Best Laptops for After Effects VFX

ASUS VivoBook Pro 16X OLED

SPECIFICATIONS

Display: 16.0-inch, (3840 x 2400) 4K OLED | CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 5800H (up to 4.4GHz) | dGPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti (4GB VRAM) | Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD | RAM: 16GB (DDR4) | Battery: 96WHrs, (6-cell Li-ion) (Last 7-work hours) | Weight: 1.95kg (4.30 lbs) |

The ASUS VivoBook Pro 16X OLED is a high-performance business laptop that costs less than the premium ASUS ProArt StudioBook 16 OLED with a virtual DialPad on a touchpad, unlike a real wheel.

Since VivoBook Pro 16X is a mid-tier laptop, it is easy on the battery and has the benefit of a lightweight chassis that is crafted with metal (aluminum) with a high-end OLED screen that provides 4K+ resolution with 100% DCI-P3 color gamut ensures absolute color accuracy for after effects, which immerse the true depth of pixels and colors, and it is completely uncompromised for professional creators.

On the usage side, we’ve seen the largest 96-watt-hour battery, capable of getting 7 hours of life for a work day, which is fantastic and can be extended to 8.5 hours if the brightness is reduced to around 50%. It can handle the Adobe suite, particularly After Effects, with minimal effort, and there are dual fans to circulate air if it gets hot, so there are no problems with using it other than some minor flaws.

We found OLED displays to be a great aid for crisp and bright visuals, but they don’t last long, so you’ll need to download software that allows pixel shift to avoid burn-in, to make it last longer. Aside from that, the hardware is responsive, the keyboard is backlit, and the fingerprint scanner is fast.

The included compromises are justifying, and the port selection includes 3x USB-A (3.2 Gen), Type-C (USB-C), HDMI output, and a microSD card reader; overall, it is worth the benefits.

Apple MacBook Pro (M2 chip)

SPECIFICATIONS

Display: 13.0-inch, (2560-by-1600) Retina | CPU: Apple M2 (8-core) + (10-core) GPU | Storage: 512GB SSD | RAM: 16GB (unified memory) | Battery: 58.2 watt-hour lithium-polymer battery, (Last 12-work hours) | Weight: 3.0 pounds (1.4 kg) |

The new M2 chipsets in the Apple MacBook Pro provide enormous benefits for modern commuting, such as faster video rendering, boosted WiFi connectivity to WiFi-6, and an even more speedy transfer rate for backups and storage media devices. It can now connect two more external devices, such as storage, peripherals, and add-ons, thanks to the extra USB-C ports, which were missing from last year’s models.

In comparison to the MacBook Air (M2), which lacks active cooling and has no fans to cope with heavy workloads, the ‘Pro’ variant house greater and more efficient components for a worthy price. The base model of the 13-inch MacBook Pro with 8GB memory costs $1,249, and it goes up to $1,899 for 16GB memory and 512GB SSD.

The new MacBook Pro has established itself as the best Apple laptop for video editing, after effects, and all other creator edition software thanks to its blisteringly fast M2 chip, which benefited from a media encoding engine supported by hardware-accelerated H.264, HEVC, and ProRes RAW.

Another reason to hold onto Mac is the 13.3-inch Retina display that is stunning to get you into trouble. It supports wide color (P3), True Tone technology, and HDR 500 nits brightness, all of which are obvious benefits for creators’ machines, but it can also function as the best laptop for lawyers who require premium performance.

As a result, it has all the necessary qualities to become your next laptop. But unlike Windows, Mac OS is limited to products, services, and accessories that are part of Apple’s ecosystem. If you’re not ready, we have several Windows-based options that are more powerful and a far better alternative to MacBook.

Dell Alienware m15 R7

SPECIFICATIONS

Display: 15.6-inch, (2560×1440) QHD 240Hz | CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX | dGPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 Ti (8GB VRAM) | Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD | RAM: 32GB DDR5 | Battery: 86Whr Li-ion (Last 7 work hours) | Weight: 2.68kg (5.93 lbs) |

The Dell XPS 15 and the 16-inch MacBook Air are insufficient for video editors. If you need to produce graphics at higher resolutions, such as 4K and 8K, the Alienware m15 R7 is the laptop for you. It’s the most powerful laptop for film editors who want workstation powers but aren’t scared to invest. It’s the all-purpose laptop champion, built for professionals who need to accomplish precise jobs with ease.

The more perfect the pixels, the more smoothly you can work with After Effects, in which case the QHD (2560×1440) panel on this Dell Alienware m15 R7 is fantastic. The 240Hz frame rate and 2ms reaction time make your work fast and responsive, thanks to the boost of a dedicated RTX 3070Ti graphics card.

