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10 Best Affordable Laptops for Video Editing in 2026: Top Picks Under $1000
Finding the best affordable laptops for video editing in 2026 can feel like looking for a needle in a haystack. With so many options available online, striking the right balance between price and performance is key. Video editing can be resource-intensive, requiring a solid CPU, ample RAM, and a decent graphics card. Luckily, we’ve combed through Amazon to find the top contenders that deliver excellent performance without breaking the bank.
1. Acer Swift X 14
Acer Swift X 14
The Acer Swift X 14 is an amazing choice for video creatives looking for a powerful yet lightweight option. Featuring the AMD Ryzen 7 5800U processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 graphics, it has the capability to handle 4K editing with ease. It comes with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, providing ample speed and storage for your projects.
Its 14-inch Full HD IPS display offers vibrant colors and sharp details, which are crucial for precise video editing. Its portability makes it a hit among on-the-go editors, while the long battery life means you can work for hours without needing a charge.
Pros
- Powerful performance for editing tasks
- Lightweight and portable
- Long battery life
- Excellent display quality
Cons
- Limited upgrade options
- Can heat up under heavy load
- A Powerhouse of Performance: Intel Core Ultra 7 processor with Intel AI Boost delivers a dedicated engine to help unlock AI experiences on the PC, the next level in immersive graphics, and high-performance low power processing, so you can confidently get more done in less times while unplugged.
- Further with AI, Faster on RTX: Discover the RTX AI advantage with up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU with MUX switch. NVIDIA Studio-validated for creators and pre-installed with Studio Drivers and exclusive AI tools, enhanced further by DLSS 3.5 with AI powered Ray Reconstruction to handle the most graphically demanding software there is.
- AI That’s Optimized: Swift X 14 is optimized for hundreds of AI apps and flexes enough muscle to run apps like Stable Diffusion locally. Power up your AI tasks with faster compute times and better power optimization, all while staying ready for the next wave of AI advancements.
- Captivating Color and Clarity: Be thoroughly amazed by the brilliance of 2.8K 120Hz OLED TÜV Rheinland Eyesafe display—offering vivid colors and remarkably deep blacks with Certified True Black HDR500. Exceptional Calman Verified color accuracy with the flexibility to switch color profiles on a 16:10 display that’s made for makers. (14.5" 16:10 display has approximately 12.8% more viewing area than a 14" 16:9 display)
- Copilot in Windows - your AI Assistant: Do more, quicker than ever across multiple applications with the centralized generative AI assistance of Copilot in Windows (in preview). Accessible with a single touch of the Copilot Key.
2. Dell Inspiron 15 3000
Dell Inspiron 15 3000
When it comes to budget-friendly options, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 stands out. It features an Intel Core i5-1135G7 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD, which provides decent performance for 1080p video editing tasks. While it might not handle 4K footage as smoothly as higher-end models, its performance is commendable for the price.
The laptop’s 15.6-inch display delivers good color reproduction, making it suitable for editing your creative projects. Plus, with various connectivity options and a full-sized keyboard, it’s a reliable workhorse for editors on a budget.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Good performance for 1080p video editing
- Solid build quality
- Full-sized keyboard
Cons
- Limited storage capacity
- Basic graphics card
- 【15.6" Full HD Touchscreen】The 1920 x 1080 resolution boasts impressive color and clarity. IPS technology for wide viewing angles. Energy-efficient LED backlight. Designed with tiny rubber feet and bumpers on the hinge that keep it from skidding and provide additional stability.
- 【11th Gen Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor】Ultra-low-voltage platform. Quad-core, eight-way processing provides maximum high-efficiency power to go. Your always-ready experience starts as soon as you open your device. Turn on, boot-up, and log-in quickly.
- 【16GB DDR4 RAM + 1TB PCIe SSD】16GB RAM can smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once. A 1TB NVMe PCIe solid slate drive that leaves the power at your fingertips with the fastest data transfers currently available.
