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10 Best PC for photo editing 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 Pro, 14‑core CPU, 20‑core GPU: Built for Apple Intelligence, 16.2-inch Display, 48GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage; Space Black with AppleCare+ (3 Years)

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,182
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Graphics Card (GPU)

Most important from
492 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The MacBook Pro M4 Pro impresses with its power and design, delivering exceptional performance gains with Apple silicon.
Memory (RAM)
The 48GB RAM future-proofs the device, making it ideal for demanding applications like video editing and 3D modeling.
Graphics Card (GPU)
The graphics are amazing, and the larger, high-quality display is worth the extra weight.
Display
Despite its heft, the larger screen real estate of the 16.2-inch display is highly valued for detailed work.

The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop is a robust option for photo editing. With its powerful M4 Pro chip, featuring a 14-core CPU and a 20-core GPU, it delivers exceptional performance, ensuring smooth and efficient processing of high-resolution images and complex editing tasks. The 48GB of Unified Memory further enhances its capability, allowing for seamless multitasking and quick access to large files without any lag.

The 512GB SSD storage provides speedy data retrieval and ample space for storing numerous photos and editing software. The 16.2-inch display is another highlight, offering a large, vibrant, and high-resolution screen that is crucial for detailed photo work. The color accuracy and brightness of the display make it ideal for professionals who require precision in their edits.

Ports and connectivity options are well-catered for, making it easy to connect external devices such as cameras and storage drives. Running on macOS, it benefits from Apple's ecosystem, ensuring compatibility with popular photo editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom. However, one potential drawback is its price, which can be quite steep, especially with the inclusion of AppleCare+. Additionally, users who prefer Windows-based systems might find macOS limiting in terms of software choices outside the Apple ecosystem. Despite these points, for those who are invested in Apple's products and need a high-performance machine for photo editing, this MacBook Pro is an excellent choice.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,182
Processor (CPU)
Memory (RAM)
Graphics Card (GPU)

Most important from
492 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The MacBook Pro M4 Pro impresses with its power and design, delivering exceptional performance gains with Apple silicon.
Memory (RAM)
The 48GB RAM future-proofs the device, making it ideal for demanding applications like video editing and 3D modeling.
Graphics Card (GPU)
The graphics are amazing, and the larger, high-quality display is worth the extra weight.
Display
Despite its heft, the larger screen real estate of the 16.2-inch display is highly valued for detailed work.
#2

ROG NUC 970 Full System Mini PC with Intel 14th Gen Core Ultra 9 185H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Discrete Graphics, 32GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB PCIe G4x4 NVMe SSD, Win 11, ARGB Lighting, Vertical Stand Included

Rating
8.5
Graphics Card (GPU)

Most important from
78 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
The ROG NUC 970 delivers unmatched performance with its dedicated Nvidia RTX 4070 graphics card, making it a beast in a compact size.

The ROG NUC 970 Full System Mini PC is a powerful and compact solution for photo editing. It houses the latest 14th Gen Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, which offers robust performance necessary for demanding photo editing software. Complemented by 32GB of DDR5 RAM, multitasking and handling large image files should be smooth and efficient. The 1TB PCIe NVMe SSD ensures quick load times and ample storage for high-resolution photos, which is crucial for photographers who work with large file sizes regularly.

Additionally, the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 discrete graphics card is more than capable of handling graphic-intensive tasks, including rendering high-quality images and supporting high-resolution monitors up to 4K, enhancing the editing experience. However, one potential downside for professional photo editors is the absence of a dedicated monitor with built-in color calibration. While the system supports high resolutions, achieving accurate color representation might require an additional investment in a high-quality, calibrated monitor.

On the connectivity front, the ROG NUC 970 offers a solid selection of ports, including multiple USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports, which are essential for connecting various peripherals like external hard drives, card readers, and color calibration tools. The compact design with included ARGB lighting and a vertical stand adds a stylish touch and allows for versatile placement in any workspace. Despite being marketed primarily towards gamers, its high-end specs make it a suitable choice for photo editing professionals who need a powerful, space-saving PC. Its unique features such as AI capabilities and ARGB lighting may not be particularly beneficial for photo editing tasks but are more aligned with gaming aesthetics and performance.

