Looking to equip your home studio on a budget in 2024? Finding a capable laptop for video editing doesn’t require spending a fortune these days. There are now excellent options under $800 packing the specs and performance needed for smooth and fast 1080p editing.
In this guide, we’ve picked the Top 8 Best Laptops for Video Editing Under $800 to suit different needs and budgets for 2024. By comparing latest processor performance, RAM, storage, graphics capability, displays and more, we’re helping you discover affordable video editing laptops ideal for your workflow.
Table of Contents
Acer Nitro 5 Best Overall
The Acer Nitro 5 remains a stellar choice in 2024 for video editors needing serious performance without breaking the bank. Inside is a 9th generation Intel Core i5 processor and NVIDIA GTX 1650 graphics card, a potent combo for accelerating video editing tasks like rendering effects, scrubbing timelines smoothly, and exporting final videos quickly.
The 15.6-inch IPS display renders videos with excellent color accuracy and vivid clarity. Its bright, crisp image makes editing a breeze. And with over 8 hours of battery life, you can edit all day away from an outlet. For under $800, the Nitro 5 continues providing exceptional value this year for video editors needing powerhouse specs.
Pros
- Strong Intel Core i5 CPU and GTX 1650 GPU performance perfect for editing
- Bright 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display ideal for video work
- Around 8 hours of battery life lets you edit on-the-go
- Fast NVMe SSD and decent 8GB RAM
Cons
- 16GB RAM would be better for complex editing needs
- Cooling fans can get loud when stressed
HP Pavilion 15 – Solid Mid-Range Pick
The HP Pavilion 15 maintains its reputation as a solid mid-range choice for video editing in 2024 thanks to its speedy Ryzen 5 processor and NVIDIA GTX 1050 graphics. Working together, these two components can crunch through editing 1080p videos, rendering effects, scrubbing timelines, and exporting final videos with ease. The fast 256GB SSD aids quick project loading.
You also get a vivid 15.6-inch IPS display perfect for previewing and color grading footage. Plus, the unique per-key RGB keyboard is fun for late-night editing.
For just over $800, the HP Pavilion 15 keeps its appeal this year as a capable 1080p video editing laptop with style.
Pros
- Strong Ryzen 5 CPU and GTX 1050 GPU combination
- Quality IPS screen with anti-glare coating
- Superfast 256GB SSD
- Attractive RGB gaming keyboard
Cons
- Only 8GB RAM for the price point
- Battery life capped at 6 hours
ASUS TUF Gaming 15 – Best for High Performance
The ASUS TUF Gaming 15 continues providing stellar performance for the price with its AMD Ryzen 7 processor and GTX 1650 graphics in 2024. Together these two components blaze through editing and rendering effects in 1080p footage. The Ryzen 7 CPU chews through exports efficiently. 16GB RAM also keeps multitasking smooth. The 15.6-inch IPS display delivers an ideal visual experience for editing videos with its anti-glare panel. And the aggressive gamer aesthetics add fun flair.
Under $800, the raw power from the Ryzen 7 and GTX 1650 in the ASUS TUF makes it a top performer for video editors needing speed.
Pros
- Lightning fast AMD Ryzen 7 3750H processor
- Capable NVIDIA GTX 1650 GPU with 4GB VRAM
- Anti-glare 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display
- Fun gaming style and RGB backlit keyboard
Cons
- Battery life around just 4 hours
- Fans get loud when gaming or editing
Acer Aspire 5 – Most Affordable Option
The slim and sleek Acer Aspire 5 continues offering surprisingly good 1080p video editing performance for under $800. Inside is a speedy AMD Ryzen 7 3700U processor able to crunch through complex timelines smoothly. It also packs the Radeon Vega 10 graphics impressive integrated graphics power at this price. The 512GB SSD provides gobs of fast storage for footage and projects. And battery can last over 8 hours for editing on-the-go.
If your budget is tight, the Aspire 5 keeps delivering reliable video editing abilities at an unbeatable value.
Pros
- Powerful quad-core AMD Ryzen 7 3700U processor
- Capable Vega 10 integrated graphics
- Cost-saving 512GB SSD with ample space
- Slimline premium design under 4 pounds
Cons
- 8GB RAM is decent but 16GB preferred
- Lacks discrete graphics card
ASUS VivoBook 15 – Best Budget Pick
The ASUS VivoBook 15 continues providing ridiculous value in 2024. For under $600 you get a 12GB RAM, 512GB SSD, Ryzen 3 processor, and backlit keyboard. Editing 1080p video is smooth thanks to the ample 12GB RAM allowing extensive multitasking. And the spacious SSD stores tons of projects and footage.
A surprising choice for budget video editors needing plenty of memory and storage.
