Video editing can be a demanding task for laptops, requiring a combination of power, speed, and smooth performance. But, not everyone has a large budget to invest in high-end workstations. Fortunately, there are plenty of budget-friendly laptops that can handle video editing tasks without breaking the bank. In this article, we’ll explore the top five budget laptops for video editing in 2024. These budget laptops offer a blend of processing power, good graphics, and enough storage for efficient video editing workflows at a reasonable price.
TOP 5 BUDGET LAPTOPS: BRIEF OVERVIEW
- Acer Swift X (14-inch) – A powerful ultrabook with an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and NVIDIA GTX graphics.
- Lenovo Legion 5 (15.6-inch) – A gaming laptop that doubles as a solid video editing machine with great performance.
- HP Pavilion x360 (14-inch) – A versatile convertible laptop with decent performance for light video editing.
- Asus VivoBook 15 (15.6-inch) – A budget-friendly option offering good value with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen processor.
- Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (15.6-inch) – A reliable and affordable laptop with a solid Intel i5 processor for light to moderate editing.
Each of these budget laptops brings unique features to the table, making them suitable for different levels of video editing tasks. Below, we discuss in detail the specifications, features, and key advantages of these five budget laptops.
ACER SWIFT X – 14″
The Acer Swift X (14-inch) is an impressive ultrabook that combines portability with powerful performance, making it an excellent choice for video editors who need a budget-friendly yet capable laptop. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and NVIDIA GTX 1650 graphics, this laptop delivers smooth video editing performance for both light and moderate tasks. It also features 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, ensuring ample memory and fast storage for handling large video files and multitasking efficiently. With its 100% sRGB display, the Swift X provides accurate color reproduction, essential for editing videos where color fidelity is crucial.
Why it stands out:
The Acer Swift X stands out for its combination of power and portability. The inclusion of a dedicated GPU ensures better graphics performance than many budget laptops with integrated graphics, making it a strong contender for video editing and creative work. With 16GB of RAM and a color-accurate display, it caters well to video editors who need both performance and precision on the go.
Price and Key Specs:
| Price | ~$800–$900 |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7730U |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 14-inch Full HD (1920×1080), 100% sRGB |
What sets it apart:
- Portability: As an ultrabook, the Swift X is thin and lightweight, making it easy to carry around for on-the-go video editing.
- Dedicated GPU: The GTX 1650 graphics card gives it a significant performance boost compared to laptops that only rely on integrated graphics, providing a smoother editing experience, especially for graphics-intensive tasks.
Buy Acer Swift X (14-inch) on Amazon
LENOVO LEGION 5 – 15.6“
The Lenovo Legion 5 (15.6-inch) is a powerful laptop primarily designed for gaming, but its robust specs make it an excellent choice for video editing as well. Powered by an AMD Ryzen 5 5600H processor and NVIDIA GTX 1650 or RTX 3050 graphics, it can handle video editing tasks with ease, including smooth 1080p and basic 4K video editing. The 16GB of RAM and 512GB SSD provide ample memory and fast storage, while the 120Hz Full HD display ensures a fluid and responsive editing experience. Whether you’re editing motion graphics or basic video content, this laptop delivers the power and performance you need.
Why it stands out:
The Lenovo Legion 5 stands out for its gaming pedigree, offering exceptional graphics performance, even for more graphically demanding tasks like video editing with heavy effects. With options for GTX 1650 or RTX 3050 graphics, the Legion 5 handles demanding video projects and provides a smoother experience with its 120Hz refresh rate, making it great for tasks like animation, motion graphics, and video playback.
Price and Key Specs:
| Feature | Lenovo Legion 5 (15.6-inch) |
|---|---|
| Price | ~$950–$1,050 |
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 5600H |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 or RTX 3050 |
| RAM | 16GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080), 120Hz refresh rate |
What sets it apart:
- Gaming DNA: As a gaming laptop, the Legion 5 offers top-tier performance, making it perfect for video editing tasks that require handling heavy effects or high-resolution footage.
- High Refresh Rate: The 120Hz refresh rate provides smoothness during playback, video scrubbing, and editing, improving the overall user experience, especially when working with dynamic content like animations or motion graphics.
Buy Lenovo Legion 5 (15.6-inch) on Amazon
HP PAVILION x360 – 14“
The HP Pavilion x360 (14-inch) is a versatile and budget-friendly 2-in-1 laptop that combines the flexibility of a touchscreen with solid performance for light video editing. Powered by an Intel Core i5-1235U processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics, it offers decent performance for basic video editing tasks such as cutting and trimming footage or adding simple effects. The 8GB of RAM and 512GB SSD provide a balanced configuration that allows for efficient multitasking and smooth operation of editing software. Its 14-inch Full HD touchscreen also provides additional value for tasks like storyboarding, drawing, or video annotation, making it a great choice for creative professionals.
