Become a Professional: The Best Macs for Video Editing

If you've started your professional video editing experience and are searching for powerful Mac machines to keep up with your requests, we're here to help. Using a proper Mac for video editing will help you avoid bugs and lags, leading to more efficient and more professional results in the long run.

We'll present our top choices to help you navigate the journey and master your video editing skills.

Best Macs for Video Editing: Our Top Picks

Best Overall: MacBook Pro (M3) 16-inch

Best Value: MacBook Air

Best Portable: MacBook Pro 16-inch

Best Budget Option: iMac M1 (2021)

Best Display: iMac (2020)

Best High-End: iMac M3 (2024)

What Makes a Mac Suitable for Video Editing?

Not all Macs are suitable for video editing experiences; they must possess special features and hardware to support your journey and provide you with the best results. Here are some specifications that make a Mac suitable for video editing:

• CPU cores - The more cores the CPU has, the better the editing experience. Some professional video editors require you to have as many cores as possible to make your visions come to life.
• GPU - One of the main components is the graphics, which will impact your editing. The better the GPU, the faster and the better the editing. For instance, having a discrete GPU over an integrated one is better since it'll provide faster editing solutions.
• RAM - RAM of more than 16a GB should be sufficient to run all your desired editing programs and allow you to edit your videos faster. Thus, search for a Mac with at least 16 GB of RAM.
• Storage space - Your chosen device should be able to store all your creations without affecting the performance. The least you should opt for is 512 GB of memory to ensure you don't experience issues on the way.

Combining all these elements gives you the ultimate video editing Mac machine. If you are also considering Windows laptops, you can check our guide for the best laptops for video editing.

3 Best MacBooks for Video Editing

Here's our selection of the best MacBook devices for your video editing experience.

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch

Apple introduced this MacBook in 2022, enriching it with more advancements than the 2021 model. The MacBook Pro M2 has more RAM and storage, letting you edit and preserve your creations efficiently. Moreover, the device has a powerful, 12-core CPU that can handle your editing tasks.

This MacBook may be the best option if you're searching for the ultimate, lag-free editing experience. This MacBook can run all your video editing programs without issues. However, you may want to avoid this device if you're trying to stay on a budget; it's one of the priciest options available today.

Apple MacBook Air

The MacBook Air is a less powerful yet efficient version of the Pro models. Although it doesn't provide as robust features and options as the 16-inch MacBook Pro, it should still be sufficient for your beginner video editing experiences. The best part is that it's budget-friendly, so you can start your professional career without worrying about your finances.

The MacBook Air M2 has an excellent CPU chip supporting advanced editing options. However, the GPU is less powerful; you may experience insignificant bugs while creating your content. On the other hand, the device is very lightweight, and you can carry it around wherever you go.

Apple Macbook Pro (M3) 16-inch

The latest MacBook Pro version with the M3 chip is an exceptional option for all video editing professionals. The CPU has more cores than ever, and the best RAM upgrade will provide the speed and efficiency you need. Apple packed all that in a small, lightweight body you can carry seamlessly; consider it a portable video editing beast.

However, one downside is that you might break the bank to get the whole experience. Since it's a newer model, you'll have to pay well to use the latest features and become a MacBook video editing professional.

You may also be interested in best video editing sofware for Mac

3 Best iMacs for Video Editing

If you're an iMac fan and don't want a portable experience, check out the devices below.

Apple iMac M3 (2024)

An iMac gives your space a modern, sophisticated, clean look while providing top-notch performance and hardware. Although a compact device, the newest iMac with the M3 chip can undoubtedly meet all your video editing needs due to the advanced hardware solutions. For instance, the CPU can handle numerous editing tasks, making this iMac a professional video editing device.

However, the downside is that you won't get the complete GPU experience. It's slower than the MacBook models; you might experience issues like lag, primarily when dealing with complex projects.

Apple iMac M1 (2021)

Although an older iMac model, this device has the power to edit and control all your video tasks. The first M chip to enter the market made a massive boom with its release and is still one of the most wanted hardware pieces. It was an innovative solution back then, and you can still use it to maximize efficiency and get the best video editing results.

However, the downside of using this device for video editing is that it may need more RAM to support a seamless experience. Although you can use the 16 GB version, you may still need help with lag while editing. Thus, we recommend it to beginners and casual video editors.

Apple iMac (2020)

This iMac model may be one of the most popular choices in the video editing community. It was among the most advanced solutions in 2020, making your editing options limitless. The iMac 2020 model is still a credible video editing device you can use, even though there are much newer and better models on the market.

The primary reason to use it is the ultra-detailed screen that lets you edit everything in your videos. However, the downside is that this device won't be able to make it for much longer, and you'll experience performance issues.

How to Choose the Best Mac for You

Choosing the best Mac device for your video editing needs can be challenging. Check out the following guidelines to help you navigate the experience:

• Consider your needs - Are you a beginner or a professional in the video editing industry? Do you need a high-end device, or can you start slowly and work your way up? Ask yourself these questions before choosing a specific Mac for video editing. You shouldn't purchase a powerful machine if you don't plan on maximizing its potential.
• Create a budget - One crucial aspect to consider is your budget. You don't have to overspend to get professional results, so be mindful and plan your finances.
• Think about portability - If you travel often and need a portable device, you may want to opt for a MacBook. However, an iMac may be better if you do most of your work at home.
• Check user experiences - Consult your fellow video editors to determine which device best fits your needs. They'll know what to tell you and which computer to recommend, so you can have someone to rely on during the search.

Once you implement all these tips, you'll discover your ideal video editing Mac device.

Bonus: Best Video Editing Software for Mac

Even if you purchase the best Mac for video editing, you'll need professional software to support your needs and get the desired results as fast as possible. That's where Wondershare Filmora comes into play. It's a video editor for Mac that is compatible with macOS X 10.15 through the latest macOS 15 Sequoia and works on Apple M1, M2, and M3 chips.

This video editing solution can save you significant time and effort in post-production. The latest AI algorithms power most of its features, meaning you can edit your videos professionally in just a few minutes.

For instance, you can use AI portraits, correct colors, apply filters, adjust the audio, reduce background noise, remove backgrounds, apply editing templates, animate text, and much more within a single solution.

The best part about Wondershare Filmora is that it's intuitive; even if you're a video editing beginner, you can create professional content. Thus, head to the official website, download the software to your computer, and make your visions come to life.

Conclusion

Apple has developed some of the most advanced desktop devices for video editing. However, only some can handle complex tasks, including the best devices on our list. Some are more professional, while others are more budget-friendly, making the list as universal as possible.

To support your professional video editing experience, use Wondershare Filmora, the best, most universal video editor. It will help you master your skills quickly and create professional content. Most of the features use the power of AI to deliver the desired results, so you can edit your creations in minutes and climb the competitive ladder.