What Is the Best Mac for Video Editing?

Mac computers are known for their ability to handle multimedia projects, such as photo and video production, without having to install separate software. However, with access to third-party editing software like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro, Mac users are able to edit their projects to the highest degree.

Whether it’s an influencer editing a video for their YouTube channel or a professional video editor putting together a short film, finding the best-fitting computer is an important part of the creative process. The user can’t find the perfect computer unless they know what they want. Listed below are the variables to take into consideration when trying to find a Mac that is most compatible for the user. 

Portability

Whether it’s editing, organizing, or posting videos, being able to have an accessible and compact computer with optimal storage is important. Mac took these needs into consideration and designed products that complemented the needs of their consumers on the go. Regardless of whether mobility is essential for your projects, it always pays to keep close tabs on your storage and keep hard drives free of old, unnecessary files — or back up things you need to keep and free local storage for works in progress. Combining a portable video editing station with a file-cleaning application like CleanMyMac X will help keep your machine running smoothly on the go.

MacBook Pro

Starting at $1,299, the MacBook Pro takes performance and portability to a new level. The high-performance processors, memory, and advanced graphics make the MacBook Pro an ideal portable workstation for those who edit feature-length material or similarly complex projects and need a reliable laptop to accommodate their busy lifestyle. The MacBook Pro comes with:

  • 4-, 9-, and 18-core Intel processors and Apple silicon processors;
  • Up to 64GB of memory for running multiple apps;
  • Retina display with True Tone technology; 
  • Touch Bar and Touch ID on some MacBook Pro models, allowing users to flip between programs, giving them more control over their productivity.  

Users have their choice of several models, both allowing them to utilize a large screen to better impact their editing without having to carry around the extra weight. They. can choose between 13", 14", 15", and 16" screens. The MacBook Pro also gives users the ability to create shortcuts that are saved to the control strip, which increases the work pace. 

MacBook Air

Weighing only 2.75 lbs and being 15.6mm thin, the MacBook Air is the lightest of its kind, making it the best for portability. Aside from it being perfect packing size, the compact laptop comes in up to four colors — based on the model — and is created from 100% recycled aluminum, making it the “greenest” Mac to date. Starting at $999, MacBook Air has:

  • Up to 13.6-inch high-resolution display;
  • True Tone technology;
  • Touch ID for better security;
  • Force Touch trackpad;
  • Up to 24GB memory;
  • Intel Core i5 processor and Apple silicon processors;
  • Up to 18 hours of battery life.

MacBook Air is user-friendly with easy-to-operate programs, allowing you to do things like edit videos with iMovie, designed for easy sharing and uploading. With a lower price point and compact size, it might be ideal for social media influencers or anyone else beginning a career in video editing. Note that Apple silicon processors have brought the performance to a whole new level, which means that it may work as effectively as a MacBook Pro, while you do not need to pay more. 

Performance

Even though laptops are wonderful for everyday use, professionals sometimes prefer to use desktop computers for larger video editing projects. The more memory a computer has, the better it can perform, which is a key component of high-end video production editing. And just like with all computers, it’s important to perform maintenance on your MacBook to ensure it’s running at full capacity. 

iMac Pro

The iMac Pro is an all-in-one that was designed to turn the biggest ideas into the greatest works. One of the benefits of the iMac Pro is that it can handle multiple video and audio editing programs at once — an important feature for professional editors. The iMac Pro features:

  • 8-,10-,14-,or 18-core Xeon processor;
  • Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz, meaning that you can render images, edit up to 8K video, manipulate photos, and create real-time audio effects much faster than before;
  • Up to 42MB cache;
  • 8GB or 16GB high bandwidth memory;
  • 3D rendering and special effects support.

The computer has four channels of memory that can now accommodate up to 256GB. This means that video editors can create multiple test environments for cross-platform development, all while keeping multiple apps open at the same time.

