7 Best Cheap Laptops for After Effects in 2024 (ZERO LAG!)

In the fast-paced world of video editing and motion graphics, Adobe After Effects has become an indispensable tool for creators worldwide. However, as the software’s capabilities increase, so do its hardware requirements. 

Many budding artists and professionals may find it challenging to invest in expensive, high-performance laptops to run After Effects seamlessly. But fear not! 

I have compiled a list of the 7 best cheap laptops for After Effects in 2023 that promise zero lag and an exceptional user experience. With these low-cost options, you’ll be able to make beautiful animations and visual effects without breaking the bank.

Continue reading to find out more about the ideal laptop to help you take your creative abilities to the next level.

7 Best Cheap Laptops for After Effects

I recently got my hands on the Apple MacBook Air 13.6″ with Liquid Retina Display, and I must say, it’s an impressive piece of technology. As someone who’s always searching for the best cheap laptop for After Effects, this MacBook Air has exceeded my expectations.

The latest M2 Chip, an 8-core CPU, and an 8-core GPU make this MacBook Air incredibly fast and powerful, and I noticed a significant improvement over my previous laptop. 

With 16GB RAM and a 256GB SSD, I’ve found multitasking to be a breeze, and I have more than enough storage for all my files and applications.

The best thing for me is the Liquid Retina Display, which offers stunning visuals that are perfect for both creative and professional work. The slim form factor and 5.05-pound weight make it incredibly portable, allowing me to work on the go without any hassle.

Additionally, it includes a USB-C to MagSafe 3 Cable (2m) and a 30W USB-C Power Adapter for easy charging.

Moreover, The laptop also comes with a 90-day free trial of Apple’s technical support and a 1-year limited warranty.

Key Features

Display: 13.6″ with 2560 x 1600 resolution

Processor and Graphics: M2 Chip with 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU

Memory and Storage: 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD

Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 for fast, stable connections

Ports: 2 x Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4 ports, 3.5mm headphone jack

My Verdict

I think the Apple MacBook Air 13.6″ is a powerful and portable option for users who demand exceptional performance and beautiful visuals. While its price may be higher than competing models, the MacBook Air’s cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and reliable Apple support make it a worthy investment for professionals and creatives alike.

As an experienced user, I must say that the HP 2023 Newest 14 Laptop has truly impressed me as one of the best cheap laptops for After Effects video editing. 

Powered by an Intel Core i5-1135G7 processor with a base clock speed of 2.4GHz and Turbo Boost up to 4.2GHz, it delivers outstanding performance without compromising battery life, making it a perfect choice for people who need a potent yet mobile machine.

The laptop comes with 8GB RAM, which I found to be more than sufficient for daily multitasking needs. However, the fact that it can be upgraded to 32GB is a great feature for users who require even more power.

Additionally, the 256GB SSD storage is generous and can be expanded up to 1TB, catering to a wide range of data storage requirements.

I was pleasantly surprised by the 14-inch screen, which has a resolution of 1366 x 768, providing clear visuals for everyday tasks. The integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics coprocessor ensures a smooth experience, whether you are browsing the web or watching videos and of course, it is the best laptop for video editing after effects.

Aesthetically, the laptop’s natural silver design is sleek and stylish, making it not only a powerhouse but also a visually appealing laptop.

Plus, the variety of connectivity options available on this laptop, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB Type-C, USB Type-A, HDMI, AC smart pin, and a headphone/microphone combo, provide all the necessary ports for my daily usage.

Running on Windows 11 Home, you will surely be able to take advantage of the updated interface, new tools, sounds, and apps that come with the latest operating system.

Key Features

Display: 14″ Display with 1366 x 768 resolution

Processor and Graphics: Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor and Intel Iris Xe Graphics

Memory and Storage: 8GB RAM (upgradable to 32GB) and 256GB SSD (upgradable to 1TB)

Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 for fast, stable connections

Ports: 1 USB Type-C, 2 USB Type-A, 1 HDMI 1.4b, 1 AC smart pin, 1 headphone/microphone combo

My Verdict

I highly recommend the HP 2023 Newest 14 Laptop as the best budget laptop for After Effects video editing, as it offers a reliable and high-performing experience without breaking the bank.

The Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Essential Laptop, with its rich set of features, remains on top as a great, budget-friendly option for After Effects video editing. The laptop is powered by a 12th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, offering a smooth computing experience with a base speed of 2.4GHz and a turbo boost of up to 4.2GHz. This ensures consistent performance across a variety of tasks and applications.

Featuring a 14-inch display with a resolution of 1366 x 768, the laptop provides crisp and vivid visuals. 

Plus, the integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics coprocessor further elevates the visual experience, making this laptop perfect for tasks such as office work, web browsing, video streaming, and video editing.

One of the most appealing aspects of this laptop is its upgradeability. The base model includes 8GB of DDR4 RAM, expandable up to 32GB, allowing for seamless multitasking and the ability to run multiple programs at once.

Moreover, the storage options are notable, with support for up to 1TB of storage capacity, ensuring sufficient space for all your files and data. 

It comes with Windows 11 Home operating system pre-installed, providing users with a modern, user-friendly, and secure environment complete with the latest tools, sounds, and apps.

The laptop’s connectivity features are also impressive, equipped with an Intel Wireless-AC 9461 802.11a/b/g/n/ac (1×1) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5 combo. 

In addition to this, it has a number of ports, including one HDMI 1.4b port, one AC smart pin, one SuperSpeed USB Type-C port, two SuperSpeed USB Type-A ports, and one headphone/microphone combo port.

Key Features

Display: 15.6″ FHD Display with 1920 x 1080 resolution

Processor and Graphics: Intel Core i5 12th Gen Processor and Integrated Graphics

Memory and Storage:8GB Memory and 512GB Storage

Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for fast, stable connections

Ports: USB Type-C, USB Type-A, HDMI, SD Card Reader, Audio combo jack

My Verdict

I believe the Lenovo IdeaPad 3i Essential Laptop offers solid performance, upgradability, and connectivity options, making it a reliable and versatile choice for users seeking the best cheap laptop for After Effects video editing.

The HP 14 Laptop emerges as one of the best cheap laptops for After Effects video editing in 2023. This versatile laptop is also perfect for handling daily multitasking and storage requirements like HP 2023 Newest 14 Laptop.

It features a robust AMD Ryzen 3 3250U Processor and Radeon graphics, ensuring smooth and efficient performance for gaming, movies, and other entertainment activities. 

The laptop has been upgraded to include 16GB of RAM and 1TB PCIe SSD storage, offering ample space and rapid data access.

Plus, the visual experience of this laptop is elevated by its Full HD display, which boasts a 1920 x 1080 resolution. You will surely appreciate its bright, vivid, and authentic colors, providing an immersive viewing experience from any angle. This is particularly advantageous for video watching or everyday work tasks. 

Moreover, the integrated high-definition camera enables effortless video chatting and conference calls, adding to the laptop’s overall versatility.

Plus, it is also distinguished by its Wi-Fi connectivity and high-speed data transmission capabilities. You will be able to take advantage of quick download and upload speeds, which will make for a more streamlined and productive working environment.

To top it all, the laptop comes with a 1-year manufacturer-limited warranty, offering peace of mind and protection for your investment. 

Key Features

Display: 14″ FHD Display with 1920 x 1080 resolution

Processor and Graphics: AMD Ryzen 3 3250U Processor and AMD Radeon Graphics

Memory and Storage: 16GB DDR4 RAM and 1TB SSD storage

Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for fast, stable connections

Ports: USB Type-C, USB Type-A, HDMI, Audio combo jack

My Verdict

According to my experience, this laptop serves as an excellent choice for users seeking a reliable, powerful, and visually stunning laptop to cater to their everyday computing needs.

