Video editing is a highly demanding job and that’s why it’s important to get the right tools for the job. However, the market is pretty crowded with options. Take the laptop market for instance. There are all manner of features and specs to worry about. And what if you’re on a tight budget? Well, the truth of the matter is that finding a budget-friendly laptop is no walk in the park.
To rid you of this trouble, here’s our latest compilation of the best laptops for video editing under $500. Each listing is backed by an unbiased review meant to help you make an informed choice.
Contents
| Laptop Model | Weight | Storage | Screen Size | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lenovo IdeaPad 330 | 4.85 lbs | 256 GB SSD | 15.6 inches | |
| HP 15.6-Inch AMD | 4.52 lbs | 128 GB SSD | 15.6 inches | |
| Dell Inspiron | 4.94 lbs | 64 GB SSD | 15.6 inches | |
| Fenniu Ultra-Thin | 2.6 lbs | 256 GB SSD | 14 inches | |
| Lenovo Yoga Book | 1.52 lbs | 64 GB SSD | 10.1 inches |
1. Lenovo IdeaPad 330 Flagship 15.6-Inch
Lenovo is one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality laptops both premium and budget-friendly options. This particular model from the brand boasts some nice features which make it an excellent choice for video editors. To start with, it utilizes NVIDIA GTX 1050 Graphics to help you edit all your videos with incredible finesse.
On top of that, the machine is powered by an AMD A1209720P Quad-Core processor with a speed of 2.7GHz. This, together with its 8GB of DDR4 RAM that can be upgraded up to 16GB ensures fast performance for just about any editing project. As far as storage is concerned, the IdeaPad comes with 256GB SSD that provides enough room for accommodating all your high-definition videos and editing software.
Moving on, the Lenovo IdeaPad 330 features a Widescreen LED display with a resolution of 1366×768 pixels for stunning images even from wider-viewing angles. Under the hood, it employs two USB 3.1 ports that let you enjoy super-fast data transfer with speeds of up to 10GBs. Also included are an HDMI port, one USB Type-C port, 10/100/1000 Ethernet port and headphone/microphone jack.
As if that’s not enough, the PC boasts Bluetooth 4.1 and 802.11ac Wi-Fi connectivity to ensure speedy browsing. Its rich-sounding stereo speakers also stand out, especially when trying to nail the dialogue on your videos. You might also like the pre-installed Windows 10 Home and built-in numeric keypad that offers a comfortable typing experience.
Pros
- Light in weight with a thin profile for maximum portability
- Smooth trackpad and responsive keyboard
- Sufficient memory and fast processor
- Excellent graphics for an enhanced viewing experience
- Boats a solid and durable aluminum build for long-lasting performance
Cons
- Lacks dedicated graphics memory
2. HP Notebook 15.6-Inch
This time coming from HP, the AMD A6-9220 HD laptop is yet another great machine for video editing with all the bells and whistles any video editor would need. With its AMD A6-9220 Dual-Core processor coupled with 4GB of DDR4 memory, the PC is designed to be fast enough to deal with nearly all editing tasks. As such, loading heavy files and multitasking should not be an issue.
But wait- there’s more. The machine boasts an array of connectivity options that make transferring files to other devices as easy and fast as possible. These include a USB 2.0 port, HDMI port, and two USB 3.1 ports. In addition to this, it comes with a Media Reader, headphone/microphone combo, 802.11b/g/n Wi-Fi for fast browsing and Bluetooth connectivity.
Additionally, the HP AMD A6-9220 incorporates AMD Radeon R4 Graphics which makes it a great beast for any video editor out there. For crisp and clear images, it employs a 15.6-inch Widescreen display with LED technology and a resolution of 1366×768 pixels. Similarly, the PC packs 128GB of SSD storage capacity out of the box. Therefore, you should not be worried about running out of space for your videos and other files.
What’s more? The machine is powered by a three-cell Lithium-ion battery that provides decent battery life for up to six hours. Further, it comes pre-loaded with Windows 10 Home for optimal performance right out of the box. Other eye-catching features of the laptop include stereo speakers, a solid numeric keypad, webcam, and DVD-RW.
Pros
- LED-lit screen display technology
- Great sounding speakers that are strategically placed
- Wi-Fi connectivity offers blazing fast browsing and downloading
- Fast and responsive processor
Cons
- Does not have a VGA port for connecting a second monitor
3. Dell Inspiron 15.6-Inch 5000 Premium HD Laptop
While it does not have the power of the premium machines, the Dell Inspiron 15.6-Inch 5000 hits a real sweet spot between capabilities and price tag. It packs a 15.6-inch HD Truelife screen which is just the right size for video editing. The display is also LED backlit and offers a resolution of 1366×768 pixels for better viewing experience of videos in stunning clarity.
