There are dozens of different MacBooks on the market with different pros, cons, uses, and specifications. If you are looking for the best MacBook for video editing, you must first know what kind of workflow and how much workflow you have. Let’s suppose you are a professional who works every day to finish projects of video editing for clients. In this case, you need a high-end MacBook for video editing. It means you will spend more money on your MacBook.
On the flip side, what if you are just a beginner or naive user who works from home or just learning isolated tricks of video editing? In this case, you don’t need a lot of specifications or RAM to do your work. It means you will spend less money on your MacBook. However, you need a well-designed, robust, and high-capacity MacBook. That’s why we have tested 100 laptops, and our active creative pros have found the seven best MacBooks for video editors.
Let’s follow the footprints of this guide to see the top 7 expert-tested MacBooks for all levels of video editors. We have selected each MacBook in our list with the help of an industry-standard workflow. Plus, we rated them based on their performance, design, and value.
Best MacBook for Video Editing - Key Highlights:
Here is a quick review of our top seven best MacBooks for video editing. We hope you like the listing and its detailed highlights.
| MacBook | Design | Performance | Battery | Price | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Apple Mac Studio (M2 Ultra, 2023) |
Minimalistic design, single aluminium structure, measures just 7.7 x 7.7 inches and 3.7 inches deep |
High-performance desktop unit, achieved a Geekbench 6 single-core score of 2,646, and scored 21,735 in Geekbench 6 multi-core tests. |
As a desktop computer, the Mac Studio does not have a battery and requires a constant power connection. |
$1,999 / £2,099 to $8,000 |
Extreme M2 Ultra performance, massive unified memory capacity, extensive pro connectivity. |
MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max, 2023) |
Sleek aluminium, 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display. |
Exceptional, rivalling desktop computers |
10 hours of battery per charge |
$2,899/£2,999, expensive but good value overall. |
Extreme performance for pro workflows, supports massive unified memory, brilliant Liquid Retina XDR display & long battery life. |
MacBook Pro 16-inch (M2 Pro, 2023) |
Beautiful screen, generous port selection. |
Lightning fast performance, handles demanding video editing tasks. |
Its 22-hour all-day battery life is quite impressive. |
Lowest prices: ~$2,150 (US), ~£1,880 (UK). |
The brightest MacBook laptop for video editing, 22 hours battery per day is crazy, it has the fastest processor, great video editing laptop. |
iMac M4 |
Beautiful but bulky. |
Faultless performance. |
No battery. |
The starting price is $1,299 / £1,299, certainly not cheap. |
It’s a winsome machine for the right user, has enough power and capabilities for video editors. |
Apple Mac mini (M4, 2024) |
Impressively compact design. |
Very fast processor. |
No battery. |
£599 for M4 and £1,399 for The M4 Pro is affordable for a desktop. |
Offers fantastic desktop value, especially if you have your monitor and peripherals, beating rivals in its price range. |
Apple MacBook Air M4 (2025) |
Ultra-thin, feather-light. |
Handles most video editing tasks well. |
Up to 18 hours, 15 realistic. |
£1,199, more affordable than before. |
Supports two external displays plus the built-in screen, includes Thunderbolt 4 and MagSafe charging, and features a slight price drop. |
Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) |
Sleek and light. |
Broadly fast and capable. |
16 hours of video playback. |
For $799 to $999, you can get one at a discount. |
Thin and light design, features a larger and brighter screen, excellent for creative work like video editing. |
Are Macs Better Than PCs for Video Editing?
Yes, Macs (MacBooks) are much better than PCs (Personal Computers). Generally speaking, Macs are great options for video editing if you are a mobile editor, a beginner-level editor, or a filmmaker. It’s best for them because these people do not require so many customisation options, and they don’t mind buying a laptop or a computer system that will last a decade or two.
But, what if you are an independent tech-savvy person who loves to do video editing? Or, are you someone who does a lot of video editing work for yourself or clients? In this case, you should build your machine. Moreover, you need upgrades in future. So, you need a PC here that comes with a lot of customization options and doesn’t require as much money as MacBooks.
You can think of a MacBook like a car with an automatic gearbox – simple to drive, but less adjustable. A PC is more like a manual transmission vehicle as it offers more control but needs more effort. No matter which platform you choose, understanding both Macs and PCs is beneficial. This knowledge helps you work smoothly with others on different systems, particularly with editing software like Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro.
List of Best MacBooks for Video Editing.
