Choosing the best video editing laptop takes a bit of work. It’s not just about getting the highest spec or most expensive laptop on the market. More importantly, you’ll need portability, power, the ideal graphics card, and a great display that has high resolution and great color accuracy. You will also need to ensure compatibility with any video conversion software and DVD burning software that you use.
Using our technology expertise, we put together the best laptop (or workstation) to edit and put together a guide. We will dive into the best video editing laptops, both in high definition and Ultra HD (4K) resolution, for all budgets. Or whether you want to do some edits on a mobile device or need to make a screen recording, we are here to help you find the perfect device.
Even better, we’ve included our unique price comparison tool, so you can choose from the best video editing laptops at the best price available. Please note that prices and settings change all the time. So if you see any discrepancies, feel free to contact us.
In a hurry? just take a quick look at our recommendations:
- For casual creativity, we recommend the 13-inch MacBook Pro with 256GB SSD, which offers quality performance without unnecessarily increasing specs. It does not offer a touch bar, but it is portable and rugged.
- If you are certainly not a hobbyist, but not a professional either, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with 512GB SSD is a better option. The storage has been beefed up a bit and the Touch Bar offers a new dimension of functionality.
- Finally, the creative professional looking to maximize their performance power would benefit best from a 15-inch MacBook Pro with an i9 processor and 512GB SSD. This model offers an incredible amount of processing power, although you probably still want an external monitor for the sake of screen space.
Best Macbook Pro for Video Editing
Best Macbook Pro for Video Editing
If you are going to edit home videos and content for Youtube, you probably will not do intensive 3D rendering or completely use heavy programs, even if they are installed.
Features
This version of the 13 ″ MacBook Pro comes with the processing power to reach your goal without unnecessary overcompensation.
Despite the integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655, the device can run any modern video editing software without any problems. The CNC machined cover has a super-fast 512GB solid-state drive.
If your work isn’t primarily done at home, you’ll benefit from Macbook Pro video editing with this mobile and portable yet powerful machine that has a 10-hour battery life and a weight of 1.35 kg.
When Intel designed its 8th generation processor, users got a new 13-inch MacBook Pro. This model has an excellent True Tone Retina display, famous for a clear and natural image, powerful speakers, and four fast Thunderbolt 3 inputs.
The 2.4 GHz base frequency Core i5 is upgraded with 8 GB of RAM. This should answer the question “Is the 13-inch MacBook Pro good for video editing?”, Although 4K processing can be problematic.
Despite the integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655, the device can run any modern video editing software without any problems. The CNC machined cover has a super-fast 512GB solid-state drive.
If your work isn’t primarily done at home, you’ll benefit from Macbook Pro video editing with this mobile and portable yet powerful machine that has a 10-hour battery life and a weight of 1.35kg.
PROS
- The 13 ″ model is extremely portable, so you have the power of editing at your fingertips wherever you go.
- RAM is the perfect amount for this type of user and should last for several years.
- SSD drive means that renderings and saves will complete faster than with a physical HDD.
CONS
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- SSD is expensive, so this model only comes with 256GB of disk space. You will want to buy an external drive to make up for this when saving your videos.
- Also, this model uses an integrated graphics card which will be fine for this level of editing but does not offer room for growth.
Verdict
When Intel designed its 8th generation processor, users got a new 13`-inch MacBook Pro. This model has an excellent True Tone Retina display, famous for a clear and natural image, powerful speakers, and four fast Thunderbolt 3 inputs.
Truly a top-of-the-line machine, this MacBook Pro model was built for precision and nothing less. The 8-core i9 processor can withstand just about anything you throw at it, it has a powerful UHD Graphics 630 graphics card. The 15 “screen offers more space than the smaller 13” models.
Features
One of the most powerful and flexible video editing software packages is Apple’s Final Cut Pro, but it only works on Mac and it works brilliantly on the 15-inch MacBook Pro.
The 15-inch model is now equipped with a six-core or eight-core Intel Core i9 processor that runs at a Turbo speed of up to 5 GHz, which is sure to cut through even 4K video.