Another feature that makes this machine a viable option for video editors is its AMD A9-9400 Dual Core processor that has a base frequency of 2.4GHz. As such, the PC boasts reliable and fast performance regardless of what editing tasks you need to complete. On top of that, it employs 8GB of DDR4 memory that can be upgraded up to 16GB so you can perform your editing tasks faster than ever.
With a 256GB of SSD storage, the Dell Inspiron 15.6-Inch 5000 boasts more than enough space where you can save all your clips for fast access. To complement the ample storage is a 3-in-1 card reader for additional space. To top it all up, it includes an Ethernet port, two USB 3.0 ports, one HDMI port and one USB 2.0 port that makes transferring files quick and easy.
Finally but most importantly, the PC employs AMD Radeon R5 Graphics card to give you the clear and crisp visuals you need to produce high-quality videos. Also included is a DVD Drive that efficiently reads and even writes to DVD/CD.
Pros
- Available in various elegant colors to choose from
- Has a fast wireless and Bluetooth connection
- Solidly built to withstand anything thrown at it
- Great battery life
- Plenty of storage space for the price
Cons
- Can become pretty hot when doing complex tasks
4. Fenniu Ultra-Thin 14-Inch Laptop
If you are new to video production and editing and on a very tight budget, this is by far one of the best PC available. With a screen size of 14-inches and a powerful resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, the machine boasts crisp and sharp images in different viewing angles. Further, it utilizes Intel HD Graphics 500 to help you create high-quality videos while making the task of video editing quite efficient.
Additionally, the PC is powered by a Celeron N3450 Intel Apollo Lake processor that delivers high-speed performance. What is more, it boasts 4GB of LPDDR3 RAM and 64GB of eMMc storage. As such, it can easily handle different high-end applications, tasks, and even games. But the best part is that storage can be upgraded up to 512GB or to SSD via a mini SD slot included with the device.
To top it all up, the Fenniu Ultra-Thin 14-Inch runs on a 5000mAh Lithium-ion battery that is reported to last between six and eight hours on a single charge while watching movies. This makes it easy to complete your editing tasks on the go.
When it comes to connection, the PC packs a USB 3.0 port, USB Type C, Bluetooth 4.0, 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi and an audio jack for fast data transfer. Last but not least, it employs stereo speakers and runs on Windows 10 Home operating system for smooth performance.
Pros
- Nice IPS display with great clarity
- Backed by one year warranty for any quality related problems
- Slim and lightweight design
- Excellent customer service
- Easy to operate thanks to its efficient processor
Cons
- Built-in speakers are not that loud
- Limited storage space although it can be upgraded
5. Lenovo Yoga Book 2-in-1 Laptop
Featuring a 360-degree hinge design, you can use the machine in various modes including laptop, tablet and tent mode for added convenience. But probably the best thing about the device is its long-lasting battery that lasts up to 15 hours on a full charge. Not to mention, it only weighs 1.52 lbs making it extremely portable.
Right off the bat, the PC comes with a full HD IPS touchscreen display featuring a resolution of 1920×1200 pixels so you can create quality videos with excellent clarity. On top of that, it packs Intel HD Graphics 400 for an improved viewing experience. Also included is a Sound processing system that utilizes Dolby Atmos technology along with dual speakers to ensure enhanced audio quality.
When it comes to performance, the Lenovo Yoga Book operates on Atom x5-Z8550 Intel Quad-Core processor combined with 4GB of LPDDR3 memory. This ensures reliable performance regardless of what kind of video editing task you need to complete. Boasting 64GB of SSD storage, for the price, it definitely has a decent amount of storage capacity.
As if that’s not enough, the PC employs various connectivity options such as Bluetooth 4.0, one micro HDMI port, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, one micros USB port and headphone/microphone jack.
Pros
- Very responsive keyboard and touchscreen display
- Has a high-quality 8MP rear and 2MP front webcam
- Includes a Stylus pen with ink for added user-friendliness
- Flaunts a light, thin and stylish design
- Excellent battery life to get you through an entire day and recharges quickly
Cons
- Runs on Android 6.0 Marshmallow operating which is not highly efficient compared to Windows
Final Words
The best thing about using a laptop for video editing is the fact that it allows you to quickly edit even while on the move thanks to their portability. However, while there is no single best PC for editing video, all the five options in this guide have what it takes to help you take your video editing skills up a notch.
Leave A Comment