Best Macbook Processor for Video Editing: Power and Performance Compared

Last Updated on December 17, 2025 by Cassie Moorhead

There’s nothing more frustrating than waiting minutes for your video to render or struggling with lag while editing. It slows you down and kills your creative flow.

You want to focus on making your videos shine, not on your laptop holding you back. Choosing the right MacBook processor can change all that. It makes editing smooth, fast, and even enjoyable. With the right power under the hood, you can breeze through tasks and bring your ideas to life without stress.

In this article, I’ll help you find the best MacBook processor for video editing. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these picks will fit your needs and boost your workflow. Keep reading to discover which MacBook can be your perfect editing partner.

Apple Macbook Air 15-inch Laptop

The Apple 2025 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M4 chip is ideal for creative professionals, students, and everyday users who seek a powerful yet lightweight device with exceptional performance and stunning visuals. If you want a reliable laptop that combines advanced technology with portability, this model is designed to meet those needs.

Pros:

• Powerful M4 chip delivering fast and efficient performance
• Large 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display for vibrant and crisp visuals
• 24GB Unified Memory enabling smooth multitasking
• 512GB SSD Storage providing ample space with quick data access
• 12MP Center Stage Camera ideal for high-quality video calls
• Touch ID for secure and convenient authentication
• Sleek Starlight color design with lightweight build

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to entry-level laptops
• Limited port variety, may require adapters for some peripherals

The MacBook Air 15-inch features the cutting-edge M4 chip, which significantly enhances processing speed and energy efficiency, making it perfect for both demanding applications and everyday tasks. The large Liquid Retina Display ensures users enjoy vivid colors and sharp details, whether they are editing photos, watching videos, or browsing the web.

With 24GB of unified memory, this laptop handles multitasking effortlessly, allowing users to switch between apps without lag. The 512GB SSD storage offers fast file access and ample space for documents, media, and software. Additionally, the integrated 12MP Center Stage Camera improves video conferencing experiences by keeping users perfectly framed. Overall, this device blends performance, portability, and advanced features to deliver an exceptional user experience.

To buy this product, click here.

Apple 2024 Macbook Pro Laptop

The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 Pro is ideal for creative professionals, developers, and tech enthusiasts who demand top-tier performance and stunning visuals. If you require a powerful machine for intensive tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, software development, or multitasking with demanding applications, this laptop is designed to meet those needs with exceptional efficiency and style.

Pros:

• Powered by the advanced M4 Pro chip with a 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU for unmatched speed and graphics performance.
• Features a 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display delivering vibrant colors and deep contrast for an immersive viewing experience.
• Equipped with a massive 48GB Unified Memory that ensures smooth multitasking and efficient handling of large files.
• Comes with 512GB SSD Storage for fast data access and ample space for important projects.
• Elegant Space Black finish combined with a sleek, lightweight design for portability and style.

Cons:

• Relatively high price point, which may not suit budget-conscious buyers.
• Limited storage capacity at 512GB might require external drives for extensive media libraries.
• Heavier compared to some ultra-light laptops, weighing approximately 4.72 pounds.

The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro boasts the cutting-edge M4 Pro chip that elevates processing power and graphics capabilities, allowing users to tackle complex software and creative workflows effortlessly. The inclusion of a 14-core CPU alongside a 20-core GPU ensures that this laptop can handle demanding tasks such as 3D modeling and video editing with remarkable speed and efficiency. Additionally, the laptop’s 48GB Unified Memory supports seamless multitasking, enabling professionals to run multiple applications without any slowdown.

Users will also benefit greatly from the 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, which provides exceptional color accuracy, brightness, and contrast, making it perfect for visual content creators who require precise image representation. The 512GB SSD Storage offers quick boot times and rapid file access, though users with extensive storage needs might consider external options. Housed in a stylish Space Black chassis, this MacBook Pro combines power and aesthetics into a portable design that complements any professional environment.

To buy this product, click here.

Apple 2024 Macbook Pro Laptop

The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 Pro is ideal for creative professionals, developers, and power users who require a high-performance machine for demanding tasks such as video editing, 3D rendering, software development, and multitasking. If you value cutting-edge technology, superior graphics, and a stunning display in a sleek, portable design, this laptop is tailored for you.

Pros:

• Powerful M4 Pro chip with a 14‑core CPU and 20‑core GPU for exceptional performance.
• Stunning 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display with vivid colors and high brightness.
• Generous 24GB Unified Memory ensures smooth multitasking and efficient workflow.
• Large and fast 1TB SSD Storage for quick data access and ample file space.
• Elegant Space Black finish combined with a lightweight and compact design.

Cons:

• Higher price point compared to standard laptops may not fit all budgets.
• Limited upgrade options post-purchase due to integrated components.

The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro features the advanced M4 Pro chip which delivers a perfect balance of power and efficiency. The 14‑core CPU and 20‑core GPU provide users with outstanding processing speed and graphical performance, making it ideal for resource-heavy applications and creative workflows. This means users can experience faster rendering times, smoother video playback, and an overall more responsive system.

Equipped with a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, the laptop offers stunning visuals with precise color accuracy and impressive brightness levels. This display enhances the viewing experience whether you are editing photos, watching videos, or working on detailed design projects. Additionally, the 24GB of unified memory enables seamless multitasking, allowing professionals to run multiple applications simultaneously without any lag, boosting productivity significantly.