In case your job requires combining portability with the ability to handle complex video processing, the Apple MacBook Pro i9 is your choice. The 15-inch versions are recommended for your discrete video cards: 4K video editing or RAW photo editing is ensured by the powerful AMD Radeon Pro graphics processor.
It alternates with the integrated Intel UHD graphics processor when performance can be reduced. Video editing on MacBook crashes smoothly on the high definition Retina display that is super sharp with incredible colors. An additional monitor can also be easily attached.
It includes a marked track and a touch panel for flipping through the software timeline. You will also like the optimized stereo speakers. Combine 16GB of RAM with a 512GB SSD.
The installed battery can run for approximately 10 hours, offering superior performance by laptop standards. The robust case protects the Intel 9th Gen 8-core processor from overheating and throttling.
The 15-inch version would be the best MacBook Pro for video editing for those who need to balance portability with a decent picture and power.
Upgrade options include AMD Vega 20 graphics with 4GB of HBM2 memory, which is significantly faster than Radeon Pro 560X graphics in the base model, along with up to 4TB of storage and up to 32GB of memory.
It’s also worth mentioning that the 15-inch MacBook Pro’s TrueTone Retina display looks great and is ideal for any type of visual design work.
PROS
- Slim and light
- 8-core processor
CONS
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- Very expensive
- No NVIDIA graphics option
Verdict
While Apple has since released a more powerful 16-inch version (included on this list as well), the 15-inch model is a good compromise if your budget doesn’t fit into what Apple is charging for the larger model.
With a larger screen, a more robust graphics chip, and (vital and finally!) An improved keyboard, Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro is a large-screen powerhouse beyond its capacity designed for creatives.
Features
For the same price as the old 15-inch MacBook Pro, which Apple has discontinued, you now get the significantly improved 16-inch model.
The two laptops look very similar, as the MacBook Pro’s overall design language hasn’t changed much since 2016.
That means the new MacBook Pro is a space gray slab of metal like its predecessor. But there are some key differences if you examine them closely.
You can tell the first and most noticeable difference by feeling, not by sight: the keyboard. After years of using a unique, and often maligned keyboard, with “butterfly” style switches and extremely shallow key travel on its laptops, Apple has returned to the traditional scissor-style switch that many laptop keyboards have used for years.
Scissor-style switches are inherently less stable than Apple’s butterfly ones, but these here address that problem and offer much greater vertical travel. (That said, it would be difficult for any key design to offer less travel than butterfly switches.)
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is easy to recommend to wealthy content creators, whether they’re editing 8K video footage or compiling mission-critical code updates.
However, it’s a shame Apple doesn’t offer an easier entry version of this laptop with less expensive components.
As it stands, we simply cannot recommend this expensive laptop for mainstream users, as its specs are over the top and your port selection will require too many additional amenities and expense.
On the other hand, if your pockets are deep enough that you don’t mind buying a handful of dongles and adapters, and you’re looking for a powerful, well-designed, and full-featured large-screen laptop for content creation tasks, the 16-inch MacBook Pro packs a punch. It’s our editors’ pick and your best bet if macOS is your world.
PROS
- Excellent Retina display, now larger and with slimmer bezels.
- Updated keyboard.
- Convenient XL size touch panel.
- Excellent audio quality.
- Powerful Intel Core i9 and AMD Radeon Pro 5500M.
- Long duration battery.
- SSD storage options up to 8 TB.
CONS
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- Lacks microSD slot, USB type-A ports.
- As always, no touch screen option.
- Expensive as configured.
Verdict
With a larger screen, a more robust graphics chip, and (vital and finally!) An improved keyboard, Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro is a large-screen powerhouse beyond its capacity designed for creatives.
Since Apple updated the frame and internals, added the desirable features, using the MacBook Air for video editing has become quite realistic for simple video color grading operations.
Features
Whether you’re a college student or budding short film director, you need power and modern flair without the expense of a professional setup.
