Best Budget Laptops for Video Editing in 2025: Top Picks Under $1,200

Best Budget Laptops for Video Editing in 2025: Top Picks Under $1,200

Best Budget Laptops for Video Editing in 2025: Top Picks Under $1,200

Video editing doesn't have to break the bank. Whether you're a budding content creator, student filmmaker, or hobbyist vlogger, finding the perfect budget laptop for video editing in 2025 is more achievable than ever. With technological advancements bringing powerful hardware to affordable price points, you can now edit 1080p and even 4K footage without spending thousands of dollars.

In this comprehensive guide, we've tested and reviewed the best budget laptops for video editing across three price tiers: under $500, $500-$800, and $800-$1,200. We'll show you exactly what specs to prioritize, where you can compromise, and which laptops deliver the best value for money in 2025.

Quick Comparison: Best Budget Video Editing Laptops 2025

Laptop Price Range Processor RAM Best For Rating
MacBook Air M1 (Refurb) $395-$600 Apple M1 8-16GB 1080p editing, Final Cut Pro 9.2/10
ASUS TUF Gaming A16 $1,099 AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS 16GB 4K editing, Adobe Premiere 8.8/10
Acer Nitro V 15 $799 Intel Core i5-13420H 16GB Best value for 1080p 8.5/10
Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 $699 AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS 8GB Budget 1080p editing 8.3/10
HP Pavilion Plus 14 $899 Intel Core i7-13700H 16GB Color-accurate display 8.7/10

Top 10 Best Budget Laptops for Video Editing in 2025

1. MacBook Air M1 (Refurbished) - Best Overall Value

Price: $395-$600 (refurbished)
Processor: Apple M1 (8-core CPU)
Graphics: Integrated 7-core or 8-core GPU
RAM: 8GB or 16GB unified memory
Storage: 256GB or 512GB SSD
Display: 13.3" Retina (2560 x 1600), P3 wide color

The M1 MacBook Air remains the undisputed champion for budget video editing in 2025. Even three years after its release, Apple's M1 chip delivers exceptional performance for 1080p editing and handles 4K footage surprisingly well in Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve.

Pros:

  • Incredible power efficiency - no fan noise, excellent battery life (15-18 hours)
  • Hardware-accelerated ProRes encoding/decoding
  • Color-accurate P3 display perfect for video work
  • Fanless design means silent operation during exports
  • Excellent resale value
  • Native support for Final Cut Pro optimized for M1

Cons:

  • Limited to 2 external displays
  • 8GB RAM version struggles with 4K multicam editing
  • Non-upgradeable RAM and storage
  • Limited port selection (2x Thunderbolt/USB 4)

Best For: YouTubers, content creators working primarily in 1080p, Final Cut Pro users, anyone who values portability and battery life.

Where to Buy: Apple Certified Refurbished, Back Market, Best Buy Open-Box

2. ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (2024) - Best 4K Budget Editing

Price: $1,099
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS (8-core, 16-thread)
Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4050 (6GB GDDR6)
RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800 (upgradeable to 32GB)
Storage: 512GB PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Display: 16" FHD (1920 x 1200), 165Hz

The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 brings serious 4K editing capabilities to the sub-$1,200 market. The RTX 4050 provides hardware acceleration for Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and After Effects, while the Ryzen 7 7735HS handles CPU-intensive tasks with ease.

Pros:

  • Dedicated RTX 4050 GPU accelerates timeline scrubbing and effects
  • 16GB DDR5 RAM upgradeable to 32GB (2 SODIMM slots)
  • Large 16" display provides ample workspace
  • 90Wh battery provides 6-8 hours of video editing
  • Excellent cooling system prevents thermal throttling
  • Multiple USB ports, HDMI 2.1, and USB-C with DisplayPort

Cons:

  • Display not color-accurate out of the box (needs calibration)
  • Heavier at 5.73 lbs - not ideal for portability
  • Gaming aesthetic may not suit professional environments
  • Fan noise under heavy load

Best For: Adobe Premiere Pro users, 4K multicam editors, those needing GPU acceleration for color grading and effects.

3. Acer Nitro V 15 - Best Value Under $800

Price: $799
Processor: Intel Core i5-13420H (8-core, 12-thread)
Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4050 (6GB GDDR6)
RAM: 16GB DDR5
Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
Display: 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080), 144Hz

The Acer Nitro V 15 delivers exceptional value at $799, packing an RTX 4050 GPU and 16GB of RAM into an affordable package. It's the sweet spot for creators who need GPU acceleration without exceeding $1,000.

