If you’re a budding filmmaker or video editor on a budget, finding a good laptop that can handle your editing needs can be a tough task. With so many options on the market, it’s hard to know which ones will give you the performance and features you need without breaking the bank. In this review blog, we’ve compiled a list of the 3 best laptops for video editing under $500, based on our research and testing.
However, before we begin, let’s discuss a little about things that one needs to consider when choosing a laptop for video editing while being on a tight budget.
Things to Consider When Choosing the Best Laptop for Video Editing Under $500
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Processor
The processor is the brain of the laptop and plays a crucial role in video editing. Therefore, your priority should be to get a laptop with a strong processor, such as an Intel Core i5 or i7, to ensure smooth and fast editing.
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Graphics Card
A good graphics card is essential for handling high-quality video files and rendering them quickly. Look for laptops with dedicated graphics cards, such as an NVIDIA GeForce, to get the best performance.
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Memory
The amount of memory (RAM) in a laptop determines how many tasks it can handle at once. For video editing, aim for at least 8GB of RAM, with 16GB or 32GB being even better.
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Storage
The amount of storage on a laptop determines how much video and other files you can store. For video editing, aim for at least 256GB of storage, with 512GB or more being even better.
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Display
A good display is essential for editing video, as it allows you to see your work clearly and make precise edits. Look for laptops with high-resolution displays and good color accuracy.
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Keyboard and Touchpad
A comfortable keyboard and touchpad are essential for efficient editing, so choose a laptop with a keyboard and touchpad that feel good to use.
Best Laptop for Video Editing Under $500 Review
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ASUS VivoBook 15 Thin and Light Laptop
Our first pick for the best laptop for video editing under $500 is the ASUS VivoBook 15. This laptop is a great pick for someone on a budget and on the quest for a thin and lightweight laptop for easy carry-around.
In terms of performance, the VivoBook 15 is powered by an Intel i3-1005G1 processor and comes with 8GB of RAM. It also has a 128GB solid-state drive (SSD) for storage, which provides fast boot and load times.
In addition, the VivoBook 15 has a 15.6-inch Full HD display with thin bezels, providing a large and immersive viewing experience. There is even a backlit keyboard that makes it easy for the user to type in low-light conditions.
Another amazing feature of the laptop is the lithium-polymer battery that offers great battery life of up to 8 hours on a single charge, making it suitable for use on the go.
Pros:
- Slim and lightweight design
- Excellent performance
- Long battery life
- Super affordable
Cons:
- Color accuracy is not that great
- No backlit keys
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Acer Aspire 5 A515-46-R14K Slim Laptop
Another best budget laptop for video editing that you can buy is the Acer Aspire 5. Released in 2021, this laptop offers you a good mix of aesthetics and performance. So it’s an ideal buy for someone on the quest for a video editing laptop that offers a balance of performance, features, and affordability.
The Acer Aspire 5 is powered by an AMD Ryzen 3 3350U quad-core processor and 4GB of DDR4 RAM. Moreover, it has a 15.6-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) LED-backlit display. While for storage, the laptop comes with a 128GB NVMe SSD.
In terms of connectivity, the Aspire 5 has a variety of ports, including HDMI, USB 2.0 and 3.0, and an SD card reader. It also has Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connectivity.
Even if it’s about portability, Aspire 5 has a slim and lightweight design, which makes it easy to carry around. Making it a good choice for users who need a portable laptop.
Pros:
- Great build quality
- Super easy to work on
- Powerful processing
- Decent Battery life
Cons:
- Very sensitive touchpad
- Bluetooth connection is unstable
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Lenovo IdeaPad 3 15.6-Inch Laptop
Our last pick for the best laptop for video editing under $500 is the Lenovo IdeaPad 3. Despite being a budget-friendly laptop, Lenovo IdeaPad 3 offers you solid performance and a decent display for video editing. Likewise, the previous laptop, this one also comes with a 15.6-inch HD display.
For powerful performance, the laptop relies on an AMD Ryzen 3 3250U processor, and 4GB of RAM. There is also a 128GB solid-state drive (SSD) for storage, which enables the laptop to boot and load apps quickly.
One of the standout features of the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is its long battery life, which can last up to 9 hours on a single charge. Though the laptop is a little bulky it is quite lightweight to travel with.
Overall, the Lenovo IdeaPad 3 is a good choice for those looking for a budget-friendly laptop that can handle video editing tasks and has a long battery life. It may not be suitable for more demanding tasks such as gaming, but it is a solid choice for videographers.
Pros:
- Full-size keyboard
- Powerful performance
- Sleek and lightweight
- Good battery life
Cons:
- The viewing angles are very narrow
- A little bulky