On the appearance side, the Alienware logo is still lit up, and the premium material finish feels well-made to the touch. More expressly, it looks even better than its predecessors. While internally, we adore the AMD Ryzen 9 6900HX processor and 32GB DDR5 RAM, which complement each other beautifully and allow you to perform multi-window and multi-display work tasks quickly, even on battery power.

Additionally, the HDMI 2.1 and Thunderbolt 4 outputs in the back, allow for four 4K displays or one 8K gorgeous, high-resolution screen, ensuring that this ultra-portable laptop can handle any video editing project you desire. This even works with the Dell dock station to produce matrix screens.

Asus ROG Strix Scar 15

SPECIFICATIONS

Display: 15.6-inch (1920 x 1080), 300Hz | CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX | dGPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 (12GB VRAM) | Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD | RAM: 32GB DDR5 | Battery: 90Whr Li-ion (Last up to 15 hours without gaming) | Weight: 2.29kg (5.07 lbs) |

Check this out, the Asus ROG Strix Scar 15 is a real powerhouse for productivity and creation work. This laptop is a dream come true for VFX artists and video editors who need a high-performance device on the go. With a blazing-fast 300Hz panel, you won’t miss a beat and can add some serious animations and VFX effects with its powerful RTX 3080 and AMD Ryzen 9 combination. It’s the leading performer in its class and won’t let you down.

If you’re on the fence about which laptop to choose, here are some facts that might help you make a decision. The ROG Strix Scar 15 is on the chunkier side, measuring 354 x 259 x 27.2mm and weighing 2.3 kg. If you need a lightweight alternative, you can check our list of the best laptops for Cricut, which you can use for light editing work.

If you are willing to compromise the bigger Asus Strix 17, which has a full-size keyboard with numeric keys and a larger screen, the 15-inch model is compact in terms of size but its performance and features are superb, no doubt a great powerful laptop for the money.

This laptop has been praised by enthusiasts for its innovative design that keeps its internals cool, even during heavy use. The dual fans run quietly during normal usage, but ramp up to maximum speed when rendering and playing titles. Just be aware that it can get pretty loud, so you might want to wear noise-canceling headphones instead of relying on the speakers. But hey, at least they sound great at full blast!

If you’ve had reliability issues with laptops in the past, you’ll be glad to know that Asus is different. You won’t have to worry about frustrating drivers or warranty claims. The “My Asus” app is an all-in-one command center for all your control and profile needs.

You can use it for RGB lighting, fan speed, driver updates, backups, and more. It’s been a game-changer for us, and we haven’t had any complaints about the software or service, unlike other brands like Acer, HP, and even MSI.

MSI GE76 Raider

SPECIFICATIONS

Display: 17.3-inch (1920 x 1080), 144Hz | CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1180H | dGPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 (6GB VRAM) | Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe SSD | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Battery: 90Whr Li-ion (Last up to 15 hours without gaming) | Weight: 2.89kg (6.39 lbs) |

The MSI GE76 Raider is a top pick for animators and graphics engineers looking to work with Adobe After Effects and other video editing tools. With its 17.3-inch design and powerful components, it can handle even the most demanding tasks with ease. While there are options to go beyond the RTX 3080 Ti and RTX 4090, we’ve chosen a mid-range model with the least expensive price tag that still provides excellent value.

The Core i7-1180H (11th Gen) processor and Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 GPU make for a powerful combination that can handle a wide range of tasks. For those seeking an even greater competitive advantage, the 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H is available for an additional $150, providing faster 14 Core CPU speeds.

The best budget MSI GE76 Raider boasts a sleek and stylish design, complete with an RGB bar, full-size keyboard, and FHD 144Hz IPS panel. It is an excellent choice for Adobe Illustrator Ai professionals who are involved in the photography and video editing industries and need a large, high-quality screen and robust cooling with no thermal throttling.

As per our research results, the MSI GE76 Raider is the best animation and graphics weapon for VFX designers, with blistering performance and long battery life (up to 5.3 hours) for an uninterrupted job. It is also reasonably priced, with a current discount of $70 and the possibility of additional savings with a coupon code.

Overall, the MSI GE76 Raider is a great option for creators who need a powerful and reliable laptop for video editing and other demanding tasks. Its sleek design, robust components, and long battery life make it a great investment for professionals in various fields.

MSI Pulse GL66

SPECIFICATIONS

Display: 15.6-inch (1920 x 1080), 144Hz | CPU: 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H | dGPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 (8GB VRAM) | Storage: 2 TB M.2 NVMe SSD | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Battery: 90Whr Li-ion (Last between 4-5 work hours) | Weight: 2.25kg (4.96 lbs) |

If you’re a content creator on a budget and looking for the most value-for-money laptop that doesn’t compromise on performance, the MSI Pulse GL66 is a great option to consider. It boasts an impressive RTX 3070 graphics card and an Intel Core i7-12700H (12th gen) CPU, it’s a powerful machine that can outperform an M2 Pro Ultra Macbook.