- 【Easy-to-use Technology】Long-lasting battery and express charge capability, to keep going for longer. Comes with Express Charge capabilities that minimize the time you spend tethered to an outlet and will recharge your battery 80% in 60 minutes. Built-in media reader for simple photo transfer.
- 【Windows 11 Professional】Experience the most secure Windows ever built with fast boot times, increased responsiveness, and added protection against phishing and malware. Plus, you can switch out of S mode.
3. ASUS ZenBook 14
ASUS ZenBook 14
Known for its sleek design and powerful performance, the ASUS ZenBook 14 packs a punch with the Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics. Its 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD setup makes it well-equipped for multitasking, allowing smooth transitions between various applications while editing videos.
The 14-inch Full HD NanoEdge display offers impressive visuals that help validate color grading tasks, making it a favorite among video editors. Additionally, this laptop is ultra-light, making it perfect for travel while giving you the horsepower needed for effective video rendering.
Pros
- Stylish and lightweight design
- Excellent battery life
- High-quality display
- Great performance for multitasking
Cons
- No dedicated GPU
- Can get pricey depending on configuration
- Go the extra mile with the remarkably sleek Zenbook 14 OLED. Seize every moment using the enhanced extended-life battery, amplify your efficiency with the top-tier Intel Core Ultra Processor Series.
- Intel Core Ultra 5 Processor 125H 1.2 GHz (18MB Cache, up to 4.5 GHz, 14 cores, 18 Threads); 8GB Soldered LPDDR5 Memory, 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD.
- Display: 14" WUXGA (1920x1200) OLED, 16:10, 500nit, 100% DCI-P3 color gamut, Eye Care, touch, Glossy; Integrated Intel Graphics - Support to expandable with 2 monitors via HDMI & Thunderbolt 4 Ports. Maximum supported resolution of 4k (3840x2160) @60Hz.
- USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A, 2 x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1 TMDS, Combo Audio Jack; Wi-Fi 6E(802.11ax) + Bluetooth 5.3; Backlit Keyboard; US MIL-STD 810H military-grade standard; FHD IR Webcam with Privacy Shutter.
- Brand New Computer has been resealed to upgrade Windows, One-year WRT from ASUS. Windows 11 Professional 64-bit, with AI-powered Copilot, offers intelligent assistance for a variety of tasks. It's ideal for School Education, Designers, Professionals.
4. HP Pavilion 15
HP Pavilion 15
The HP Pavilion 15 is another solid contender in the realm of affordable laptops for video editing. With an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor and integrated AMD Radeon graphics, it addresses the needs of entry-level video editors. Combined with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD, this laptop is capable of handling most light editing tasks effectively.
What distinguishes this model is its 15.6-inch Full HD display that ensures vibrant visuals. The audio quality is surprisingly good as well, which can be helpful for editing soundtracks in your videos. Despite being budget-friendly, it offers a satisfying user experience.
Pros
- Good price-to-performance ratio
- Decent audio quality
- Nice display
- Sufficient RAM and storage
Cons
- Slightly bulky
- No dedicated GPU for enhanced performance
- 【Processor】 Intel Core i3-1115G4 (up to 4.1 GHz with Intel Turbo Boost Technology, 6 MB L3 cache, 2 cores, 4 threads)
- 【Display】 15.6" diagonal, HD (1366 x 768), touch, micro-edge, BrightView, 220 nits, 45% NTSC, Touch Screen, enjoy your photos, movies, and games with the crisp quality.
- 【RAM and Storage】RAM is upgraded to 16GB high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run multiple applications and browser tabs all at once; Hard Drive is upgraded to 1TB PCIe NVMe Solid State Drive allows to fast bootup and data transfer.
- 【Ports】1 SuperSpeed USB Type-C 5Gbps signaling rate; 2 SuperSpeed USB Type-A 5Gbps signaling rate; 1 HDMI 1.4b; 1 AC smart pin; 1 headphone/microphone combo
- 【Operating System】Windows 11 Home Operation System
5. Lenovo Ideapad 5
Lenovo Ideapad 5
With the Lenovo Ideapad 5, users get incredible value for their money. Equipped with an AMD Ryzen 7 5700U processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, this laptop can handle video editing tasks seamlessly. Its integrated Radeon graphics may not support advanced 3D editing, but it performs adequately for basic and moderate tasks.
