As an avid video editor, I understand the challenges and requirements that come with searching for the best laptop for video editing under $800. It's not an easy task, but it's essential to find a laptop that strikes the perfect balance between performance, display quality, and budget constraints. In a world where content creation is continually evolving, you need a reliable, efficient, and cost-effective machine to keep up with the demands of video editing.
I've spent countless hours reviewing an extensive laptop spreadsheet of recent releases, comparing specs, and analyzing both professional and user-generated reviews. I've narrowed down the top laptops for video editing under $800 based on topic-specific requirements and price ranges. A solid video editing laptop requires a powerful processor, ample RAM, dedicated graphics, and a high-quality display, all while staying within budget constraints.
While you may not be able to get the absolute top-of-the-line laptop for under $800, there are still plenty of great options that can help you edit projects in Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut Pro without breaking the bank. So, let's dive into the details and discover the best laptop for video editing under $800 that will make your creative process smooth, efficient, and enjoyable.
Speed Up Your Editing Game: Best Processors Under $800
When it comes to video editing on a laptop under $800, you may not have access to the latest and greatest processors, but that doesn't mean you can't find a capable machine. Let's take a look at what to consider when choosing the right processor for your video editing needs.
First, it's essential to understand that you don't necessarily need the fastest CPU for video editing. While a fast processor can speed up your workflow, it's not the only factor that affects performance. For example, having enough RAM, a dedicated GPU, and a fast storage drive can also contribute to faster editing.
In the sub-$800 price range, you can expect to find mid-range processors that can handle basic video editing tasks. If you're working with 4K footage, you'll want to look for a processor with at least four cores and eight threads. However, if you're working with 8K or 10-bit footage, you'll need a faster processor with more cores and higher clock speeds.
Beyond pure performance, it's essential to look for processors that offer good power efficiency. This factor is particularly crucial if you plan on using your laptop unplugged for extended periods. AMD Ryzen processors tend to offer better battery life than their Intel counterparts.
Based on our testing using Cinebench, we recommend the following processors for video editing laptops under $800:
| Processor | Expected Price |
|---|---|
| Intel Core i3-1115G4 | $300-$500 |
| Intel Core i5-1135G7 | $500-$700 |
| Intel Core i7-11370H | $700-$800 |
Overall, while you may not have access to the most powerful processors in this price range, you can still find a laptop that can handle basic video editing tasks. Look for a processor with enough cores and threads, good power efficiency, and combine it with enough RAM and a dedicated GPU to get the best performance possible.
Cutting-Edge Graphics on a Budget: Finding the Perfect GPU
When it comes to video editing on a laptop under $800, having a dedicated graphics card can make a big difference. While Apple's integrated graphics are sufficient for MacBook users, those on a budget should consider investing in a dedicated GPU.
In this price range, Nvidia and AMD both offer excellent graphics card options, but Nvidia has more models available with the latest generation of GPUs (Max-Q). It's important to note that Nvidia has discontinued the Max-Q label, leaving the exact GPU wattage up to the laptop manufacturer (OEM). As a result, there is a wide variance in graphics performance even in laptops with the same GPU chipset.
To determine whether a GPU is suitable for video editing, benchmarks like 3DMark and Cinebench R23 can be useful, but they don't tell the whole story. I also recommend using PassMark G3D to ensure that the laptop's thermal management system isn't throttling its graphics performance due to inadequate cooling capacity.
For those on a budget, a minimum requirement of GeForce GTX 1650 is recommended. Those looking for something more powerful should consider the GeForce RTX 3050, while high-end users may want to invest in the GeForce RTX 2060.
It's worth noting that if you're looking for a gaming laptop under $800, you can expect it to have a better GPU than what's found in most business laptops. However, it won't be as fast as other gaming laptops with the same GPU but higher price tags.
Overall, when deciding on the right laptop graphics card for video editing under $800, it's important to consider your budget and needs. While a dedicated GPU can be helpful, it may not be necessary for all users. By using benchmarks and carefully considering your options, you can find a laptop that's perfect for your needs.
Power up your editing with RAM
If you're in the market for a laptop under $800 and plan on using it for video editing, you need to make sure it has enough RAM. Most mid-range laptops come with 16 GB of RAM, which should be sufficient for most projects. However, if you plan on working with 4K footage or doing color grading, 32 GB is ideal.
