Video editing is craftwork where you must have reasonable backing from your computing hardware, without proper editing set up you won’t survive in this work.
As editing videos require powerful computing resources, an application like a premier pro, sony Vegas and Filmora is standard for beginners to advance users however all the software are good, to begin with.
Moreover for budget-conscious users, the best laptops for video editing under 500 can be a decent option to start a career in this extended specialization.
For instance, cheaper range devices are decent enough to get the assignment done especially if you plan to edit 1080p footage for youtube and social media content.
For 4k footage, expensive machines are worthy as it demands high power configurations.
In this article, We have done in-depth discussions with professionals on budget laptops for video editing under 500, before proceeding through each one of them let’s cover how to choose a computer.
Also Read: Best laptop for video editing under 1000
Buying guide- Best laptop for video editing under $500
For an in-depth discussion, we have segregated this article into 3 segments buying tips, best video editing laptop Under 500, and FAQ.
The guide is a bit lengthy as I am going to cover all the points to ensure the best quality selection for Editing 1080p footage at a minimal price.
However, if you are willing to read the detailed laptops discussion you can hover below directly into the best laptops section.
To extract faster performance from your laptop, you have to concentrate on the processor, ram, hard drive, and to some extent graphics card.
Moreover, it’s quite challenging to find a high-end laptop with a dedicated GPU within an affordable device and no doubt GPU makes your entire experience smooth from adding multiple layers to rendering, and color balancing yet we have the solution to this read-through buying tip.
Basically, the fact is you surely get a Laptop for video editing under 500, but with a few limitations and the good thing is that software like adobe premiere pro and Filmora rely more on processor efficiency rather than the video card.
Processor
For efficient workflow in video editing, you need a fast processor, two factors that are important in a laptop for video editing under 500 that always ensures not to go below the minimum requirements editing software suggests.
Secondly minimum of 4 cores your computer must have for faster video editing performance and rendering, however, it’s tricky at times to find a quad-core processor on such a low budget as limited models are available in the cheaper range.
Intel Vs AMD
In this range, Apple Macbook is out of the equation due to their pricing which left us to choose popular brands Intel and AMD.
However more than brand value, here we have to think about which processor adds worth to your system.
The AMD Ryzen is preferable over Intel, yea, a few years back AMD processors were underperforming but they have improved their performance, especially since the invention of models like AMD Ryzen 3000,4000 and 5000 series CPU.
However, there is no issue with Intel processors as such, yet in affordable laptops, AMD Ryzen is recommended as you get a good 4-6 cores CPU from AMD which can make your editing experience smooth whereas Intel is a bit expensive.
Also Read: Are gaming laptops good for video editing
Ram
The computing memory determines how fast your system going to perform so a good balance between ram and processor is a must.
As ram helps you to do all the task while you are working on any application or web browsing additionally windows also take up space in a laptop.
For video editing minimum of 8GB, ram is a must, and it becomes even more crucial for laptops under 500, however, video editing is a memory Hungary task and it would be handy if your laptop has an upgradability feature of up to 16GB.
So, there is no room for compromising on memory, overall, for the safer side, 16GB is recommended yet 8GB is decent if the laptop offers a 16GB extendable slot you can always test out the machine before deciding whether you have to increase memory support.
Storage capacity
This is often a neglected function in laptops and in reality, it’s the most essential feature, moreover, many video editors make mistake while choosing laptops for video editing under 500 and they end up getting a 1TB hard drive.
Now there is no doubt you get the maximum storage space that a video editing professional requires, to store raw and edited footage, video content generally is heavy that eats up a lot of space in the system yet SSD is also paramount to keep the laptop efficient.
In this scenario, you can get a laptop with a minimum of 256GB SSD and you can also get one extra hard drive to save your heavy data, however, there is no doubt that it’s a challenging situation for video editors as high storage capacity is a must.
However another option in budget-friendly laptops is 512GB SSD and you actually must settle with 500GB, overall, there is no compromise on SSD as video editing applications are quite heavy that take time to do whereas an SSD drive makes things 5 times faster than HDD.
Graphics card
There is no need to overthink about dedicated graphics cards specifically if you are editing videos for YouTube.
Regardless, there is no doubt that d-GPU makes things faster yet video editing software like adobe premiere pro and Sony Vegas relies more on laptops processor and ram.
Lastly, in budget laptops for video editing under 500, you have to settle with an integrated GPU as there are not many options for dedicated video cards, moreover, there is a limited option for a laptop with a 2GB graphics card which is even enough for editing videos.
Display size and resolution:
The laptops are considered for portability and option for working on the go, there are lots of options in the market nowadays right from 11” to 17” screens, for video editing you have to concentrate hard on each layer to make perfect content.
