The best video editing computers may cost a bit. But they pack the kind of high-end processors that will run software like DaVinci Resolve Studio and After Effects smoothly, helping you get your work done more quickly and efficiently. These desktop computers won't be as portable as best laptops for video editing, but they will be more poweful, plus they're easier to upgrade, which means they can grow with your needs over time.
We've drawn on our long and deep experience in reviewing tech to bring together the very best computers for video editing together in one easy-to-read article. We've run a series of benchmark tests to assess their performance, and also put each machine through its paces with practical, real-world video editing tasks.
Below, you'll find a selection of video editing computers suitable for a range of budgets, including Macs, Windows, all-in-ones and tower PCs. You may also like our roundups of the best graphics cards and best monitors for video editing.
We found Apple's desktop powerhouse to be perfect for video editing. With an M2 Max or Ultra processor, it's immensely powerful, and its runs smoothly and silently. Read more below
This powerhouse of a Windows 11 computer combines a 24-core Intel i9-13900K processor with an NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU, making it a dream machine for demanding video editing. Read more below
The 2024 Mac mini has been reduced in size physically while its capabilities have increased. Starting at $599, this latest Mac mini represents exceptional value for video editors. Read more below
This tiny PC crams impressive specifications into a device about the size of the box you get a smartphone in. While not a powerhouse, it handles photo editing and light video work well. Read more below
The all-in-one solution from Apple includes a monitor, so you can get started editing video straight away. At the same time, the new M4 chip provides a ton of power. Read more below
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✅ You use resource-intensive editing software: The Mac Studio M2 Ultra handles video editing, and 3D rendering with ease.
✅ You want a small device: All that power fits into a package small enough to fit any desk.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You’re on a budget: Starting at £4,199, this is a major investment into your video editing career.
❌ You need portability: Even though it's small, this is not for carrying from place to place.
The bottom line
🔎 Mac Studio (M2 Ultra, 2023) is packed with power, making it capable of tackling the most demanding video editing tasks with ease. ★★★★★
What you need to know: The Mac Studio is designed with creative pros in mind, and we found it to be perfect for complex video editing. With an M2 Max or M2 Ultra chip, it's one of the most powerful computers Apple has made yet and can easily cope with editing high-resolution footage with graphically demanding effects. You'll need to buy a monitor separately, but the ability to choose the screen you want will appeal to video editing pros with specific needs.
Design: At 7.7 x 7.7 inches and 3.7 inches tall, the Mac Studio has a minimalist aluminium design and is compact enough to fit into tight workspaces, yet heavy enough (7.9 pounds) to feel robust. Front-facing Thunderbolt 4 ports and an SDXC card slot add convenience for photographers and designers frequently working with external drives and SD cards. At the rear, the Mac Studio boasts four additional Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI, and Ethernet. The M2 Ultra can support up to eight 4K displays, six 6K displays or three 8K displays all running at 60Hz.
Performance: The M2 Ultra is Apple’s most powerful chip, fusing two M2 Max chips to deliver extraordinary processing power. With up to 192GB of unified memory and 800GB/s memory bandwidth, the Mac Studio excels in multitasking and handling graphically intensive tasks. Our reviewer found it could run multiple processor-intensive programs together without blinking. It performed well across the board in our benchmark tests, including with 8K footage in Final Cut Pro and 3D footage in Houdini, and with near-silent in operation. It's also worth noting that the built-in speakers could be better, so you'll likely want to invest in headphones or speakers of your own.
Pricing: The M2 starts at £4,199 and exceeds £8,999 for the top-spec model, making it a substantial investment. If you're not performing such demanding video editing, it's likely to be more computing power than you will need and at a higher price tag than you need to pay. But if your video editing workflow is intensive, and you need to be confident that your computer will keep up, we'd recommend Mac Studio without hesitation.
✅ You work with complex 3D rendering and video editing: This computer's powerful components will run demanding software quickly and smoothly.
✅ You combine work with gaming: It's perfect for rendering, video editing, 3D modelling, and running video games.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You need portability: It's pretty heavy and so best suited to staying in one place.
