Macs can easily 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 or Adobe Premiere Pro, you can elevate video editing 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. But which Mac is best for video editing? Keep on reading to know what to take into consideration to choose one.
What is the best Mac for video editing?
Portability [Casual & professional use]
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.
MacBook Pro
Starting at $1,599, MacBook Pro takes performance and portability to a new level. The high-performance processors, memory, and advanced graphics make 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:
- M4 Pro, M4 Max, and M5 chips
- Up to 128GB of unified memory for running multiple apps and video editing/rendering
- Up to 8TB SSD storage
- Liquid Retina XDR display with True Tone technology
- 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 14" and 16" screens.
MacBook Air
Less than half an inch thin, 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 recycled materials, making it an environmentally conscious choice. too. Starting at $999, MacBook Air has:
- 13.6- or 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone supporting over 1 billion colors
- Touch ID for better security
- Force Touch trackpad
- Up to 32GB memory
- Up to 2TB SSD storage
- M4 processor
- 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 [Professional use]
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.
Mac Studio
Apple call Mac Studio the ultimate pro desktop, and for a good reason! It is fast, reliable, and allows you to work on all kinds of creative projects, including 3D rendering, AI video processing, and video transcoding.
- M3 Ultra or M4 Max chip
- Up to 512GB unified memory
- Up to 16TB SSD storage
- Depending on the chip, 14-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine (upgradable to 32-core CPU, 80-core GPU, 32-core Neural Engine) or 28-core CPU, 60-core GPU, 32-core Neural Engine (upgradable to 32-core CPU, 80-core GPU)
Depending on the chip, it can support up to 8 displays, up to 24 streams of 8K ProRes video playback, and H.264, HEVC, and ProRes encode and decode.
iMac Studio starts at $1,999, depending on features and options.
Mac Pro
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 192GB unified memory
- Apple M2 Ultra chip with 24-core CPU, 60-core GPU, 32‑core Neural Engine (upgradable to 24-core CPU, 76-core GPU)
- Up to 8TB SSD storage
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 $6,999.
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, which cleans up all system junk files with just several clicks. Here is how it works:
- Start your free CleanMyMac trial — you can test it for 7 days.
- Open the app and click Cleanup.
- Click Scan and then Clean.
Affordability [Casual use]
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
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 M4 chip
- 16GB, 24, or 32GB unified memory
- Up to 2 TB SSD storage
- 24-inch 4.5K Retina display with True Tone technology
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 $599, Mac mini is a new generation of desktop computers with M4 or M4 Pro chip with up to 64GB of memory and up to 8TB SSD storage. Mac mini has the same connectivity as the iMac and also can run many programs at once. It three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI port, two USB‑C ports, and Gigabit Ethernet. It boasts high-performance memory and can connect to more SSD memory quickly to save multiple programs and project files.
Mac alternatives [Casual use]
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 Apple products, such as the ones listed below, are an alternative not only for video editing but for your wallet as well.
iPhone 17 Pro
With a retail value starting at $1099, the newest iPhone 17 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
- 100% Focus Pixels
- Ability to charge up to 50% in about 20 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
iPad Pro is the perfect product for the social media influencer who 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, iPad Pro starts at $999 for their 11-inch display. It 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 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 to keep your video editing machine running at full speed.
