10 Best Video Editing Computers 2025 in the United States

The Apple 2024 iMac with the M4 chip is a powerful all-in-one desktop computer designed for video editing and other multimedia tasks. The 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU within the M4 chip deliver high performance, ensuring smooth and efficient processing of video editing software. With 16GB of unified memory, the iMac can handle multitasking and large projects with ease. However, the 256GB SSD storage may be a limitation for those who require more space for storing large video files, so additional external storage might be necessary.

The iMac's 24-inch Retina display is a standout feature, offering a bright and vibrant 4.5K resolution that is ideal for detailed video editing work. The design is sleek and comes in various colors, making it a stylish addition to any workspace. Connectivity options are robust, with up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports, Wi-Fi 6E, and Bluetooth 5.3, allowing for fast data transfers and easy connection to peripherals.

One downside is the integrated graphics, which might not be as powerful as dedicated GPUs found in some other video editing computers, but the M4 chip's optimization within Apple's ecosystem helps mitigate this. Additionally, the advanced camera and audio features, such as the 12MP Center Stage camera and six speakers with Spatial Audio, enhance the multimedia experience. This iMac is particularly well-suited for users who are already in the Apple ecosystem and prefer seamless integration with other Apple devices. Although the storage capacity and integrated graphics may be seen as limitations, the performance, display quality, and design make it a compelling choice for video editors.

The Apple 2024 MacBook Air with the M3 chip is a lightweight and portable laptop that delivers solid performance for video editing, especially for users who value mobility. It features an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU integrated into the M3 chip, which offers good processing and graphics power suitable for editing 1080p and even some 4K videos, thanks to hardware-accelerated support for popular video formats like ProRes and HEVC. The 16GB unified memory helps run Adobe Creative Cloud apps smoothly, though more demanding, large projects might benefit from upgrading to 24GB. Storage starts at 256GB SSD, which may feel limiting if you work with large video files; however, you can configure it up to 2TB if needed.

The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display supports 1 billion colors and offers excellent brightness and color accuracy, important for precise video color grading. Connectivity includes two Thunderbolt ports, a MagSafe charging port, and support for up to two external displays, providing good flexibility for connecting peripherals and monitors. While the MacBook Air’s integrated graphics and fanless design keep it silent and cool, it may not match the raw power of larger MacBook Pro models with dedicated GPUs for very heavy video-editing workloads.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to 18 hours, allowing for extended work sessions without charging. This MacBook Air is a strong option for video editors who prioritize portability and work mainly on moderate to medium-level projects, but those handling very intensive editing may find its power and storage options somewhat limited.

The Alienware Aurora R16 Liquid Cooled Gaming Desktop is equipped with powerful components suited for video editing tasks. It features an Intel Core i9-14900F processor, which ensures fast and efficient performance during demanding video-editing operations. The 32GB DDR5 RAM allows for smooth multitasking and handling large video files, making it suitable for intensive editing software.

The storage setup includes a 1TB SSD for quick access to your projects and a 1TB HDD for additional storage space, providing a good balance between speed and capacity. The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 SUPER graphics card with 12GB GDDR6X memory offers excellent rendering capabilities, ensuring that high-resolution video edits are processed without lag. The liquid cooling system and efficient airflow keep the desktop running quietly and at optimal temperature, which is beneficial during long editing sessions.

Connectivity is robust, with multiple USB ports and Bluetooth support, which provides flexibility for connecting peripherals and transferring data. However, the desktop lacks a built-in display, meaning an external monitor will be necessary. Additionally, its large size and weight might be a consideration for those with limited space.