Why it stands out:
The HP Pavilion x360 is a standout option for those looking for an affordable, flexible laptop. Its 2-in-1 convertible design allows users to switch between laptop and tablet modes, which is ideal for creative tasks like drawing, storyboarding, or taking notes directly on the screen. While its performance is suited for light video editing, it’s a great option for beginner editors who need an affordable and adaptable laptop for multimedia work.
Price and Key Specs:
| Feature | HP Pavilion x360 (14-inch) |
|---|---|
| Price | ~$700–$800 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1235U |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe (integrated) |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 14-inch Full HD (1920×1080), touchscreen |
What sets it apart:
- Convertible Design: The Pavilion x360’s 2-in-1 design allows users to switch to tablet mode, offering added flexibility for creative work such as drawing, storyboarding, or video annotation directly on the screen.
- Affordability: While it doesn’t have a dedicated GPU, the Pavilion x360 offers a great option for beginner video editors looking for an affordable laptop with versatile features for light video editing.
Buy HP Pavilion x360 on Amazon
ASUS VIVOBOOK – 15″
The Asus VivoBook 15 (15.6-inch) offers solid performance and great value for those on a budget, making it an excellent choice for entry-level video editors. Powered by either an Intel Core i5-1135G7 or AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, paired with Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon graphics, it provides sufficient power for handling 1080p video projects. With 8GB of RAM (expandable to 16GB) and a 512GB SSD, it offers good multitasking and storage capacity for video editing. The large 15.6-inch Full HD display ensures ample screen real estate, making it easier to work with multiple editing windows or timelines.
Why it stands out:
The Asus VivoBook 15 stands out for its great value and expandability. Its affordable price combined with a capable configuration makes it one of the best price-to-performance options for 1080p video editing. Additionally, the ability to expand the RAM up to 16GB provides future-proofing for users who may need more power as their editing projects grow more demanding.
Price and Key Specs:
| Feature | Asus VivoBook 15 (15.6-inch) |
|---|---|
| Price | ~$650–$750 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1135G7 or AMD Ryzen 5 5500U |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon Graphics |
| RAM | 8GB (expandable to 16GB) |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080) |
What sets it apart:
- Great Value: The VivoBook 15 provides a budget-friendly yet powerful setup, offering one of the best price-to-performance ratios for 1080p video editing on this list.
- Upgradability: With the option to expand the RAM up to 16GB, the VivoBook 15 offers room for growth, allowing users to enhance its performance as their video editing needs evolve.
Buy Asus VivoBook 15 on Amazon
DELL INSPIRON 15 5000 – 15.6“
The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (15.6-inch) is an affordable and reliable laptop designed to handle light video editing tasks, particularly at 1080p resolution. Equipped with an Intel Core i5-1240P processor and Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics, it provides solid performance for basic video and photo editing. With 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, the Inspiron 15 offers a smooth workflow and fast file access, making it an excellent choice for users who need a dependable yet budget-friendly laptop for video editing at an entry level.
Why it stands out:
The Dell Inspiron 15 5000 stands out for its affordability and consistent performance. With an Intel Core i5 processor and a balanced configuration of 8GB RAM and 512GB SSD, it delivers reliable performance for light video editing tasks, without the premium price tag. While it lacks a dedicated GPU, it still offers sufficient power for entry-level video editing, making it an excellent choice for beginners or casual editors on a budget.
Price and Key Specs:
| Feature | Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (15.6-inch) |
|---|---|
| Price | ~$700–$800 |
| Processor | Intel Core i5-1240P |
| Graphics | Intel Iris Xe (integrated) |
| RAM | 8GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 15.6-inch Full HD (1920×1080) |
What sets it apart:
- Affordable and Reliable: The Inspiron 15 5000 offers one of the most affordable configurations with an Intel i5 processor, making it a solid choice for users who need a basic yet reliable video editing machine.
- Consistent Performance: Although it lacks a dedicated GPU, its configuration provides steady and dependable performance for entry-level video editing, making it an ideal choice for beginners or those with simpler editing needs.
Buy Dell Inspiron 15 5000 on Amazon
QUICK OVERVIEW: KEY SPECS COMPARISON
When choosing a laptop for video editing, it’s important to compare specifications to find the best fit for your needs. The following table offers a side-by-side look at five popular budget laptops, each with unique strengths and configurations. From processor power and RAM to display quality and battery life, this comparison highlights the key features of the Acer Swift X, Lenovo Legion 5, HP Pavilion x360, Asus VivoBook 15, and Dell Inspiron 15 5000. Use this table to quickly evaluate the specs that matter most to your video editing projects, whether you’re looking for portability, power, or budget-friendly options.