Secondly, laptops are not like computers where you can replace monitors, a large screen is a must for working on editing.
The 15.6” is the immaculate alternative if you want a balance between a good viewing experience and portability.
If you are working from one place and hardly go outdoors then 17.3” laptops can ensure wide viewing angles, moreover, if you are more concerned about weight then do not go below 14” screen size for a laptop.
The screen resolution is another trickiest part while considering the best laptops for video editing under 500 as a larger number of laptops offers HD quality screen.
Whereas you must have full HD resolution for editing quality videos however, we have the below-curated list of full HD laptops so now let’s begin a discussion with laptops.
Best laptops for video editing under 500 in 2023
In this segment I am going to cover the Best possible options available for editing videos, if you are on a budget at this time, these are the most reliable options online.
As with portability, almost all video editing laptops offer you full HD resolution which is essential to edit high-resolution videos on the go, let’s go over all of them one by one.
1. Lenovo Ideapad 5i Pro laptop
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The reason we have included this Lenovo Ideapad 5i Pro in this list at 1st position, firstly its the latest device in the budget category, and it brings the perfect combination between CPU, Ram, GPU, and a large screen which is pretty rare in a cheap laptop for video editing.
This budget beast is powered by 11th gen Intel core i5 11300H user-friendly processor with an impressive base speed 3.10Ghz and a maximum clock frequency of up to 4.0Ghz.
Additionally, with 4 cores, 8 threads, and an 8Mb cache that won’t let you down while editing videos, this CPU is a superpower that is used in gaming laptops so it assures you ultra-fast processing system on demanding applications.
It is also equipped with a dedicated Nvidia MX 450 2GB GDDR6 GPU to take advantage of editing slightly heavy video footage.
While it also helps in rendering videos efficiently, also keep in mind that under this machine Lenovo uses 8GB of memory.
The 8GB DDR4 ram delivers a frequency 3200Mhz which is decent enough for multitasking.
However, the memory is onboard and there is no detailing of upgradability for the future, yet it’s the most unique option right now that offers a d-GPU and powerful CPU at minimal range.
While 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 SSD provides ample storage space to save all your videos, the SSD drive loads windows and heavy software smoothly, especially since it becomes even more crucial for the windows 11 operating system.
The 16” QHD screen delivers outstanding visual quality it becomes more valuable as it offers high resolution 2560 x 1600 and 100% sRGB color gamut ensuring fantastic accuracy in colors which is quite handy for photo and video editing.
The Lenovo Ideapad models always come with excellent keyboard support and this machine do not disappoint you at all, as the keyboard comes with backlit support, overall, it makes an excellent package for video editing professional.
It is integrated with a 75Whr Battery that serves excellent battery back up however while rendering videos battery drains faster depending on the size of the video, and the quick charge technology charge up the machine faster.
On the connectivity front, the laptop fulfills all the modern requirements you get USB 3.2, USB type C, HDMI port support along with WIFI 6 and Bluetooth 5 support.
Most importantly it is equipped with a Card reader and thunderbolt 4 port that helps with quick data transfer.
Key Features:
- CPU 11th gen intel core i5.
- GPU Nvidia MX 450, 2GB.
- Ram onboard 8GB and Storage 512GB SSD.
- Screen size 16” with QHD resolution.
- Excellent color accuracy.
- Quick charging system.
- Operating system Windows 11.
- Backlit keyboard with numeric pad.
- Thunderbolt 4 connectivity.
Cons:
- No ram upgradability.
- The bulky laptop weighs 1.90 kg.
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Also Read: Gaming laptop with best battery life
2. Acer Aspire 5 Laptop
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If your budget does not allow you to pick Lenovo Ideapad then this cheapest laptop for video editing is just for you, boasting with Ryzen CPU and classy design makes its way to 2nd place on our list.
The Acer Aspire laptop weighs only 1.75kgs despite having a larger screen, it’s good for someone who wants a crisp display presence with portability in mind overall viewing experience is very immersive due to sleek bezels on the side.
The screen panel is 15.6” with LED IPS backlit technology offering vibrant images and videos to keep you comfortable while editing 1080p footage, moreover display is integrated with Full HD 1920 x 1080 resolution which is good for long-time use.
This Acer laptop impresses a lot as in very competitive pricing brand added AMD Ryzen 5500U processor which has 6 cores and 12 threads, the Ryzen CPU has a base clock speed of 2.1Ghz and a maximum turbo speed of up to 4.0Ghz.
This machine is also furnished with onboard 8GB ram with 2666Mhz speed and an integrated AMD Radeon Graphics card decent enough for smooth and clear visual quality.
Overall 8GB memory is suitable for handling video editing software and you can also do web browsing.