Pros
- 12GB RAM great for multitasking when editing
- Massive 512GB PCIe SSD
- Capable AMD Ryzen 3 processor
- Comfortable backlit keyboard
Cons
- Integrated graphics less ideal for 3D effects
- 1080p screen a bit dim
Lenovo IdeaPad 3 – Best All-Around Balance
The Lenovo IdeaPad 3 strikes an excellent balance of performance, storage, screen, and portability for under $700. It packs a new 12th generation Intel Core i5 processor, 12GB RAM, and both a 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD. This hardware combo rips through timeline scrubbing, exports, and more.
The Full HD touchscreen is also great for editing with an articulating hinge. The IdeaPad 3 keeps its appeal as a high-value editing laptop.
Pros
- Cutting edge 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor
- 12GB RAM and 512GB SSD + 1TB HDD storage
- Convenient 15.6-inch 1080p touchscreen
- Articulating hinge for positioning
Cons
- Integrated graphics are weaker for 3D effects
- 6 hours of battery life
Dell Inspiron 15 3000 – Best Display & Performance
The Dell Inspiron 15 3000 offers ridiculous multitasking muscle for video editing with its 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD under $800. It can run multiple editing programs, 20+ browser tabs, footage previews, exports, and more simultaneously without blinking thanks to that massive RAM.
The SSD also loads huge projects in seconds flat. And Dell’s 12th Gen Core i5 flies through effects and scrubbing. A true multitasking monster.
Pros
- Showstopping 32GB RAM for extreme multitasking
- Lightning quick 1TB PCIe SSD
- Cutting-edge 12th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU
- Nice aluminum chassis with premium feel
Cons
- Integrated graphics lack power for 3D editing
- Display color and brightness just adequate
MSI Gaming GF63 – Best Display Under $800
The MSI GF63 gaming laptop provides amazing video editing performance and display for under $800. It boasts a new 12th generation Intel Core i5 processor that zips through complex timelines and exports with ease. This pairs perfectly with the GTX 1650 Ti graphics.
The star of the show is the 15.6-inch IPS-level display. It provides stunning color accuracy and clarity for evaluating videos during precise editing. For creators needing a sharp, color-accurate screen, the MSI GF63 gaming laptop delivers at an affordable price.
Pros
- New 12th Gen Intel Core i5 CPU crunches through editing
- NVIDIA GTX 1650 Ti GPU accelerates rendering
- Best-in-class 15.6-inch IPS display for color and clarity
- 512GB SSD and 16GB RAM – great for multitasking
Cons
- Fan noise when gaming or rendering
- Battery life around 4-5 hours
How to choose the best laptop for video editing
Here are some tips for choosing the best laptop:
- Prioritize the processor
- Look for an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 CPU preferably with 4+ cores. More cores help with rendering and effects.
- Get at least 16GB RAM
- 8GB may suffice for simple edits, but 16GB+ RAM will allow smooth multitasking and complex timelines.
- Choose an SSD over HDD
- Aim for at least 256GB SSD storage for your operating system and active projects. SSDs load much faster than HDDs.
- Consider a discrete GPU
- An entry-level dedicated GPU like NVIDIA GTX 1650 can accelerate rendering and playback. Integrated graphics work for lighter edits.
- Pick a 1080p IPS screen
- An IPS screen provides good viewing angles and color reproduction for evaluating footage accurately.
- Look for 6+ hours battery life
- Laptops focused on gaming tend to have poorer battery life. For editing on the go, target at least 5-6 hours.
- Check laptop weight
- If carrying your laptop frequently, keep weight under 5 pounds for easier mobility.
- Read professional reviews
- Research benchmarks and expert reviews on sites like PCMag, CNET and TechRadar to compare real-world performance.
- Shop end of year sales – Look for holiday deals and clearances around November/December to save money.
Follow these tips to find the best combination of specs, performance, price, and portability when choosing a laptop for video editing under $800 for your needs in 2024.
Also Read: Top 15 Popular Video Editing Software In 2024 | For Beginners & Pros
Conclusion
As this guide has shown, there are many affordable laptop for video editing packing great performance. Consider factors like CPU power, RAM amount, storage space, GPU requirements, display quality and battery life as you select the right model for your workflow and budget.
For top-tier processing and graphics under $800,choices like the Acer Nitro 5, ASUS TUF, and MSI GF63 are hard to beat. Need expansive storage for projects and footage? Opt for the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 or Lenovo IdeaPad models. And if your budget is extra tight, the Acer Aspire 5 or ASUS VivoBook provide decent 1080p editing power under $600.
No matter your needs and price range, an ideal video editing laptop awaits.
Let us know if you have any questions!