Its carries with incredible features & save your money & time.
The laptop is quite light (1.35 kg) with a familiar keyboard. The miniature body fits a 13.3-inch Retina display. With 2560×1600 definitions, it displays a sharp image with realistic colors.
Its excellent features make it different from others and its storage space allows you to store data without worry, a large space to carry.
The 1.6GHz dual-core Intel i5 processor can be overclocked to double its speed. Video editing won’t be perfect. Still, he handles simple editing and normal clerical work very well, and he’s comfortable with this.
The integrated Intel UHD 617 video card, 8GB of RAM, along with 128 or 256GB SSD guarantees its high quality and reliability, so you can trust it without any sort of uncertainty.
It has 2 USB-C ports plus an SD card slot, so transferring photos is convenient, without wasting a second.
MacBook Pro elevates the notebook to a whole new level of performance and portability. Wherever your ideas take you, you’ll arrive faster than ever with high-performance processors and memory, advanced graphics, blazing-fast storage, and more, all in a compact 3-pound package.
PROS
- Retina display
- Turbo-overclocking processor up to 3.6 GHz
- Slim body and lightweight design
- Offering portability and power, this modern masterpiece has all the specifications to get you where you want to go without unnecessary bulk.
- The new Touch Bar is also included and is known to have great integrations when working in Final Cut Pro or Adobe Suite.
- Excellent battery life
CONS
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- Built-in graphics processor
- RAM could be bigger
- While it offers more space than the 256GB model mentioned above, it is still a bit small for storing large video files.
- It also has an integrated graphics card, which is a little less than ideal.
Verdict
This video editing laptop costs less than $ 1000 and has the advantage of running up to 14 hours on a battery charge. For people on a budget looking for a cheap, portable version of the MacBook, this is the best option.
The Retina MacBook Pro is, at this stage, a true design classic. When it first debuted, it was an engineering marvel in terms of Apple’s ability to pack a professional-caliber-spec machine into a remarkably portable package; Three years later, the industrial design of the product is emblematic of craftsmanship, although somewhat easier to take for granted, as it has been around for some time.
Features
The new 15-inch rMBP has some powers that its predecessor lacked, the main of which in terms of immediately apparent differences is the addition of the Force Touch trackpad. Apple’s Force Touch technology enables new types of input, depending on how hard you press your finger. On OS X, this means that you can do things like look up directions in Maps on websites in Safari, or check definitions of words in the dictionary, or even preview links to other pages on the web.
Force Touch is also open to developers, which means you can do things like add pressure-sensitive drawing capabilities to Photoshop using just the trackpad and a standard stylus.
But the big advantage here is that it allows you to use pressure to determine the cleaning speed when browsing video and audio content. This can be of great help when you are reviewing clips while doing things like putting together video content or audio podcasts and you need to find specific parts in several different media files.
Another new feature is limited to the high-end model, which we review here: Thanks to its beefed-up GPU, you can now power an external 5K display at 60Hz via two DisplayPort cables. This would be much more useful overall if Apple offered a 5K display of its own, or if it made target display mode possible on the 5K iMac, but it’s still a nice feature to use with third-party options like Dell for the oriented professionals. In the future they need it.
PROS
- New flash storage speeds things up considerably
- The Force Touch trackpad is especially useful for professional creative tasks
CONS
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- Same processor as last year’s model
Verdict
This is a great update for anyone who spends a considerable amount of time reading and writing from storage, such as when editing larger video or photo libraries in apps like Lightroom.
It’s hard to quantify it correctly, but know that in actual use, you’ll find everything noticeably faster and more responsive, which goes a long way toward easing the pain of intensive rich media projects.
If you need a powerful Mac laptop that has a high-quality, ultra-high-resolution display, the Retina MacBook Pro 15-inch laptop is the perfect Apple companion for you, that is if you have little concern for budget, future updates. or repairs and legacy support.