Here is a detailed overview of the top seven best MacBooks for video editing.
1. Apple Mac Studio (M2 Ultra, 2023)
Let’s meet the Apple Mac Studio, M2 Ultra 2023. Overall, it is the best MacBook for video editing. That’s why we place it at No. 1 in our list after extensive research and analysis. It has all those specifications that every level of video editor demands to do their tasks easily and quickly.
Aimed squarely at professionals, the Mac Studio M2 Ultra offers incredible speed, which is more than perfect for video editing workflows. Although it has more power than amateurs need, it represents a smart purchase for dedicated video professionals. This capable desktop Mac handles demanding tasks effortlessly.
We award it a rare five stars after evaluating it for video editing. You can also connect your high-end monitor, supporting numerous 4K, 6K, or 8K displays. Thus, while targeting prosumers, it easily meets the needs of professional video editors who are doing difficult creative work.
Specifications:
- Processor: M2 Max or M2
- UltraStorage: 512GB – 8TB
- SSD Display: None
- Memory: 32GB-192GB
Pros:
- It has many ports.
- Comes in a compact design.
- It has quieter operations / it produces no noise.
- It is exceptionally quick.
Cons:
- It is costly. Only companies or professional video editors who are earning a lot can afford it.
- It lacks any battery power as you directly connect it to the outlet.
Price:
It costs around $1,999 / £2,099 from Apple. However, you can buy it for £1887.49 from UK’s third-party retailers.
2. MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max, 2023)
Let’s have a look at one of the best MacBooks for video editing purposes. The 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Max chip stands out as an excellent choice for creative professionals. It was first released in late 2023.
Till now, it remains a very recent and highly capable machine, only recently updated. It’s M3 Max chip delivers extraordinary performance. In simple words, it truly blurs the lines between a powerful laptop and a desktop workstation, making light work of demanding tasks.
This model is particularly well-suited for animators and those working with complex 3d effects. After all, it leverages its graphical prowess for smooth workflows and faster renders. It is the most powerful MacBook Pro laptop from that generation, built for those who need maximum performance while video editing.
Specifications:
- Processor: M3 Pro or M3 Max
- Graphics: Integrated 16-core GPU
- RAM: 18 GB- 96 GB
- Screen: 14.2-inch, 3,024 x 1,964 Liquid Retina XDR display
- Storage: 512 GB- 8 TB SSD
Pros:
- It has better overall performance than its competitors.
- It comes with great battery life.
- It has solid, smooth, and reliable build quality.
- If you are looking for a recent model, this one fits the bill (though the M4 MacBook Pro has just arrived as the very latest version).
Cons:
- It is great for 3d video editors to do animations and 3d effects (not 2D edits).
- You may face limited upgrade options in this MacBook.
Price:
Apple price starts ~$2,899/£2,999.
Find lower prices at retailers.
3. MacBook Pro 16-inch (M2 Pro, 2023)
If you are interested in buying the best value MacBook for different video editing purposes, the MacBook Pro 16-inch M2 Pro is the best option. Just look at its specifications for video editors, you will never require anything else if you have this MacBook Pro by your side. We call it “a great all-rounder” for dozens of reasons.
More importantly, this MacBook Pro 16-inch with the M2 Pro chip excels as a capable all-rounder. It easily handles demanding tasks like video editing, 3D video making, and so on. Its stunning 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is a highlight. It offers exceptional brightness, and it is perfect for working even outdoors.
Plus, you will find connecting all your peripherals simple, thanks to a generous array of built-in ports. It is designed to be a strong and well-connected machine for creative professionals and power users alike.
Specifications:
- Processor: M2 Pro or M2 Max
- Graphics: Integrated 16-core GPU
- RAM: 16 GB- 96 GB
- Screen: 16.2-inch, 3,024 x 1,964 Liquid Retina XDR display
- Storage: 512GB-8TB SSD
Pros:
- This MacBook for video editing is super fast and efficient.
- It has a great design.
- It has better battery life (22 hours is crazy).
- It comes with the brightest and best screens of any laptop.
Cons:
- It is quite a bulky model of MacBook model.
- Don’t buy if you are on a tight budget.
Price:
Lowest prices found: ~$2,150 (US), ~£1,880 (UK). Future M2 prices are expected to drop.
4. iMac M4
If you are a video editor who needs a serious desk setup, the iMac M4 is a real powerhouse. It is an all-in-one desktop. This means it is built to stay right where it is – not for moving around.
