Which Macbook Pro Is Good For Video Editing

• Which Macbook Pro Is Good For Video Editing Software
• Macbook Pro Video Editing Software

Apple didn’t get its reputation for performance and accuracy from nowhere.

The best MacBook for video editing: Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch The best gaming laptop for video editing: Razer Blade 2020 The best video-editing laptop under $1,000: Dell G3 15 Gaming Laptop (2020). Aside from that, the MacBook Pro is definitely the best Mac for video editing on the move. Apple iMac 27” 5K Apple is very quick to update their higher-end models when new processors are available, and it’s exactly that update that makes the 27” 5K iMac an excellent option for a Mac for video editing.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Whether you want to do some edits while on a mobile device or need to make a screen recording, we are here to help you find the perfect device.

Using our technology expertise, we put together the best MacBook pro for video editing 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.

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.

Expert’s Suggestion:

• 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

Let’s dive into the detailed review section of these products!

1.) Apple Mac-Book Pro

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 ″ Mac-Book Pro comes with the processing power to reach your goal without unnecessary overcompensation.

Which Macbook Pro Is Good For Video Editing Software

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 Mac-book 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.

• 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.

• SSD is expensive, so this model only comes with 256GB of disk space. You will definitely 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:

2.) Apple Mac-Book Pro 15-Inch

Truly a top-of-the-line machine, this Mac-Book 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 Mac-book Pro.

In 2019, Apple updated its entire range of Mac-Book Pros with faster Intel processors, with even higher video editing performance in what is a very compact design, weighing just 1.83 kg and being 1.83 kg thick. 55 cm.

Macbook Pro Video Editing Software

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.

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 Mac-book Pro’s TrueTone Retina display looks great and is ideal for any type of visual design work.

Verdict:

3.) Microsoft Surface Laptop 3 – 13.5″ Touch-Screen

Microsoft’s third attempt at a laptop is a brilliant choice for video editors, as the Surface Laptop 3 offers an excellent array of features that are ideal for video editing.

Features:

In many ways, the Surface Book 3 is an example of how far the best laptops have come in just a few short years. It has the extremely premium gear, with one of the best displays we’ve ever used in a laptop, a keyboard that will put Mac-Book Pro’s new magical keyboards to shame, and a hybrid design that’s great for creative tasks.

More specifically for what you’re looking for, this continuation of the exceptional Surface Book 2 has configurations with a discrete GPU and more RAM.

That makes the Surface Book 3 an amazing choice for content creators and one of the best video editing laptops 2020 has to offer.

So you get powerful components from Intel (or AMD, with the Surface Laptop 3 now offering you a choice when it comes to the processor), and you can configure it to come with a discrete GPU as well, an essential tool for editing high definition footage.

• Excellent battery life
• Choice of Intel or AMD CPU

• No Thunderbolt 3 option
• Too few ports for its size

Verdict:

4.) HP ENVY 13-2150nr Spectre XT 13.3in Ultrabook

The current HP Envy 13 deserves its title as one of the best video editing notebooks in all respects. It has a sleek and lightweight design, weighing only 1.3 kg, with a large keyboard and a FullHD screen.

Features:

It’s great value for money too – even the most affordable variant offers great performance, with a quad-core processor, Full HD display, discrete graphics, and enough storage and memory to handle video editing.

The system is powered by a 1.7 GHz Intel Core i5-3317U dual-core Ivy Bridge processor. It also has 4GB of built-in DDR3 RAM, a 128GB solid-state drive, a 2-in-1, Gigabit media card reader. There are also quad speakers with Beats Audio technology.

With an HDMI port, you can send video signals to a larger external display, such as a monitor or HDTV. If you prefer wireless technology, the built-in Intel WiDi technology lets you wirelessly stream your music, photos and videos, and other PC content to an HDTV. A compatible TV adapter (sold separately) will be required to use this function.

Verdict:

5.) New Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB

Whether you’re a college student or budding short film director, you need power and modern flair without the expense of a professional setup.

Features:

This Apple MacBook model is a great compromise, offering Apple’s latest Touch Bar and Touch ID technology in a 13 ″ body with integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 technology.

With up to a 10th generation quad-core Intel Core i7 processor, the 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro is ready to take on even the toughest tasks.

So when you’re doing pro-level processing jobs like compiling code, layering multiple tracks on music composition, or encoding a video, you’ll do everything faster.

• 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.

• 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:

6.) Apple MacBook Air- 13-inch, 8GB RAM

Since Apple updated the frame and internals, added the desirable features, using the Apple MacBook Air for video editing has become quite realistic for simple video color grading operations.

Features:

The Specter x360’s glossy 15.6-inch 4K display is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it’s ridiculously colorful and sharp, but on the other, this display is annoyingly dark and comes with a distracting glare.

However, the Specter x360 has a super comfortable keyboard and a battery that can last up to 8 hours and 9 minutes on one charge.

The included HP Active Pen has two programmable buttons and 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity.

The aluminum frame of the Specter x360 is covered in a premium Poseidon Blue that evokes the Greek god himself.

In addition to that, the hinges and the surrounding area of ​​the chassis are elegantly cut, creating a diamond design.

The interior has the same flawless color scheme and features a perfectly spaced keyboard with strong white backlighting, an elongated touchpad, and a fingerprint reader in the right corner. While the side bezels are narrow, the top one is thick enough to fit a 1080p IR webcam.

• Retina display
• Turbo-overclocking processor up to 3.6 GHz
• Slim body and lightweight design
• Excellent battery life

Verdict:

7.) 2019 HP Spectre x360 13-AP0023DX UHD Laptop

The HP Specter x360 is a sleek machine capable of completing the HandBrake benchmark in 10 minutes and 45 seconds.

Features:

The Specter x360’s glossy 15.6-inch 4K display is a mixed bag. On the one hand, it’s ridiculously colorful and sharp, but on the other, this display is annoyingly dark and comes with a distracting glare.

However, the Specter x360 has a super comfortable keyboard and a battery that can last up to 8 hours and 9 minutes on one charge.

The included HP Active Pen has two programmable buttons and 2048 levels of pressure sensitivity.

The aluminum frame of the Specter x360 is covered in a premium Poseidon Blue that evokes the Greek god himself.

In addition to that, the hinges and the surrounding area of ​​the chassis are elegantly cut, creating a diamond design.

The interior has the same flawless color scheme and features a perfectly spaced keyboard with strong white backlighting, an elongated touchpad, and a fingerprint reader in the right corner. While the side bezels are narrow, the top one is thick enough to fit a 1080p IR webcam.

• Sexy design
• Color panel
• Comfortable keyboard
• Solid performance
• Excellent battery life

Verdict:

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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Which MacBook is Best for Video Editing?

The 15-inch Apple 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 Apple 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 Apple 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 Apple 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, an Apple MacBook Pro is good enough for video editing.

Which is better for Apple MacBook Air or pro video editing?

There is a big difference in specs between Apple 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.

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!

Contents

• 1 Best Macbook Pro for Video Editing
  • 1.8 Buying Guide:
  • 1.9 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):

Which Macbook Pro Is Good For Video Editing