The best laptops for video editing, according to an experienced editor

The premium sibling (at a premium price) to our favorite HP Envy x360, HP's Spectre is the laptop to strive for if you're a self-proclaimed PC loyalist. Its specs are solid, the build quality is outstanding and it looks — and feels — sleek and powerful. (Did we mention it’s trimmer and lighter than the past generation, too?) It even has glam metallic edges that hint at what a jewel of a machine it is: It’s built to speed through all the gaming and multitasking you want to do, with 1 TB of storage, a radiant 3000 x 2000 AMOLED touchscreen display and an impressive 12+ hours of battery life.

Read Mashable's full review of the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M3).

Why we picked this:

Apple's M3-chip-equipped MacBook Pro is a powerhouse of a laptop that can handle all of your college-centric needs, from basic note-taking to demanding Adobe Suite projects. The new 14-inch screen feels just right compared to the usual 13-and-16-inch models and boasts a Liquid Retina XDR display that looks absolutely stunning. Mashable Tech Editor, Kimberly Gedeon, also praised the device's audio output, saying that the MacBook Pro "arguably has the best set of speakers on the laptop market." So, if you like to listen to music while you study, you're in for a treat.

On top of the Pro's sheer speed and power, it also has an incredibly long battery life, clocking in at around 17 hours on a single charge. Unfortunately, it's not your cheapest option — the model our reviewer tested starts at $1,999. On top of expensive tuition payments, that might not be feasible for a lot of students (don't worry, we have a more affordable MacBook coming up).

Who it's for:

The MacBook Pro (M3) is a great choice for students who need a laptop that can handle processor-heavy projects like video and photo editing. Its long battery life and crystal-clear speakers also make it a solid pick for anyone who likes to hunker down for extended study sessions. Finally, you may want this device simply because you're already ingrained in the Apple ecosystem, and that's okay, too.

Read Mashable's full review of the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2.

Who it's for:

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a match made in heaven for artists. The unique, pull-forward design really enhances the experience of working on big projects, and the gorgeous 120Hz display only sweetens the pot. Although heavy, the build quality is incredible and sure to last you for many years to come. Video editors, this laptop needs to be on your shortlist (as long as you have the budget, that is).

Why we picked this:

The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 is one of the more special laptops that we've had the pleasure of testing out. To call it just a laptop doesn't seem right. According to Mashable Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon, the device is better described as "a digital easel and tablet" thanks to its unique and convenient pull-forward design. It only gets better when you consider the beauty of the 120Hz, 2,400-by-1,600-pixel display (which sits somewhere between Full HD and 4K). The build quality of the machine is a marvel. The dual-level base helps keep the computer cool during intense usage with the vented lower level, and the upper level features a buttery-smooth touchpad and keyboard combo that is a joy to use. It makes the Surface Laptop Studio 2 quite heavy overall, but it's a fair tradeoff.

Other highlights of the Surface Laptop Studio 2 include a great-sounding audio system, as well as a built-in space for storing and charging a Surface Slim Pen 2, which frustratingly isn't included. Other than that somewhat egregious omission, and the fact that the device is a bit of a chore to lug around, the price point is high enough to make us tear up. While you do get what you pay for here, the over-$3,000 cost of admission is going to turn many content creators away, and we can understand why. But, if you've got the budget (or if you find it on sale), we say go for it.

Graphic design? Product development? Photography? This is your new indispensable device. Dell's traditional powerhouse laptop, the Dell XPS 15 Touch is decked out with Dell's revamped InfinityEdge technology, which is a fancy term for extra-thin bezels and a wide-as-possible, gorgeous, anti-reflective screen. The 15.6-inch ultra HD display is vivid and incredibly sharp, and the NVIDIA GeForce 1650 Ti with 4GB GDDR6 offers graphics clear enough for even the pickiest gamers or designers. It's also equipped with Dell Cinema — featuring the best color, sound and up-to-the-second streaming that a video enthusiast could ask for — and a top-mounted webcam. Inside sits an 9th-gen Intel Core i7 processor (an amazing CPU that keeps you up to speed), but like any other high-end laptop, constant 4K+ use drains the battery fairly quickly.