The best video editing computer: the ideal desktop PCs for video editors

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1. Best overall: Mac Studio
2. Best Windows: Surface Studio 2
3. Best value Mac: Mac Mini (2020)
4. Value all-in-one: iMac (2020)
5. Best gaming: HP Omen 30L
6. Alt gaming: Legion Tower
7. All-rounder: iMac (2021)
FAQs
How to choose
How we test

The best video editing computer won't be cheap, but it will make your work so much easier. And so rather than repeatedly watching your machine stutter and crash, you'll become much more productive. And given that time is money, that makes them a worthwhile investment.

To help you pick the right one, we've applied our experience and expertise to curate a list of the best computers for video editing on the market today. Our review procedure for computers involves a series of benchmark tests to assess their performance, to see if they can do everything the manufacturers claim. We also look at a computer's design, assessing its real-world usability.  

Our selection includes Macs and PCs covering a range of budgets. Note that these are all desktop computers, as these tend to deliver the kind of power video editors need. However, if you want something more portable, we also have a guide to the best laptops for video editing. Also don't miss our roundups of the best graphics cards and best monitors for video editing.

Quick list

If you just want a snapshot of the best computers for video editing, look no further; we've summarised all of the key information about the top picks from our list below. 

Best overall computer for video editing

Photograph of Mac Studio M2 Ultra 2023 on desk beside keyboardCreative Bloq endorsed

(Image credit: Future)
Apple's high-performance workstation is a LOT of power

Specifications

CPU: M2 Max 12 cores / M2 Ultra 24-cores
Graphics: 30-core GPU / 60-core GPU
RAM: 32GB / 64GB
Storage: 512GB-8TB SSD
Screen: None

Reasons to buy

+
Fantastic for 8K editing
+
Near-silent in use
+
Lots of accessible ports

Reasons to avoid

-
Very expensive
-
More than most need

The Mac Studio M2 is the latest update to Apple's top computing powerhouse. Looking like a couple of Mac Minis (more on those below) welded together, the Mac Studio is designed for creative professionals and is perfect for video editors with big power needs. The M1 Max and M1 Ultra edition was already a powerful machine, but now available with the new M2 and M2 Ultra processors, this is simply one of the most powerful computers Apple has ever made.

In our review of the Mac Studio M2 Ultra, we found it to be an astounding machine; running multiple processor-intensive programs at once without blinking, and near-silent in operation. Most importantly, in our benchmark tests, this machine performed exceptionally well across the board, If you want to edit complex projects incorporating 8K footage in Final Cut Pro, or render 3D footage in Houdini, you'll find that either Mac Studio M2 will handle the task with aplomb. 

If you're not performing the kinds of video editing tasks detailed above, then this is undoubtedly more computing power than you will ever need, at a higher price tag than you need to pay. But if your video editing workflow is extremely power-intensive, and you need to be confident that your computer will keep up, we'd recommend Mac Studio without hesitation.

One potential downside is that you'll need to buy a monitor separately, but the ability to buy exactly the screen you need might benefit pros with specific needs. It's also worth noting that the built-in speaker isn't up to much, so you'll likely need to invest in headphones or speakers of your own to monitor the audio in your videos. 

Read our Mac Studio (M2 Ultra) review to learn more, and also consider the Mac Studio (M1) if you want high levels of power for a slightly lower cash outlay.

Best Windows comptuer for video editing

A Microsoft Surface Studio 2 with a mouse and keyboard against a white backgroundCB

(Image credit: Microsoft)
The best Windows computer for video editing

Specifications

CPU: Intel Core i7-7820HQ
Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 6GB -GTX 1070 8GB
RAM: 16-32GB
Storage: 1-2TB SSD
Screen: 28-inch 4500x3000 resolution IPS display

Reasons to buy

+
Powerful graphics
+
High-res touch-sensitive display
+
A decent iMac alternative

Reasons to avoid

-
The CPU is out of date compared to rival products
-
Eyewateringly expensive for what you get

If you prefer Windows to OS X, then fear not, you've got a brilliant option in the form of the Microsoft Surface Studio 2. It scored major points in our review for its clever design choices, like the hinge that makes it easy to flip the screen all the way down. Its ability to switch colour profiles from sRGB to DCI-P3 is also really useful for high-end video editing.

