Laptops are an essential tool for vlogging; the wrong laptop could lead to wasted time, money, and effort, all frustrations that could effectively halt your video-blog endeavors!
That said, there’s no need to spend hours researching the best laptops for vlogging either. We already took care of that. Through the hands-on experience of some of our writer-vloggers and deep research, we present to you our top 5 laptops for vlogging in one handy list.
If you want to learn more about vlogging, check out our other articles as well:
- How to Start a Vlog in 2020: The Ultimate Guide
- 101 Creative Vlog Ideas for Youtube
- 8 Essential Tips for Youtubers
How to Choose the Best Laptop for Vlogging
To pick the best laptop for vlogging, we have to consider certain specifications like memory and screen resolution. Before we get there, you might be wondering why you need a laptop at all? Why not use a desktop or tablet instead?
Why You Need a Laptop
The answer is pretty simple. Laptops are portable, allowing you to upload and edit content on the run. In the life of a vlogger, you can’t underestimate the value of portability. Regular content uploads are vital, and no one wants to be tied to their desk for editing.
Yes, tablets are portable too. However, they don’t contain the amount of processing power a desktop or laptop has. And, as we’ll come to see below, processing power is essential.
What to Look For in a Vlogging Laptop
When it comes to vlogging, you’ll likely use your laptop for all of the following:
- Editing Video
- Exporting Video
- Uploading Video
- Compressing Video
- Audience Interaction Through Comments
With that in mind, it’s crucial to pay attention to the following features when computer shopping.
Portability
All laptops are portable by definition, but some are easier to carry around than others. When buying a laptop for vlogging, it’s important to consider how heavy it is and whether or not it fits in your favorite backpack or bag.
On top of that, you’ll want to look at the laptop’s battery life. There’s nothing worse than trying to get work done at a coffee shop or airport, only to discover your battery’s near-dead, and there’s no plug in sight! Avoid the situation entirely by finding a laptop with longer battery life.
Memory
When it comes to video editing, memory is essential. You’ll need at least 16 GB of RAM (Random-Access Memory) to process 4k videos or higher.
8 GB of RAM will work if you’re a beginner vlogger, though. It’s enough to run Adobe Premiere Pro and process videos at 1080p. You just might have to shut down any background apps to make it a smooth process.
Processing Capability
In the world of computers, processing capability determines how quickly your laptop can run programs or complete tasks. When it comes to choosing a processor for your next laptop, you’ll likely run into three options: Intel Core i5, or i7 or i9, all from various generations.
If you want to edit your videos at a near-professional level, i7 or i9 is your best bet, preferably from a later generation. Intel released 11th generation models this year, 2021, for reference.
There are also AMD Ryzen 3000 and 5000 processors, which have recently gained popularity for good reasons. They tend to be more affordable than the Intel Core processors but don’t seem to sacrifice anything in terms of speed or capability.
Storage
Storing video takes a lot of space! So if you intend to use your laptop for vlogging, look for one that offers at least 1TB of storage.
You can also consider an external hard drive to store your work. Even with a hefty amount of storage on your laptop, you might need it. But it’s nice to keep all recent projects close at hand, which means storage capability on the actual laptop is important.
Software Compatibility
Vloggers tend to use a variety of different software for editing and compressing videos. If you have favorite programs already, it’s a good idea to check that the laptop you’re considering fits their system requirements.
Mac vs. PC, Does It Matter for Vlogging?
Many YouTubers and vloggers swear by Apple for their laptop needs. Of course, that brings up the often wondered question: which one’s better, Mac or PC?
The truth is that it’s a matter of preference. Though Apple has a reputation for appealing to creatives, a group most vloggers would consider themselves part of; a Macbook isn’t necessarily better than its PC cousins when it comes to memory, processing capability, storage, or software compatibility.
MacBooks are often more expensive, especially if you pay for the extra features that make video editing a breeze, like extra RAM or processing capabilities. That said, with Apple, you always get a sleek design and user-friendly interface.
We included both PC and Mac on this list, and at the end, we’ll share our favorite pick. However, know that when it comes to vlogging, both are quality options.
The 5 Best Laptops for Vlogging
Alright, now that you know what to look for in a vlogging laptop, let’s zoom in on the top picks! We’ll start with the most popular: the MacBook Pro.
1. 16-Inch MacBook Pro
PROS
CONS
It’s pricey, we know, but with a 16-inch screen, i9 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 8TB of SSD storage, it’s hard not to like the MacBook Pro. Its powerful specs make it amazing at video editing.
This laptop has the sleek design we’ve all come to know and expect from Apple. And fortunately, this model no longer includes the highly criticized butterfly keyboard.
That said, for being a laptop, it doesn’t score well on portability. It runs hot, so literally putting it on your lap gets uncomfortable. And, even though this model boasts the longest battery life ever in a MacBook Pro, it’s not much to speak of. Other laptops still have better battery life.
Verdict – Suffice it to say; if you’re a lover of Apple products, this laptop won’t disappoint. It will be very effective for video editing and uploading your vlog. But you may need a desk to work off of, despite it being a laptop.
2. RazerBlade 15
PROS
CONS
Technically the RazerBlade 15 is built with gamers in mind. Even if you only intend to vlog, it’s a good choice. It’s slightly less expensive than a MacBook Pro, but still on the pricey side of things. That said, what you get for the price is stunning.