Pros:

  • RTX 4050 provides excellent hardware acceleration
  • 16GB RAM handles 1080p multicam and basic 4K editing
  • Fast PCIe Gen 4 SSD ensures smooth timeline scrubbing
  • 144Hz display provides smooth UI navigation
  • Dedicated numeric keypad useful for hotkeys
  • Affordable price point for GPU acceleration

Cons:

  • Display color accuracy limited (60% sRGB)
  • Battery life only 4-5 hours under editing workloads
  • Plastic build feels less premium
  • Limited to 16GB RAM (soldered, non-upgradeable)

Best For: Budget-conscious creators editing 1080p content, gamers who also edit, those needing GPU acceleration under $800.

4. Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 - Best Budget Entry Point

Price: $699
Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS (6-core, 12-thread)
Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3050 (4GB GDDR6)
RAM: 8GB DDR5 (upgradeable to 16GB)
Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
Display: 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080), 120Hz

At just $699, the Lenovo IdeaPad Gaming 3 is the most affordable laptop with dedicated GPU acceleration on our list. While it ships with only 8GB RAM, upgrading to 16GB costs around $40, making it an excellent value proposition.

Pros:

  • Affordable entry point for GPU-accelerated editing
  • RTX 3050 supports CUDA acceleration in Premiere and Resolve
  • RAM is user-upgradeable (1 SODIMM slot + 1 soldered)
  • Ryzen 5 7535HS provides solid CPU performance
  • 120Hz display makes UI navigation smoother

Cons:

  • 8GB RAM insufficient for serious editing (upgrade required)
  • RTX 3050 limited to 4GB VRAM (struggles with 4K)
  • Battery life only 3-4 hours under load
  • Display brightness limited to 250 nits
  • Only one upgradeable RAM slot (max 24GB total)

Best For: Absolute beginners, students, hobbyists editing 1080p YouTube content, those willing to upgrade RAM.

5. HP Pavilion Plus 14 - Best Color-Accurate Display

Price: $899
Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H (14-core, 20-thread)
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe integrated
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Storage: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
Display: 14" 2.8K (2880 x 1800), 90Hz, 100% sRGB, 400 nits

The HP Pavilion Plus 14 stands out for its exceptional display quality. With 100% sRGB coverage and factory calibration, it's the most color-accurate budget laptop for video editors who prioritize color grading accuracy.

Pros:

  • Stunning 2.8K display with 100% sRGB, Delta E < 2
  • Factory-calibrated for accurate color reproduction
  • Powerful Core i7-13700H with 14 cores
  • Compact 14" form factor, weighs only 3.3 lbs
  • Premium metal build quality
  • Excellent battery life (8-10 hours for light editing)

Cons:

  • No dedicated GPU limits 4K performance
  • Intel Iris Xe slower than RTX GPUs for effects
  • Smaller 14" screen may feel cramped for timeline editing
  • RAM soldered, not upgradeable
  • Limited port selection (2x USB-C, 1x USB-A)

Best For: Color-critical work, photographers transitioning to video, creators who value portability and display quality over raw GPU power.

6. Dell Inspiron 16 Plus (7630) - Best Large Display Under $1,000

Price: $949
Processor: Intel Core i7-13700H
Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4050 (6GB GDDR6)
RAM: 16GB DDR5
Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
Display: 16" 2.5K (2560 x 1600), 120Hz

Dell's Inspiron 16 Plus combines a spacious 16" display with RTX 4050 acceleration at a competitive price point. The 2.5K resolution provides sharper text and more screen real estate than standard 1080p displays.

Pros:

  • Large 16" 2.5K display provides ample workspace
  • RTX 4050 accelerates GPU-intensive effects
  • Solid build quality with aluminum lid
  • User-upgradeable RAM and storage
  • Good port selection (Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, SD card reader)

Cons:

  • Display color accuracy average (68% sRGB)
  • Heavier at 4.95 lbs
  • Battery life modest (5-6 hours editing)
  • Thermal throttling under sustained loads

Best For: Creators who prioritize screen size, those needing Thunderbolt 4 for external storage, editors who value upgradeability.

7. ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 OLED - Best OLED Display Under $1,000

Price: $899
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H
Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 3050 Ti (4GB GDDR6)
RAM: 16GB DDR4
Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
Display: 15.6" FHD OLED, 100% DCI-P3, 600 nits

The Vivobook Pro 15 OLED brings stunning OLED display technology to the budget segment. With perfect blacks, infinite contrast, and 100% DCI-P3 coverage, it's ideal for color-critical video work.

Pros:

  • Gorgeous OLED display with perfect blacks and vibrant colors
  • 100% DCI-P3 color gamut (cinema standard)
  • 600 nits peak brightness for HDR content
  • RTX 3050 Ti provides GPU acceleration
  • ASUS DialPad for creative app controls

Cons:

  • OLED risk of burn-in with static UI elements
  • Ryzen 7 5800H older generation (2021)
  • Battery life only 4-5 hours due to OLED
  • RTX 3050 Ti limited to 4GB VRAM

Best For: Color grading enthusiasts, HDR content creators, those who value display quality above all else.

8. Acer Swift X (2024) - Best Ultraportable Editor

Price: $849
Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 7730U
Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4050 (6GB GDDR6)
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
Display: 14" FHD (1920 x 1080), 100% sRGB

The Acer Swift X packs RTX 4050 graphics into a thin 3.5-lb chassis, making it the most portable laptop with dedicated GPU on our list. It's perfect for creators who edit on the go.

Pros:

  • Lightweight at only 3.5 lbs
  • RTX 4050 in an ultraportable form factor
  • 100% sRGB color-accurate display
  • Good battery life (7-8 hours light editing)
  • Premium metal build quality

Cons:

  • 14" display may feel cramped for video editing
  • RAM soldered, not upgradeable
  • Ryzen 7730U lower TDP limits sustained performance
  • Gets warm under heavy GPU load

Best For: Mobile creators, vloggers who edit while traveling, students who need portability.

9. MSI Prestige 14 Evo - Best Business Laptop for Editing

Price: $999
Processor: Intel Core i7-1360P (12-core)
Graphics: Intel Iris Xe integrated
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
Storage: 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD
Display: 14" FHD+ (1920 x 1200), 100% sRGB

The MSI Prestige 14 Evo targets professional creators who value portability, battery life, and a sleek design over raw GPU power. It's Intel Evo certified for guaranteed performance standards.

Pros:

  • Intel Evo certification ensures consistent performance
  • Excellent battery life (10-12 hours light work)
  • Lightweight at 2.84 lbs
  • Thunderbolt 4 for fast external storage
  • Premium carbon gray finish
  • Silent operation (no fan noise during exports)

Cons:

  • No dedicated GPU limits 4K editing
  • Intel Iris Xe slower than RTX for GPU effects
  • Webcam quality average (720p)
  • Limited to 16GB RAM (soldered)

Best For: Business professionals who edit occasionally, creators prioritizing battery life and portability over GPU power.

10. Lenovo LOQ 15 - Best Gaming Laptop for Editing

Price: $899
Processor: Intel Core i5-12450H
Graphics: NVIDIA RTX 4060 (8GB GDDR6)
RAM: 12GB DDR5 (8GB + 4GB)
Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD
Display: 15.6" FHD (1920 x 1080), 144Hz

The Lenovo LOQ 15 stands out for packing an RTX 4060 GPU (typically found in laptops $1,200+) into a sub-$900 package. The compromise is an awkward 12GB RAM configuration (8GB + 4GB), but the GPU power is exceptional for the price.

Pros:

  • RTX 4060 with 8GB VRAM handles 4K editing smoothly
  • Best GPU-to-price ratio on this list
  • User-upgradeable RAM and storage
  • Good cooling system prevents throttling
  • 144Hz display smooth for UI navigation

Cons:

  • Odd 12GB RAM config (not dual-channel optimized)
  • Should immediately upgrade to 2x16GB for best performance
  • Display color accuracy below average
  • Gaming aesthetic may not suit professional use
  • Battery life only 3-4 hours

Best For: Gamers who also edit, 4K editors on a tight budget, those willing to upgrade RAM immediately.

Budget Laptop Buying Guide for Video Editors

What Specs Do You Really Need?

Processor (CPU)

For budget video editing, prioritize multi-core performance over single-core speed. Look for at least:

  • Minimum: Intel Core i5-12400H or AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS (6 cores)
  • Recommended: Intel Core i7-13700H or AMD Ryzen 7 7735HS (8+ cores)
  • Sweet Spot: Apple M1 or M2 (exceptional performance per watt)

Why it matters: Video rendering, encoding, and applying effects are CPU-intensive tasks. More cores = faster export times and smoother timeline scrubbing with multiple clips.