| Feature | Acer Swift X (14-inch) | Lenovo Legion 5 (15.6-inch) | HP Pavilion x360 (14-inch) | Asus VivoBook 15 (15.6-inch) | Dell Inspiron 15 5000 (15.6-inch) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Processor | AMD Ryzen 7 7730U | AMD Ryzen 5 5600H | Intel Core i5-1235U | Intel Core i5-1135G7 / AMD Ryzen 5 5500U | Intel Core i5-1240P |
| Graphics | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 | NVIDIA GTX 1650 / RTX 3050 | Intel Iris Xe (integrated) | Intel Iris Xe / AMD Radeon (integrated) | Intel Iris Xe (integrated) |
| RAM | 16GB | 16GB | 8GB | 8GB (expandable to 16GB) | 8GB |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 14″ Full HD (1920×1080), 100% sRGB | 15.6″ Full HD (1920×1080), 120Hz | 14″ Full HD (1920×1080), touchscreen | 15.6″ Full HD (1920×1080) | 15.6″ Full HD (1920×1080) |
| Battery Life | Up to 12 hours | Up to 8 hours | Up to 8 hours | Up to 7 hours | Up to 8 hours |
| Weight | 3.06 lbs (1.39 kg) | 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) | 3.55 lbs (1.61 kg) | 3.97 lbs (1.8 kg) | 3.78 lbs (1.71 kg) |
| Price Range | ~$800–$900 | ~$950–$1,050 | ~$700–$800 | ~$650–$750 | ~$700–$800 |
Key Observations:
- Processor: The Acer Swift X offers the most powerful CPU with its AMD Ryzen 7 7730U, while the Lenovo Legion 5 features a capable Ryzen 5 5600H and options for RTX 3050, making it great for gaming and demanding video editing tasks.
- Graphics: Dedicated GPUs (NVIDIA GTX 1650/RTX 3050) in the Acer Swift X and Lenovo Legion 5 provide significant performance boosts for video editing, especially when compared to the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics in the other laptops.
- RAM & Storage: All laptops feature 512GB SSDs, ensuring fast file transfers and better system responsiveness. The Acer Swift X and Lenovo Legion 5 come with 16GB of RAM, which is ideal for heavier multitasking and video editing. The HP Pavilion x360, Asus VivoBook 15, and Dell Inspiron 15 5000 come with 8GB of RAM, but the VivoBook allows for an upgrade to 16GB.
- Display: The Acer Swift X stands out with its 100% sRGB display, providing better color accuracy for video editing. The Lenovo Legion 5 has a 120Hz refresh rate, which is excellent for smooth playback and editing, especially for fast-moving content.
- Battery Life: The Acer Swift X offers the best battery life at up to 12 hours, which is great for portability. Most other laptops offer between 7–8 hours of battery life, which is average for this class.
- Weight: The Acer Swift X and HP Pavilion x360 are more portable, with weights of 3.06 lbs and 3.55 lbs, respectively. The Lenovo Legion 5 is the heaviest, weighing 5.5 lbs, due to its gaming-focused design.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Each of the budget laptops we’ve covered offers unique advantages, making them well-suited to different video editing needs. When selecting the best laptop, it’s important to consider factors such as processing power, graphics performance, portability, and budget.
- For power users who need a laptop capable of handling heavier video editing tasks—especially if you’re working with 4K footage or intensive effects—the Acer Swift X and Lenovo Legion 5 are standout options. Both of these laptops come equipped with dedicated graphics cards (NVIDIA GTX 1650 or RTX 3050) and high-performance processors. The Acer Swift X, with its AMD Ryzen 7 and 16GB of RAM, is a compact powerhouse that excels in both performance and portability. Meanwhile, the Lenovo Legion 5 offers exceptional graphics performance and a 120Hz display, making it a strong choice for both video editing and gaming.
- If you’re looking for an affordable yet versatile laptop, the HP Pavilion x360 and Asus VivoBook 15 are excellent choices. The HP Pavilion x360 offers the flexibility of a convertible 2-in-1 design, which can be especially useful for storyboarding or drawing, while still providing solid performance for light to moderate video editing with its Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM. The Asus VivoBook 15, on the other hand, delivers great value for money with a solid configuration for 1080p video editing, expandable RAM, and a large 15.6-inch display, making it ideal for those on a tighter budget.
- For those on a tighter budget who want a reliable, no-frills laptop for basic editing tasks, the Dell Inspiron 15 5000 is a strong contender. While it lacks a dedicated GPU, its Intel Core i5 processor and 8GB of RAM are more than sufficient for handling simpler video projects, and it provides solid performance for basic video editing and other everyday tasks.
Ultimately, the best laptop for you will depend on your specific video editing requirements—whether you need powerful graphics performance for demanding projects, a portable design for editing on the go, or a convertible laptop for extra flexibility. Regardless of your choice, all of these options offer solid video editing capabilities at a budget-friendly price point, giving you the ability to create high-quality videos without breaking the bank.
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