While DDR5 and DDR6 are the latest memory technologies, they're still quite expensive and need time to mature. Most laptops in this price range will have DDR4 memory, which is more than capable of handling video editing tasks. RAM speed is not as important as it used to be, but it's still a nice bonus if your laptop has DDR5 memory.
When picking RAM modules, it's essential to consider factors such as latency and frequency. However, in this price range, you may not have many options to choose from. As such, focus on getting the most amount of memory you can afford.
So, how much memory should you aim for? Here are our recommendations:
- Minimum: 8 GB
- Recommended: 16 GB
- High-end: 32 GB
If you're looking for a future-proof machine, consider getting one with 32 GB of RAM from the start. Keep in mind that laptops with this much memory will be on the higher end of the price spectrum. Still, it's worth the investment if you plan on using the laptop for more than just video editing.
In summary, when looking for a laptop under $800 for video editing, aim for a minimum of 16 GB of RAM. If your budget allows, go for 32 GB for the best performance. While DDR5 and DDR6 are the latest memory technologies, DDR4 is more than capable of handling video editing tasks.
Got questions? We've got answers!
Q: What are the best laptops for video editing under $800?
If you are on a budget, you can still get a decent laptop for video editing. Based on our Recommendations table, the ASUS Zenbook and HP Victus laptops are your best options under $800. These laptops have good specifications and are reliable for video editing.
What specs should a laptop have for video editing under $800?
If you are looking for a laptop under $800 for video editing, you should make sure it has a minimum of 8GB of RAM and a dedicated graphics card with at least a GeForce GTX 1650. A 10th or 11th generation Intel Core i5 processor or equivalent AMD Ryzen processor is recommended. It is also important to have a solid-state drive (SSD) for faster data transfer and program loading times.
Is it possible to get a good laptop for video editing under $800?
Yes, it is possible to get a good laptop for video editing under $800. You may not be able to get a top-of-the-line laptop, but you can still find laptops with good specifications that can handle video editing.
What is the minimum RAM required for video editing on a laptop?
The minimum RAM required for video editing on a laptop is 8GB. However, for smoother performance, we recommend getting a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM.
What is the best processor for video editing on a laptop under $800?
The best processor for video editing on a laptop under $800 is the 11th generation Intel Core i5 processor or equivalent AMD Ryzen processor. The i5-1135G7 or i5-11300H are good choices.
How much storage is required for video editing on a laptop under $800?
You should get a laptop with at least a 256GB SSD. However, we recommend getting a laptop with 512GB or more storage to store your video files and other data.
Can a laptop under $800 handle 4k video editing?
It depends on the laptop's specifications. If you want to edit 4k videos on a laptop under $800, we recommend getting a laptop with a GeForce GTX 1650 or higher graphics card, at least 16GB of RAM, and an 11th generation Intel Core i5 or equivalent AMD Ryzen processor.
What is the best graphics card for video editing on a laptop under $800?
The best graphics card for video editing on a laptop under $800 is the GeForce GTX 1650 or higher. You can also get a laptop with a GeForce RTX 3050 or RTX 2060 if your budget allows.
What are the best brands for laptops under $800 for video editing?
ASUS and HP are good brands for laptops under $800 for video editing. Other brands to consider include Dell, Lenovo, and Acer.
What are some good laptops for video editing under $800 with a long battery life?
If you need a laptop with a long battery life for video editing, we recommend the HP Victus 15t, HP Victus, and ASUS Zenbook laptops from our Recommendations table. These laptops have good specifications and can last up to 10 hours on a single charge.
1 Best Laptops for Video Editing Under $800
1.ASUS Zenbook
ASUS Zenbook UM425QA is a budget-friendly ultrabook for video editing- Fast processor
- Bright display
- Compact dimensions and lightweight
- Good battery life
- Soldered RAM that cant be expanded
- High emissions under load
- Fan behavior can be annoying at times
- Weak Wi-Fi
Summary
The ASUS Zenbook UM425QA is an excellent budget ultrabook for video editing, with its fast processor, bright display, and sleek design. It also has a relatively good sound, low weight, and excellent battery life. However, its fan behavior can be annoying at times, and it has weak Wi-Fi with only a few ports.
Reviews
Alternatives
HP Victus
- Splendid display (15.6 IPS)
- First-class memory amount (32GB)
- Average graphics card (GTX 1650)
- Weighty (5.06 lbs)
Table of the Best Laptops for Video Editing Under $800
| Laptop | Price (approx) |
| ASUS Zenbook | $640 |
