Finding the best laptop for After Effects is no simple task. Intensive video and photo editing require an efficient machine with robust specifications to ensure smooth performance and plenty of storage space. The ideal laptop should have a powerful processor, dedicated graphics card, lots of RAM, substantial Hard Drive capacity, and a good display that can handle viewing hi-resolution pictures.
Look for compatibility with After Effects, as not all laptops can launch the program. With many options flooded in the market today, research well and make sure you buy a dependable unit that will help you render projects quickly so you can easily meet tight deadlines.
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Buying guide:
After Effects is a powerful software for creating and editing visual effects, animations, and motion graphics.
When it comes to choosing a laptop for After Effects, there are a few key things to consider:
- Processor: After Effects is a resource-intensive program, so you’ll want a laptop with a powerful processor. A laptop with an Intel Core i5 or higher, or a AMD Ryzen 5 or higher, will be able to handle After Effects tasks with ease.
- RAM: The more RAM a laptop has, the more smoothly After Effects will run. A laptop with at least 8GB of RAM is recommended, but 16GB or more is ideal for heavy workloads.
- Graphics card: A dedicated graphics card is not necessary for After Effects, but it can help speed up rendering and playback, especially if you’re working with complex compositions or 3D elements. Look for a laptop with an NVIDIA or AMD graphics card.
- Storage: After Effects projects can take up a lot of space, so it’s important to have a laptop with plenty of storage. A laptop with a 256GB or larger solid-state drive (SSD) will provide enough space for most projects.
- Display: If you plan on using After Effects for color grading or other tasks that require color accuracy, look for a laptop with a high-resolution display and good color accuracy.
- Portability: If you need a laptop that you can take on the go, consider a lightweight model with a long battery life.
It’s also important to consider your budget and any other specific needs you may have. With these factors in mind, you should be able to find a laptop that’s well-suited for After Effects.
Apple MacBook Air Laptop M1 Chip:

Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop
The 2020 MacBook Air is the perfect laptop for running After Effects. This laptop offers unprecedented performance and power in a lightweight package, equipped with an Apple M1 chip, 8-core CPU, 8GB of unified memory, and a 13.3″ Retina display.
The battery life on this laptop is impressive; you can get up to 18 hours of power.
The powerful processor and RAM allow you to multitask and open large graphic files easily. You can also run your existing Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365, or Google Drive apps on the macOS platform. This laptop is perfect for professionals and everyday users looking to do serious video and photo editing with After Effects.
With the 2020 MacBook Air, you can access all your favorite iPhone and iPad apps directly on macOS, making this laptop even more versatile. With its ease of use and stellar performance specs, the 2020 MacBook Air is a top contender when selecting the best laptop for After Effects projects.
Specifications:
CPU | Apple M1 chip, 8-core |
memory | 8GB of unified memory |
display | 13.3″ Retina display |
battery life | 18 hours |
Here are the following: Pros and Cons:
Pros
- The touch is wonderful.
- The Retina display is beautiful.
- The sound system is superior.
- The screen looks great! 2560×1600 resolution is bright and sharp and looks good
- Battery life is fantastic.
- It also has an excellent trackpad.
Cons
- It is very slow to respond.
- The video quality is extremely poor.
Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook:

Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook
The Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook is the ideal laptop for running After Effects. The powerful Snapdragon SC7180 processor, 4GB of RAM, and 64 GB storage provide efficient performance for intensive video and photo editing. The Android 10 OS enables you to access your existing Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365, and Google Drive apps directly from the device.
You will also have access to many apps from the Google Play Store, including After Effects and other powerful video editing tools.
The ultra-light chassis is comfortable for long editing sessions, and the detachable fabric folio keyboard adds convenience when switching between laptop and tablet mode. With up to 15 hours of battery life, you will not have to worry about being plugged in all the time. The 13.3-inch full-HD Samsung OLED display, 4 speakers with smart amplifier technology, 2 microphones, and 8MP/5MP front-facing cameras, offer crystal clear audio and visuals. With so many features, this Chromebook is a great choice for anyone who uses After Effects.
If you are looking for a laptop that can handle intensive video and photo editing with After Effects, the Lenovo IdeaPad Duet 5 Chromebook is an excellent choice. With its powerful processor, plenty of RAM, ample storage space, and superior battery life, this 2-in-1 device offers efficient performance and convenience. With its impressive screen, audio, and camera capabilities, you can enjoy crystal-clear visuals and sound. With its versatility and portability, this Chromebook will surely make your After Effects projects a success.
Specifications:
processor | Snapdragon SC7180 processor |
RAM | 4GB |
storage | 64 GB |
battery life | 15 hours |
display | 13.3-inch full-HD Samsung OLED display |
Here are the following: Pros and Cons:
Pros
- It has an excellent screen.
- The battery life has been really good.
- It is Easy to use and set up.
Cons
- Reliability: the keyboard did not work.
- There is no biometric login.
ECOHERO Newest Windows 11 Laptop:

ECOHERO Newest Windows 11 Laptop
The ECO HERO Alpha Laptop is ideal for a laptop with versatile capabilities and superior performance. The laptop features a powerful Intel Celeron J4005 processor, which provides high-speed dual-core, dual-thread operation up to 2.7GHz. The 15.6-inch Full HD 1920×1080 display offers remarkable visuals, perfect for watching movies or editing photos.
The ECO HERO Alpha Laptop has an 6GB of DDR4 RAM and 256GB (M.2) SSD storage, you have plenty of space to store your data, and fast read/write speeds for quick system operations.
The laptop also has a 4500mAh/34.2Wh high-capacity battery, giving you up to 12 hours of standby time on a single charge. Despite its powerful specs, the laptop is incredibly light and portable at only 1.7 kg/3.7lb. It features an array of ports, including USB 3.0, USB 2.0, a headphone jack, micro SD (up to 256GB), and mini HD, providing you with flexible connectivity options. Its built-in noise-canceling microphone allows for clear audio communications.
The ECO HERO Alpha Laptop is an excellent choice for a powerful laptop with great performance and plenty of storage space. With its powerful processor and robust features, you can be sure that your After Effects projects will run smoothly. Its long battery life and light weight make it the perfect option for taking with you on the go. If you are looking for a laptop that offers high performance and versatility, look no further than the ECO HERO Alpha Laptop.
Specifications:
Processor | Intel Celeron J4005 processor |
Display | 15.6-inch Full HD 1920×1080 display |
RAM | 6GB of DDR4 |
storage | 256GB (M.2) SSD |
Battery | 12 hours |
Weight | 1.7 kg/3.7lb |
Here are the following: Pros and Cons:
Pros
- The screen was large.
- Storage was also very good.
- This laptop is thin and lighter than others.
- It also has a nice large keypad.
Cons
- It has no touch screen.
LG Gram 17Z90P Laptop:

LG Gram 17Z90P Laptop 17
The LG Gram 17Z90P Laptop is the perfect choice for those looking for a powerful laptop to help with their After Effects projects. Its 17-inch WQXGA IPS LCD is stunning and has 99% color expression at DCI-P3. The 11th generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor and Intel Xe Graphics provide amazing high-resolution content creation and editing performance.
The LG Gram 17Z90P Laptop has an 16GB of LPDDR4X 4266MHz RAM, you can be sure that demanding tasks like content creation and multitasking will run smoothly.
In terms of storage, the laptop is equipped with a 2TB (2 x 1TB) PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD, giving you plenty of room to store your work and providing fast read and write speeds when needed. The laptop also comes with a range of ports, including two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, two USB-A 3.2 ports, a full-size HDMI port, a microSD card reader, and a 3.5mm audio jack.
The LG Gram 17Z90P is the perfect laptop for After Effects users, offering powerful performance in an ultra-lightweight package. With its stunning display, fast processor, and lots of storage space, you can be sure that your projects will run smoothly. Its long battery life and light weight make it the perfect option for taking with you on the go. If you are looking for a laptop that offers high performance and versatility, look no further than the LG Gram 17Z90P Laptop.
Specifications:
processor | 11th generation Intel Core i7-1165G7 processor |
RAM | 16GB of LPDDR4X 4266MHz |
Storage | 2TB (2 x 1TB) PCIe M.2 NVMe SSD |
Ports | two USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 support, two USB-A 3.2 ports, a full-size HDMI port |
Here are the following: Pros and Cons:
Pros
- It is sturdy and well-made.
- Its keyboard is really good.
- It has a beautiful, crisp, and sharp 17-inch screen.
- It is so lightweight.
- Battery life is really good.
Cons
- The speakers could be better.
Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 514 Convertible Laptop:

Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 514
This Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 514 Convertible Laptop is the perfect choice for After Effects users who need high performance and manageability. It comes with an AMD Ryzen 5 3500C Quad-Core Mobile Processor, 8GB DDR4 On-Board Memory, and 128GB SSD, so you can be sure it will not slow down over time.
The 14.0″ Full HD IPS Touch Display with Multi-Touch provides a crisp and clear picture, perfect for viewing high-resolution pictures.
It also comes with 802.11ac WiFi 5 (Dual-Band 2.4GHz and 5GHz) | Bluetooth 5.0 for easy connection to other devices and fast data transfer speeds. It has two USB Type C ports supporting USB 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gbps), DisplayPort over USB-C, USB Charging, and DC-in, and one USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A Port and one HDMI with HDCP Support. The backlit keyboard makes it easy to work in the dark, and it comes with up to 10 hours of battery life.
The Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 514 Convertible Laptop is ideal for After Effects users who need powerful performance and manageability. It also offers access to your favorite productivity suites and video conferencing apps, making it a great choice for any business environment. Its long battery life and light weight make it the perfect choice for taking with you on the go. If you are looking for a laptop that offers high performance and versatility, look no further than the Acer Chromebook Enterprise Spin 514 Convertible Laptop.
Specifications:
Processor | AMD Ryzen 5 3500C Quad-Core Mobile Processor |
Memory | 8GB DDR4 |
Storage | 128GB SSD |
Display | 14.0″ Full HD IPS Touch Display |
Ports | two USB Type C ports supporting USB 3.2 Gen 1 (up to 5 Gbps), DisplayPort over USB-C |
Battery life | 10 hours |
Here are the following: Pros and Cons:
Pros
- The touchpad is smooth and very responsive.
- Its keyboard is really good.
- The sound is good.
- It has a touch screen.
- The build quality is very good.
Cons
- The speakers could be better.
Lenovo Chromebook 3 14″ HD TN 220nits Anti-Glare Laptop:

Lenovo Chromebook 3 14″
The Lenovo Chromebook 3 14″ HD TN 220nits Anti-Glare Laptop is perfect for After Effects users who need a powerful and reliable laptop for intensive video and photo editing. It has an Intel N4020 Quad Core Mobile Processor, 4GB Soldered LPDDR4-2400 Memory, 32GB eMMC Storage, and integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600.
Its 14″ HD (1366×768) TN 220nits Anti-glare Display provides a crisp and clear picture, perfect for viewing hi-resolution pictures.
This laptop also has 802.11a/b/g/n/ac WiFi and Bluetooth 4.2 for easy connection to other devices and fast data transfer speeds. It has two USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 ports (supporting data transfer, Power Delivery, and DisplayPort), one microSD card slot, one card reader, one headphone/microphone combo jack (3.5mm), and two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports for connecting all your peripherals.
The Lenovo Chromebook 3 also comes with an HD Webcam and Microphone, making it perfect for Home, Student, Professionals, Small Business, School Education, Commercial Enterprise, and Online classes. The TWE Mouse Pad makes it easy to navigate any program or document quickly and accurately. With up to 10 hours of battery life, the Lenovo Chromebook 3 is perfect for remote work or study.
If you are looking for a laptop with great performance and longevity that will not break the bank, look no further than the Lenovo Chromebook 3 14″ HD TN 220nits Anti-Glare Laptop.
Specifications:
Processor | Intel N4020 Quad Core Mobile Processor |
Memory | 4GB Soldered LPDDR4-2400 Memory |
Storage | 32GB eMMC Storage |
Graphics | integrated Intel UHD Graphics 600 |
Display | 14″ HD (1366×768) TN 220nits Anti-glare Display |
battery life | 10 hours |
Here are the following: Pros and Cons:
Pros
- The display is crisp and clear.
- It has a great battery life.
- It comes with an HD Webcam and Microphone for convenient remote work or study.
- It has two USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 ports for easy data transfer.
Cons
- It does not have an optical drive.
ASUS Chromebook C425 Clamshell Laptop:

ASUS Chromebook C425 Clamshell Laptop
The ASUS Chromebook C425 Clamshell Laptop is the perfect choice for After Effects users looking for a powerful and reliable laptop. It has a 14″ FHD 4-Way NanoEdge Touch Screen, Intel Core m3-8100Y Processor, 4GB RAM, and 128GB eMMC storage.
Its 180-degree hinge design allows you to switch from laptop to tablet mode easily. With its 1.4mm key travel distance backlit keyboard, and large 6-inch trackpad, typing and navigating are a breeze.
This laptop runs on Chrome OS with the Google apps built-in for easy editing, downloading, and converting Microsoft Office files into Google Docs, Sheets, and Slides. It also has built-in storage for offline access to important files and a 12-month Google One trial for extra storage across Gmail, Google Drive, and Google Photos.
The ASUS Chromebook C425 is lightweight at 2.8 lbs with a premium design that will never go out of style. It has two full-function USB Type-C (Gen 1) and one Type-A (Gen 1) port to connect your peripherals. With its long-lasting battery life and powerful processor, this laptop will help you take your creative projects to the next level. Get ready for a smooth and efficient After Effects experience with the ASUS Chromebook C425 Clamshell Laptop!
Specifications:
Screen | 14″ FHD 4-Way NanoEdge Touch Screen |
Processor | Intel Core m3-8100Y Processor |
RAM | 4GB RAM |
storage | 128GB eMMC |
Weight | 2.8 lbs |
Ports | two full-function USB Type-C (Gen 1) and one Type-A (Gen 1) port |
Here are the following: Pros and Cons:
Pros
- It has a touchscreen.
- It has two USB-C 3.2 Gen 1 ports plus one Type-A (Gen 1) port for peripherals.
Cons
- It does not have an optical drive.
- It has limited storage space.
Conclusion:
When looking for the perfect laptop to run After Effects, it is important to consider the machine’s performance, storage capabilities, and display. The Lenovo Chromebook 3 14″ HD TN 220nits Anti-Glare Laptop and ASUS Chromebook C425 Clamshell Laptop are great options for After Effects users looking for a powerful and reliable laptop with an efficient processor and plenty of features. Each laptop offers unique features to fit your needs, so choose the one that best suits you.