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10 Best Photo And Video Editing Laptops 2025 in the United States

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Our Top Picks

#1

Winner

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Midnight

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,494
Processor (CPU)
Storage

Most important from
4804 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M4 chip brings a noticeable improvement in speed compared to previous models, enhancing overall performance.
Storage
Regret not opting for a higher memory spec, as the base model's storage can feel limited.

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop comes equipped with the M4 chip, offering a robust 10-core CPU and an 8-core GPU, which is excellent for handling photo and video editing tasks. It has 16GB of unified memory that ensures smooth multitasking and efficient processing of large files. The 256GB SSD storage may be somewhat limited for professionals dealing with large video files, but it can be supplemented with external drives via the Thunderbolt 4 ports for faster data transfer and additional storage capacity.

Its 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display supports 1 billion colors and features True Tone technology, providing sharp and vibrant visuals which are crucial for accurate photo and video editing. The display's 2560-by-1664 resolution ensures clear and detailed images and videos. With up to 18 hours of battery life, this laptop can sustain long editing sessions without needing to be plugged in frequently, which is beneficial for on-the-go professionals. Weighing in at just 2.73 pounds and with slim dimensions, it's highly portable. Connectivity options include Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast and stable internet connections and peripheral support.

Two Thunderbolt 4 ports offer versatility for connecting external monitors, storage devices, or other peripherals. The inclusion of a high-quality 12MP Center Stage camera and four-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio adds value for video conferencing and content playback. The MacBook Air excels in portability, display quality, and processing power, although the limited built-in storage and integrated GPU might be a drawback for those requiring extensive storage and high-end graphics capabilities. This laptop is ideal for users who need a lightweight, capable device for editing photos and videos, especially if they value portability and integration with other Apple devices.

Rating
10.0
Chosen by1,494
Processor (CPU)
Storage

Most important from
4804 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M4 chip brings a noticeable improvement in speed compared to previous models, enhancing overall performance.
Storage
Regret not opting for a higher memory spec, as the base model's storage can feel limited.
#2

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Midnight

Rating
9.7
Processor (CPU)
Graphics Card (GPU)
RAM (Memory)

Most important from
4804 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M4 chip delivers impressive processing power and efficiency, handling multitasking and demanding applications with ease.
Graphics Card (GPU)
While not suited for gaming, it excels in video editing, music production, and other media-related tasks, making it versatile for creative professionals.
RAM (Memory)
Switching between multiple applications is seamless thanks to the 16GB of unified memory, ensuring smooth responsiveness.
Display
The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display offers vibrant colors, sharp details, and excellent brightness, perfect for accurate editing work.
Battery Life
Battery life stands out with up to 18 hours on a single charge, easily lasting through long workdays or on-the-go sessions.
Portability
This laptop is a fantastic blend of portability and performance, making it an excellent choice for reliable work and leisure use.
Connectivity
Connecting to external 4K monitors works well, supporting full resolution and refresh rates with the right USB-C adapters.

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air with the M4 chip is a strong choice for photo and video editing, especially if you favor a lightweight, portable laptop. Its 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU provide smooth performance for tasks like editing multiple photos or videos, while the 16GB of unified memory helps keep apps responsive. The 512GB SSD offers decent storage for media files but may require external drives for larger projects.

The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is a highlight, delivering sharp visuals with rich colors and excellent brightness, which is important for accurate editing work. Battery life is impressive, providing up to 18 hours, so you can work on the go without frequent charging. Portability is a big plus here, with a slim profile and just 2.73 pounds weight, making it easy to carry around.

The MacBook Air includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports and MagSafe charging, offering good connectivity options, plus Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 for fast wireless connections. However, it supports only integrated graphics, which may limit performance on very demanding video editing or 3D tasks compared to laptops with dedicated GPUs. Additionally, the smaller screen size might feel cramped for some professionals who prefer larger workspaces. The strong integration with Apple’s ecosystem and macOS apps like Adobe Creative Cloud also enhances productivity. This MacBook Air suits photographers and video editors who prioritize portability, battery life, and a great display, while those needing heavy graphics power or more storage might need to look elsewhere or add accessories.