❌ You're on a budget: Starting at nearly £4,000, the Omen 45L is best suited for those who needs its extreme specs.
The bottom line
🔎 HP Omen 45L runs demanding video editing software with unparalleled processing might. For professional editors, this machine delivers everything you need. ★★★★
What you need to know: This powerhouse of a Windows 11 computer combines a 24-core Intel i9-13900K processor with an NVIDIA RTX 4090 GPU, making it a dream machine for demanding creative work. It excels in video editing, 3D rendering and high-end creative applications.
Design and build: This black monolith comes with a glass side panel and innovative "cryo-chamber" cooling system. The sophisticated design includes customizable RGB lighting and a futuristic aesthetic that stands out in any professional workspace.
Performance: Our testers measured benchmark-crushing performance across a range of creative software. The powerful components inside this computer can handles 4K video editing, complex 3D rendering, and high-end creative applications with remarkable speed. We recorded impressive scores in both Cinebench and Geekbench benchmark tests.
Connectivity: The comprehensive port selection includes multiple USB types, HDMI, and DisplayPort, making it ideal for connecting multiple high-resolution monitors and peripherals.
Pricing: Starting around £3,998, this computer a significant investment. That makes it suitable for professionals who can monetise the extreme performance, but if you're only looking to do light video editing, it's probably overkill.
Graphics: 10-core GPU (M4) or 16-core GPU (M4 Pro)
RAM: 16-24GB
Storage: 256GB-512GB
Display: Supports up to 8K at 60Hz or 4K at 240Hz
Reasons to buy
+
Compact design
+
Exceptional performance
+
Front USB-C ports
Reasons to avoid
-
Awkward power button placement
-
Front USB-C ports slower than rear ones
Buy it if
✅ You need silent operation: The M4 chip runs cool and quiet.
✅ You want expandability: This comes with multiple Thunderbolt ports.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You need portability: While compact, this is a desktop solution.
❌ You require maximum GPU power: Dedicated GPUs in larger workstations will outperform the integrated graphics.
The bottom line
🔎 Mac mini (M4, 2024) delivers exceptional value for video editors, packing pro-level performance into an incredibly compact and silent package ★★★★½
What you need to know: The 2024 Mac mini represents Apple's biggest redesign of its system in over a decade, shrinking it physically while increasing its capabilities. The new M4 chip delivers around 20% better CPU performance than its predecessor, making it highly capable for video editing tasks. The base model now includes 16GB of unified memory as standard, which is crucial for smooth video editing performance.
Design and build: The new Mac mini is remarkably compact at just 5 x 5 inches, yet maintains excellent build quality with its aluminum enclosure. Front USB-C ports are a welcome addition for connecting temporary devices, though they're slower than the rear Thunderbolt ports. The power button placement on the bottom is somewhat awkward but rarely needs accessing in daily use.
Performance: The M4 chip handles 4K video editing in Adobe Premiere Pro smoothly, with quick rendering times and responsive timeline scrubbing. The neural engine provides up to 38 TOPS of processing power, beneficial for AI-enhanced video tools. The system remains virtually silent even under heavy loads, ideal for environments where noise control is important.
Connectivity: With three Thunderbolt 4 ports, two front USB-C ports, and HDMI supporting up to 8K at 60Hz, the Mac mini offers extensive connectivity for multiple displays, fast storage, and peripherals. The Ethernet port supports up to 10Gb speeds for fast network transfers of large video files.
Pricing: Starting at $599/£599/AU$999, the Mac mini represents exceptional value for video editors, offering professional-level performance at a fraction of the cost of larger workstations. The base model's 16GB RAM makes it viable for serious video work without requiring immediate upgrades.
✅ You need an ultra-portable PC: This tiny device fits in your pocket and can handle basic to moderate video editing.
✅ You're working in small spaces: Its miniature footprint makes it perfect for home offices or mobile workstations.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You edit professional 4K or complex video: The integrated graphics will struggle with intensive rendering.