Features
In terms of upgrades, legacy connectivity (such as Firewire and Gigabit Ethernet), performance, and the option of having an internal optical drive, the traditional Unibody MacBook Pro design is a more suitable laptop for you.
For anyone looking to save more money, it’s always a smart choice to look for MacBook, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Air laptops from the second-hand market.
Has two (2) Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 ports + one (1) HDMI support with at least two (2) simultaneous 3840 x 2160 external displays (NOTE: Current models with dedicated graphics alternatively support a single massive 5120 x 2160).
And one drawback is that the dedicated graphics are good for professional applications and some games, but it is not a gaming laptop.
And your new flash storage speeds things up considerably faster than normal speed.
PROS
- Ultra high resolution, high-quality display (2880 x 1800, 220 dpi)
- Relatively light and thin, given its screen size
- Due to particularly fast flash storage (for all models: discontinued late 2012, early 2013, late 2013, mid-2014, as well as current mid-2015 lineup)
- Fast graphics performance, for models with dual graphics processors with dedicated graphics (NOTE: all models are discontinued)
CONS
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- Blurry applications (for old applications not updated for the Retina display)
- Slow scrolling performance
- Expensive
- RAM soldered in place with systems that can have up to 16GB of RAM (not possible to upgrade after purchase; NOTE: No models can be upgraded beyond 16GB, which is the default RAM for late 2013 and later models)
- Internal storage is not designed to be updated by the end-user
- Lower graphics performance (for discontinued models from late 2013 and mid-2014, and current mid-2015 notebooks equipped with integrated graphics) compared to predecessor models replaced with these dedicated graphics
Verdict
However, if you are someone on a budget and prefer to have a sleeker, lighter laptop that you can take anywhere without compromising on performance and additional connectivity, a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro with a 13-inch Retina display they will make it more useful to you.
Apple 15.4″ MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, Intel Core i7 Six-Core
MacBook Pro 16 ″ is the latest high-end notebook from Apple. The model, which is on sale at the official Apple store for $ 2,399, features the new Magic Keyboard, which replaces the troublesome Butterfly standard.
The team also brings improvements to the hardware, such as a larger screen and the expectation of longer battery life, but it can disappoint in aspects such as repairability, for example. Check out the main positives and negatives of the product below and see if it’s worth it for you.
Features
The 16-inch MacBook pro promises good speed for all kinds of tasks. The main change is in the graphics card: in the entry version, the computer comes with AMD Radeon Pro 5300M 4GB GDDR6.
The GPU replaces the Radeon Pro 555X, present in the previous 15-inch model with the same GDDR5 VRAM standard of 4GB and more.
In the most robust version of the 16 ″ PC, Vega 20 uses the Radeon Pro 5500M, 4 or 8 GB, which offers up to 80% more graphics performance. Since MacBook Pro is not geared towards games, the changes should make a difference mainly in video editing and design work.
One of the main changes to the new MacBook Pro 16 ″ is in the audio system. There are six speakers in total, plus woofers that provide vibration cancellation to enhance the sound, especially bass. This is why many reviews on the internet have praised the laptop’s audio playback.
The laptop also brings a new set of microphones that tend to deliver good audio pickup in meetings. In this way, the news improves the reputation of a computer for professionals such as DJs, music producers, among others.
The Esc physical key shortens the touch bar a bit, but I haven’t noticed any issues stemming from the lost length. It’s probably because like most people the Touch Bar is something I endure rather than something I enjoy. Apple believes in that and there is still potential there. But overall, it’s less useful to me than a row of function keys. I use a utility called Pock to put my Mac’s dock there instead of the default, but even that doesn’t make the Touch Bar a must-have for me.
PROS
- Keyboard
- Improved thermals
- The best speakers in a laptop
- A higher battery time
CONS
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- Heavy
- No SD card slot
- macOS Catalina still has bugs
Verdict
If you’re up for the splurge, the 2019 MacBook Pro is blazingly fast, offers long battery life, and features a (moderately) upgraded keyboard.
Best Macbook Pro for Video Editing
Buying guide
How to choose Mac to edit videos?