The laptop’s 15.6-inch Full HD display and solid battery life make it a practical choice for video editors. Its sleek design and comfy keyboard are additional perks, making it a user-friendly option for long hours of editing.
Pros
- Excellent performance for the price
- Good battery life
- Comfortable keyboard
- Sleek design
Cons
- Integrated graphics may limit high-end editing
- Average webcam quality
- Efficient Ryzen 7 Performance - The IdeaPad 5 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 5825U processor, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads, delivering efficient and powerful performance. With a max boost clock of up to 4.5 GHz, this processor handles multitasking and demanding applications with ease.
- Vibrant Full HD Display - Featuring a 15.6-inch Full HD display, the IdeaPad 5 offers vibrant and sharp visuals. This screen is perfect for streaming videos, working on graphic design projects, or enjoying everyday computing tasks with enhanced clarity.
- High-Capacity Memory and Storage - Featuring 16GB of DDR4 RAM and a 512GB SSD, the IdeaPad 5 provides high-capacity performance for all your computing needs. This configuration ensures your laptop runs smoothly even when multitasking and offers ample storage space for all your documents and media.
- Versatile Connectivity Options - The IdeaPad 5 offers versatile connectivity with ports such as USB-C, USB 3.2, HDMI, and an audio jack. This extensive selection of ports ensures you can easily connect all your necessary devices and peripherals, making your computing experience more convenient.
6. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 proves that you don’t have to sacrifice quality for affordability. This model offers Intel’s 11th Gen processors and can be configured with either an i5 or i7, making it versatile for various editing needs. With up to 32GB of RAM and a generous 512GB SSD, it caters well to video editors requiring speed and efficiency.
An excellent feature is its touchscreen, which makes navigating editing software intuitive. The display is stunning, boasting a pixel-dense screen that is beneficial for color grading and fine details. This laptop is great for professionals who value aesthetics as much as performance.
Pros
- Premium build quality
- Touchscreen for enhanced usability
- Excellent display quality
- Lightweight and portable
Cons
- Limited port options
- Higher price compared to others on the list
- High-Performance System - This Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 features a powerful i7-1185G7 processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, providing smooth and efficient performance for all your gaming and multitasking needs.
- Visual Crisp Display - Experience the ultimate performance of the Surface Laptop 4, powered by i7-1185G7 with 16GB RAM and a 512GB SSD. Perfect for gaming, office work, and everyday tasks. Its 13.5" High-Performance Touchscreen offers a visual crisp display, enhancing your productivity and entertainment. Lightweight and sleek in design, it's the perfect companion for those on the go. Enjoy the best of Microsoft in a laptop.
- Lightweight and Sleek Design - With its lightweight and sleek platinum design, this laptop is easy to carry and perfect for on-the-go use, making it a great choice for both work and play.
- Windows 11 Home - Equipped with Windows 11 Home, this Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 is perfect for both office and gaming use. Its sleek design and lightweight make it easy to carry around.
- Immersive Touchscreen Display: The laptop boasts a 13.5" High-Performance Touchscreen, offering an interactive and immersive visual experience.
7. Acer Aspire 5
Acer Aspire 5
The Acer Aspire 5 offers a well-rounded performance at an affordable price, making it a popular choice among video editors. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor, 8GB RAM, and a 256GB SSD, providing a reliable setup for 1080p editing. While it may struggle with heavy 4K footage, it performs admirably within its price range.
One significant advantage of the Aspire 5 is its upgradeability; you can easily upgrade both RAM and storage, offering flexibility if your needs change in the future. Additionally, the keyboard is comfortable, and the battery life is quite respectable, allowing extended periods of editing away from a power source.
