Best Laptops for Video Editing Under 700: Beast on a Budget

We’ve all been there: overflowing with creative ideas, but stuck staring down the high price tag of top-tier editing laptops. Let’s face it, maxing out your credit card isn’t the dream scenario, especially for creators just starting out.

But fear not! This guide is your ultimate resource for finding the best laptops for video editing under $700. We’ll be exploring the top options that won’t break the bank, proving that affordable video editing power is within your reach. So ditch the stress and grab your favorite editing software – with the right laptop by your side, you can unleash your creativity and become a video editing master, all without sacrificing your financial well-being.

While you can find capable video editing laptops under $700, it’s important to understand the limitations at this price point. Here’s what to prioritize for a smooth editing experience:

• Processor: Aim for at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor. These offer decent power for basic to moderate editing tasks.
• RAM: 8GB of RAM is the minimum for video editing. 16GB is ideal, but may be less common in this price range. Consider upgrading RAM later if possible.
• Storage: Solid State Drive (SSD) is crucial for fast loading times and overall responsiveness. Aim for at least 256GB of storage, but consider external storage for larger projects.
• Operating System: While Windows laptops are common, Chromebooks can be an option for basic editing due to their affordability and lightweight nature. However, software compatibility might be limited.
• Graphics Card: Dedicated graphics cards are not essential at this price point. Integrated graphics are sufficient for most basic editing tasks.

Additional Considerations:

• Screen Quality: Look for a Full HD (1920×1080) display for clear viewing while editing.
• Battery Life: Long battery life is a bonus, especially if you plan to edit on the go.
• Portability: Size and weight are important if you need a laptop for travel.

Remember: Finding the perfect laptop depends on your specific editing needs and software preferences. Do your research to ensure compatibility before purchasing.

The Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-32DK Slim Laptop is a solid option for video editing under $700, offering a balanced approach between performance and affordability. Here’s a breakdown to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you:

Pros:

• Decent Performance: Powered by an 11th Gen Intel Core i3 processor, it can handle basic to moderate video editing tasks without too much struggle. You can edit videos, add transitions, and apply basic effects.
• RAM Upgradeability: With 4GB of DDR4 RAM (which is the minimum for video editing), you have the option to upgrade to 16GB for smoother performance with complex projects or heavy multitasking.
• Storage Capacity: The 256GB SSD storage provides enough space to store your video projects and editing software.
• Full HD Display: The 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution offers good clarity for video editing, allowing you to see details in your footage.
• Lightweight Design: It’s relatively lightweight for a 15.6-inch laptop, making it moderately portable if you need to edit on the go.

Cons:

• Limited Processing Power: The Intel Core i3 processor might not be suitable for very demanding video editing tasks, especially with multiple layers of effects or high-resolution footage.
• Base RAM Might Limit Performance: While 4GB RAM is the minimum for video editing, editing can feel sluggish at times. Upgrading to 16GB is recommended for a smoother experience, but it adds to the cost.

Overall, the Acer Aspire 5 A515-56-32DK is a good value for video editing on a budget. It can handle a good range of editing tasks, and the ability to upgrade RAM allows you to improve performance over time.

When it comes to finding a powerful laptop for video editing under $700, refurbished Dell Latitude laptops emerge as a hidden gem. Let’s delve into why they deserve a spot on your shortlist:

Powerhouse Potential: Refurbished Dell Latitudes are typically business-oriented laptops known for their durability and performance. You can find models equipped with Intel Core i5 or even i7 processors, a significant step up from some budget-friendly new laptops. This translates to smoother editing, especially when handling multiple video tracks or applying effects.

RAM Advantage: Many refurbished Dell Latitudes come pre-installed with 8GB of RAM, which is the minimum recommended for video editing. Some models might even offer 16GB of RAM, ideal for power users who crave a truly seamless editing experience. Upgrading RAM on a refurbished model might also be an option, depending on the specific configuration.

Budget-Friendly Bang: Compared to brand new laptops with similar specs, refurbished Dell Latitudes offer significant savings. This allows you to snag a more powerful machine without breaking the bank – a major win for budget-conscious video editors.

Durability You Can Trust: Built for the demanding world of business, refurbished Dell Latitudes are known for their solid construction and reliable performance. This translates to a laptop that can handle the rigors of video editing without succumbing to wear and tear quickly.

