graphics, like the Iris Xe Graphics G7, may struggle with handling complex effects or high-resolution footage, resulting in slower rendering times. Investing in a laptop with a dedicated graphics card, such as the Quadro T500 or GeForce MX550, will ensure smoother editing and faster rendering, especially for more demanding projects.

Can I edit 4K videos with Openshot on a laptop?

Yes, Openshot is capable of editing 4K videos on a laptop. However, it's important to note that editing 4K footage requires more processing power and memory compared to editing in lower resolutions. To ensure smooth performance, we recommend using a laptop with a powerful processor like the i5-10210U, at least 16 GB of RAM, and a dedicated graphics card such as the Quadro T500 or GeForce MX550. By meeting these requirements, you'll be able to edit and render 4K videos efficiently without experiencing significant lag or slowdowns.

What is the best processor for smooth performance with Openshot on a laptop?

When it comes to processor performance for Openshot, we recommend a laptop with a powerful CPU, such as the i5-10210U. A high-performance processor will enable faster rendering, smoother playback, and a more responsive editing experience. However, if you're working with more complex projects or editing 4K footage, upgrading to a processor like the i7-10850H or Ryzen 7 5800H will provide even better performance. Ultimately, the choice of processor depends on your specific needs and budget.

Are SSDs important for faster rendering in Openshot on a laptop?

While not directly related to rendering speed, having an SSD (Solid State Drive) in your laptop can greatly enhance the overall performance of Openshot. SSD

5 Best Laptops for Openshot

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$730

1.ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71

ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71: A sleek and powerful laptop with excellent battery life, but with weak speakers and a dim display.

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

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Summary

The ASUS ZenBook 13 UX325EA-EH71 is a lightweight and stylish laptop that offers great performance and long battery life. It features Intel's 11th Gen chips, providing powerful overall and gaming performance. However, it has weak speakers, a display that could be brighter, and no headphone jack.

Reviews

Laptopmag

4.5/5

Asus ZenBook 13 UX325EA review

Notebookcheck

89%/100

Asus ZenBook 13 laptop review: Core i7-1165G7 versus Ryzen 7 5800U. Which one is the better ZenBook?

Alternatives

$680

acer Nitro 5

Pros

Excellent processor (Ryzen 7 6800H)
Great graphics card (RTX 3070 Ti)

Cons

No IPS Panel (inferior color reproduction)

$960

2.Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i

Lenovo IdeaPad Slim 9i: Stylish and portable, but falls short on keyboard and clickpad.

Pros

Relatively bright touchscreen
Attractive chassis design
Lightweight and portable
Strong GPU performance

Cons

Shallow and weak keyboard feedback
Slippery and awkward clickpad
Difficult end-user serviceability
Noticeable ghosting on the display

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Tech specs