RAM (Memory)

  • Absolute Minimum: 8GB (1080p editing only, expect slowdowns)
  • Recommended: 16GB (comfortable 1080p, basic 4K)
  • Ideal: 32GB (smooth 4K multicam, heavy effects)

Pro Tip: Always check if RAM is upgradeable. Buying a laptop with 8GB and upgrading to 16GB yourself can save $100-150 compared to buying a pre-configured 16GB model.

Graphics (GPU)

This is where budget laptops make the biggest trade-offs:

  • Integrated Graphics (Intel Iris Xe, AMD Radeon): Fine for 1080p editing in Premiere/Resolve, struggles with GPU-heavy effects
  • Entry-Level Dedicated (RTX 3050, RTX 4050): Noticeable acceleration in timeline scrubbing, color grading, and effects
  • Mid-Range Dedicated (RTX 4060): Smooth 4K editing, real-time color grading, faster exports

Do you need a GPU? If you're using Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or After Effects with effects like Lumetri Color, Gaussian Blur, or AI-powered tools (Auto Reframe, Scene Edit Detection), a dedicated GPU provides 2-3x faster performance.

Storage

  • Minimum: 256GB SSD (you'll need external storage immediately)
  • Recommended: 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD
  • Ideal: 1TB+ SSD (store project files locally, export to external)

Speed Matters: Make sure it's an NVMe SSD, not SATA. NVMe drives are 5-7x faster, which directly impacts timeline scrubbing and export speeds.

Display

For serious color work, prioritize:

  • Color Gamut: Minimum 100% sRGB (avoid displays under 60% sRGB)
  • Resolution: 1080p minimum, 1440p/2.8K/4K ideal for sharper UI
  • Panel Type: IPS or OLED (avoid TN panels)
  • Brightness: 300+ nits for comfortable indoor use

Reality Check: Most budget laptops sacrifice display quality. If color accuracy is critical, plan to use an external calibrated monitor for final color grading.

Where You Can Compromise (and Where You Can't)

Safe to Compromise:

  • Storage size: External SSDs are cheap ($80 for 1TB). Start with 512GB internal and expand externally.
  • Build materials: Plastic chassis are fine if you're stationary. Save money here if you're not traveling.
  • Display resolution: 1080p is perfectly fine for editing. Use 1440p/4K monitors externally if needed.
  • Battery life: Most video editing happens plugged in anyway.

Never Compromise On:

  • RAM upgradeability: If buying 8GB, ensure it's upgradeable to 16GB+
  • CPU performance: A weak CPU will bottleneck everything. Don't go below 6 cores.
  • Cooling system: Poor cooling = thermal throttling = slower exports
  • Port selection: Ensure at least 1 USB-C (for fast external storage) and HDMI (for external monitors)

Software Optimization for Budget Laptops

Best Free Video Editing Software for Budget Laptops

  1. DaVinci Resolve Free: Professional-grade color grading, surprisingly efficient on modest hardware
  2. Kdenlive: Open-source, lightweight, great for 1080p editing on integrated graphics
  3. OpenShot: Simple interface, minimal system requirements
  4. HitFilm Express: Free with VFX capabilities, GPU-accelerated

Adobe Premiere Pro Optimization Tips

  • Enable Hardware Acceleration (Metal for Mac, CUDA for NVIDIA, OpenCL for AMD)
  • Lower playback resolution to 1/2 or 1/4 during editing
  • Use proxy workflows for 4K footage (edit with low-res proxies, export with full-res)
  • Clear media cache regularly (can grow to 50GB+)
  • Disable background rendering to save CPU resources

DaVinci Resolve Optimization Tips

  • Use optimized media (similar to Premiere proxies)
  • Set timeline resolution to match export resolution (don't edit 4K if exporting 1080p)
  • Enable GPU acceleration in Preferences > System > Memory & GPU
  • Use Fusion page sparingly on budget hardware (very GPU-intensive)
  • Disable automatic save during heavy edits to prevent stuttering

Upgrading Your Budget Laptop

RAM Upgrade (Most Important)

Cost: $30-60 for 16GB DDR4, $50-80 for 16GB DDR5

Steps:

  1. Check your laptop's RAM configuration (use CPU-Z or Task Manager)
  2. Verify if RAM is soldered or SODIMM (only SODIMM is upgradeable)
  3. Buy matching speed RAM (e.g., if you have DDR5-4800, buy DDR5-4800)
  4. Most laptops have 2 SODIMM slots - fill both for dual-channel performance

Performance Gain: Upgrading from 8GB to 16GB can improve editing performance by 40-60%.

