If you can’t choose which Apple’s model is the best Mac for video editing, read more about these top 6 laptops that will run Premiere Pro and Final Cut without lags.

What Is the Best Mac for Video Editing?

Defining the best computer for video editing and multimedia from the Apple line is not easy. Numerous variants need to be analyzed, each of them can have different hardware pieces, additionally, several received updates this year.

Regardless of your position and degree of financial freedom, I’ve gathered top 6 Macs that are good for basic and experienced video post production.

May 10, 2019  Avidemux is the best free video editing software for PC. This open-source video editor is lightweight and ensures three basic editing options – Cut, Filter, Encode. You can run this one on mobile phones as well as Windows, Mac, and Linux.

Best Macs for Video Editing In 2020

Look through these laptops and choose the one for your budget and video editing.

Jan 08, 2020  Best Video Editing Software for Mac iMore 2020. Your Mac is a great tool for editing video, but the software needed can get a little pricy. If you're looking for something less expensive, or at least want to see what is on the market, you've come to the right place. Best Video Editing Software for Mac. Apple’s popular Final Cut Pro X is a prosumer video editing package that perfectly blends professional video features with a smooth learning curve for consumers. With over 2 million users and a steeply reduced price from the original $999 to $99 on Amazon, it’s more popular than ever.

Dec 31, 2019  all the high quality and top rated best video editing software for mac and windows both all the software added in this list you can easily buy and download and ready to use free and paid version both type of best video editing software i added in this list just pick the best one according to your needs and start editing if you want for just video editing and normal features this will full fill. Mar 15, 2020  The BEST video editing software for Mac in 2020! Here’s our review of the leading options, and our top picks for both free and paid Mac Video Editors right now. Jun 15, 2020  Best Video Editing Software Wondershare Filmora. Avavilable for both Windows and Mac, Filmora is an awesome video-editing tool. Even for an amateur it takes just a few minutes to completely understand how everything works.

1. Apple iMac 27-inch Retina 5K Display

• Powerful 6-core i5 processor
• Clear 5K retina display
• Corporate ultra-thin design
• 2 Thunderbolt 3 high-speed ports
• Keyboard and mouse included

• Haven’t been found

Apple regularly updates its older versions, so the new iMac for video editing is nearly flawless, even comes close to what the Pro can do. The clear screen with awesome color rendition and high contrast ratio is worth a lot.

It almost fully reproduces the DCI-P3 color space used in the movies. The built-in Retina Display works at 60 MHz.

Being 1K bigger in size, it is an ideal 4K video editing computer, allowing you to change frames in full definition without hiding the controls. Its heart is the cutting-edge six-core Intel Core i5 processor with Turbo Boost capability above 4GHz that can process nearly everything at high speed.

Dedicated AMD Radeon Pro graphics processor with 4-8 GB of video memory will handle any rendering software easy. Other cool features are the 8GB of RAM and a large 1TB SSD Fusion drive. Memory can be extended too.

Considering Apple's brand industrial design, updated fillings, price-quality relationship, I can recommend this device as the best iMac for video editing.

• Read more about the best monitor for video editing.

2. Apple MacBook Pro 15-Inch

• Retina display of increased sharpness
• New processor
• Four Thunderbolt 3 ports
• Long battery life

• Non-4K screen
• SSD could be larger
• No standard ports

In case your job requires combining portability with the capability to handle complex video processing, Apple MacBook Pro i9 is your choice. The 15-inch versions are advisable for their discrete video cards: video editing in 4K or photo editing in RAW is ensured by the AMD Radeon Pro powerful graphics processor.

It alternates with the integrated Intel UHD graphics processor when performance can be reduced. Video editing on MacBook flaws smoothly on the high definition Retina screen that is very sharp with incredible colors. Additional monitor can be joined easily, too.

It includes a branded track and touchpad to flip through the software timeline. You will also like optimized stereo speakers. It combines 16GB of RAM with a 512GB SSD drive.

The installed battery can run for about 10 hours, offering superior performance by laptop standards. The sturdy case protects the 9th generation 8-core Intel 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 decent image and power.

• Check out the best computers for video editing.