However, there is a difference to be noted between the MSI Pulse GL66 and the more expensive MSI GE76 Raider. The main difference is in thermals, as the Pulse GL66 gets hot due to its limited cooling headroom due to the slim chassis. You must either manually underclock the GPU and CPU or purchase a cooling pad to avoid overheating in summer.

Apart from the heating concern, we like the MSI Pulse GL66’s performance offerings. This includes everything a content creator needs to get started. The 144Hz screen is sharp, and the DDR5 memory can be upgraded if you need more memory in the future.

This laptop’s standout feature is its included 2TB M.2 NVMe SSD, which is uncommon in a mid-range gaming laptop segment. It’s a complete package for gamers and creators, but keep in mind, the battery life isn’t the best, with a 3-cell (53Whr), you shouldn’t expect it to last longer than 6 hours without being plugged in.

Overall, we had a great time researching, and the MSI Pulse GL66 performs well for zBrush and is an excellent choice when looking for the best bang for your buck, even when compared to the best laptops for Kali Linux. Simply be aware of the possibility of thermal throttling and consider purchasing a cooling pad.

Razer Blade 14

SPECIFICATIONS

Display: 14-inch (2560 x 1440), QHD 165Hz | CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX | dGPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 (12GB VRAM) | Storage: 1 TB M.2 NVMe SSD | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Battery: 61.6 Whr (Last up to 7 work hours) | Weight: 1.77kg (3.92 lbs) |

The Razer Blade 14 is a premium gaming laptop that delivers an exceptional gaming experience with its robust hardware, featuring the AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX 8 Core processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 GPU. The QHD 165Hz display offers smooth and immersive performance in any rendering task, and the 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD provide ample storage and lightning-fast speeds, ensuring that you have a lag-free and seamless work experience.

In addition to its impressive capabilities, the Razer Blade 14 boasts impressive build quality, and its tiny design makes it our recommendation for professionals who need a portable workstation for demanding tasks like VFX designing, video editing, and 3D rendering. The sleek and lightweight all-metal design is made of aluminum, adding to its durability and aesthetics. The Vapor Chamber Cooling system is a standout feature that reduces fan noise and ensures a quiet and disturbance-free environment.

Another area where the Razer Blade 14 is prowess is battery life, which can last up to 7 hours in Balance mode. Its performance is similar to our listed best laptops for Pentesting and cybersecurity. We also compared it to other gaming laptops of the same qualifications, such as the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14, and yes, the Razer Blade 14 stands out with its premium build quality and faster display.

We found the Razer Blade 14 as the best choice for gamers who demand the best in power, performance, and styling. But don’t forget the reliability and outstanding hardware, we have experienced its power to crush the M2 MacBook in multiple Benchmarks.

Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-725A

SPECIFICATIONS

Display: 15.6-inch (1920 x 1080), 144Hz | CPU: 12th Gen Intel Core i7-12700H | dGPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 (6GB VRAM) | Storage: 512 GB M.2 PCIE SSD | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Battery: 48Wh (4 cells) (Last up to 5 hours and 33 minutes) | Weight: 2.49kg (5.51 lbs) |

The Acer Nitro 5 AN515-58-725A is an excellent choice for low-budget creators looking for a laptop that is both affordable and capable of delivering excellent performance. We chose our final pick, the Acer Nitro 5 15″, which has exceptional value and outstanding hardware for casual gamers and professionals who need to work on the go.

With a 15.6-inch Full HD display and a 144Hz refresh rate, it has a modest 54% SRGB, which will require an external monitor, but for starters, this is worth considering, far superior to HP’s Victus 15 and 16 screen quality. It also has a powerful Intel Core i7-12700H processor, which provides enough power to handle demanding applications, and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 graphics card with 6GB of dedicated memory, which ensures a smooth and seamless VFX rendering experience.

Nonetheless, the 16GB of DDR4 RAM is upgradable and enhances multitasking capabilities, allowing you to switch between applications with ease. Acer being compelling, fitted it with a 512GB SSD, which offers fast boot times and quick access to your data. The laptop also features a Gigabit Ethernet (Network RJ-45) cable that provides fast internet connectivity and a USB Type-C port that supports USB 3.2 Gen 2, DisplayPort over USB-C, Thunderbolt 4, and USB charging.

Overall, we are satisfied with the new design, it has all the main ports located at the back, which keeps the looks clean and tidy. However, it does miss out on some of the premium features found in more expensive laptops, such as a fingerprint scanner for security, metal construction, and a Windows IR camera. Though its 4-cell 59Wh battery provides up to 5 hours and 33 minutes of battery life, there’s no option to restrict the battery to 80% charging to extend its lifespan.