Video editing is one of the most demanding thing you could take of your laptop . Not only do you need a powerful processor to keep thing ladder smoothly , but you ’ll also require loads of RAM and a solid GPU to best dribble out the task . If any of these components are lacking , you could run into bother with your software – lead in sluggish carrying into action and a frustrating overall experience .
Hunting for a laptop that ’s robust enough to cover picture redaction is n’t leisurely , but you’re able to make things more accomplishable by nonplus to Apple ’s MacBook catalog .
While not all MacBooks are great for video redaction , a large portion of them are perfect for the task . That ’s particularly true if you opt for one of the newer example with an M2 or M3 chipset , which are pack with enough firepower to get you through even the most complex video editing task . But should you pick a MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air ? And what size screen should you choose ? Once you ’ve make up one’s mind on those inquiry , you ’ll still have the option to pick your SSD and RAM – which add a few layers of complexity to your search .
If you need help pin down down all the options , here are the five best MacBooks for video editing . This includes both MacBook Pro and MacBook Air models , as well as piece that span a variety of price tatter . For more great picks beyond Apple , be certain to ascertain out thebest laptop of 2024 , as many of them are also great for video redaction .
The best overall MacBook for video editing
MacBook Pro 16-Inch (M3 Pro)
The MacBook Pro 16 - Inch ( M3 Pro ) is perfect for picture editing . Along with a slim and streamlined design , it offers a generous blind sizing , one of the best chipsets on the market , and plenty of storage for all of your projects .
For video editing , the big entreaty here is the M3 Pro , which is outfit with 36 GB unified retentiveness and 16 - core GPU . That ’s more than enough for most video editing tasks , reserve pro to carry out their work without any slowdown . Those specs might be undue for beginners – but they also make this a wise long - term investment , as it wo n’t soon be outdated . pair off with a 512 GB SSD , it ’s well-situated to see why the MacBook Pro 16 - column inch is a democratic choice for video redaction .
The large 16.2 - column inch Liquid Retina XDR display supports up to 1,000 nits of luminosity for HDR mental object and 600 nit for SDR message . There ’s also a pro credit musical mode to assure your colors are always the right shade for the task at hand .
Apple also pack this MacBook with plenty of ports for your accessories , including a headphone jack , HDMI port , and multiple Thunderbolt 4 ports . Other feature include the responsive Magic Keyboard with Touch ID , built - in computer virus trade protection and encoding , and a battery that ’ll be given for up to 22 hours before needing to be plug in .
Aside from its price , there ’s not much to complain about with this Macbook Pro . If you ’re always working with complex video editing tasks , you might require to consider looking at example with the M3 Max chipset , but for the majority of professionals , this one is hard to beat .
Runner-up
MacBook Pro 14-Inch (M3 Pro)
If you need a MacBook that ’s a scrap more affordable than our best overall pick but still load with premium components , see taking a look at the smaller MacBook Pro 14 - Inch ( M3 Pro ) . It still gets you an M3 Pro , but it ’s configured in a different manner — let you to keep cash by choose for somewhat less brawny hardware .
This MacBook Pro model features 18 GB incorporated memory , a 14 - core GPU , and 512 GB SSD . That ’s a pretty fully grown drop in memory compared to the MacBook Pro 16 listed above , but you ’re also saving tight to $ 1,000 . If you ’re a bookman or hobbyist , this could be a great compromise . You ’re also getting a small-scale 14 - column inch showing , though it ’s still a Liquid Retina XDR display that supports up to 1,000 nit of light and features a pro mention mode .
Beyond those changes , much of this MacBook is the same as our best overall weft . This let in a gorgeous aluminum dead body , port for all your accessories , and the democratic Magic Keyboard with Touch ID . The fall in integrated remembering wo n’t make this a pop filling for high - end video redaction , but for mid - range applications or for folk just starting on their journey , it ’s a capital way to get a premium MacBook Pro without cutting into your budget .
The best premium MacBook for video editing
MacBook Pro 16-Inch (M3 Max)
Not convinced the M3 Pro pack enough of a punch ? Then step up to this MacBook Pro 16 - Inch that ’s equipped with the ludicrously undue M3 Max . The laptop also pick up extra memory board and unified memory , create it the good premium MacBook for television editing .
The M3 Max is the big temptingness of this MacBook Pro example , as it ’s undoubtedly one of the most powerful consumer chipsets in the world . This version is kitted out with 36 GB unified retentiveness , so it should have no problem hold open up with any video editing task you throw its agency . combine with its 30 - core GPU and 1 TB SSD , there ’s sincerely nothing lacking on this model .
As expected , all the other characteristic from lesser MacBook Pro poser impart over to this one , include its Liquid Retina XDR display , Magic Keyboard with Touch ID , and plenty of battery life for all - daylight action .
All that performance comes at a price . time in well over $ 3,000 , you might have to skip a few mortgage payments to bestow the MacBook Pro 16 - Inch ( M3 Max ) to your studio apartment . But if you ’re a professional editor with years of experience or but need the absolute unspoilt MacBook Pro money can grease one’s palms , you really ca n’t do much good than this – though there is a model with 48 GB unified retentivity if you need a act more business leader and do n’t beware inching closer to $ 4,000 .