Central to the Surface Studio 2 is its fantastic 28-inch display, which not only has a resolution of 4,500 x 3000 pixels, but is also a touchscreen. If you want to drag and drop your clips around in a more tactile fashion, you can, though there are also plenty of peripherals available like mice and keyboards to use in a more standard setup.

The components of the Surface Studio 2 fall a little short of the iMacs in our top two spots, but let's not get carried away – for most contemporary editing tasks, they're going to be just fine. If you don't want to jump onto the Apple train, this is a fantastic choice of video editing computer. See our full Surface Studio 2 review for more information.

Best value Mac for video editing

Photograph of a Mac mini (M2 Pro, 2023) from top showing Apple logo, on wooden surfaceCB endorsed

(Image credit: Future)
Best value Mac for video editing

Specifications

CPU: 10-core CPU, upgradeable to 12-core
Graphics: 16-core
RAM: 16-32GB unified memory
Storage: 512GB, configurable to 8TB
Screen: None

Reasons to buy

+
Blisteringly fast performance
+
Great value
+
Classic design

Reasons to avoid

-
Still can’t use eGPUs

If you're after a small PC that packs a punch, the entry-level model of the latest Mac mini offers an impressive amount of power and truly excellent value for money. And the same can be said for the M2 Pro version if you need an even higher level of performance. Yes, it's more expensive, but so far I've yet to find anything his seemingly unassuming little machine can't handle. 

The benchmark tests our reviewer ran threw up results that were even better than we imagined. These numbers showed the Pro version to be much more powerful than even the M2 Max-powered Macbook Air

In short, this is a fantastic machine for video editing, and a more affordable alternative to the Mac Studio. Which model you go for will depend on just how hard you need it to work and what your desk space and system set-up looks like. But both the M2 and M2 Pro minis are, in my opinion, a really solid investment for video editor, as our Mac mini (M2 Pro, 2023) review shows.

Best value all-in-one video editing computer

iMac 27-inch 2020 on home office desk, alongside notebook, coffee cup and houseplantCB endorsed

(Image credit: Future)
The best value all-in-one Mac for video editing

Specifications

CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i5 – i9
Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300 - Radeon Pro 5700 XT
RAM: 8GB – 128GB 2666MHz DDR4
Storage: 256GB – 8TB SSD
Screen: 27-inch (diagonal) 5120 x 2880 Retina 5K display

Reasons to buy

+
Improved internals
+
Sleek Apple design
+
Can be configured to be very powerful

Reasons to avoid

-
Design is getting old
-
Just two Thunderbolt ports

While this 2020 iMac may not be as stylishly designed as its newer sibling, and lacks the in-house Apple M1 chip, it's still a mightily powerful computer with a few tricks of its own, and a few things that the newer model doesn't have.

For a start, it's got a larger display – a 27-inch 5120 x 2880 Retina 5K display, in point of fact. Also, it has its own discrete graphics card in the AMD Radeon Pro 5700 XT, which gives it a bit of an edge when handling graphically intense tasks. When we reviewed the 2020 iMac, we were blown away by just how well it could keep up even while we deliberately loaded it up with processor-intense tasks. That 10th-generation Intel i9 processor might not be an M1, but it still gets the job done. 

The iMac also never seems to overheat, and its fans never seem to run into screaming overdrive. A hat has to be tipped to Apple's clever thermal design here, allowing the computer to cool off with ease. Formidable even when it comes to crunching through high-resolution video, the iMac 2020 is an all-in-one powerhouse that'll suit practically any editing workflow. 

The all-in-one design on the iMac 2020 means it's easy to set up and looks smart in any office, home or studio, and it's a formidable PC when it comes to editing high-resolution videos. See our iMac 2020 review for more details.

Best gaming video editing computer

HP Omen 30L video editing computer side view with internal components visible

(Image credit: HP)

05. HP Omen 30L

This gaming PC is also highly capable for video editing

Specifications

CPU: Intel Core i7-10700K
Graphics: RTX 2080 Super
RAM: 16GB
Storage: 1TB SSD
Screen: None

Reasons to buy

+
Good-value processing power
+
Components can be swapped
+
Great for both gaming and editing

Reasons to avoid

-
Single cooling fan
-
Design not for everyone

It's well worth looking into gaming PCs for your video editing needs. After all, gaming is an activity that requires a lot of power out of your computer for a long period of time – just like processing and rendering video. While a lot of gamers build their own computers, there are plenty of options out there for those who have no interest in doing that, such as the HP Omen 30L.