But you get seriously fast performance. For example, we zipped through exporting a 4K video in Final Cut Pro super quickly, under a minute.
And honestly, it is just a stunning computer to look at. Like typical Apple style, the iMac M4 is beautifully designed and a gorgeous addition to any desk.
Specifications:
- Processor: M4 (8-core or 10-core)
- Graphics: Integrated 8-core or 10-core
- RAM: 16 GB- 32 GB
- Screen: 24-inch, 4,480 x 1,964 Liquid Retina XDR display
- Storage: 256GB-2TB SSD
Pros:
- It has a beautiful design.
- It is known as an incredibly powerful MacBook.
- You will see fast performance for videos here.
- It is a highly capable option for pro-level video editors.
Cons:
- Its screen is often considered too small for many video editors.
- It is a non-portable laptop or MacBook.
Price:
Starting price $1,299/£1,299, initially costly. An immovable design often requires buying a separate portable device.
5. Apple Mac mini (M4, 2024)
Let’s talk about another one of the best MacBooks for video editing – the Mac mini M4. If you are getting into video editing on a desktop Mac and want the best value, this is it. It delivers on performance with that M4 chip.
More especially, it is super approachable when you look at the price. And, what if you don’t have a lot of desk space? That’s where this little guy shines!
It has an astonishingly small design which is seriously tiny. So, the Mac mini M4 is a brilliant choice for powerful performance that’s easy on your wallet and fits almost anywhere.
Specifications:
- Processor: M4 or M4 Pro
- Storage: 512 GB (configurable to 8TB with M4 Pro, 2 TB with M4)
- Memory: 16 GB (expandable to 32GB)
- Touch ID and Touch Bar?: No
- Display: None
Pros:
- This MacBook device provides the best value in the range of Apple.
- It comes with blisteringly fast performance.
- It has a teeny design.
- This is an excellent machine for video editing.
Cons:
- There are not many Apple Mac mini M4S available at this price.
- It is not recommended to move around with it most often, as it’s a Mac desktop machine.
Price:
Starting at £599 (M4), the price rises to £1,399 for the M4 Pro.
6. Apple MacBook Air M4 (2025)
If you are a video editor who is always moving here and there along with your MacBook, you should check out the Apple MacBook Air M4 (2025). It is designed for portability first and foremost. In addition to that, this laptop is incredibly thin and light.
This makes it super easy to carry wherever you go. You also get great value with this model. It has a powerful new M4 chip inside to boost performance. Despite this, Apple made it more affordable than before.
And yes, it has some serious power! The M4 chip in the Air gets performance levels close to the base MacBook Pro. This is quite impressive, especially since it does this without a fan. Thus, it is a fantastic portable machine.
Specifications:
- CPU: Apple M4 with 10-core CPU
- Graphics: Integrated 10-core GPU
- Storage: 512GB SSD
- Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 4 Type-C, MagSafe charging, headphone jack
- RAM: 16GB
- Screen: 15.3-inch IPS, 2880×1864 pixels
Pros:
- Even faster GPU with ray-tracing support for enhanced graphics.
- Excellent colour accuracy on its display.
- Exceptional and long-lasting battery life.
- Incredibly thin, light, and portable design.
- Features a silent, fanless operation.
Cons:
- Only includes two ports.
- Display lacks a 120Hz refresh rate.
Price:
The M4 MacBook Air starts at £1,199 / $1,199 via Apple.
7. Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
If you are searching for a portable MacBook but you are trying to stick to a budget, the Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is your best bet. It is highlighted as the best budget portable option, and for good reason. You get a lot of value for your money because it is the cheapest one here. But it is still surprisingly powerful.
What if your video editing or creative tasks are what you would call a medium workflow? Or, it is not super intense all the time. Then, the M2 Air has enough specifications to handle it without a problem. And this one is great if taking your laptop everywhere is important.
It is thin and light. This makes it super portable. Plus, the battery lasts for ages, which is always a big benefit when you are extremely busy in video editing. Hence, we can say that it is a solid, affordable, and portable machine for most users.
Specifications:
- Processor: M2
- Memory: 8 GB- 24 GB
- Storage: 256GB-2TB SSD
- Touch ID and Touch Bar?: Touch ID
- Display: 13.6-inch LED-backlit display with IPS technology; 2,560 x 1,664 resolution
Pros:
- It features a larger screen.
- It has a great new design.