Storage Upgrade

Cost: $60-80 for 1TB PCIe Gen 3, $100-120 for 1TB PCIe Gen 4

When to Upgrade: If you're constantly juggling external drives, upgrading to 1TB internal storage streamlines your workflow.

External Monitor

Cost: $150-250 for 27" 1440p IPS, $300-400 for color-accurate displays

Why It Helps: Budget laptops often have mediocre displays. A $200 external monitor with 99% sRGB provides better color accuracy than your built-in panel.

Refurbished & Used Market: Hidden Gems

Best Refurbished Picks for 2025

  1. MacBook Air M1 (2020): $395-600 - Best value, full warranty from Apple Certified Refurbished
  2. Dell XPS 15 (9520): $800-1,000 - RTX 3050 Ti, 4K OLED options, Dell Outlet has great deals
  3. ThinkPad P1 Gen 4: $700-900 - Professional workstation, RTX A2000, legendary keyboard
  4. HP ZBook Studio G8: $600-800 - RTX 3060, color-accurate displays, enterprise build quality

Where to Buy Refurbished

  • Apple Certified Refurbished: 1-year warranty, like-new condition, 15% savings
  • Dell Outlet: Excellent deals on XPS and Precision lines, 1-year warranty
  • Lenovo Outlet: Deep discounts on ThinkPad P series workstations
  • Best Buy Open-Box: Inspect before buying, varies by location
  • Back Market: Marketplace with buyer protection, graded conditions (Fair/Good/Excellent)

What to Check Before Buying Used

  • Battery health: Should be 85%+ capacity (check with BatteryInfoView on Windows, coconutBattery on Mac)
  • Screen condition: No dead pixels, backlight bleed, or discoloration
  • Port functionality: Test all USB, HDMI, and audio ports
  • Thermal performance: Run Cinebench R23 and monitor temperatures (shouldn't exceed 95°C)
  • Warranty status: Check manufacturer warranty remaining

Budget Video Editing Workflow Tips

Work Smarter, Not Harder

Use Proxy Workflows

Proxies are low-resolution copies of your footage that make editing smoother on budget hardware. Here's how:

Premiere Pro:

  1. Right-click footage > Proxy > Create Proxies
  2. Choose H.264 Low Resolution (1/4 size)
  3. Edit with proxies, Premiere automatically uses full-res for export

DaVinci Resolve:

  1. Right-click clip > Generate Optimized Media
  2. Or use Timeline > Playback > Proxy Mode (Half or Quarter)

Optimize Your Timeline

  • Disable clips you're not currently editing (reduces RAM usage)
  • Use adjustment layers instead of copying effects to multiple clips
  • Pre-render heavy effects sections (File > Export > Selection as New Clip)
  • Close unnecessary background applications (browsers, Spotify, etc.)

Export Settings for Faster Renders

  • Format: H.264 for YouTube/social media (fastest), ProRes for archival (slower but higher quality)
  • Hardware Acceleration: Enable GPU encoding (2-3x faster exports)
  • Bitrate: Use VBR 2-pass for best quality-to-size ratio
  • Resolution: Don't export 4K if your final platform is 1080p

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I edit 4K video on a budget laptop?

Yes, but with caveats. You'll need at least 16GB RAM, a dedicated GPU (RTX 4050 or better), and should use proxy workflows. Budget laptops can handle 4K editing but expect longer export times and the need to optimize your workflow. The ASUS TUF Gaming A16 and Lenovo LOQ 15 are your best budget 4K options.

Is 8GB RAM enough for video editing in 2025?

8GB RAM is the bare minimum for 1080p editing only. You'll experience frequent slowdowns, especially with multiple clips or effects. If you're serious about video editing, 16GB should be your target. The good news: many budget laptops have upgradeable RAM, so you can start with 8GB and upgrade to 16GB for $40-60.

Do I need a dedicated GPU for video editing?

Not strictly necessary for 1080p editing, but highly beneficial. Integrated graphics (Intel Iris Xe, AMD Radeon) work fine for basic editing, but dedicated GPUs (RTX 4050/4060) accelerate timeline scrubbing, color grading, and effects rendering by 2-3x. If you use Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve extensively, a dedicated GPU is worth the investment.