Rating
9.7
Processor (CPU)
Graphics Card (GPU)
RAM (Memory)

Most important from
4804 reviews

Processor (CPU)
The M4 chip delivers impressive processing power and efficiency, handling multitasking and demanding applications with ease.
Graphics Card (GPU)
While not suited for gaming, it excels in video editing, music production, and other media-related tasks, making it versatile for creative professionals.
RAM (Memory)
Switching between multiple applications is seamless thanks to the 16GB of unified memory, ensuring smooth responsiveness.
Display
The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display offers vibrant colors, sharp details, and excellent brightness, perfect for accurate editing work.
Battery Life
Battery life stands out with up to 18 hours on a single charge, easily lasting through long workdays or on-the-go sessions.
Portability
This laptop is a fantastic blend of portability and performance, making it an excellent choice for reliable work and leisure use.
Connectivity
Connecting to external 4K monitors works well, supporting full resolution and refresh rates with the right USB-C adapters.
#3

Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Silver

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Graphics Card (GPU)
Storage

Most important from
4804 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Its M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and 8-core GPU delivers smooth multitasking and handles demanding editing applications effortlessly.
Graphics Card (GPU)
Despite its integrated GPU, the MacBook Air performs admirably for media production tasks such as video editing and music production.
Storage
The base 256GB SSD may require external storage for heavy video editors, but the overall value and performance justify the investment.
Display
The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display offers vivid colors, sharp details, and excellent brightness, enhancing photo and video editing accuracy.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with up to 18 hours on a single charge, supporting long, unplugged creative sessions without interruption.
Portability
The MacBook Air combines exceptional portability with powerful performance, making it ideal for both work and leisure on the go.
Connectivity
Integration with the Apple ecosystem, including seamless iPhone connectivity and features like screen mirroring and messaging, boosts productivity.

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air with the M4 chip is a strong choice for photo and video editing on the go, especially if you prefer a lightweight and portable device. Its 10-core CPU paired with an 8-core GPU, though integrated rather than dedicated, delivers smooth performance for editing tasks and managing multiple apps. The 16GB unified memory helps with multitasking and handling large files, which is important for editing software. However, the 256GB SSD storage might feel limiting if you work with many large video files or high-resolution images, so external storage could be necessary.

The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is a highlight, offering sharp detail, vivid colors with support for 1 billion colors, and good brightness, which helps ensure your photos and videos look accurate and vibrant. Battery life is impressive, providing up to 18 hours, so you can work unplugged for long periods—a big plus for mobile creatives. In terms of connectivity, the MacBook Air provides two Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe charging, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3. While the port selection is limited, these are high-speed and versatile, supporting fast data transfer and multiple external displays. The inclusion of a 12MP Center Stage camera and quality speakers also helps if your workflow involves video calls or content creation involving your own footage.

The MacBook Air runs macOS, which supports popular editing apps like Adobe Creative Cloud and Microsoft 365 with smooth performance, and it tightly integrates with other Apple devices, enhancing productivity. One potential downside is that the MacBook Air’s integrated GPU, while capable, is not as powerful as dedicated graphics cards found in some other laptops aimed at professional video editing, which might affect the most demanding tasks. Also, the base storage might require additional investment for expanding capacity. For those seeking a highly portable, color-accurate laptop with excellent battery life and seamless Apple ecosystem integration for photo and video editing, this MacBook Air is a solid pick. However, for heavy professional video work requiring extensive storage or top-tier graphics power, models with larger SSDs or dedicated GPUs may be more suitable.