Moreover, Acer has done a fabulous job by providing SSD that keeps a faster speed while uploading videos, the SSD drive is equipped with 256GB storage space which is acceptable in lower-range laptops for video editing.
The laptop’s battery capacity is excellent and easily lasts up to 5-7 hours, the laptop package also comes with the latest windows 11 operating system to access the latest features and the backlit keyboard is the highlight of the machine.
The keys are responsive and user-friendly you get used to it quickly, this laptop has a very unique design looks very trendy and the build quality is decent yet you can notice little flex at the chassis which is noticeable in the lower range machines.
For connection, Acer included 1 USB 2.0, USB 3.2 type C, 2 USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports along with HDMI 2.0, and for quick internet access it has wifi6 support, and overall connection options are decent for a laptop.
Key Features:
- CPU AMD Ryzen 5500U, 6 cores.
- Ram 8GB and storage 256GB SSD.
- Integrated graphics card.
- Large screen 15.6″ with Full HD resolution.
- Good battery.
- Backlit keyboard.
Cons
- The ram is not upgradeable.
- Average webcam.
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3. HP 15 Lightweight laptop
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HP laptops are known for their professional looks and classy design especially in the business laptops category HP rules like a boss.
However, in a very low price range, the HP 15 laptop furnished with good tuning between performance and sophisticated looks, this machine is in 3rd position for the best laptop for video editing under 500.
The HP notebook packs 11th gen intel core i5 1135G7 processor, under the price bracket HP offers an efficient processing unit that has 4 cores and 8 Threads delivering a max boost speed 4.2Ghz.
It is integrated with 8GB ram that speeds up to 2666mhz, the HP has done a good job by providing 2 ram slots both are occupied with 4GB memory each.
The dual ram always runs independently which enhances the multi-tasking capability of the device however the ram is not upgradeable, for running all applications smoothly Laptop consists 256GB SSD drive.
The HP laptop screen is designed with a 15.6″ screen with full HD resolution you can edit high-resolution videos easily whereas IPS technology helps in delivering good quality images and videos.
Additionally, the screen has an anti-glare coating that keeps your eyes away from straining during long hours of work.
The laptop battery has incredibly good support you easily get up to 5 hours of backup, most importantly charging speed of the machine is added advantage for users who are always on the go as per HP machine charges up to 50% within 45 minutes.
This laptop packs USB type C, and USB type ports, and an SD card reader is a handy option for creators.
Whereas wifi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 ensure good connection options, the Laptop has a very tactical full-size keyboard with Numpad.
The Laptop looks rich in design, especially the thinner side bezels and 82% screen-to-body ratio making the laptop portable and it weighs only 3.75 pounds, lastly, it is integrated with a 720p webcam.
Key Features:
- CPU 11th gen intel core i5 1135G7, 4 cores.
- Ram 8GB and 256GB SSD.
- Integrated graphics card.
- Display 15.6″ with Full HD.
- Rapid charge technology.
- SD card reader.
- Nice design.
Cons
- Average webcam.
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Also Read: Gaming laptop with the best cooling system
4. Lenovo Ideapad 3 14 laptop
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If you are strictly looking for a lightweight laptop that enables you to do video editing work then this Lenovo Ideapad 3 you should definitely check it.
The weight of the laptop is only 1.41kgs making it the best option for students and working professionals who consistently have to travel outdoors.
Like any other Lenovo Ideapad model, this laptop also boasts a nice balance between affordability and good computing hardware at very low pricing.
It is featured with an efficient Hexa core processor from AMD Ryzen 5500U series, this CPU has the power to support editing FHD resolution videos.
And 6 cores benefit immensely during the high level of multi-tasking as the CPU speed also reaches up to 4.0Ghz frequency.
When it comes to ram memory laptop has two slots both have 4GB ram each, one is attached onboard and another slot is replaceable where you can extend the ram up to 12GB which is rare in low-budget laptops, additionally, Lenovo uses 256GB SSD drive to save your files and data.
The 14” screen with Full HD resolution is standard what you get almost in all laptops on the budget.
The thinnest side bezels look nice, and overall laptop packs with all the ingredients make it a strong contender for the best laptop for video editing under $500.
The keyboard is decent enough to use, moreover, the look of the laptop is very simple yet looks professional.
The build quality is average overall material is used for making good quality plastic, and the battery last long up to 5-7 hours depending on the intensity of your work.
This Lenovo laptop offers all the needed port options like USB, USB type C, and HDMI with wireless connectivity Wifi6, and Bluetooth 5.0.
Moreover, the cooling system in this device is good keeping the laptop under control temperatures while rendering heavy videos.
Key Features:
- CPU AMD Ryzen 5500U, 6 cores.
- Integrated GPU
- Ram 8GB upgradable up to 12GB.
- Storage capacity 256GB SSD.