Pros
- Good performance for entry-level tasks
- Upgradeable components
- Comfortable keyboard
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- Limited storage on the base model
- Average performance with 4K editing
- Do What You Do With Exceptional Performance: The Intel Core i7-1355U processor goes beyond performance to let your PC do even more at once. And with 16GB onboard LPDDR5 memory and 512GB PCIe Gen 4 SSD storage—the Aspire 5 is made to do it all.
- Clear and Comfortable Viewing: Experience crisp, lifelike colors and sharp details on the 15.6” FHD IPS touch display. You have more space to work thanks to narrow bezels. Equipped with Acer’s suite of visual technologies for dynamic color optimization and viewing comfort.
- The Design: The slim 0.70" body and aluminum top cover give the Aspire 5 a premium feel and appearance. An ergonomic hinge design lifts the body of Aspire 5 and tilts the backlit keyboard for comfortable typing, improved cooling and a better sound experience.
- Smooth Operator: Make light work of your daily tasks, with a full line-up of features to elevate your day-to-day—like a 1080p webcam, an air inlet keyboard, and Steel Gray aluminum cover.
- Internal Specifications: 16GB LPDDR5 memory; 512GB PCIe Gen4 SSD to store your files and media; Windows 11 Home
8. MSI Modern 14
MSI Modern 14
The MSI Modern 14 combines elegance with power in a slim profile. Featuring the Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, 16GB RAM, and a 512GB SSD, this laptop is capable of handling a variety of video editing tasks. Although it lacks a dedicated GPU, the integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics can still handle moderate editing needs.
Its 14-inch Full HD display offers high color accuracy, essential for video work, while the overall design and build quality are impressive for the price point. The lightweight nature makes it a great choice for video editors who travel or work remotely.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Good balance of performance and portability
- High-quality display
Cons
- Limited graphics capabilities
- Can be expensive depending on configuration
9. Lenovo Yoga 7i
Lenovo Yoga 7i
The Lenovo Yoga 7i stands out as a 2-in-1 laptop that offers flexibility for video editors. With an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor coupled with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD, it provides a smooth editing experience for moderate tasks. Its ability to convert from a traditional laptop to a tablet is a significant advantage, allowing for a more interactive editing experience.
The vibrant display offers excellent visual clarity, making it suitable for color correction and finer details in video editing. Additionally, its build quality and battery life are commendable, ensuring it can keep up with editing sessions throughout the day.
Pros
- Versatile 2-in-1 functionality
- Excellent display quality
- Solid battery performance
- Good design and build quality
Cons
- Heavier than typical tablets
- Integrated graphics limit advanced editing capabilities
- Superior Performance - Enjoy smart 12-core Ultra 7 155U, fourteen-way processing with Intel Turbo Boost for extra power when needed and better energy efficiency when not
- Immersive Display - Experience natural finger-touch navigation with Windows 11. The 1920 x 1200 resolution provides vivid color and clarity, IPS technology offers wide viewing angles, and the LED backlight is energy-efficient
- 360° Flip-and-Fold Design- Switch easily between four modes: laptop, tablet, tent, and stand. Lenovo Transition automatically adjusts applications to full screen as you change modes
- Enhanced Connectivity - Benefit from the latest WiFi 6E for lower latency and better network performance in crowded areas. The Gigabit LAN port ensures a strong connection for gaming and other high-demand tasks
- Multiple Ports Available - Connect your laptop with other devices. 2x USB Type-A, 2x Type-C, 1x HDMI, 1x Micro SD Card Reader, 1x Headphone/microphone combo
10. Razer Blade Stealth 13
Razer Blade Stealth 13
The Razer Blade Stealth 13 is a stunning laptop that excels in both gaming and video editing. It packs a powerful Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD. This combination makes it capable of handling demanding video editing software, along with a dedicated NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti graphics card for additional graphical prowess.
Notably, it features a 13.3-inch Full HD display with a 120Hz refresh rate, providing a fluid experience and vibrant colors. Although it comes at a higher price point than other options on this list, its performance justifies the investment for serious video editing enthusiasts.