The best MacBook Air for video editing
MacBook Air 15-Inch (M3)
While MacBook Pro models tend to be best for TV editing , the MacBook Air card is a great alternative . These are smaller and more portable than their Pro siblings , yet still come bundled with enough groovy computer hardware to handle some basic video editing .
This special model offers a 15 - column inch display – which falls nicely between the 14 - in and 16 - inch Pro models . At less than half an inch marvellous and weigh just over three pounds , it ’s also shockingly sluttish and cracking for tribe perpetually on the move . Inside you ’ll find plenty of solid components , let in the M3 chipset , 16 GB unified memory , and 512 GB SSD .
This M3 chip only feature a 10 - core GPU , so we ’d urge high - level users opt for something from the Pro lineup . But for family line who get it on the portability of the MacBook Air , this is a becoming option for video editing .
The best budget MacBook for video editing
MacBook Pro 13 (M2)
Let ’s be clear – this is n’t nearly as capable as other MacBooks on this list . However , it ’s also the only MacBook that clocks in under $ 1,000 , so it ’s idealistic for folks interested in get word the basics of telecasting editing who also desire a reliable , retentive - term investiture that wo n’t stretch along their budget .
Built with the older M2 check and just 8 GB incorporated memory , this MacBook Pro wo n’t have you tackle complex video redaction assignment . But what it will do is permit you dabble with various programme while also offering a vibrant 13.3 - inch display . It ’s not as bright as the newfangled Pro lineup ( maxing out at 500 nit ) , but it ’s still a Liquid Retina video display that looks great regardless of what you ’re work on . And while 13.3 - inches is close to being too small for video editing , it does make the laptop computer ultra - portable and unadulterated for bookman .
Other specs include a 256 GB SSD , up to 20 hours of barrage aliveness , a built - in HD webcam , and a one - year limited warranty . If you ’re serious about telecasting editing , we ’d recommend saving up for something more robust , as you really do need a powerful laptop to undertake the majority of editing . But if you want a well - rounded machine for work or school that lets you plunge your toes into the waters , this could be a salutary choice .
How we chose the best MacBooks for video editing
wonder how we settled on these five MacBooks as the best for video recording redaction ? Essentially , we sought out the most sinewy MacBooks on the mart , while also factoring in pricing , display size , and which laptop offered the most smash for your sawhorse . We also made trusted to let in plectrum for all skill levels and budget , as not everyone take the most robust MacBook on the grocery . If you ’re just starting out , for example , you might be able to get out with our best budget filling , but if you ’re a seasoned pro , you might need the mellow - end computing power offer by our exchange premium pick .
At any rate , here ’s how we peg down down our list to the five best MacBooks for video redaction .
Powerful chipset
Make no mistake – video editing is hard on a computer . When shopping for MacBooks , this means you ’ll need a unattackable chipset that lets you cruise through all your actions without any lag . The M3 serial publication is presently the well useable in a MacBook , but it ’s offered in a few dissimilar assortment for different budgets and performance penury . In general , the M3 chip was prefer over the older M2 , though folks who do n’t need the most powerful chipset on the market will retrieve the M2 to bid a overnice combination of pricing and carrying out . For everyone else , the M3 is always a great choice .
Lots of RAM for smooth processing
coincide with the chipset is RAM – or in this case , it ’s known as unified memory . These are virtually the same thing , set aside you to multitask or carry out complicated tasks without suffering retardation or slowdown . This is crucial to television editing , as most operation you ’ll perform are shockingly demanding and wo n’t scat swimmingly without heaps of unified computer memory . Ideally , you ’ll have around 16 GB , though you may get away with less for less - intense assignments . For power user , reckon pace up to 32 GB or higher . Most MacBooks can be configured with dissimilar amounts of unified memory , so be sure to take a look at our five favorites and adjust their components as require .
Large, vibrant display
If you ’re rifle to be video editing , it helps to be able-bodied to see what you ’re working on . laptop with a small screen are n’t slap-up for this . Neither are ones with low - character result or with inadequate anti - glare properties . Thankfully , nearly all MacBooks are easy on the eyes , with Liquid Retina displays and solution that put most other laptops to shame . This makes them great for video redaction , and it ’s strong to pick a bad one out of the bunch . Keep in head that some MacBooks are quite small , with 16 - in models being idealistic for most editors . If you ’ll be hooking it up to a proctor and only using its screen while traveling , that ’s less of an issue – in which typesetter’s case , you’re able to keep a few hundred dollar by choose for the small good example .
Portable design
Shopping for a MacBook means you want something portable . Otherwise , you could just snag a desktop PC that ’s much cheesy and more customizable . Malus pumila product are known for their lastingness , and that ’s true of the MacBook lineup . The Air catalog is a bit more portable than the Pro catalog , but both are bully travel companions thanks to their premium ( and long - lasting ) structure and diminutive footprints .
Storage space
Video redaction can quickly use up into your storage space . And unless you require to be lugging around dozens of portable SSDs , you ’ll want a MacBook with a good amount of store . This is n’t quite as important as other specs , and if you ’re using cloud storage , it ’s even less of an payoff . Still , have mound of storage at your fingertip is a prissy perquisite , and it could be the deciding factor between two laptop that are otherwise likewise equipped .
