Top 5 Best video editing Mac and MacBook of 2025
Explore the best video editing Mac and MacBook computers for polished post-production
These are our top selections following a thorough evaluation of the finest Mac and MacBook laptops for video editing, whether you’re cutting a feature-length movie or making clips for the web.
The industry has always favored Apple’s laptop and desktop lineup because of its speed, power, and stunning, recognizable looks. Additionally, based on our experience, they are really good at creating content. Following our reviews of the best MacBooks and Macs, the best MacBook Pro, and the best laptops for video editing, we’ve compiled a list of the finest Mac video editing options.
The MacBook Pro 14-inch is the greatest MacBook for video editing overall; it’s the perfect device for most video editors and a variety of tasks. The Apple iMac 24-inch is our top choice for the best Mac for video editing. Both are equipped with the powerful M4 chip and ample RAM to enable smooth video editing. See our complete opinions below, along with more recommendations to fit any project kind and price range.
Table of Contents
Best MacBook for video editing overall
1. MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4)
Best video editing MacBook on a budget
2. Apple MacBook Air (M4)
Best video editing MacBook for professionals
3. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro)
Best video editing Mac overall
4. Apple iMac 24-inch (M4)
Best video editing Mac on a budget
5. Apple Mac mini (M4)
1. MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4)
Any laptop with an M-series CPU is actually the finest MacBook for video editing because it can easily handle anything from office applications to intricate video editing. The MacBook Pro 14-inch, however, is our overall choice. This laptop’s stunning display and strong M4 or M4 Pro CPUs make it easy to edit videos professionally.
You can easily identify a MacBook from its iconic design, and this model is no exception. It is sleek, slim, space gray or silver, and gorgeous, almost just like the previous edition. With three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) connectors, an HDMI port, and an SD memory card slot, the port variety is good by Apple standards.
Throughout our review process, the performance was outstanding. Even more efficient are the M4 and M4 Pro processors, which provide exceptional performance and a battery that, according to our battery life testing, lasts about 18 hours. We particularly appreciate that the MacBook Pro does not limit performance when using the battery, in contrast to other laptops. This will be extremely helpful for video editors who are constantly on the go.
Yes, it is pricey; this is an investment, just like all MacBook Pro notebooks. The absurd thing here is that some people are still using first-generation Apple Silicon MacBooks, particularly those with M1 Max CPUs, and they haven’t seen any performance issues or slowdowns.
2. Apple MacBook Air (M4)
You can still get an M1 Pro or M1 Max MacBook Pro if you’re searching for the least expensive MacBook for video editing. Even though they are typically refurbished older versions, they are still quite good machines for the money. For further information, see our evaluation of the Apple MacBook Pro 16-in (M1).
However, the most recent model, the MacBook Air 13-inch (M4), is a fantastic choice for people who value portability, affordability, and what many people—including our reviewer—consider to be Apple’s best notebook.
It is lightweight, thin, and ideal for cutting video at home, in the studio, or while traveling. In our own experiments, we were able to edit four 4K 30fps streams at the same time without any problems. However, when we attempted to do the same test with four 4K 120fps clips, we noticed significant stuttering in the playback. Therefore, it is not a direct competitor of the MacBook Pro on that level, but it is also less expensive.
The machine could do a wide range of general tasks, including running office apps, browsing the web, and even gaming (up to a point, at least), and performance was equally good elsewhere.The battery life is still remarkable, lasting 14 hours on a single charge and charging to 50% in just 90 minutes, exactly like with earlier generations.
Although the 13.6-inch screen may be small for some editors, its Liquid Retina display makes it aesthetically pleasing and easy on the eyes when working for extended periods of time on post-production. It’s hard to find a better deal for the price.
3. Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro)
Are you trying to find the best MacBook Pro for video editing? We therefore recommend the 16-inch laptop with an M4 Pro processor.
As you might assume from its exquisite look, this machine is a performance beast. Our benchmark testing showed that the M4 Pro chip was incredibly impressive; it was faster than earlier M-series CPUs in every manner. Workflows become significantly faster as a result. For instance, we discovered that Adobe Premiere Pro opened and edited 4K videos incredibly quickly, and that effects and AI tools were presented promptly. The scenes didn’t even need to be rendered by the laptop.
For the majority of video editing projects, it is probably overkill and extremely costly. But this MacBook Pro offers top-notch performance at a top-notch pricing if you’re looking for the finest of the best.This implies that the 16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro, 2024) isn’t really for you unless you’re a creative professional.
Additionally, you should carefully consider this type of expenditure given that the base configuration, which includes the M4 Pro CPU and 24GB of unified memory, starts at $2,499 / £2,499 / AU$3,999. The M4 Max model, which starts at $3,499 / £3,499 / AU$5,699, is even more in line with that. Even though you’re getting one of the most powerful laptops available for that price, you’re squandering your money if you won’t use it.
4. Apple iMac 24-inch (M4)
The Apple iMac 24-inch (M4) is perfect for home and business workstations or creative studios because it combines a beautiful 24-inch Retina display with a sleek all-in-one design.
The M4 chip performs exceptionally well. Because of its simplicity, stunning display, sleek and classic design, and raw power, this gadget continues to rank among the best all-in-ones in our experience. Despite being just a piece of glass on an aluminum stand, it has amazing potential.
One of our top picks for professionals that need a desktop computer to keep in their workplace, have a lot of virtual meetings, or want to keep their desk neat without adding extraneous devices or monitors is the iMac.Because of its stunning, clear, and colorful display, it’s also a popular option for video editors and producers. The screen has a stunning 4.5K resolution and has True Tone and P3 technology for color-accurate exports and adjustments.
Apple truly creates a device that can stand alone by using the word AIO. You could simply pick up the iMac, use the included mouse and keyboard, and be ready for any kind of video job.
(Image Credit :Tom’s Guide)
5. Apple Mac mini (M4)
The Mac mini, which now has the amazing M4 and M4 Pro chips, is among the greatest desktop computers available and isn’t simply the best Mac for video editing for most users. The design, which fits between an Apple TV and a Mac Studio, was updated and reduced in size while maintaining the same general look. It is compact, fashionable, and requires very little room.
The performance in our benchmark testing was outstanding. Overall, the Mac Mini was quick and effective, and it even ran games without any problems. Not many other desktop computers, much less one this tiny, can compete with it.
Because it costs less than half as much as a nice M4 MacBook Pro, it’s a fantastic substitute if you’d rather work on a desktop than a laptop, want to save money, work mostly from one place, or already have all the accessories you need.