Video editing no longer requires high-end machines that cost a fortune. Whether you’re a content creator, a student working on media projects, or someone who wants to edit travel vlogs, there are now several reliable laptops under $700 that can handle video editing tasks. While they might not render 4K footage in seconds, these machines offer a great balance between performance and affordability.
In this article, we’ll break down the best budget laptops for video editing under $700, highlight what specs you should look for, and suggest a few tips to optimize your editing workflow on a limited budget.
What to Look for in a Video Editing Laptop Under $700
Before jumping into the list, it’s important to understand what makes a laptop suitable for video editing, especially in a budget range:
✅ Processor (CPU)
Look for at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 from the latest generations. These offer enough power to run editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or CapCut.
✅ RAM
You need at least 8GB of RAM. Video editing is RAM-intensive, especially if you’re working with HD or 4K footage. More RAM means smoother editing and fewer lags.
✅ Storage
A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a must. It drastically speeds up boot times and file access compared to traditional hard drives. Aim for at least 256GB SSD, with the option to expand via external storage.
✅ Graphics (GPU)
Dedicated graphics are rare in this price range, but integrated GPUs like Intel Iris Xe or AMD Radeon Vega can handle 1080p editing effectively.
✅ Display
A Full HD (1920×1080) IPS display is preferred for accurate color grading and a better editing experience.
Top 5 Best Budget Laptops for Video Editing Under $700
Here’s a curated list of laptops that offer solid video editing performance without breaking your budget.
1. Acer Aspire 5 (AMD Ryzen 5 5625U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
Why it’s great:
This is one of the best all-around performers under $700. The Ryzen 5 CPU with 6 cores and integrated Radeon graphics can handle 1080p editing smoothly.
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5625U
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6″ Full HD IPS
- Battery Life: Up to 8 hours
Pros:
✔ 16GB RAM at this price is rare
✔ Solid multitasking and rendering speeds
✔ Great value for specs
2. Lenovo IdeaPad Flex 5 (AMD Ryzen 5 5500U, 16GB RAM)
Why it’s great:
This 2-in-1 laptop combines power and flexibility. The Ryzen 5 and high RAM make it perfect for portable editors who also want tablet functionality.
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 14″ Full HD touchscreen
- Battery Life: Up to 10 hours
Pros:
✔ Convertible design for flexible use
✔ Comfortable keyboard
✔ Affordable for specs
Cons:
✘ Limited storage (expandable with external SSD)
3. HP Pavilion 15 (Intel Core i5-1335U, 8GB RAM)
Why it’s great:
With the latest 13th-gen Intel chip and Iris Xe graphics, this model handles editing apps like Premiere Pro and Filmora without major hiccups.
- CPU: Intel Core i5-1335U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 15.6″ Full HD
- Battery Life: Around 7 hours
Pros:
✔ New-gen CPU with improved performance
✔ Generous storage space
✔ Sleek design
Cons:
✘ 8GB RAM may limit multi-track editing in 4K
4. ASUS VivoBook 15 (Intel Core i5-1235U, 8GB RAM)
Why it’s great:
Lightweight and modern, this laptop delivers solid performance for casual to intermediate video editors. Great for creators on the move.
- CPU: Intel Core i5-1235U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
- Display: 15.6″ Full HD
- Battery Life: Around 6 hours
Pros:
✔ Compact and stylish
✔ Decent CPU performance
✔ Good for on-the-go editing
Cons:
✘ Might need external storage
✘ RAM not always upgradeable
5. Dell Inspiron 14 (AMD Ryzen 5 7530U, 8GB RAM)
Why it’s great:
A well-built machine with a solid CPU and reliable performance for editing Full HD videos. Dell’s thermal design ensures the laptop stays cool during rendering.
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 7530U
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Display: 14″ Full HD
- Battery Life: 8+ hours
Pros:
✔ Sturdy build
✔ Fast SSD
✔ Quiet operation
Cons:
✘ RAM may be soldered (check before buying)
Bonus Tip: Best Free Video Editing Apps for iPhone
While these laptops are great for editing on a budget, many creators also edit videos on their phones. If you’re on the go and need quick edits, exploring the Best Free Video Editing Apps for iPhone can be a game-changer. Apps like iMovie, CapCut, and VN Editor offer excellent mobile editing features, and they integrate well with desktop workflows when you return to your laptop.
Tips to Maximize Performance on Budget Laptops
Even with a modest laptop, you can improve editing efficiency with these strategies:
- Use lightweight editing software: Apps like Filmora, Shotcut, and DaVinci Resolve (for 1080p projects) are well-optimized for budget hardware.
- Edit proxy files: Instead of editing in full resolution, create lower-res proxy files to speed up playback and editing.
- Keep your system clean: Disable background apps and keep your SSD optimized for best performance.
- Invest in external storage: Portable SSDs can expand your storage without compromising speed.
Final Thoughts
You don’t need to spend over $1,000 to start editing videos professionally or as a hobby. The best budget laptops for video editing under $700 deliver enough power and flexibility for everyday editing needs—especially for 1080p content. By focusing on the right combination of CPU, RAM, SSD, and display, you can find a machine that balances performance and price.
These affordable laptops, combined with smart workflow practices and mobile editing options, make it easier than ever to produce high-quality content without breaking the bank.