3. Apple iMac Pro

• 5K resolution display
• Powerful discrete video card
• Ability to expand hardware
• Double cooled case with 4 UCB-C ports
• Branded keyboard and mouse included

• High cost
• SSD volume could be larger

It’s not surprising that the brand’s leader in my lit too due to its quick processing and low delay. With iMac Pro video editing is possible in 8K format, sound effects can be adjusted smoothly at the fastest speed.

The 27-inch screen is large and crisp with a 5120x2880 definition and renders colors naturally thanks to the Retina panel. The standard version includes 8 Intel Xeon W cores, the maximum is 18, with the possibility of overclocking.

You can install recent Radeon Pro Vega 56 with 8GB or 64 with 16GB of memory. Either one performs great with software capable of GPU acceleration.

The 32GB of RAM and a voluminous 1TB solid state drive make professional video editing flawless. Numerous ports are very convenient, including Thunderbolt 3, plus Apple Magic keyboard and mouse.

• Read more about how much RAM do you need for video editing.

4. Apple MacBook Pro 13-Inch

• Retina screen with True Tone feature
• Ability to connect a separate eGPU
• Ultra-compact design with 4 USB-C ports
• Super-fast SSD

• Could have more memory
• The screen isn`t 4K
• Integrated video card

When Intel engineered their 8th generation of processor, users got a new MacBook Pro 13 inch. This model has an outstanding True Tone Retina screen, famous for clear and natural picture, powerful speakers, and four fast Thunderbolt 3 inputs.

The Core i5 with 2.4 GHz base frequency is enhanced by 8GB of RAM. This should answer “Is the 13 inch MacBook Pro good for video editing” question, though 4K processing may be troublesome.

Despite the integrated Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655, the device can flawlessly run any modern video editing software. The CNC-Machined cover has a super-fast 512GB solid-state drive.

If work is mostly done not at home, you will benefit from Macbook Pro video editing with this mobile and portable but powerful machine that has 10-hour battery duration and a weight of 1.35 kg.

• Check out what is the best Apple laptop.

5. Apple Mac Pro

• Ability to connect up to 6 monitors simultaneously
• You can expand hardware components
• Connecting up to 36 peripheral units
• Silent cooling system

• Monitor required
• Old CPU and GPU technologies
• No FireWire Connections

Apple Workstation is a professional video editing computer designed for specialists, who consider the highest power combined with flexibility very important. It is suitable for applications that use the biggest amount of processing cores and rendering like video editors, image editing softwares, 3D programs, etc.

Despite the updates being discontinued, it remains the best desktop computer for video editing with tremendous computational capability and speed. It has two AMD FirePro graphics processors.

You can install up to 64GB of RAM memory, up to 1TB of flash memory, update the graphics or up-level the processor (even to a 12-core one). This would let you effortlessly run a whole software set while simultaneously encoding a 4K video.

Doing professional work and being in need of extreme multiprocessing capabilities, undoubtedly purchase this best Mac for video editing considering its decreasing cost.

• Read more about the best video editing softwares.

6. Apple MacBook Air

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

• Built-in graphics processor
• RAM could be bigger

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

The laptop is quite light (1.35 kg) with a familiar keyboard. The miniature body fits a 13.3-inch Retina screen. At 2560x1600 definition, it shows a sharp image with realistic colors.

The 1.6 GHz dual-core Intel i5 processor can be overclocked to double its speed. The video editing won’t be flawless. Still, it handles simple editing and normal administrative work great.

The integrated Intel UHD 617 video card, 8GB of RAM, together with 128 or 256GB SSD ensure that. It has 2 USB-C ports plus an SD card slot, so transferring photos is convenient.

This laptop for video editing is under $1000 and has the benefit of working for up to 14 hours on a battery charge. For people with limited budget who search for a portable and inexpensive version of the MacBook, this is the best choice.

Top 6 Best Macs for Video Editing

How to Choose Mac for Video Editing?

Video editing is a serious task for any OS. Certainly, this brand’s computers can do this job, but the difference is substantial between some vlog clips and a real movie.

Not working in the 4K format, you can afford to go around with a small laptop. For a specialist, the full-size desktop will forever remain superior in power.