Video editing is a serious task for any operating system. Certainly, computers from this brand can do this job, but the difference is substantial between some vlog clips and an actual movie.
By not working in 4K format, you can afford to use a small laptop. For a specialist, the full-size desktop computer will always remain superior in power.
CPU
For any video editing software, the processor plays the main role. My advice is not to go below the quad-core Intel Core i5 processor.
If you’re ready to invest, get a 6-8 core processor because spending vastly improves performance. Being on a very limited budget, you can still get dual-core, but doing complex work will be problematic.
Monitor
Those who work with images consider accurate color reproduction of the utmost importance and Apple Retina displays earned the best reputation for this. iMac and MacBook Pro have it and it’s a huge boost.
Such a display is known for its sharp definition, natural colors, and wide viewing cones.
GPU
The second most influential component is the video card. The software is primarily capable of rendering through a graphics processor.
AMD hardware has gained popularity, so a mid- or upper-class Mac means a discrete GPU. Certain Pro models even have the dual feature AMD Fire Pro that focuses on delivering superior performance or combining integrated and discrete processors to optimize it.
RAM Capacity
The video editing process is highly dependent on the amount of RAM in your computer. The most time-consuming process is exporting the finished video.
For comfortable video editing on a Mac, you need at least 8GB of RAM (16GB required for 4K editing, 3D work, and 360 ° video editing).
SSD capacity
The speed and capacity of the internal drive will provide instant access to the material. Get at least a standard SSD drive. Better yet, the branded hybrid SSD. Its speed is several times higher than usual, both during recording and reading.
Best Macbook Pro for Video Editing
Frequently Asked Questions
Which MacBook is Best for Video Editing?
The 15-inch MacBook Pro is the best laptop for video editing in 2020. Apple’s MacBook Pro range of laptops has always been loved by creatives and graphic designers; in fact, you’ll find that the (slightly) smaller 13-inch MacBook Pro is also included further down our list of the best laptops for video editing.
Is the MacBook Pro 13 good for video editing?
Whether you’re a college student, developer, or creative professional, the 13-inch MacBook Pro delivers powerful performance, an impressive Retina display, and all-day battery life in our most portable business notebook.
And the 13-inch MacBook Pro now comes with twice the storage of the previous generation, with standard storage from 256GB to 1TB, so customers can store even more photos, videos, and files.
Is the MacBook Pro good enough for editing videos?
As we’ve stated above, in general, there are a few things to consider when choosing the best Mac for your video editing needs.
Digital video places high demands on processor power, graphics power (for rendering), and above all, storage space. Video editing, especially HD video, consumes hard drive space, and with 4K editing now part of life, this will only become a bigger problem.
In particular, you’ll need to consider what you need in terms of screen quality and size, portability, RAM, CPU, graphics, storage, battery life, ports, and peripherals.
So with these great features, a MacBook Pro is good enough for video editing.
Which is better for MacBook Air or pro video editing?
There is a big difference in specs between MacBook Pro and MacBook Air. At first glance, the base model MacBook Air and Pro may look more or less the same, but it’s important to note that a quad-core processor will offer significantly more performance than a dual-core and a 6-core chip. in that, it will be even more powerful.
Another main difference between the two is the screen size options. You can only get a 13-inch Air, but the Pro comes in both 13-inch and 16-inch sizes.
However, most people will probably be happy with what Air offers.
Best Macbook Pro for Video Editing
Last words
Video editing is an excellent example of technical work that consumes RAM and CPU power like no other. Fortunately, a MacBook Pro was made to cope with these things and it will surely work if you choose a suitable model.
What settings do you currently use to edit videos? Let us know and share which specifications you think are most important for productive work.
Thank you!
Many people are perplexed as to why, with the abundance of options, you can’t simply utilize a huge 4K monitor with a Mac. Pixel resolution and brightness are more crucial features than swift refresh rates and response times, which are often included in monitors targeted at PC gamers, because of how display scaling functions in macOS.