Rating
9.4
Processor (CPU)
Graphics Card (GPU)
Storage

Most important from
4804 reviews

Processor (CPU)
Its M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and 8-core GPU delivers smooth multitasking and handles demanding editing applications effortlessly.
Graphics Card (GPU)
Despite its integrated GPU, the MacBook Air performs admirably for media production tasks such as video editing and music production.
Storage
The base 256GB SSD may require external storage for heavy video editors, but the overall value and performance justify the investment.
Display
The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display offers vivid colors, sharp details, and excellent brightness, enhancing photo and video editing accuracy.
Battery Life
Battery life impresses with up to 18 hours on a single charge, supporting long, unplugged creative sessions without interruption.
Portability
The MacBook Air combines exceptional portability with powerful performance, making it ideal for both work and leisure on the go.
Connectivity
Integration with the Apple ecosystem, including seamless iPhone connectivity and features like screen mirroring and messaging, boosts productivity.

Buying Guide for the Best Photo And Video Editing Laptops

Choosing the right laptop for photo and video editing is crucial for ensuring smooth and efficient workflow. The right laptop will help you handle large files, run editing software smoothly, and produce high-quality results. When selecting a laptop for these tasks, you need to consider several key specifications that will impact your editing experience. Here are the most important specs to look at and how to choose the best fit for your needs.
Processor (CPU)The processor is the brain of your laptop and is responsible for executing tasks and running programs. For photo and video editing, a powerful processor is essential because it will handle the complex calculations and rendering processes involved. Processors are typically divided into segments like entry-level (e.g., Intel Core i3), mid-range (e.g., Intel Core i5), and high-end (e.g., Intel Core i7 or i9). For serious editing work, aim for at least a mid-range processor, but a high-end processor will provide the best performance and future-proofing.
Graphics Card (GPU)The graphics card is responsible for rendering images, videos, and animations. A dedicated GPU is crucial for video editing and 3D rendering because it offloads these tasks from the CPU, resulting in smoother performance. GPUs are categorized into integrated (built into the CPU) and dedicated (separate component). For photo editing, a mid-range dedicated GPU might suffice, but for video editing, especially 4K or higher resolution, a high-end dedicated GPU is recommended.
RAM (Memory)RAM is the short-term memory of your laptop, allowing it to store and quickly access data that is being used. More RAM means better multitasking and faster performance when working with large files. For photo and video editing, 8GB of RAM is the minimum, but 16GB or more is ideal for handling larger projects and running multiple applications simultaneously without lag.
StorageStorage determines how much data you can keep on your laptop. There are two main types: HDD (Hard Disk Drive) and SSD (Solid State Drive). SSDs are faster and more reliable, making them better for editing tasks. When choosing storage, consider both capacity and speed. A minimum of 512GB SSD is recommended, but 1TB or more is ideal if you work with large video files. Some laptops offer a combination of SSD for speed and HDD for additional storage.
DisplayThe display is where you see your work, so having a high-quality screen is important for accurate color representation and detail. Look for a laptop with at least Full HD (1920x1080) resolution, but higher resolutions like 4K (3840x2160) are better for video editing. Additionally, consider the color accuracy (look for 100% sRGB or Adobe RGB coverage) and screen size (15 inches or larger is preferable for detailed work).
Battery LifeBattery life is important if you plan to edit on the go. Editing tasks are power-intensive, so a laptop with a long battery life will allow you to work longer without needing to recharge. Look for laptops with at least 6-8 hours of battery life under normal usage, but keep in mind that heavy editing will drain the battery faster.
PortabilityPortability refers to the size and weight of the laptop. If you need to carry your laptop frequently, a lighter and more compact model will be more convenient. However, more powerful laptops tend to be larger and heavier. Balance your need for performance with how often you need to move your laptop. A 15-inch laptop is a good compromise between screen size and portability.
ConnectivityConnectivity options like USB ports, HDMI, and Thunderbolt are important for connecting external devices such as monitors, storage drives, and peripherals. Ensure the laptop has enough ports for your needs, including fast data transfer options like USB-C or Thunderbolt 3/4. An SD card reader can also be useful for quickly transferring photos from your camera.

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