- It offers excellent battery life.
- This MacBook provides very good performance for its class.
- It has a thin, light, and highly portable form factor.
Cons:
- It is expensive.
- It gets hot when you overuse it.
Price:
The M2 MacBook Air starts at $999 / £999 from Apple. However, we found it cheaper elsewhere, as low as $799 (US) and £899.97 (UK).
What to look for in a MacBook for Video Editing?
If you are thinking about how we pick the best Macs for tackling video editing, here is our approach. We don’t just assume the latest model is always the best choice. After all, when brand-new Macs drop, older ones often get discounted. It is brilliant if you are watching your budget.
So, you can take a close look at every single feature each Mac offers. Then, try to figure out who each machine is best suited for. After this, get into the technology that is powering them. Specifically, the processor is essential – you can see what chip it has, how many graphics cores are packed in, and what all that power means for someone editing videos.
Equally important, you can check the specs like the amount of RAM and storage available. Naturally, video editors always need generous amounts of both. Furthermore, you ought to consider the design, although they share a similar sleek look.
Likewise, the display is important so you can see your creative work in all its vibrant detail. Keeping all this in mind, that is how we select the top contenders. And, these are the things you should look for in a MacBook for video editing.
How to Choose the Best MacBook for Video Editing?
When you are picking the best Mac for your video editing, there are a few key things to think about. You will want to consider everything from how powerful the processor is, right through to the memory and the size and quality of the display. We factor all these exact considerations into our testing. It helps us make sure we guide you to selecting the absolute best Mac for your specific projects.
Display:
Having a high-quality screen is essential for video editing. You need to look for a MacBook with a Retina display. They give you that high resolution and accurate colour you need. Remember, if you are getting a Mac that doesn’t have its screen, like a Mac mini, you will need to buy a monitor separately.
Processor:
The first thing to think about is the processor. You want a powerful one. Look towards Apple’s M2 or M3 chips, maybe the Pro or Max versions if you can. They make video editing tasks run much faster and more smoothly. Now, don’t forget about the M1 chips either. They are still quite capable of many editing needs. And the good news? M1 Macs are often cheaper now, with discounts popping up more often. If you are on a stricter budget, finding an M1 machine from a different seller is a smart decision.
RAM:
Memory, or RAM, is an important consideration. Apple has this neat thing called ‘unified memory’. The main chip and the graphics part share the same memory pool. In simple terms, 8GB of this unified memory will perform better than 8GB of regular RAM you see elsewhere. But honestly, for video editing, you will want to get at least 16 GB. That software can use up a lot of memory!
Graphics Card:
Now, let’s talk about graphics power. Macs handle this a bit differently these days. They don’t use separate graphics cards anymore. Instead, the graphics part is built right into the main Apple chip itself. So, what you should look at is the number of graphics cores. More cores usually give you much better performance. For example, the M2 Ultra has lots of cores as compared to the standard M2, which has fewer cores.
Storage:
Let’s think about storage now. Video editing uses up a lot of space, those files are huge! So, you need a MacBook with a nice big SSD built in. We recommend getting at least 512GB of storage to start with. But honestly, if your projects are going to be on the larger side, seriously consider getting 1TB or even more.
Software:
The last thing to think about is your software. What video editing program are you planning to use? You just need to make sure that the software you choose is compatible with the Mac you are using.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How much RAM do I need for video editing?
Video editing RAM varies by project complexity. However, try to get 16GB minimum for HD and jump to 32GB for 4K work. Higher capacity fuels smoother, complex projects.
Why should I use a Mac or MacBook for video editing?
Macs remain popular for video editing. Their powerful and optimised performance means fast rendering. They run leading professional software smoothly. Also, you can expect high-quality displays with essential colour accuracy. They are renowned for stability. Plus, Macs provide a reliable editing platform.
Is a MacBook Pro or Air better for video editing?
When choosing between a MacBook Pro or Air for video editing, consider your needs. If price and portability are most important, the MacBook Air M2 handles video editing well. It suits social media content creators especially. Power users needing more should look at the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
Conclusion
So, we have come to the end of our guide. We have learned that choosing the best Mac for video editing comes down to your specific needs and budget. As we have mentioned in the list, different models offer various levels of power and features.
So, you can think about the processor, memory, storage, and display quality you require. Whether it is a portable Air or a powerful Studio, Macs are strong and reliable options for creative work. You ought to pick the one that best balances your performance needs with your budget.