To buy this product, click here.

Apple 2025 Macbook Pro Laptop

The Apple 2025 MacBook Pro Laptop with M5 chip is ideal for creative professionals, tech enthusiasts, and power users who demand exceptional performance and stunning visuals. If you need a reliable, high-speed laptop for tasks like video editing, software development, or graphic design, this laptop is built to handle intensive workloads with ease.

Pros:

• Powerful M5 chip with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU for seamless multitasking and graphics performance
• 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display offers vibrant colors and sharp details
• 16GB Unified Memory ensures smooth operation across demanding applications
• 512GB SSD Storage provides fast data access and ample space for files
• Elegant Space Black design with a lightweight and compact form factor

Cons:

• Higher price point may not be suitable for budget-conscious buyers
• Limited upgrade options due to unified memory architecture
• Relatively heavy compared to some ultraportable laptops

The Apple 2025 MacBook Pro is equipped with the latest M5 chip, combining a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU that deliver remarkable speed and efficiency. This makes it an excellent choice for users who run complex software or engage in creative workflows like 3D rendering and video production. The chip’s integration with 16GB of unified memory means that the system can handle multiple heavy applications simultaneously without lag.

The laptop’s 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display is designed to provide incredibly sharp visuals with deep blacks and bright highlights, enhancing every image and video you view. Coupled with a fast 512GB SSD, this device offers quick boot times and fast file transfers, improving overall productivity. Its sleek Space Black finish and compact dimensions make it not only powerful but also stylish and portable for professionals on the go.

To buy this product, click here.

Apple 15.4in Macbook Pro Laptop

The Apple 15.4in MacBook Pro Laptop (Retina, Touch Bar, 2.2GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage) in Space Gray is ideal for creative professionals, power users, and students who require a high-performance laptop for demanding tasks like video editing, software development, and graphic design. This renewed 2018 model offers a balance of powerful specs and portability, making it perfect for users seeking reliability and speed in a sleek package.

Pros:

• Powerful 6-Core Intel Core i7 processor for efficient multitasking and high-speed performance
• Bright and sharp Retina display with True Tone technology for stunning visuals
• Comfortable and responsive Touch Bar enhances workflow and productivity
• Ample 16GB RAM ensures smooth operation of demanding applications
• Fast and reliable 256GB SSD storage provides quick boot times and file access
• Lightweight and sleek Space Gray design weighing only 4.0 pounds, ideal for portability

Cons:

• Relatively limited 256GB SSD may require external storage for large projects
• 2018 model may lack some newer hardware features found in latest MacBook versions
• Higher price point compared to other laptops with similar specs

The MacBook Pro 15.4-inch features a stunning Retina display that delivers vivid colors and crisp details, making it perfect for photo and video editing. The integrated Touch Bar adds versatility by providing context-specific controls and shortcuts, improving user efficiency. With a powerful 6-core Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of RAM, this laptop handles intensive multitasking and professional software effortlessly.

The inclusion of a 256GB SSD storage ensures lightning-fast boot times and quick file retrieval, significantly reducing downtime. Its compact and lightweight design in Space Gray allows for easy portability without sacrificing performance, making it an excellent choice for professionals and students on the move. Although it is a renewed 2018 model, it still packs enough power and features to meet modern computing needs efficiently.

To buy this product, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Macbook Processor Suits Video Editing Best?

The Apple M4 Pro chip, with its 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU, offers optimal performance. It handles demanding video editing tasks smoothly and efficiently on MacBook Pro models.

How Much Ram Is Ideal For Macbook Video Editing?

At least 24GB of unified memory is recommended for smooth video editing. This ensures faster rendering and multitasking on MacBook Air and Pro models.

Does The M5 Chip Improve Video Editing Speed?

Yes, the M5 chip with a 10-core CPU and GPU enhances editing speed. It provides excellent performance for 4K and high-resolution video projects.

Is Ssd Storage Important For Video Editing Macs?

Absolutely. A minimum of 512GB SSD storage is essential for quick access to large video files. Larger storage supports better workflow on MacBook Pro laptops.

How Does The Display Affect Video Editing On Macbooks?

The Liquid Retina XDR display offers superior color accuracy and brightness. This is crucial for precise video color grading and detailed editing work.

Can Older Macbook Models Handle Video Editing Effectively?

Older models with Intel Core i7 and 16GB RAM can manage basic editing. However, they lag behind newer M4 and M5 chip MacBooks in speed and efficiency.

Conclusion

Choosing the best MacBook processor for video editing depends on your needs and budget. The latest Apple M4 and M5 chips offer strong performance with fast CPUs and powerful GPUs. Models like the 2025 MacBook Air with M4 chip provide great memory and display for smooth editing.

The MacBook Pro with M4 Pro chip excels with higher memory and larger screens, ideal for heavy video projects. Even older models, like the 2018 MacBook Pro with Intel i7, can handle basic editing tasks well. Remember, more RAM and faster storage also improve editing speed.

Think about what kind of videos you create and how much power you need. A good MacBook processor can save time and make editing easier. Choose wisely to enjoy a smooth and efficient video editing experience on your MacBook.