- Best Mac For Video Editing 2018
- Best Mac For Video Editing 2017
- Best Mac For Video Editing 2015
- Best Mac Computer For Video Editing
Aug 20, 2020. Jul 24, 2020. Jan 05, 2020.
Video Editing is no different for Mac users. As a Mac user you also require powerful hardware specifications for some serious video editing tasks. Back in the old days of Mac, the hardware specifications were pretty feeble and Mac machines weren't that good at processing. But now the situation has changed, and Mac has now evolved as powerful and performance-packed iMacs and Macbooks.
The biggest change that'll you see is that iMacs and MacBooks are now configurable. So you can upgrade the hardware when needing to increase the processing power. In the past video editing wasn't that productive as it is today on a Mac. Here in this article we will tell you about the best iMac or MacBook for all kinds of video editing purposes. Please read the article till the end to see the conclusions.
The article is mainly divided into two parts:
- Part 1: Which Mac Desktops Are Best for Video Editing?
- Part 2: Which Mac Laptop Is Best For Video Editing?
- Also Learn: Top 10 Desktop/Laptop Computers for Video Editing
Part 1: Which Mac Computer Is Best For Video Editing?
Mac computers or desktops are often known as iMacs. In the table below you can clearly see that there are four variants of iMac with a different set of hardware specifications. Good thing is that iMac hardware is configurable. Please go through the table below briefly before getting to know about the best Mac computer for video editing.
iMac | iMac Pro | Mac Mini | ||
iMac 21.5-inch | iMac 27-inch | |||
Processor | Intel Core i5 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i3 3.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 3.0GHz hexa-core | Intel Core i5 3.0GHz hexa-core Intel Core i5 3.1GHz hexa-core Intel Core i5 3.7GHz hexa-core | 3.2GHz Intel Xeon W octa-core | Intel Core i3 3.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 3.0GHz hexa-core |
Display size | 21.5-inch with 4K Retina display | 27-inch with 5K Retina display | 27-inch 5K Retina display | External display required (TV/Monitor) |
Memory | 8GB DDR4 (2133MHz, 2400MHz, 2666MHz), max 32GB | 8GB DDR4 2666MHz, max 64GB | 32GB DDR4 2666MHz | 8GB DDR4 2666MHz, max 64GB |
Storage | 1TB conventional HDD, or 1TB Fusion Drive | Upto 2TB Fusion Drive | 1TB SSD | 128GB SSD 256GB SSD |
Graphics | Intel Iris Plus 640 or Radeon Pro 555X with 2GB GDDR5 memory or Radeon Pro 560X with 4GB GDDR5 memory | Radeon Pro 570x 4GB Radeon Pro 575x 4GB Radeon Pro 580x 8GB Radeon Pro Vega 48 8GB (as HBM2 memory) | Radeon Pro Vega 56 | Intel UHD Graphics 630 |
Price | $1099 (2.3GHz) $1299 (3.6GHz) $1499 (3.0GHz) | $1799 (3.0GHz) $1999 (3.1GHz) $2299 (3.7GHz) | $4999 | $799 (4-Core) $1099 (6-Core) |
As per the details given above in the table, it is clear that iMac Pro is the winner with 3.2GHz Intel Xeon processor, 32GB onboard memory, and powerful Radeon Pro Vega 56 dedicated graphics. Any kind of video editing on this machine will feel like a breeze (fast, super smooth). But its price is beyond the budget of many people. And many of them won't just buy it simply for video editing tasks. You shouldn't buy this for the sole purpose of video editing because it can do more than that like more serious things that may not be required by you such as 3D modelling, running multiple IDEs, etc. So why pay carelessly?
Just for the sole purpose of video editing you can blindly go with Mac Mini which requires an external display like an HDTV or a monitor. It is a portable Mac computer with a descent hardware including an Intel Core i3 and an Intel Core i5. These are two variants and you should go with the i5 variant for an overall good video editing performance. Mac Mini only has an integrated GPU which is good enough to handle moderate level video editing tasks. If you’re too tight on the budget, just go with Mac Mini.
![Best mac for video editing mac pro vs imac Best mac for video editing mac pro vs imac](/uploads/1/2/7/2/127251209/853819217.jpg)
iMac vs Mac Mini: Which One Should Be Chosen for Video Editing?
If you compare Mac Mini with iMac 21.5-inch variants then you'll find that one of its variants shares same specs with Mac Mini. But iMac has better graphics than Mac Mini and the base variant of iMac has Intel Iris Plus 640 graphics which are better than Mac Mini's Intel UHD 630. Out of the three iMac 21.5-inch variants we recommend the one having 3.0GHz Intel Core i5 with dedicated Radeon graphics and 8GB memory. Only go with this if you're willing to spend a little extra than the price of a Mac Mini.
iMac 27-inch would also be a nice choice for video editing but its price may not seem reasonable to some people. This one also has three variants and all of them equip an Intel Core i5 which can be overclocked. It is expensive just because of its spacious fusion drive and dedicated powerful Radeon graphics.