CPU

For any video editing software, the processor plays the main role. My advice is to not go below the quad-core Intel Core i5 processor.

If you’re ready to invest, get a 6-8 core processor, because the expense greatly enhances performance. Being very limited in budget, you can still get a dual-core but performing complex jobs will be problematic.

Display

Those working with footage consider accurate color rendition of the highest importance and Apple Retina displays gained the best reputation in this. iMac and MacBook Pro have it and it’s a huge boost.

Such a display is known for crisp definition, natural colors, and wide viewing cones. Such features help to display the footage accurately and clearly, with no distortions, which ensures higher-quality video editing.

GPU

The second most influential component is the video card. The software is mostly capable of rendering through a graphics processor.

AMD hardware has gained popularity, so a middle- or higher-class Mac means a discrete GPU. Certain Pro models even have the AMD Fire Pro dual feature that concentrates on providing superior performance or combining integrated and discrete processors to optimize it.

RAM Capacity

The video editing process largely depends on the amount of RAM in your computer. The most time-consuming process is the export of the finished video.

For comfortable video editing on a Mac, you need at least 8GB of RAM (16GB is 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.

Ann Young

Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more

What should you look for in video editing software for Mac? That is a question you may ask when looking for an application to edit your videos. But the better question is–where do you plan to use your videos? The answer can help you choose, as some solutions are simpler than others, allowing for the quick creation of professional-quality presentation or tutorial videos. Other platforms are the more advanced types, with an array of high-tech tools suitable for use by commercial video/film producers and editors.

You’ll be surprised at the diverse range of video editing software for Mac in the market today. If you research all of them, you’ll need to take a few days of leave from work. Don’t worry; we have done the heavy lifting for you and came up with a lineup of the 12 best video editing software for Mac. These best video editing tools are either intuitive to casual users or powerful for pros, while some are scalable so that they can be used by both types of users. We also highlight the key features of each software to make it easier to compare them.

Employees prefer Mac for work because it increases productivity, a survey found. Also, workers believe that Mac computers boosted their creativity and collaboration. What’s more, they say that Mac enables them to be self-sufficient.

Workers choose Mac for better productivity

Source: Apple Insider

Since workers across a broad stream of departments prefer to use Mac, it is a natural course for software vendors like video editing software companies and developers to take their product right at Mac’s doorstep. As one of the 100 million Mac and MacBook users worldwide, you’re on the right track upping the ante of your video quality (our apologies, PC users), not just with the right machine, but with any of the software on our list. If your requirement is not Mac-specific, you can read our 20 best video editing tools for more options.

12 Best Video Editing Software for Mac

1. Final Cut Pro

First on our list of 12 best video editing software for Mac is Final Cut Pro. It is Apple’s premier professional video editing software for macOS users. The application is built to tap into the robust processing core, graphics card, and VRAM that power the latest Mac machines. With the software harnessing multi-core and multi-thread hardware capabilities of Macs, together with a huge set of cutting-edge editing tools, the result is smooth and accelerated post-production work from start to finish.

Final Cut Pro gives you the ability to import, share, and edit videos from a variety of cameras and devices with support for multiple formats. It has numerous tools for editing and timeline, trimming, effects, audio enhancement, color correction, closed captions, multimedia management, and project workflow. It can handle VR headset playback and 360-degree video editing, as well as HDR and ProResRAW sources. The software allows you to integrate dozens of third-party tools, devices, content, and plug-ins to give you an extendable platform.

The software is a standalone, on-premise solution priced at $299 (one-time payment). While it is locally deployed, the software allows you to upload, organize, and download files from online storage and stock media sites for project collaboration and sharing. It is designed for iMac and MacBook computers with macOS 10.13.6 or later versions of the operating system.

• Advanced tools for video/audio editing, motion graphics, and delivery
• Built on 64-bit architecture for handling complex projects and effects
• Extendable workflow via integration with dozens of external tools

2. Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is a video editing software for professionals and enthusiasts. Its claim of being “a cut above the rest” has an element of truth about it. That’s because it has become a popular tool for filmmakers, videographers, TV editors, and YouTube content creators. It has evolved into an industry-standard not only in video editing but also in workflow automation and media asset management. It supports all kinds of cameras, all types of formats, and any platform, including Mac and PC. This would make an excellent platform to use in conjunction with content marketing software, which could assist you in reaching out to your audience.