Should I buy a MacBook or Windows laptop for video editing?

It depends on your software and budget. MacBooks (especially M1/M2 models) offer exceptional performance-per-dollar for Final Cut Pro users and incredible battery life. Windows laptops offer more hardware variety, better upgrade options, and are generally cheaper for similar specs. For budget editing, a refurbished M1 MacBook Air ($400-600) offers unbeatable value, but Windows laptops like the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 provide better GPU power for the same price.

What's the best free video editing software for beginners?

DaVinci Resolve Free is the best free option in 2025. It's used by Hollywood professionals, offers professional-grade color grading, and runs efficiently on budget hardware. The learning curve is steeper than iMovie or Windows Photos, but the capabilities are far superior. Alternatives: Kdenlive (open-source, lightweight), OpenShot (beginner-friendly), HitFilm Express (includes VFX tools).

Can I use a gaming laptop for video editing?

Absolutely! Gaming laptops often provide the best value for video editors because they pack powerful CPUs and dedicated GPUs at competitive prices. Models like the Acer Nitro V 15, Lenovo LOQ 15, and ASUS TUF Gaming A16 excel at both gaming and video editing. The main trade-offs are battery life, display color accuracy, and gaming aesthetics that may not suit professional environments.

How much storage do I need for video editing?

For your internal SSD, 512GB is the minimum comfortable amount. Video files are massive (1 minute of 4K footage = 1-4GB), so you'll quickly fill smaller drives. That said, external SSDs are affordable ($80 for 1TB), so you can work with 512GB internal storage and offload finished projects to external drives. Always use SSD storage for active projects - HDDs are too slow for smooth timeline scrubbing.

Should I buy new or refurbished for budget video editing?

Refurbished can offer exceptional value, especially Apple Certified Refurbished MacBooks and Dell Outlet XPS models. You get the same warranty as new and save 15-30%. However, buying new gives you the latest hardware, longer manufacturer support, and peace of mind. For tight budgets ($400-600), refurbished M1 MacBook Airs are unbeatable. For $800+, new Windows laptops with current-gen RTX GPUs offer better future-proofing.

What's the most important spec for video editing?

RAM is the single most impactful spec for smooth editing. 16GB should be your target. After RAM, prioritize CPU (8+ cores), then GPU (dedicated graphics for effects), then fast SSD storage. Display quality matters for color-critical work, but you can always use an external monitor. Never compromise on RAM or CPU - these are the foundation of a responsive editing experience.

Can budget laptops handle Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects?

Yes, but with limitations. Premiere Pro runs on laptops with 8GB RAM and integrated graphics, but you'll need to use proxy workflows and lower playback resolution. For comfortable Premiere Pro editing, target 16GB RAM and a dedicated GPU. After Effects is more demanding - it benefits heavily from CPU and RAM. For serious After Effects work, consider 32GB RAM if budget allows. Budget laptops like the ASUS TUF Gaming A16 (16GB RAM, RTX 4050) handle Premiere Pro well but will struggle with complex After Effects compositions.

Final Verdict: Which Budget Laptop Should You Buy?

Best Overall: MacBook Air M1 (Refurbished) - $395-$600

If you can find one at this price, the M1 MacBook Air is unbeatable for budget video editing. It's fast, silent, has incredible battery life, and works beautifully with Final Cut Pro. The only reason to skip it is if you need Windows-specific software or prefer larger displays.

Best for 4K Editing: ASUS TUF Gaming A16 - $1,099

For creators working primarily in 4K with Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve, the TUF Gaming A16's RTX 4050 GPU and upgradeable 16GB RAM provide the horsepower you need without exceeding $1,200.

Best Value: Acer Nitro V 15 - $799

The sweet spot for most budget creators. RTX 4050 GPU, 16GB RAM, and a price tag under $800 make it the best value proposition on this list. Perfect for 1080p content creators who occasionally dabble in 4K.

Best for Color Work: HP Pavilion Plus 14 - $899

If display quality trumps raw GPU power, the Pavilion Plus 14's factory-calibrated 2.8K screen with 100% sRGB coverage is your best choice. Ideal for photographers transitioning to video who prioritize color accuracy.

Remember: the "best" budget laptop depends on your specific needs. Prioritize what matters most to your workflow - whether that's portability, GPU power, display quality, or upgradeability - and choose accordingly. Happy editing!