Video editing on a budget used to mean compromising on performance, but after testing dozens of laptops over the years, I can honestly say that’s no longer true. Today’s affordable machines can handle 1080p and even 4K editing without costing you a fortune.
When I set out to find the best budget laptops for video editing, I was skeptical—but I put these through real-world tests with DaVinci Resolve and Premiere Pro, and some of them genuinely surprised me with how well they performed.
Best Affordable Laptop for Video Editing – 2025 Reviews
Lenovo V-Series V15 Business Laptop – Ryzen 7 Powerhouse
This Lenovo V-Series is an absolute workhorse for video editing, featuring an AMD Ryzen 7 processor and massive 40GB of RAM that handles multiple video tracks with ease.
During testing, it rendered 1080p projects faster than some premium laptops I’ve used, making it perfect for serious editors on a budget.
NAIKLULU Gaming Laptop – Ryzen 7 Performance
The NAIKLULU gaming laptop delivers impressive video editing capabilities with its AMD Ryzen 7 processor and 32GB of RAM, making it great for handling medium-sized projects.
I found it particularly good for editing while having other applications running in the background without slowdowns.
NIMO Gaming Laptop – Ryzen 5 Efficiency
This NIMO laptop offers outstanding value with its AMD Ryzen 5 processor and 32GB of fast DDR5 RAM, providing smooth performance for video editing tasks.
It includes a 100W USB-C fast charger that’s incredibly convenient for editors on the go.
Omnica Laptop – Affordable Editing Solution
The Omnica laptop is your best bet for ultra-budget video editing, featuring an Intel i5 processor and 16GB of RAM that can handle basic editing tasks.
It’s surprisingly capable for the price, though it works best with shorter projects and less complex effects.
HP 2025 17.3" Laptop – Large Display Editing
This HP laptop offers a spacious 17.3-inch display and solid specs for video editing, making it great for editors who value screen real estate.
The 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD provide good performance for medium-complexity projects.
KAIGERR Laptop – Reliable Basic Editor
The KAIGERR laptop provides reliable performance for light video editing with its quad-core processor and 16GB of RAM.
It’s built sturdily and offers expandable storage, which is great for growing editing projects.
Acer Aspire 3 – Budget Starter Option
The Acer Aspire 3 is an ultra-affordable option that can handle very light video editing tasks with its Ryzen 3 processor and 8GB RAM.
It’s best suited for simple edits and beginners learning the basics of video editing.
HP Stream – Ultra-Budget Basic Editor
The HP Stream is the most affordable option here, capable of handling only the simplest video editing tasks with its Celeron processor.
It’s really best for very basic edits or as a secondary machine for quick projects.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
We evaluated 8 different affordable laptops specifically for video editing performance, using real editing software like DaVinci Resolve and Adobe Premiere Pro. Our scoring system weights real-world performance at 70% (including how well they handle multiple video tracks, effects rendering, and export times) and innovation and competitive differentiation at 30% (focusing on unique features that give them an edge).
For example, our top-rated Lenovo V-Series scored 9.5 (Exceptional) for its blazing-fast Ryzen 7 processor and massive 40GB RAM, while the budget Omnica laptop at 8.2 (Good) offers solid value for lighter editing tasks—the 1.3-point difference reflects the trade-off between premium performance and affordability.
We analyzed thousands of user reviews to ensure our assessments align with real-world experiences, and we focused on how these laptops actually perform during editing sessions rather than just their paper specifications. Scores of 9.0-10.0 indicate Exceptional to Excellent performance, 8.5-8.9 are Very Good, and 8.0-8.4 are Good options that work well with some limitations.
Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose a Laptop for Video Editing
1. CPU Performance: The Heart of Video Editing
Processor power is everything in video editing. Look for multi-core CPUs like AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel i5 and above—they handle encoding and effects much better than dual-core or budget Celeron processors. During testing, I found that Ryzen processors often provide better value for money in this price range.
2. RAM: Don't Skimp on Memory
16GB is the absolute minimum for decent video editing, but 32GB or more makes a huge difference when working with multiple tracks or effects. I’ve seen laptops with ample RAM handle complex projects smoothly, while those with 8GB struggle with basic tasks.
3. Storage Speed and Capacity
SSD storage is non-negotiable for video editing—it affects everything from boot times to rendering speed. Aim for at least 512GB, but 1TB is ideal for storing project files and media. NVMe SSDs are faster than SATA ones, which matters when working with large video files.
4. Display Quality Matters
While budget laptops won’t have professional-grade displays, look for Full HD (1920×1080) resolution and IPS panels for better color accuracy and viewing angles. Larger screens like 17.3-inch models give you more workspace for your editing timeline and tools.
5. Graphics: Integrated vs Dedicated
Most affordable laptops use integrated graphics, which are sufficient for basic to medium editing but struggle with heavy effects or 3D work. If you see a laptop with dedicated graphics in your budget, it’s a bonus, but don’t prioritize it over CPU and RAM.
6. Portability and Battery Life
If you edit on the go, consider weight and battery life—lighter models around 3-4 pounds are easier to carry, but remember that video editing drains battery quickly. Fast charging features can be a lifesaver during editing sessions.
7. Setting Realistic Budget Expectations
Understand what’s possible at different price points—under $400 gets you basic editing capability, $500-600 offers solid performance for 1080p projects, and $700+ can handle more complex work. Don’t expect 4K editing perfection on a tight budget, but you can still create professional-looking content.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I really edit 4K video on a budget laptop?
Yes, but with limitations. Most affordable laptops can handle 4K editing for shorter projects or with proxy files (lower-resolution working copies). However, expect slower rendering times and potential lag with complex effects. For regular 4K work, I’d recommend stepping up to mid-range models with better processors and more RAM.
2. How much RAM do I really need for video editing?
16GB is the practical minimum for basic 1080p editing, but 32GB is the sweet spot for comfortable editing with multiple applications open. I’ve found that having extra RAM makes a bigger difference than slight CPU upgrades when you’re working with larger projects or multiple video layers.
3. Is a dedicated graphics card necessary for video editing?
Not for most budget editing. Modern integrated graphics from AMD and Intel have improved significantly and can handle basic to medium video editing tasks. Dedicated graphics become important for heavy effects, 3D work, or professional color grading, but they’re rare in affordable laptops and not worth sacrificing CPU or RAM for.
4. What's the best video editing software for budget laptops?
DaVinci Resolve is fantastic because it’s free and optimized for various hardware levels. Adobe Premiere Pro works well but requires more resources. For beginners, Shotcut or Kdenlive are lighter options that still offer professional features without overwhelming your system.
5. How long will a budget laptop last for video editing?
Typically 2-3 years of solid use if you’re doing regular editing. The technology advances quickly, and what’s capable today might struggle with newer software versions in a couple of years. However, these laptops are great for learning and creating content until you’re ready to upgrade to more powerful equipment.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing, I can confidently say that affordable video editing is absolutely achievable today. The Lenovo V-Series stands out as our top pick for its exceptional performance-to-price ratio, but there are solid options at every budget level. Remember that the best laptop for you depends on your specific needs—whether you’re editing simple vlogs or more complex projects. Don’t be afraid to start with a budget option; many successful creators began with far less capable equipment than what’s available now.