From its extensive R&D and the suggestions of its horde of users, Adobe Premiere Pro is a continually improving product with new features rolled out for every new release. It offers a new Freeform view for organizing and viewing storyboard and media files; rulers and guides for the precise layout of clips, text, and graphics; auto-Ducking for adding ambient sounds into your audio mix; faster mask tracking; and a dozen other enhancements on audio and video.

Of course, all the other features Adobe Premiere is known for are still there, including precise color grading, motion graphics, and animation, instant audio improvement, and integration with hundreds of partner technologies. The software also works seamlessly with its sibling Adobe products like After Effects, Audition, Photoshop, InDesign, and others. The software is part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud, which means it is accessible online from any connected device. It has several packages for business, students, and schools. For individuals, the plan is pegged at $29.99/month or $239.88/year.

• Established industry leader
• Multi-platform, multi-format, compatibility
• Regular roll out or updates and new features

3. iMovie

iMovie is another Apple product designed for macOS and iOS platforms. It is an entry-level video clip editing tool to help you produce visual stories from photos and videos. It gives you access to themes, templates, and tools for adding music, titles, and effects. It makes it easy for you to capture and cut photos directly from your iPhone, transfer them automatically to your iCloud Drive, then download them to your Mac or iPad, where you can add music, transitions, and fades, special effects, and other final touches.

iMovie, however, is not a barebones application. It can handle 4K videos and is loaded with dozens of design styles for creating animated titles and credits. You can also apply cinematic filters and effects on the entire video or the selected clip. In addition, it lets you control video speed (speed up or slow down), include green screen effects for changing backgrounds, put in picture-in-picture or split screens, and add or edit audio elements. iMovie is free and can be downloaded from the App Store.

• Zero-cost solution video editing tool for Mac and iOS devices
• Easy to navigate and simple to use with intuitive features
• Allows for quick creation of short videos and sharing them online

4. WeVideo

WeVideo is a cloud-hosted video editing and sharing software that can support multiple formats and multiple platforms, including Mac, PC, Chromebook, Android, and iOS devices. The software makes it a breeze for you to capture, create, view, and share your videos even at up to 4K resolution. Its advanced editing features and simple interface allow you to produce professional-level videos without the needed expertise and without having to pay for expensive tools.

With WeVideo, you can edit anywhere on any device with full control over tools for video editing and processing, motion titles, green-screen effects, screencasting, picture-in-picture, voiceovers, collaboration, and sharing, and media management. It utilizes Jumpstart technology that lets you start editing without waiting for your video to upload, allowing you to create movies in minutes. It has a storyboard, timeline, pre-built templates, and advanced text editing features to further speed up your video creation.

WeVideo has a free plan, and four paid plans that start at $3.74/month. Its higher-priced plans give you access to a library containing thousands of video, music, and image files that you can use for your video projects. But if you prefer an all-around solution, you can look at digital asset management software instead.

• Provides file and media management, collaboration, and sharing tools
• Supports more than 600 video, audio, and video formats
• Maintenance-free cloud platform

5. Filmora

Filmora is designed to simplify the video editing process through an online solution that can be accessed through any connected device. It can be used by all kinds of video creators, whether for creating personal movies or for coming up with business presentations, product demos, or marketing videos. It allows you to incorporate overlays, filters, custom titles, and transitions as well as adjust audio, remove background noise, and set keyframes. Aside from basic editing tools, you also have compositing tools for imaginative videos using green-screen effects and layering clips.

Filmora supports 4K video editing, multiple footage, and multi-format sources. It is capable of importing multiple videos and using up to a hundred layers of multimedia materials for creating complex stories, without having to pour in hours of work. Once you’re done with your video project, you can quickly transfer it to DVD or sharing directly to Facebook or Vimeo right from the Filmora platform. The software offers various pricing plans for schools, individuals, and businesses and has dedicated plans for Mac and Windows users. Its Filmora plans for Mac are priced at $49.99/year for a one-year subscription for one Mac; $59.99 for a lifetime license; and $179.97 for a lifetime license of up to five Macs.