The latest Acer Aspire 5 laptop is a top pick for those seeking a high-performing laptop with a large 15.6-inch FHD IPS display. 

This laptop has a base frequency of 3 GHz and can be boosted to 4.1 GHz using Intel Turbo Boost Technology. As a result, it is ideal for tasks requiring high productivity and quick performance.

The dual-core processor enables users to easily handle multiple tasks, making it a great option for a home office setup.

I am sure you will like its 20GB of RAM and 512GB PCIe SSD, offering smooth and rapid performance. The speedy solid-state drive also provides quick boot times and ample storage space. 

Plus, the 15.6-inch FHD display boasts clear details and vivid colors with narrow bezels, perfect for both work and leisure.

When it comes to connectivity, this laptop has a range of ports, including USB 3.2 Type-C, USB 3.2 Gen 1, USB 2.0, HDMI 2.0, Ethernet, and a DC-in for AC adapter, ensuring you always have multiple options. 

Additionally, it features Amazon Alexa built-in, providing users with voice control and smart home compatibility. The laptop operates on Windows 11 S mode but can easily be switched to the full version of Windows 11.

Key Features

Display: 15.6″ FHD IPS Slim Display with 1920 x 1080 resolution

Processor and Graphics: Intel Core i3-1115G4 (Up to 4.1GHz) and Integrated Graphics

Memory and Storage:20GB RAM and 512GB NVMe SSD storage

Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth, RJ-45 for fast, stable connections

Ports: USB, HDMI, Audio combo jack

My Verdict

I am really sure after testing that the Acer Aspire 5 is a fantastic choice for those in need of a high-performance laptop for both work and entertainment. The upgraded RAM and SSD deliver speedy performance, while the FHD display and various connectivity options make it a versatile laptop. The inclusion of Amazon Alexa and the ability to switch from Windows 11 S mode are added bonuses that make this laptop a great option.

The ASUS VivoBook is a sleek and efficient laptop that boasts impressive performance and storage capabilities. It runs on the latest 11th Generation Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor with 2 cores, 4 threads, and 6MB cache, allowing it to handle multiple applications and browser tabs seamlessly without any lag. 

I really like its 15.6″ FHD Touch Display that delivers vibrant colors and clarity while being energy-efficient with its LED backlight. 

Additionally, it comes with an integrated Intel HD Graphics 5000 coprocessor that enhances the visual experience, making it perfect for tasks that require higher graphics processing.

With 20GB system memory and a 1024GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive, the ASUS VivoBook provides ample space for storing and accessing files quickly. 

Additionally, Windows 11 Home S Mode is pre-installed and is easily switchable to regular Windows 11.

For added convenience and security, the laptop also has a fingerprint reader and a backlit keyboard.

Connectivity options are abundant, with 3 USB ports, 1 headphone/microphone combo, and 1 HDMI output, providing flexibility in connecting various laptops. 

Key Features

Display: 15.6″ FHD Touchscreen Display with 1920 x 1080 resolution

Processor and Graphics: Intel Core i3-1115G4 (Up to 3.9GHz) and Integrated Graphics

Memory: 20GB Memory and 1TB PCIe SSD storage

Connectivity: Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for fast, stable connections

Ports: HDMI, USB, Audio combo jack

My Verdict

When it comes to finding a trustworthy and powerful laptop for use with After Effects video editing, I believe that the ASUS VivoBook is a fantastic option for anyone in the market. And the cost is not inaccessible by any means.

Last but not least, the Dell Inspiron 15 3000 Series 3511 Laptop is a powerful laptop with a lot of great features. With 16GB RAM, users can multitask efficiently and experience seamless browsing without any lags or delays. 

Its 512GB PCIe NVMe M.2 Solid State Drive provides rapid bootup times and speedy data transfer, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize speed and productivity.

The laptop is fueled by an Intel Core i5-1035G1 Quad-Core Processor with 4 cores and 8 threads, delivering impressive computing power. Because of its base frequency of 1.0 GHz and its ability to reach up to 3.60 GHz with the help of Intel Turbo Boost Technology, it is able to easily handle applications that require a lot of processing power.