- Display 14″ with Full HD resolution.
- Simple and professional design.
Cons
- Average brightness.
- Very simple design.
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Also Read: Are gaming laptops good for everyday use
5. Asus VivoBook Notebook Laptop
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Like many other laptops in the budget segment, Asus VivoBook is another popular choice for entry-level video editors.
Regardless, while exploring challenge was to find the right combination of decent specs and usability.
This Asus Laptop in a minimal price range provides 10th gen intel core i5 1035G1 Processor which has a 6MB cache and delivers a Max frequency of up to 3.6ghz and quad cores enable you to do mid-level multi-tasking.
The 8GB DDR4 ram ensures seamless multi-tasking however it is onboard memory so you cannot access the extensibility feature.
It is capable of running video editing software and more than 5 web browsing tabs in the background.
In this variant Asus uses a fast SSD drive with 256GB space, overall memory support is pretty much ok yet the laptop consists of single-channel memory which is not suitable for high-end performance yet it’s decent enough for working on editing software.
The laptop is packed with a touch screen feature and a large 15.6” display that helps you to see the smallest of details while editing high-resolution video.
Additionally, it is featured with anti-glare technology and a 45% NTSC color gamut that is decent enough for editing videos.
It is integrated with 2 cells 37wh battery that runs decently for up to 4-5 hours depending on usage.
The backlit keyboard feels nice while working on it as the keys are user-friendly and the touchpad is also quite responsive.
The design and build quality of the Asus VivoBook are classy, the Notebook has an 88% screen-to-body ratio and looks very sleek.
Additionally, 5.7mm bezels ensure wide viewing angles up to 178 degrees, and the total weight is only 3.75 lbs.
This laptop also offers decent connectivity options like USB type A, USB type C, HDMI, and an SD card reader that helps you to quickly access external data.
For internet connectivity you get the wifi-5 version which is fine for connecting to the web, additionally, the device is also equipped with a fingerprint reader to keep all your files and videos safe.
Key Features:
- CPU 10th gen intel core i5 1035G1.
- Ram 8GB and storage 256GB SSD.
- Integrated graphics card.
- Display 15.6″ with FHD resolution.
- Backlit keyboard.
- Fingerprint reader.
- SD card reader.
Cons:
- Average battery life.
- The ram is not upgradeable.
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Also Read: Are gaming laptops worth it
Frequently asked question
Laptop vs desktop which is best for video editing?
Desktops use powerful resources to produce much better performance than their counterparts, as laptop manufacturers under-power the hardware to maintain its durability and efficiency.
However modern laptops still have strong processing systems to handle video editing software just you have to make sure the hardware should meet the recommended requirements to run applications smoothly.
Overall PC is still preferable as they are cheaper and provides excellent support yet a person who does not want to restrict in one place, can go with laptops without any second thought.
Are Chromebooks good for video editing?
Chromebooks are not very suitable for editing videos as it does not provide you free access like windows or mac laptops do, and it continuously requires a web connection that restricts your work if the internet connection is lost.
Which laptop brand is best for video editing?
Video editing does not rely on brand as not every laptop is meant for editing videos you should always check the system requirements for applications that you are going to use and always go beyond the minimum suggestions to work smoothly.
How much ram do you need for video editing?
The ram plays a very important role while working on editing software you must have a minimum of 8GB ram and the suggested 16GB, you should also keep in mind that windows 10 takes about 2-3GB space so 4GB laptops are not at all suitable for editing.
How much SSD do I need for video editing?
Ideally, 512GB SSD is a must for video editors yet in case you have a very low budget then 256GB SSD is ok and you can manage with the external hard drive.
Moreover, there are laptops available with dual storage space 1TB HDD, and 256GB SSD yet you have to spend little more than 500 to 600 dollars to get a laptop that offers both HDD and SDD.
Is a graphics card necessary for video editing?
The short answer is No, basically, most of the editing task relies on processor power and memory, unless you do very heavy editing and rendering like 3D modeling or 4K editing the graphics card has a very minimal role.
Additionally, if your work requires good color accuracy then you need a dedicated GPU with a 100% Srgb color standard screen.
Final words:
In this post, we have covered the top 5 best laptops for video editing under 500 with buying tips, I am sure you got all your queries, overall for entry-level editing the budget is pretty much decent but if you want to get a laptop for the longest use then the suggestion is to spend above 650 dollars.
As in this range, you get a gaming laptop that is highly optimized for running heavy applications, gaming devices feature strong CPU, memory, and SSD drive, additionally editing work also get immense backing from a dedicated GPU.
Lastly, if you are tight on budget and looking for a laptop in the cheapest range then our pick is Lenovo Ideapad 5i Pro, as it has all the features for video editing if you have any queries post your comments I will answer them with solutions.
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