10 Best Editing Laptops 2025 in the United States

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air with the new M4 chip offers a powerful and efficient option for an editing laptop, especially if you value portability and smooth performance. The M4 chip’s 10-core CPU and 8-core GPU deliver fast processing and graphics capabilities, making it well-suited for video editing and multitasking with creative apps. Its 16GB of unified memory helps with handling larger files and multiple apps without slowing down. The 256GB SSD is fast but might feel limited if you work with many high-resolution videos or large projects, so you may want external storage. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is bright, sharp, and supports a billion colors, which is excellent for photo and video editing with accurate, vibrant visuals.

Battery life is impressive, offering up to 18 hours of video streaming, so you can work unplugged for long stretches. In terms of connectivity, the MacBook Air has two Thunderbolt 4 ports and MagSafe charging, which covers most needs but may require adapters if you use many external devices simultaneously. The 12MP Center Stage camera and quality audio system are bonuses for video calls and content creation. The laptop runs macOS, which supports popular editing software smoothly, especially if you already use other Apple devices, thanks to seamless integration.

The integrated graphics are strong for an ultrabook but won’t match dedicated GPUs found in higher-end editing laptops, which might limit performance with very demanding 3D or 4K workflows. Also, the base storage might push you toward additional purchases for larger storage needs. Its lightweight and sleek design make it ideal for creators who prioritize mobility without sacrificing a solid editing experience.

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15-inch with the new M4 chip is a strong choice if you want a light and portable laptop that can handle editing tasks smoothly. Its 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU offer solid performance for photo and video editing, while the 24GB of unified memory helps keep multiple apps running without slowing down. The 512GB SSD provides decent storage space, though creative professionals working with very large files might need external drives. The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display is bright and color-accurate, showing rich details and supporting over a billion colors—this is great for precise editing work. Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 18 hours, which means you can edit on the go without constantly searching for an outlet.

On the connectivity side, two Thunderbolt 4 ports and MagSafe charging cover most needs, but some users may find the limited port count restrictive if they use many accessories or external drives simultaneously. The integrated graphics are good for many editing tasks but may struggle with very heavy 3D rendering or specialized GPU workloads compared to dedicated graphics cards. Features like the 12MP Center Stage camera and high-quality speakers add value for video calls and content creation.

This MacBook Air blends power, display quality, and battery life effectively for general editing, especially if you appreciate Apple’s ecosystem. However, those needing extensive storage or powerful dedicated graphics might consider other options.

The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro with the M4 Max chip is a powerhouse designed especially for creative professionals who need serious editing performance. Its 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU deliver very fast processing and graphics power, making it excellent for demanding video editing, 3D rendering, and other creative workflows. The 48GB of unified memory helps handle large projects smoothly, and the 1TB SSD offers quick file access and plenty of space to store your work.

The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is a standout feature, delivering bright, sharp visuals with extreme color accuracy and high contrast, which is vital for precise editing work. Battery life is strong too, offering up to 21 hours of video playback, so you can work unplugged for a full day. Connectivity includes three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI, an SDXC card slot, and MagSafe charging, providing versatile options for connecting peripherals and external displays.

The laptop's powerful specs come with a higher price tag, and its integrated graphics, while very capable for most edits, might not match dedicated GPUs in some specialized editing software. Additionally, the MacBook Pro is relatively heavy at nearly 5 pounds, which might be a consideration if you prioritize portability. For those invested in the Apple ecosystem seeking a laptop that blends top-tier performance with excellent display quality and strong battery life, this MacBook Pro represents a compelling choice for an editing laptop.