Its integrated Intel Iris Xe Graphics coprocessor provides smooth graphics performance for casual and professional users alike.

Furthermore, the laptop features a 15.6-inch FHD Anti-glare LED Backlight Narrow Border WVA Touchscreen display that offers a crystal-clear and immersive visual experience. 

Moreover, it comes pre-installed with the latest Windows 11 Home Operating System, providing an attractive new design, better performance features, improved multi-monitor functionality, and compatibility with Android apps.

Key Features

Display: 15.6″ FHD Touchscreen Display with 1920 x 1080 resolution

Processor and Graphics: Intel Core i5-1035G1 Processor and Integrated Graphics

Memory and Storage:16GB DDR4 RAM and 512GB PCIe SSD storage

Connectivity: Wi-Fi, Webcam for fast, stable connections

Ports: SD Card Reader, HDMI, USB, Audio combo jack

My Verdict

I am very confident, with its sleek black design, this Dell Inspiron laptop is suitable for professionals, students, and anyone who values speed, efficiency, and high performance for After Effects video editing.

Are Laptops For After Effects Worth It?

After Effects is a powerful tool for video editing that demands a lot of computing power. To work on this software, it is essential to have a laptop that can handle its processing demands. While it may seem expensive to invest in a high-performance laptop, it is definitely worth it for anyone serious about working in the After Effects field. These laptops ensure smooth rendering and editing, enabling creators to handle complex projects without any lag. From the Apple MacBook Air to the Acer 2023 Newest Aspire 5, there are plenty of laptops available in the market to cater to different budgets and requirements. Therefore, investing in a good laptop for After Effects is a wise choice for anyone looking to make a career in video editing.

Why Is MacBook Air M2 The Best Laptop For After Effects In 2023?

If you’re looking for a laptop that can handle After Effects with ease, the MacBook Air M2 may be the answer. Boasting an impressive M2 processor and 8GB of memory as its base model, this slim and lightweight device is packed with power. For those who need even more performance, the MacBook Air M2 can be configured with up to 32GB of RAM and a 2TB SSD. This combination ensures lightning-fast rendering speeds and smooth playback of even the most complex animations. Plus, with its long battery life and portability, the MacBook Air M2 is the perfect choice for freelancers or anyone who needs to work on the go. So whether you’re editing videos for fun or for business, the MacBook Air M2 is definitely worth considering.

How To Choose The Best Laptop For After Effects In 2023?

Selecting the perfect laptop for After Effects in 2023 can seem overwhelming, particularly with the vast array of options available. It should meet certain considerations before making a final decision. Firstly, it’s important to select a processor with care, requiring at least an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 9 5950X to guarantee seamless handling of resource-intensive applications. Secondly, a high-quality graphics card is necessary, as After Effects projects necessitate top-notch graphics. A laptop equipped with a dedicated graphics card, like NVIDIA or AMD, can significantly improve overall performance. Thirdly, storage capacity is a crucial factor, given that larger files take up space rapidly. A laptop with a minimum of 512GB SSD is the recommended option. Finally, opting for a laptop with a high color-accurate display and a high brightness level is crucial for an optimal video editing experience. Taking these factors into consideration, one can choose the best laptop for After Effects in 2023, such as the MacBook Pro 16-inch (M2 Max, 2023) or Alienware M15.

Conclusion

Video editing with After Effects can be a demanding task, and a capable laptop is essential to ensure a smooth and efficient workflow. However, buying a laptop that can run After Effects doesn’t have to cost a fortune. My list of the 7 Best Cheap Laptops for After Effects in 2023 provides great options that offer impressive performance without sacrificing affordability. These laptops are a great investment that can enable you to create high-quality videos with no lag, whether you are a professional video editor or a beginner. 

With careful consideration of your needs and preferences, you can make an informed decision and choose the laptop that is best suited to your specific requirements.