❌ You require high-end graphics performance: Wait for the planned Mind Graphics extension.
The bottom line
🔎 Khadas Mind offers remarkable performance in an astonishingly small package. For casual video editors and professionals needing mobility, this mini-PC punches well above its weight. ★★★★½
What you need to know: This tiny PC defies expectations by cramming impressive specifications into a device about the size of the box you get a smartphone in. While not a powerhouse for complex video editing, it handles photo editing and light video work with surprising competence.
Design and build: Measuring just 18.5 x 12 x 3cm, the Khadas Mind is revolutionary in its compactness. The optional Mind Dock adds versatile connectivity, including additional ports and a fingerprint scanner. Its solid construction belies its tiny size.
Performance: Our benchmark tests revealed CPU performance rivalling Apple's M2 Pro, with Geekbench 6 scores impressively close to much larger systems. While integrated graphics limit heavy video editing, it can manage basic to moderate editing tasks smoothly.
Connectivity: The Mind Dock offers extensive connection options: 2x HDMI, 3x USB-A, 1x USB-C, Ethernet, audio jack, and SD card reader. Both USB-C ports support high-speed data transfer and power delivery.
Pricing: Prices start at £799 for the standard model and £1,099 for the premium version, with the Mind Dock an additional £179. A planned Mind Graphics extension promises to enhance its capabilities.
✅ You want an all-in-one computer: You won't have to buy a separate monitor and keyboard.
✅ You want a pixel-perfect screen: The 4.5K Retina display provides the level of detail 4K editing demands.
Don't buy it if:
❌ You want to connect a lot of devices: The base model only has two USB-C slots.
❌ You're a gamer: The display only offers 60Hz refresh rate.
The bottom line
🔎 iMac M4 combines Apple's capable hardware with an all-in-one package making it a great choice for professional video editors. ★★★★½
What you need to know: The all-in-one solution from Apple allows you to get started editing video without the fuss of having to buy a separate keyboard and monitor. At the same time, the new M4 chip provides a ton of power that will cope with even the most complex of video editing workflows. The 4.5K Retina display offers exceptional colour accuracy and clarity, and there's a nano-texture display option too.
Design: Thin, minimalist and stlyish, this is one of the best-looking computers available today, something that's heighten by thoughtful touches like colour-matched accessories and cables. The built-in 12MP webcam with Centre Stage is excellent for remote collaboration. Port selection varies by model, with high-end versions boasting four Thunderbolt 4 ports.
Performance: The M4 chip delivers blistering performance, with the Neural Engine capable of 38 trillion operations per second, so you'll be able to run any video editing software you like without ever having to suffer freezing or slowdowns. The base 16GB RAM is a welcome upgrade that ensures better multitasking capabilities, and you can opt for 32GB if you want to speed things up further.
Pricing: Starting at £1,299, this is offers excellent value for an all-in-one design workstation. Note that the nano-texture display adds £200 to the price, though.
Choosing the best video-editing computer for your needs involves considering several factors. Firstly, video editing requires significant processing power, so look for a computer with a fast multi-core processor to handle the demands of editing software. An Intel i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor released in the last few years should suffice; if you can afford to bump up to a full i9 or Ryzen 9 processor, your system will have a much easier time.
Random Access Memory (RAM) is also crucial for video editing. Aim for a minimum of 16GB, but consider 32GB or more for smoother editing, especially with 4K or higher resolutions. Long-term storage is important too. Video files can be large, so consider a computer with ample and fast SSD (solid-state drive) storage. (If you need more space, you can add external hard drives as needed.)
A dedicated graphics card (GPU) can significantly improve video editing performance, especially for rendering and effects. Look for models with GPUs from NVIDIA or AMD. As for the display, look for high resolution (minimum 4K) and good colour accuracy (i.e. high colour gamut and colour calibration options). Our guide to the best monitors for video editing will help.