The glass-heavy style lets you see the internal components, which may not be to everyone's tastes, but we rather like it. The computing power is excellent, especially for this price point, with a healthy 16GB of RAM to play with. The graphical performance is also outstanding, which is handy if you're planning a lot of intense After Effects work. The design of the computer makes it relatively easy to swap out parts, so if you are someone who can get their hands dirty, you'll be able to help the HP Omen 30L keep up for a good few years.

There's only one cooling fan, and be aware that it really does get loud when the computer is performing demanding tasks; you could be forgiven for thinking someone had crammed a jet engine in there. This is hardly a killer flaw, just something to be aware of. 

Alternative gaming video editing computer

A side view of the Lenovo Legion 5i gaming PC against a white background

(Image credit: Lenovo)

06. Lenovo Legion Tower 5i

Another great choice for gaming and video editing

Specifications

CPU: Up to 10th-gen Intel Core i7
Graphics: Up to NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2070 Super
RAM: Up to 16 GB DDR4 2933MHz
Storage: Up to 2 TB HDD + 1 TB SSD
Screen: None

Reasons to buy

+
Clean, modern design
+
Beefy components
+
Various configurations

Reasons to avoid

-
No USB Type-C at the front

The Lenovo Legion 5i is another excellent example of a gaming PC that also doubles as a great PC for video editing, offering superb value for money and flexibility for anyone who dabbles in games alongside their creative work.

You're getting 10th generation Intel processors, and up to an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2070 Super, both of which are slightly out of date given the latest generational releases from Nvidia and Intel, but still very capable and powerful enough to run AAA games and any video editing application, you can throw at it.

You can also configure it with up to 16GB of RAM, which should be plenty for most people's needs. If you find you need more, then you can always upgrade it yourself later – one of the best things about desktop PCs is how relatively easy they are to upgrade. Best of all, this PC can come with loads of storage space, with up to 1TB hard drive and a 1TB SSD – making it ideal for storing all your video files.

Great all-round video editing computer

Blue M1 iMac (2021) on a white background with keyboard and mouse

(Image credit: Apple)
Great all-round video editing computer

Specifications

CPU: Apple M1 chip with 8‑core CPU
Graphics: Integrated 7-core – 8-core GPU
RAM: 8GB – 16GB unified memory
Storage: up to 2TB
Screen: 24-inch 4.5K Retina display

Reasons to buy

+
Excellent screen quality
+
Updated, colorful design
+
Compact all-in-one

Reasons to avoid

-
Lack of ports
-
No discrete GPU

The latest generation of Apple iMac computers is the best option for video editing in terms of the balance these machines provide between power, performance and price. The iMac (24-inch, 2021) is an outstanding machine, receiving a glowing write-up from our reviewer. We tried running multiple streams of 4K video in editing software, and the computer's multi-core performance handled it adroitly. 

It's got a 24-inch display, which sports a 4.5K resolution. This means if you're going to be working with 8K footage, you're going to need to look elsewhere, but most people won't be, and the majority of users are going to appreciate the sleek redesign of this excellent computer. The thin bezels make the screen extra easy to immerse yourself in. Plumping for an Apple computer also means you have access to Final Cut Pro, a user-friendly program for video editing, and one of our most highly recommended pieces of video editing software. 

One thing to mention is that the M1 iMac lacks a discrete GPU, which means if you're working with effect-heavy video in the likes of DaVinci Resolve, you may experience some lag. Something like a MacBook Pro may be a better choice in this instance.

See our iMac M1 review for more details. And if the 24-inch display isn't large enough for you, then the older 27-inch iMac (see below) might well serve your purposes...

FAQs

What software do I need for video editing?

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 optimized 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 Suit, 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 lease of life. 

How to choose the best video editing computer

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.

How we test the best video editing computers

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

Matt Hanson

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.

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