• Simplified professional-level video editing
• Dozens of creative filters and special effects
• Dedicated packages for Mac users

6. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a professional, on-premise editing solution that brings together tools for 8K editing, visual effects, color correction, and audio editing in one package. It is built to streamline post-production workflows and enable multi-user collaboration. It allows for one-click shuttling between tools for editing, effects, color, and audio. These capabilities enable members of a post-production team – producer, director, video and sound editors, graphic artists, and others – to easily work together on completing the project, whether it is a TV show, music video, or full-length feature film.

DaVinci Resolve is a complete color grading program for film and video editing. It offers color correction and finishing tools that editors and colorists can use to create cinematic results regardless of whether the project is intended for theater, TV, or online viewing.

DaVinci Resolve is available in just two plans. First is a free one with all the tools for editing, motion graphics, visual effects, color correction, and audio enhancement. The second is a paid plan at $299 that adds several 3D tools, plugins, special effects, and collaboration capabilities.

Best Video Editing Software For Mac 2019

• Affordable high-end video/audio post-production platform with advanced features
• Over 250 tools for compositing, keying, compositing, rotoscoping, text animation, etc.
• Optimizes CPU and GPU for smooth and responsive playback

7. HitFilm Express

Final Cut Pro Free Download

HitFilm Express is a free online video editing and visual effects software that gives you all the tools you need to prepare you for professional filmmaking. You can create Hollywood-style movies right from your home studio without the need to hire professional video editors. The software supports both Mac and Windows and is ideal for indie filmmakers out to make theater-ready movies. It gives you a revolutionary workflow that can combine timelines, customize the interface, work with various formats, configure export settings, and more.

With HitFilm Express, you get video editing tools for adding animations, enhancing composite shots, add unlimited video/audio tracks, modify layers, make precise cuts, and add smooth transitions. You also have at your disposal tools for color correction and grading, keying and extraction, 3D modeling, simulating objects and particles, and an array of other special effects.

HitFilm Express requires a high-end system such as that of MacOS 10.11 or higher. While the software is entirely free, you have to buy add-on packs and modules ranging from $10 to $50 each, which extend the software’s functionalities and give you more specialized effects to work on.

• Offers extensive, regular tutorials for recreating FX footage from hit movies
• Cost-effective, feature-rich editing/special VFX software
• Dedicated technical support team and active online community

8. Wideo

Wideo is an online animated video platform accessible by Mac, Windows PC, and other connected devices. It is intended to help businesses come up with fun and engaging promotional, explainer, and marketing videos. Creating presentation videos through Wideo is fast and easy, with 80 ready-made templates. You can create, edit, and share videos using the drag and drop interface. You don’t have to start from the ground up since there are ready-made templates that allow you to create animations in no time, even without any video editing background. And while you are at it, you can keep these 13 video marketing trends for 2020 in mind to ensure that your efforts hit the mark.

There are several template categories you can choose from to match your business and industry, including those for ecommerce, marketing, product demos, startups, school projects, company presentations, and more. The process is simple – sign up to create your account, then choose from the ready-made templates or, if you prefer, upload your own. You can then customize your video by adding transitions, apply effects, change the animation speed, copy or remove keyframes, and preview your work before uploading them online and sharing interactive links.

Only paid plans allow branding, longer videos, and full HD downloads. There are three paid plans offered, starting at $59/month or $19/month if billed annually.

• Over 80 video templates built by professionals
• You get premium support, priority downloads, privacy control, and monetization rights
• Easy drag-and-drop video creation and editing

9. VideoPad

VideoPad is a full-featured digital video editor built with a simple user interface and intuitive tools. It is suitable for use by individuals and businesses looking to create professional-quality videos minus the complexity and high cost. With the software, you can create and edit videos simply by adding clips through drag-and-drop function, apply video effects from a library of over 50 transitions and effects, and burn your videos on DVD or upload them online. The software supports all major video formats such as avi, wmv, mpv, and DivX, regardless of the video source.