Connectivity is one more consideration. Ensure that the computer has enough ports to connect external devices, such as cameras, storage drives and peripherals. USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt ports are beneficial for faster data transfer. SD card slots are also useful for getting footage off cameras. Finally, check the system requirements of the video editing software you plan to use and ensure that the computer meets those specifications.
Creative Bloq's team of hardware experts bring with them many years of experience using, testing and benchmarking computers with a focus on running creative applications. All the computers in this guide have been tested either by using video-editing software or benchmarked to ensure the CPU and GPU are capable of the most intensive video jobs around. We run different benchmark tests on each device depending on its intended use by its maker, but the benchmarks we've run all the computers in this guide through include the following:
• Cinebench R23/2024 - this assesses the performance of a computer's CPU and GPU using real-world 3D rendering tasks
• Handbrake - we use this free and open-source transcoder for digital video files to render a short 4K animated film, using the same file for all our tests
• Geekbench 5/6 - this tests the CPU's processing power, both by using a single core for a single task at a time as well as all the CPU's core to see its ability to multitask
• 3DMark - this assesses a computer's ability to run graphic rendering tasks, which is highly relevant to video editors
• PCMark 10 - this test assesses a computer’s ability to run all everyday tasks from web browsing to digital content creation, testing app launch speeds, video buffering and even battery life
But perhaps more importantly than benchmarking, we evaluate machines in real-world scenarios, pushing them to the limit with multiple applications running to see how they perform in real project-like conditions. Power, speed, flexibility, and what a computer looks and feels like to use are all criteria in our reviewing process. We do much more than simply unpack a test unit, run some benchmarks and then pack it up again; we have lived and worked with all of the above computers, running them in real-life scenarios and completed projects relevant to the subject of this guide, otherwise we wouldn't recommend these models to you. For more details, see our article on How we test.
The right video editing software for you will depend on a few factors, including which computer you end up buying and what kind of projects you are likely to be working on. Popular options include Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro (for Mac users) and CyberLink PowerDirector, though all of these cost money, and it is possible to get great editing software absolutely free, thanks to DaVinci's Resolve program. Check out our guide to the best video editing software for a complete rundown.
Is a gaming PC good at video editing?
Gaming computers and laptops share a few things in common with those optimised for creative professionals: you need a fast CPU, a powerful GPU to run your games/applications and as much RAM as you can afford.
This makes gaming PCs a great alternative to portable workstations, especially as many manufacturers don't create desktop computers with creative professions like video editing in mind, which is why you may have noticed that this list is dominated by Apple-branded hardware and gaming PCs.
The components required to run next-gen AAA games and hardware like VR headsets isn't dissimilar to those used by people who run demanding software such as Adobe Creative Suite, and many companies like Dell, Lenovo and HP will provide different configurations that allow you to customise the system to your exact needs.
You can expect a recently released, high-spec processor, a beefy graphics card, plentiful and speedy RAM, and of course a sizable SSD storage capacity for you to save 4K files to.
Gaming desktops can also support powerful displays, so if you need a 4K, 144Hz monitor then you'll find gaming PCs more readily available than specialized creative systems. The only thing you need to worry about is a 'gamer' aesthetic and an occasionally obnoxious amount of RGB lighting.
Why is my video editing computer lagging?
Any computer can suffer from lag, particualrly when engaged in a resource-intensive task like video editing. If your computer meets the minimum system requirements for your editing software and you're still having trouble, it may be worth trying a quick restart to see if matters improve. If you're working on a big project, it can also be worth dividing it up into smaller chunks that are easier to handle. Other potential fixes include defragging your hard drive and updating your video drivers.
If none of this works, it may be time to upgrade – but this doesn't necessarily mean a whole new computer. If your PC is modular, you may be able to swap out components like the graphics card or hard drive to extend its life.
Matt has been a technology journalist for over 15 years, writing for publications such as T3, MacFormat and Creative Bloq. He's a managing editor of TechRadar, Creative Bloq's sister site, where he can be found writing about and reviewing laptops, computers, monitors and more. He often writes for Creative Bloq, helping creatives find their perfect laptop or PC.