Things to Consider:

• Warranty: Since you’re buying refurbished, the warranty coverage might be shorter compared to brand new laptops. Carefully check the warranty details before purchasing.
• Battery Life: Battery life can vary depending on the model and how it was used previously. Look for models with decent battery life ratings, especially if you plan on editing on the go.
• Cosmetics: Refurbished laptops may have minor cosmetic imperfections, but these shouldn’t affect performance. However, if you prioritize a pristine look, a new laptop might be a better choice.

Overall, a refurbished Dell Latitude can be an excellent choice for video editing under $700. It offers a good balance of power, affordability, and durability. However, be mindful of the warranty, battery life, and potential cosmetic imperfections before making your final decision.

The HP Chromebook x360 14-inch is a unique entry on this list of budget video editing laptops under $700. Let’s explore its strengths and limitations for video editing:

Pros:

• Affordability: Chromebooks are known for being budget-friendly, making the HP Chromebook x360 a very attractive option for those on a tight budget.
• Lightweight & Portable: The Chromebook’s design is often slim and lightweight, making it ideal for creators on the go.
• Battery Life: Chromebooks typically boast excellent battery life, allowing you to edit for longer stretches without needing to be plugged in.
• Convertible Design (on some models): The HP Chromebook x360 offers a 360-degree hinge, allowing you to use it in tablet mode for a more intuitive editing experience with some touch-based software.

Cons:

• Limited Software Compatibility: Chrome OS, the operating system on Chromebooks, is designed for web-based applications. While some video editing software has web versions, they might be limited in features compared to traditional desktop editing programs like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve.
• Processing Power: Chromebooks typically use less powerful processors compared to Windows laptops in this price range. While they can handle basic editing tasks, they might struggle with complex projects or multiple layers of effects.
• Storage: Base models often come with limited storage (typically 64GB), which fills up quickly with video files. External storage is a must for ongoing projects.

Overall, the HP Chromebook x360 14-inch is a solid option for those who prioritize affordability, portability, and basic video editing tasks. However, if you need to use specific editing software or plan on working with complex projects, a Windows laptop with a more powerful processor and greater software compatibility might be a better choice.

The Samsung Galaxy Book 15.6 is a compelling option for creators who prioritize a stunning display for video editing, but it’s important to weigh its strengths and weaknesses within a budget of $700. Here’s a breakdown:

Pros:

• Display: This laptop boasts a vibrant AMOLED display that produces rich colors and deep blacks, making it ideal for color-critical work like video editing.
• Processor: Typically configured with an 11th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, it offers decent power for basic to moderate video editing tasks.
• RAM: Usually comes with 8GB of RAM, which meets the minimum requirement for video editing. Upgrading to 16GB might be possible on some models for a smoother experience.
• Design: Samsung laptops are known for their sleek and stylish design.

Cons:

• Graphics Card: It relies on integrated graphics, which aren’t ideal for complex editing projects or heavy use of effects.
• RAM Limitations: While 8GB is the standard, upgrading might not be feasible on all models within your budget.
• Storage: Base models often come with 256GB SSD, which fills up quickly with video files. Consider using external storage for ongoing projects.

Overall, the Samsung Galaxy Book 15.6 is a good choice for creators who prioritize a beautiful display for basic to moderate video editing. The AMOLED screen is a major selling point, especially for tasks where color accuracy is important. However, if you plan on working with complex projects, heavy effects, or dealing with limited storage space, consider these options:

The Lenovo IdeaPad 1 is a good option for those on a very tight budget, but it’s important to manage expectations for video editing. Here’s why:

• Processor: While some configurations offer AMD Ryzen 3 or even Ryzen 5 processors, these are typically lower-powered options within the Ryzen family. They can handle basic editing tasks, but might struggle with more complex projects.
• RAM: The IdeaPad 1 usually comes with 4GB of RAM, which is the bare minimum for video editing. Upgrading to 8GB is recommended for a smoother experience, but this may not be possible on all models.
• Storage: The base storage is often 128GB, which fills up quickly with video files. You’ll likely need to use external storage for ongoing projects.

Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad 1 might be suitable for very basic video editing tasks, like trimming clips and adding simple text overlays. However, for smoother editing, especially with multiple layers or effects, other options on this list like the Acer Aspire 5 or a refurbished Dell Latitude with a stronger processor and more RAM would be a better choice.

his guide equips you with the top laptops to unleash your creativity without breaking the bank. We explored versatile options like the Acer Aspire 5 and the powerful potential of refurbished Dell Latitudes. Remember to consider editing needs, RAM, storage, and software compatibility. Now go forth and edit fearlessly!