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Best HP Laptops for Video Editing: Your Complete Guide
Jamie Finch
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April 18, 2023
Video editing takes significant skill and training for the best results. It also requires tools that help you finish the job effectively and in good time.
The good news is that the best laptops for video editing will handle the most advanced software easily. Many will also have features that help video editors work more efficiently and comfortably while impressing friends and colleagues with great looks.
You will find a wide range of video editing laptops to choose from with HP, from affordable options to our most powerful laptops available.
Key features to consider for video editing laptops
The best laptops for video editing will focus on certain hardware, including:
CPU
Video editing laptops need a powerful central processing unit (CPU). This power is needed because high-quality video rendering requires a lot of data, all of which will be processed by the CPU. If the CPU isn’t powerful enough, it won’t be able to process the data quickly enough, causing bottlenecks. As such, a powerful CPU should be one of your main proprieties.
Portability
Laptops are typically made to be portable, but what one person finds easy to carry can be cumbersome for others. And remember that if you need a small laptop, the screen and keyboard will also be small, potentially making it harder to work from. As such, you will need to find the right balance between size and portability, although even the largest laptops are usually manageable for most people. Many people use peripherals like monitors to help them get more from their machines.
RAM
Random access memory (RAM) is another key consideration for speed and power. RAM works similarly to the memory function on calculators that lets you store results to use later. And considering the complexity of video editing software, your computer will need a lot of RAM to help it perform its calculations. Most suitable HP video editing laptops will have a minimum of 16GB RAM, although some users will need more.
Storage
Video editing files can take up a lot of storage space, meaning you will need plenty of capacity. As such, the best laptops for video editing will have at least 512GB of storage space, which most people will find sufficient. You can also buy external storage devices if necessary.
Storage hardware is not only about having enough space to keep files but also about speed. For example, solid state drives (SSDs) store and retrieve data considerably faster than older hard disk drives (HDDs). HDDs are gradually becoming obsolete as SSDs take over, with SDDs the much better option for HP video editing laptops.
Graphics Card
High-quality images are perhaps the most important feature for video editors. As such, it’s essential to choose a suitable graphics processor unit (GPU). A powerful GPU is necessary to render images on your screen in excellent detail and quickly. And remember that while an upper-range GPU will help ensure quality images, you will also need a powerful CPU and a quality display for the best results.
Display
A modern video editing laptop will need a high-resolution screen that offers crystal clear images, but that’s not the only feature to look for. For example, the size of the screen is also important as some people manage to work from a small screen and keyboard. Other factors include the ratio of height to width, and the widescreen ultra extended graphics array (WUXGA) aspect ratio makes this machine one of the best HP laptops for creatives.
Many video editing laptops will also offer touch screen technology compatible with styluses that help you work more effectively. You can also find convertible laptops, which means the display bends back through 360 degrees, turning them into a tablet.
Top HP laptops for video editing
Without further ado, here’s our pick of the best laptops for video editing from HP:
HP Victus Gaming Laptop
The HP Victus is a popular option that caters to the lower-mid range of the gaming laptop market. And while it’s not as costly as most of its counterparts, it still packs all the power most people will need.
The least expensive model in the range has an AMD Ryzen™ 5 CPU, while the upper-end model has an Intel® Core™ i7 processor. You also have a choice of 8GB or 16GB RAM, and 256GB or 512GB storage. All models in the range use SSD cards for enhanced performance.
Although HP made the Victus with gaming in mind, this machine still has plenty to offer to video editors. Gaming machines are typically designed for the high-quality, smooth images that video editors need. Not only that, but this laptop is not as flashy as most other gaming machines, making it a good choice for the office.
HP Spectre x360
If you’re looking for a machine with sleek looks and a durable build, the HP Spectre x360 could be just what you need. And while this machine looks fantastic, it’s also a solid performer.
This model comes in a range of variants, with the least expensive falling in the mid-budget range. CPUs range from the Intel Core i5 to the Core i7, while this laptop range also includes laptops with 16GB or 32GB RAM.
GPU options range from Intel UHD Graphics to the Intel Arc™, ensuring you benefit from the latest video editing software. Storage ranges from 512GB to 2TB SSD cards.
Perhaps the most beneficial feature of this model to editors is its flexibility. The screen can be adjusted to transform the laptop into a tablet, giving you more freedom and options in how you work. Not only that, but this machine also has a touch screen, which can be a powerful tool for video editors.
HP ENVY Laptop
The HP ENVY is another great-looking machine with solid build quality. The range includes models in the mid-budget region.
This laptop comes available with a variety of CPUs, from the Intel Core i5 to i9, which offers all the processing power you could need. RAM ranges from 8GB to 32GB, and your storage options start at 512GB, up to 2TB. All models use SSD technology for the best results.
The HP ENVY is another convertible laptop that offers so much functionality and freedom to video editors. Get comfortable and work productively, and this machine’s flexibility makes it easier to collaborate with others, further enhancing your productivity and creativity.
HP ZBook Mobile Workstation
The HP Zbook mobile workstation is a potent platform that’s ideal for video editors and other professionals. This rugged-looking machine is also well-built, helping to make it a great portable option.
This range includes affordable models that still pack plenty of punch, to those in the upper range for users who need power. CPU options range from the Intel Core i7 to the Core i9, and you will find models with 16GB or 32GB RAM.
Impressive graphics are available thanks to GPUs ranging from the NVIDIA® Quadro® to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 3070 Ti. This laptop also comes in a range of displays to fit your budget and requirements.
The HP ZBook range includes some of the most powerful HP laptops on the market, while the lower-end options still pack plenty of punch. The range of hardware helps ensure you can run the latest video editing software with high-resolution images. Storage comes available in 512GB to 1TB SSD cards, while this machine also offers impressive audio.
HP OMEN laptop
The HP OMEN laptop has models from the mid-range to some of the most powerful machines available. And because HP built the OMEN for gaming, you can expect some impressive graphics options.
CPU options start from the AMD Ryzen 7 which has all the power most gamers or video editors need. However, if you need more, the Intel Core i9 is available at the higher end. Options also include 16GB or 32GB of RAM, while you will also have plenty of storage with models offering from 512GB up to 2TB SSD cards.
As expected, the HP OMEN also has an impressive GPU range to choose from, from the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti at the lower end, to the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090 at the top. The range also includes a good selection of displays in the quad high definition (QHD) resolution that’s ideal for video editing as well as gaming.
As a gaming machine, the HP OMEN offers excellent graphics quality even at the lower end of its budget range. If you’re looking for more power, you will find some of the best laptops for video editing machines at the upper end of HP’s editing laptop range.
Summary
As the recommendations above demonstrate, HP offers a substantial range of laptops ideal for video editing. Many video editors will find budget gaming laptops ideal, while you’ll also find top HP laptops for editors, gamers, and others who need the best available graphics.
When shopping for the best laptops for video editing, remember that the GPU and a good display are essential. You will also need a good CPU and enough RAM to help process the information fast enough for a smooth-running machine.