Rating
8.5
Graphics Card (GPU)

Most important from
78 reviews

Graphics Card (GPU)
The ROG NUC 970 delivers unmatched performance with its dedicated Nvidia RTX 4070 graphics card, making it a beast in a compact size.
#3

ROG NUC 760 Full System Mini PC with Intel 14th Gen Core Ultra 7 155H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Graphics, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB PCIe G4x4 NVMe SSD, Win 11, ARGB Lighting, with Vertical Stand Included

The ROG NUC 760 Full System Mini PC offers several compelling features for photo editing. It is powered by the latest 14th Gen Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, which ensures efficient handling of photo editing software and multitasking. The 16GB DDR5 RAM further supports smooth performance during intensive editing tasks. With a 1TB PCIe G4x4 NVMe SSD, users will benefit from fast storage speeds and ample space for large photo files and projects.

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 graphics card provides excellent rendering capabilities, which is crucial for high-resolution photo editing and AI-enhanced features like DLSS AI rendering technology. The mini PC runs on Windows 11 Home, offering a modern and up-to-date operating system compatible with various photo editing applications. The compact design, with ARGB lighting and a flexible setup option (vertical or horizontal), makes it a space-saving solution without compromising performance.

Connectivity is generous, including multiple USB ports and wireless options like Bluetooth and 802.11ax, which ensure convenient access to peripherals and internet connectivity. However, there is no mention of a built-in display, meaning users will need to invest in a separate high-resolution monitor to fully utilize the system's potential for photo editing. Additionally, while it is marketed towards gamers, its specifications align well with the needs of photo editing professionals. The ROG NUC 760 is a powerful and versatile choice for those seeking a compact yet high-performance mini PC for photo editing.

Buying Guide for the Best PC for photo editing

When choosing a PC for photo editing, it's important to focus on the specifications that will directly impact your ability to work efficiently and effectively with high-resolution images and complex editing software. The right PC will ensure smooth performance, accurate color representation, and sufficient storage for your projects. Here are the key specs to consider and how to choose the best fit for your needs.
Processor (CPU)The processor, or CPU, is the brain of your PC and is crucial for handling the complex calculations required in photo editing. A faster processor will allow you to work more efficiently, especially when dealing with large files or running multiple applications. For photo editing, a multi-core processor with a high clock speed is ideal. Entry-level users can start with a quad-core processor, while more advanced users should look for six or more cores to ensure smooth performance.
Memory (RAM)RAM, or Random Access Memory, is where your PC stores data that is actively being used or processed. More RAM allows your computer to handle larger files and more complex tasks without slowing down. For photo editing, a minimum of 8GB of RAM is recommended, but 16GB or more is ideal for handling high-resolution images and running multiple programs simultaneously. If you work with very large files or use resource-intensive software, consider 32GB or more.
StorageStorage is where all your files, applications, and operating system are kept. For photo editing, you need both speed and capacity. Solid State Drives (SSDs) are much faster than traditional Hard Disk Drives (HDDs) and will significantly improve your workflow. A combination of an SSD for your operating system and applications, and an HDD for storing your photos and projects, is a good balance. Aim for at least 256GB SSD and 1TB HDD, but more storage may be necessary depending on the size of your photo library.
Graphics Card (GPU)The graphics card, or GPU, is responsible for rendering images and can greatly enhance the performance of photo editing software, especially when working with 3D effects or high-resolution images. While integrated graphics can suffice for basic editing, a dedicated GPU will provide a smoother experience. Entry-level users can start with a mid-range GPU, while professionals should look for higher-end models with more VRAM (Video RAM) to handle intensive tasks.
DisplayA high-quality display is essential for accurate color representation and detail in photo editing. Look for a monitor with a high resolution (at least 1920x1080, but 4K is preferable for professional work), good color accuracy, and wide color gamut coverage (such as Adobe RGB or DCI-P3). IPS panels are generally better for color accuracy and viewing angles compared to TN panels. Consider the size of the monitor as well; larger screens provide more workspace and can reduce eye strain.
Ports and ConnectivityHaving the right ports and connectivity options is important for connecting your peripherals, such as external hard drives, cameras, and other devices. Ensure your PC has multiple USB ports (including USB-C if possible), an SD card reader, and HDMI or DisplayPort for connecting to external monitors. Thunderbolt ports can also be beneficial for faster data transfer and connecting high-speed storage devices.
Operating SystemThe operating system (OS) you choose can affect your workflow and software compatibility. Both Windows and macOS are popular choices for photo editing, with each offering different advantages. Windows PCs tend to offer more hardware options and customization, while macOS is known for its stability and seamless integration with other Apple products. Choose the OS that best fits your workflow and the software you plan to use.

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