Well buying a 27-inch iMac is a 50-50 situation just for the sole purpose of video editing. You can buy it or skip it but stick with the base model only to save money. The price difference is nearly $700 as compared with the price of a Mac mini. We don't recommend this if your budget is around $1300. In that much money you can confidently buy an iMac 21.5 having 3.0GHz Intel Core i5. This variant is the best choice when price and performance are taken into consideration.
Part 2: Which Mac Laptop Is Best For Video Editing?
A Mac laptop is basically known as a MacBook. Currently Apple deals only in three latest models of MacBook. Below we are providing a vital spec-sheet of the core components of these machines which greatly affect video editing. You are requested to go through the comparison table below at least once.
MacBook Air | MacBook Pro 13-inch | MacBook Pro 15-inch | |
Processor | 1.6GHz Intel Core i5, dual-core | 1.4GHz Intel Core i5 quad-core | 2.6GHz Intel Core i7, hexa-core 2.3GHz Intel Core i9, octa-core |
Display Size | 13.3-inch Retina display, 2560x1600 resolution | 13.3-inch Retina display, 2560x1600 resolution | 15.4-inch Retina display, 2880x1800 resolution |
Memory | 8GB LPDDR3, 2133MHz | 8GB LPDDR3, 2133MHz | 16GB DDR4, 2400MHz |
Storage | 128GB-256GB PCIe SSD | 128GB – 512GB SSD | 256GB-512GB SSD |
Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 617 Supports eGPUs via Thunderbolt 3 | Intel Iris Plus 645 Intel Iris Plus 655 | Radeon Pro 555X 4GB GDDR5 Intel UHD 630 Radeon Pro 560X 4GB GDDR5 |
Price | $1099-$1299 | $1299-$1999 | $2399-$2799 |
Now frankly speaking there's no doubt that MacBook Pro 15-inch is the best Mac laptop for all kinds of video editing tasks. Just have a look at its core specifications. It comes in two variants which boasts either an Intel Core i7 or an Intel Core i9 clocked at over two gigahertzs. Then you can see the machine also packs a lightening fast DDR4 16GB RAM with powerful dedicated graphics like Radeon Pro 555X. So if you have a MacBook Pro 15-inch then you'll not have any issues while editing a video as everything will be smooth and super fast.
But MacBook Pro-15 inch is not suggested for all users for two reasons which are limited budget and occasional usage. This variant is quite expensive for people who do not have serious video editing requirements. If your budget is around $1000-$1500 and you don’t edit too much then going with MacBook Air instead of MacBook Pro 13-inch would be a nice idea. You'll save a lot of money this way and if you plan to edit videos more seriously in the near future then you can use thunderbolt 3-enabled eGPUs with your MacBook Air. A little investment in powerful eGPUs makes your MacBook Air more future proof to video editing, so why pay more?
Final Words
We hope that you can now at least decide which Mac to buy for video editing. But either an iMac or a MacBook alone are not enough, you will require a video editing software for Mac. Apple owners often get blind recommendations for Final Cut Pro X which costs around $300. It comes bundled with Mac (free/trial version) and may be a little difficult to learn. However some alternatives are always there like VideoProc which is a very lightweight and an all-in-one video software which can edit, convert, and download online videos. Check the download links to VideoProc for Mac below.
Apple didn’t get its reputation for performance and accuracy from nowhere.
Usb mic adapter for mac. Everything from phones to paper-thin notebooks are engineering to work efficiently, and this makes their MacBooks ideal for all levels of video editing.
Besides integrating extremely well with the Adobe Creative Cloud suite and many other third-party photo/video editing software, they offer a streamlined experience that will work well in any freelance or industry position.
In this guide, we’ll point out some key points for choosing the best MacBook Pro that will most effectively work for video editing at various levels, and showcase some of our own recommendations as well.
Quick Summary
- For the casual creative, we recommend the 13-inch MacBook Pro with 256GB SSD, which offers quality performance without unnecessarily bulking up the specs. It doesn’t offer touch bar, but it is portable and sturdy.
- If you certainly aren’t a hobbyist but not a pro either, 13-inch MacBook Pro with 512GB SSD is a better choice. The storage has been beefed up a bit, and the touch bar offers a new dimension of functionality.
- Lastly, the professional creative looking to max out their performance power would be best served with a 15-inch MacBook Pro with i9 Processor and 512GB SSD. This model offers insane amounts of processing power, though you’ll likely still want an external monitor for the sake of screen space.
Is MacBook Pro Good for Video Editing?
In this case, it isn’t about whether or not a Mac will be effective for video editing, but a matter of how much power you really need.