Pros
- Powerful performance
- Great for gaming and editing
- High-quality display
- High build quality
Cons
- Higher price point
- Battery life could be better for intensive tasks
- Aspect Ratio:16:9
- Designed for mobility: Ultra-thin, light and incredibly durable with a cnc unibody aluminum frame and long battery life.
- 120hz full HD thin bezel display: Super-fast 120hz full HD display that enables smooth visuals in games, with 100% sRGB color space.
- Razer chroma keyboard and precision touchpad: keyboard featuring single-zone rgb lighting with 16.8 million color options, and a precision glass touchpad.
- Complete connectivity — Includes thunderbolt 4, USB-C, USB-A, wireless AX, HD webcam utilizing windows hello, and 4-array mics.
With the wide variety of affordable laptops available on the market in 2026, video editors can find something that suits their needs without overstretching their budget. Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced editor, options like the Acer Swift X 14, Dell Inspiron 15 3000, or Razer Blade Stealth 13 cater to different performance needs. Investing in one of these best affordable laptops for video editing can enhance your workflow and elevate your content to the next level.
Buying Guide for the Best Affordable Laptops for Video Editing
When looking for an affordable laptop for video editing, several key factors come into play. Not all laptops are created equal when it comes to handling demanding video editing tasks. Below is a concise buying guide to help you find the best budget-friendly options.
1. Processor (CPU)
- Recommendation: Look for at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor. These CPUs offer a good balance of performance and price.
- Considerations: If you can afford it, opt for the latest generation as they offer better performance and efficiency.
2. RAM
- Recommendation: Aim for a minimum of 16GB of RAM. This allows for smoother multitasking and quicker rendering times.
- Considerations: If you can only find laptops with 8GB of RAM, check if they allow for future upgrades.
3. Graphics Card (GPU)
- Recommendation: A dedicated graphics card (e.g., NVIDIA GeForce GTX or AMD Radeon) is preferable for video editing tasks.
- Considerations: Integrated graphics can work for basic editing, but a dedicated GPU will significantly enhance performance, especially for rendering.
4. Storage
- Recommendation: Choose an SSD (Solid State Drive) over an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) for faster load times and better overall performance. Aim for at least 512GB of SSD storage.
- Considerations: If budget permits, consider a dual-drive system (SSD for the OS and software, HDD for storing videos).
5. Display
- Recommendation: Look for a Full HD (1920 x 1080) display. High-resolution screens provide better clarity and color accuracy, essential for video editing.
- Considerations: IPS panels offer better color reproduction and viewing angles compared to TN panels.
6. Battery Life
- Recommendation: Good battery life is essential, especially if you plan to work on the go. Look for laptops with at least 6-8 hours of battery life.
- Considerations: Keep in mind that intensive tasks like video rendering will drain the battery faster.
7. Ports and Connectivity
- Recommendation: Ensure the laptop has a good variety of ports, such as USB-C, USB 3.0, HDMI, and an SD card reader. This versatility is crucial for connecting external devices and transferring files.
- Considerations: Check for Wi-Fi 6 support if you want faster internet connectivity.
8. Weight and Portability
- Recommendation: If you travel frequently, a lightweight laptop (ideally under 4 pounds) will be more convenient.
- Considerations: Performance can sometimes be impacted in thinner laptops due to thermal limitations; balance between portability and performance.
9. Brand Reputation and Reviews
- Recommendation: Research brands known for reliability and good customer support, such as Dell, ASUS, Acer, and Lenovo.
- Considerations: Check user reviews and ratings for real-world performance insights.
10. Budget
- Recommendation: Set a budget between $600 and $1,200 for a good balance between affordability and performance.
- Considerations: Be on the lookout for discounts during sales events or consider refurbished models to get better specs at a lower price.
Conclusion
Finding an affordable laptop for video editing can be challenging, but by focusing on these key specifications—CPU, RAM, GPU, storage, display, battery life, ports, weight, brand reputation, and budget—you can make an informed decision that meets your editing needs without breaking the bank. Always consider future-proofing your investment to ensure longevity with evolving software demands. Happy editing!