A 10th-generation Intel Core i7 processor makes this computer lightning fast. It also comes with 16 GB of RAM.
Despite the power and extra memory, the laptop is incredibly thin and compact. The RazerBlade also has an electrochemically bonded outer surface made to resist scratches. So it’s perfect if you plan on vlogging your travel journeys or want to work outside your home.
On top of that, the RazorBlade features a NVIDIA graphics card. Without getting too technical, a graphics card increases your computer’s processing power. Essentially, it makes exporting your videos that much faster.
Of course, it is a gaming laptop, which means it doesn’t have the same look or feel as computers you might be used to. It won’t have a sleek Apple interface and might be a little less user-friendly. It also has powerful fans to keep it running cool, but that can mean a lot of noise that, we’ll be honest, gets a little annoying.
Verdict – Overall, though, it’s a powerful laptop that will help you edit, compress, and upload professional-looking vlogs in no time. It ended up being our favorite pick as it offered many of the great features of the MacBook Pro but at a significantly lower price.
3. Acer Aspire 5
PROS
CONS
If you’re on a budget but need a laptop for vlogging, the Acer Aspire 5 might be your answer. The build is what stands out here; with Acer, you have plenty of connectivity ports. That’s important for vlogging so you can connect to cameras or other hardware.
The screen resolution on the Acer Aspire stands out given the lower price point on this laptop. You’ll get 1080p resolution, which is good enough for most vlogging ventures.
The memory is less impressive at 8 GB of RAM. That means you can probably only run one serious editing program at a time. All your background apps will need to be closed while you’re working.
Another issue is the touchpad, which isn’t quite responsive enough. That can be exceptionally frustrating when trying to edit videos or even while performing simple tasks — like responding to comments.
Verdict – Truth be told, the design on this laptop is a little bulky and square. It doesn’t retain the sleekness that you’ll find in higher-end models. Still, it will get the job done well, and it will cost you less to do it. This is our pick for budget-conscious vloggers.
4. Lenovo Flex 14- inch 2-in-1 Convertible Laptop
PROS
CONS
If you love the convenience of a tablet but want the power of a laptop, the Lenovo Flex 2-in-1 is my favorite option. This transformer of a laptop easily converts to a tablet and has both touchscreen and keyboard capabilities.
For a vlogger, that means you can view your finished work in a variety of ways. Your audience will likely view your vlog on their tablets or sometimes their phones. It’s crucial, then, that you can view your vlog in multiple forms.
On top of that, this laptop allows you to use a pen when editing and designing your work. For some creative-types, that’s a game-changer!
It also features a long battery life and quick-charging capabilities. So this one’s great for working on the go. It has a 1080p resolution screen, 8 GB of RAM, and an AMD Ryzen processor. AMD Ryzen processors are known for handling multiple processes at once without lag, which is ideal for video exporting and editing.
There may be some WiFi connectivity issues, though, which could be an issue for uploading videos and interacting through comments. The Realtek 8822E WiFi chip is known for having connectivity problems. You can, of course, replace the card if you have trouble. But we really wish it came with a different WiFi chip, avoiding the problem altogether!
Verdict – The portability, battery life, and creative design make this a great laptop and tablet for vloggers on the go. It is also a great fit for creative types.
5. HP Envy 13 with 4K Screen
PROS
CONS
Youtube is already making the push towards UltraHD content, which means editing in high resolution is ideal for serious vloggers or those that wish to be them. That’s why the HP Envy makes our list. With a 4K screen, you’ll be able to see your high-resolution content clearly, putting you on the cutting-edge of the vlogging industry.
We also like the webcam kill-switch on this model. Some Vloggers like to shoot video directly from their webcam, but privacy can be a concern. The ability to turn the camera off when not in use is ideal.
The laptop has an 8th generation Intel Core i7 processor, which isn’t the fastest on this list, but it’s more than capable of video editing. Though, the laptop may struggle to run multiple processes at once. It also has 16 GB of RAM, which is good.
The HP Envy uses a fingerprint touchpad for security. Unfortunately, the touchpad may have issues reading fingerprints accurately. You can always type in your password to get in, but features that don’t work can be annoying.
Verdict – Another powerful laptop on this list. With 16 GB of RAM and a 4K screen, it can handle professional editing. A great laptop for vloggers and videographers.
In Conclusion
The best vlogging laptop has excellent processing capabilities, plenty of storage, ample memory, and superior screen resolution. It’s also genuinely portable and has no issues connecting to WiFi wherever your vlogging journey takes you, be it your local park or a European mountain range.
For all of that, our favorite pick is the RazorBlade 15. It’s slightly more affordable than the MacBook Pro but offers just as many features. It has a good amount of storage and fast processors that will easily handle editing software. Plus, it’s much more portable thanks to its scratch-resistant surface and compact size.
That said, the user interface will be foreign if you’re used to working on a Mac, which is why we’d say the MacBook Pro 16-inch comes in second. For Applephiles, it’s an excellent model that will easily handle video uploads and editing software with all the familiar feels of a Mac product.
The important thing is that you have a laptop that helps you maximize your time and vlogging efforts, and any laptop on this list will absolutely do that. Which one you pick is a matter of personal preference.