If you just plan on doing minor work for youtube, you won’t be troubled by extensive renders or clamoring for screen restate, so it doesn’t make sense to pay for specs built for something ten times as processor-intensive.
However, if you plan on doing digital animation or working in 4K, it’s definitely time to look at higher-end machines that will be able to handle what you’re throwing at them.
If you’re not planning on editing videos in some way, you should not treat this article as a collection of the most powerful MacBooks overall.
Intensive computer work demands different specs depending on what you plan on doing, so you can’t assume the best for editing will be the best for say, gaming.
Best MacBook Pro for Video Editing: What to Consider in 2020?
Graphics
The key to a fast render is a high quality dedicated graphics card, and while lower-level work will likely be fine using an integrated card, you’ll want a dedicated one for anything beyond the casual home video or Youtube vlog. Dedicated graphics allow your computer to utilize RAM (Random Access Memory) specifically for the high-quality visuals you’ll be rendering as effectively as possible.
Processor
The processor is going to be handling every detail of your video as you build it, so you’re going to want to look towards the latest generations of the Intel i5 and i7 lines. Since video software can make use of multiple threads as well, these will benefit you while creating your project.
RAM
The final element that will make or break the performance of your MacBook while working on video editing is RAM. It’s used in every aspect of your computer’s execution of processes, and you’ll want a minimum of 8GB for amateur work, with a goal of 16GB if you’re editing professionally.
Best MacBook Pro for Video Editing in 2020: Our Picks
1. Casual Video Editing: 13-inch MacBook Pro (2.4GHz, Intel Core i5 processor, 256GB)
If you’re going to be editing home videos and content for Youtube, you probably won’t be doing intensive 3D renders or completely utilizing heavy programs even if they are installed. This version of the 13″ MacBook Pro comes with the processing power to reach your goal without unnecessarily overcompensating.
Pros:
- The 13″ model is extremely portable, so you’ll have editing power at your fingertips wherever you go.
- RAM is the perfect amount for this type of user and should last several years.
- SSD drive means that renders and saves will be completed faster than with a physical HDD disk.
Cons:
- SSD is pricey, which is why this model only comes with 256 GB in disk space. You’ll definitely want to purchase an external drive to compensate for this when storing your videos.
- Additionally, this model uses an integrated graphics card which will be fine for this level of editing but doesn’t offer room for growth.
2. For Amateur Movie Making: 13-inch MacBook Pro (2.4GHz, Intel Core i5 processor, 512GB)
Whether college student or budding short-film director, you need power and a modern flair without the expense of a professional setup. This model of MacBook is a great compromise, offering Apple’s latest touch bar and touch ID technology packed into a 13″ body powered by an integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655.
Pros:
- Offering both portability and power, this modern masterpiece has all the specs to get you where you want to go without any unnecessary bulk.
- The brand-new touch bar is also included and known to have great integrations when working in Final Cut Pro or the Adobe Suite.
Cons:
- While offering more space than the aforementioned 256GB model, it’s still a bit on the small side for storing large video files.
- It also has an integrated graphics card, which is slightly less than ideal.
3. For Professional Creatives: 15-inch MacBook Pro (2.3GHz, Intel Core i9 processor, 512GB)
Truly a top of the line machine, this MacBook Pro model was built for precision and nothing less. The 8-core i9 processor can stand up to just about anything you throw at it, it has a powerful graphics card UHD Graphics 630. The 15″ screen offers some more real estate than the smaller 13″ models.
Pros:
- It has nearly unbeatable power between the mix of RAM, dGPU, and processor.
- The beautiful screen will produce accurate colors and the touch bar will allow you to work even more effectively in your favorite editing programs.
- You have the option to choose more storage space if needed.
Best Mac For Video Editing 2018
Cons:
- When editing professionally, you need all the screen space you can get, and no size laptop is going to be able to offer that. If you don’t have an external monitor, check out our recommendations.
Best Mac For Video Editing 2017
Useful Mac Video Editing Resources
Just getting started with editing your own videos? LifeWire offers a great tutorial on getting started, from which software will be the most useful to whether you’ll fare better with some peripherals. Also, check out this complete video editing tutorial for non-editors on Mac:
A fan of iMovie? MacWorld has made a fantastic list of best tips on how to get the most out of Apple’s video editing software for macOS.
You could also check out this list of free and paid Mac video editing apps (TechRadar), which will let you experiment before deciding exactly what you need in a paid program.
Final Words
Best Mac For Video Editing 2015
Video editing is a prime example of technical work that eats RAM and CPU power like no other. Luckily, a MacBook Pro was made to stand up to these things and is sure to perform if you’ve picked an adequate model.
Best Mac Computer For Video Editing
What set up do you currently use to edit videos? Let us know and share which specs you think are most important for productive work.