The iMac Pro starts at $4,999 and goes up from there, depending on features and options. However, that much memory, graphic quality, and video editing abilities make it worth every penny. It is no longer available for online purchase from Apple; however, you may still buy it from resellers. 

Mac Pro

The Mac Pro boasts the best performance and expansion yet. This computer is specifically designed with maximum performance in mind. The Mac Pro will have:

  • Up to 1.5 TB memory;
  • Several alternatives of Intel Xeon W processors;
  • Radeon Pro graphics;
  • Up to 8TB SSD storage. 

Similar to the iMac Pro, the Mac Pro will have the capability to execute tasks like animating 3D film assets, compositing 8K scenes, and building lifelike gaming environments while running other applications without worry. It starts at $5,999.

Tip

Video editing can quickly take up storage space with backups, old projects, extra programs, and applications. Therefore, users may need help keeping on top of drive management and eliminating junk files by making sure to digitally clean up a Mac. For that, there is a good cleaner app called CleanMyMac X, which cleans up all system junk files with just several clicks. Here is how it works: 

Smart care - scan in progress
  1. Download CleanMyMac X for free and launch it. 
  2. Select the System Junk tab. 
  3. Click Scan, and then Clean.

Affordability

Price shouldn’t be the determining factor when setting yourself up for success. Even though some of the best Macs for video editing are costly, there are also options that are less pricey that still will allow video editors to work successfully. 

iMac

Much like the iMac Pro, the original iMac allows for speed and high-end performance — except at half the cost. The iMac is an all-in-one that comes in a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, allowing 1 billion colors to be shown off with more precision. This makes it an ideal computer for video editors since it has a similar power at half the cost of higher-end models. The iMac features:

  • Apple M1 chip;
  • 8GB or 16GB high bandwidth memory;
  • Up to 2 TB storage;
  • 24-inch 4.5K Retina display with True Tone technology.

The iMac starts at $1,299 and goes up from there depending on features and options, which makes it an affordable, though highly performing, desktop Mac.

Mac Mini

Starting at $699, the Mac Mini is a new generation 6- and 8-core processor with up to 64GB of memory. The Mac Mini has the same connectivity as the iMac and also can run many programs at once. The Apple T2 security chip consolidates several controllers into one. It includes room for an ethernet cord, HDMI 2.0, and has 2 USB-A and 2 USB-C ports. It boasts high-performance memory and can connect to more SSD memory quickly to save multiple program and project files. 

Mac Alternatives

Unless you’re a professional, spending money on a laptop or desktop computer isn’t always necessary in order to make successful video edits. Other Mac products, such as the ones listed below, are an alternative not only for video editing but for your wallet as well. 

iPhone 14 Pro

With a retail value starting at $999, the newest iPhone 14 Pro has a triple camera system that adds more capability to the phone without it being too complex. To name a few features of the iPhone:

  • Ultra-wide, wide, and telephoto camera;
  • 4K video with extended dynamic range and cinematic video stabilization;
  • Real-time processing;
  • Audio zoom;
  • Smart HDR 4;
  • 100% Focus Pixels;
  • Ability to charge up to 50% in about 30 minutes with fast charge.

The beneficial qualities of this cell phone allow the user to create and edit YouTube videos all in the palm of their hand. This Mac product would be ideal for influencers or video amateurs.  

iPad Pro

The iPad Pro is the perfect product for the social media influencer that wants a small Mac product that’s still big enough to make edits and visualize the final product with a clear image. Being one of the less expensive Mac products, the iPad Pro starts at just $799 for their 11-inch display. The iPad Pro also includes 4K video recording and can capture 12-megapixel photos along with portrait mode and auto image stabilization. There is an Apple pencil that comes with the iPad Pro, allowing the user to have more control over brainstorming and editing. 

No matter the level of video editing expertise, there is a Mac product that is perfect for each user’s needs. Knowing the difference between each product and being aware is just as important as the video-editing process itself. Take advantage of CleanMyMac X to keep your video editing machine running at full speed.