VideoPad comes with video optimization tools to fine-tune colors, adjust video speed, and add images to sequences, and do 360-degree or 3D editing. The on-premise software is available in several pricing plans, including a lifetime license at a discounted price of $34.99. Several add-on tools for capturing, converting, recording, labeling, and more, are offered at additional cost. There are also separate editions available for Mac OS X, Windows, iPhone/iPad, Android, and Kindle devices.

• Has a dedicated edition for Mac users
• Utilizes pure digital editing tools
• Equipped with complete video optimization capabilities

Best Free Video Editing Software For Macbook

10. Lightworks Pro

Lightworks Pro is a big player in the video editing industry, having been used in blockbuster films like Pulp Fiction and Heat. The software is a complete video creation, and editing package for work intended not only for big-screen projects but also for TV, social media, video sharing sites, and for professional-level business projects. Lightworks is loaded with features that include an intuitive interface, easy timeline editing, and trimming, audio and video effects, multi-format support, up to 4K video export, and access to royalty-free video and audio content.

Whether you’re making a short video or feature-length films, Lightworks got you covered with all the professional-grade tools you need to do precise edits and enhancements like color grading, blending, transitions, keyframing, and adding special effects. The video editor integrates with Blackmagic Fusion, an image compositing tool for creating VFX for movies, commercials, and TV shows. Also, you can utilize plug-ins from Boris, a vector-based titling tool, for adding filters, graffiti, and graphics. The online platform offers a free version with limited features and three premium editions with prices starting at $24.99. You can also get a full license with no expiration for $437.99.

• Runs on Mac, Windows, and Linux systems
• Enhanced VFX with Boris FX plug-ins and Blackmagic Fusion tools
• A vast set of tutorial videos and vibrant online user community

11. macXvideo

macXvideo is a free, next-generation video processing application dubbed as the best tool for 4K video processing. Despite its name, it is not an Apple product but is designed to leverage the computing capabilities of Mac machines for efficient and effortless compression of 4K (up to 8K) videos without loss of quality. The software is simple to use with intuitive tools that do not require video editing expertise for editing, decoding, encoding, and compressing ultra-high-definition 4K or higher resolution videos.

macXvideo offers a number of video editing features for transforming raw videos into high-quality movies. It comes with tools for video trimming/cutting, splitting, merging, variable playback speed, captions/subtitles, and audio enhancements. It also has capabilities for adjusting and correcting colors, saturation, gamma, contrast, and hue. The software supports videos from whatever source and is compatible with all types of audio/video formats, codecs, size, and quality.

• Entirely free on-premise video editing solution
• Superior and fast processing for UHD video materials
• Next-gen video compression technology while retaining near original video quality

12. Rocketium

Rocketium is a cloud-based video creation and editing software that makes it easy to produce business videos. Targeted at marketers, publishers, and agencies, the software provides a simple and hassle-free way for businesses to tell their stories or relay their messages through promotional videos, product or company presentations, or ad campaigns. It offers powerful and professional design and editing tools for video scene trimming, cropping, and adding multimedia elements like music and images. You get single-click styling, colors, fonts, animation options, and timing, and positioning, among others.

Rocketium is compatible with Mac and Windows operating systems. It gives you access to millions of royalty-free video footage, images, and soundtracks so you can easily complete your video with all the components you need. You can likewise customize your video to reflect your brand and use the software’s “workspaces” to collaborate with colleagues on your project. Rocketium is available in four paid plans starting at $9/month.

• Access to huge multimedia content
• Trello-like task boards for managing projects
• Built-in video content translation tool for 100+ languages

Use Free Trials to Find the Best Video Editing Software for You

Reading up on a video editing software and watching demos and tutorials may not be enough. For you to find which application works best for you, you need to have hands-on experience with a platform. But subscribing to each program on your shortlist could be unnecessarily expensive. Fortunately, vendors now offer free trials of their products. You can take advantage of these to test drive tools and features.

Best Software For Video Editing For Mac

Speaking of finances, it is an easy choice to go for the most expensive video editing software from a well-known developer. This is because you can be sure it packs a punch, feature-wise. It may not be suitable for your budget, though. Still, there are other solutions on the list that could serve as an alternative to your first choice. With those, you have the powerful tools you need that will still enable you to create the best videos.