The best video editing computers run software like Premiere Pro without breaking a sweat. There's usually also an option to upgrade, making for a future-proofed machine that’ll see you editing footage for years to come (though that is not the case for Apple Macs).
I’ve spent time testing all of the best video editing PCs around, conducting real-world and benchmark testing to help you make the right choice. Today, my number one pick is the Mac Studio (M2 Max / Ultra, 2023). It's just the best at all the heavy work of video editing, it's stylish and just does the job out of the box. However, as mentioned, there is no option to upgrade parts, so make sure you get the specs you want first time. If you work in 3D, we also have a guide to the best laptops for 3d modelling which is worth looking at.
Matt Hanson
Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there's no aspect of technology that Matt isn't passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. Ever since he got an Amiga A500+ for Christmas in 1991, he's loved using (and playing on) computers, and will talk endlessly about how The Secret of Monkey Island is the best game ever made.
Apple's desktop powerhouse is perfect for video editing. With an M2 Max or Ultra processor, it's immensely powerful and 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
A gaming PC with plenty of horsepower, this brightly lit number also delivers the goods for video editing, as I discovered in my testing. A more affordable option than the Omen 45L. Read more below
30-second review: The Mac Studio is designed with creative pros in mind, and I 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.
Pricing: The official RRP of the Mac Studio with M2 Max starts at $1,999 / £2,099 and rises to $3,999 / £4,199 with M2 Max Ultra, making it a big 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, we'd recommend Mac Studio without hesitation. A more affordable option would be the Mac mini (M4, 2024).
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. I found it could run multiple processor-intensive programs together without blinking. It performed well across the board in our benchmark tests, including with 8K 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.
If you’re a creative professional and spend 90% of your day working on intensive projects, then the Mac Studio is the perfect investment for you. It isn’t something you’re going to need to change next year when a better model comes out, in fact, it’s probably not something you’ll need to change for a good few years.
30-second review: 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.
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.
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. It's a traditional tower PC, versus the smaller desktop computers like the Mac Studio (M2) in our top spot or the smaller models (Khadas Mind, Mac mini M4) below.
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. I 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.
Our expert says...
Our expert says...
Ian Evenden
HP’s Omen range is aimed at gamers, but a specced-out gaming PC also has everything you’ll need for serious creative work, so it’s worth looking at if you’re in the market for a Windows PC that can take on a heavy processing load.
30-second review: Sitting more in the mid-range than the Omen 45L, the HP Omen 35L is otherwise a similar deal in a lot of respects. It's a very powerful desktop PC, boasting the latest Intel processors and NVIDIA GPUs, which allow it to make mincemeat of intensive creative tasks, including video editing. Nicely designed, with a stylish white case and lots of bits that light up (if you like that sort of thing) it's a gaming machine that's great for multiple applications.
Pricing: With the RRP of the lowest configurations starting at $1,800 / $2,500, this isn't the most expensive PC in the world... but it's also a long way from being the cheapest. You'll also need to factor in the cost of a good monitor. However, the speed with which it can handle rendering tasks and the like does make a case for its value for money – for video editors, time is money.
Design and build: Overall I was impressed. The design of the Omen 35L is not going to be to everyone's tastes, but if you're a sucker for a transparent panel and light-up components, you're going to be in heaven here. Cooling is also sensibly managed, with good airflow thanks to the relatively small motherboard.
Performance: This is ultimately where the HP Omen 35L really shines. It absolutely crushed the majority of our benchmark tests, and thanks to that discrete NVIDIA graphics card, its performance for visual creative work was particularly impressive. Our benchmark video tests use Topaz Video AI to test a system's ability to upscale video and convert video to slow-motion, and the Omen 35L ripped through these tasks without issue. It's very hard to imagine any video editor who would find this PC insufficient for their needs.
Connectivity: The various ports are generally sensibly placed, though you might need a long cable to reach the sole Thunderbolt 4 port located at the back – and some may be disappointed not to see more than one of these ports.
Our expert says
Our expert says
Ian Evenden
Put this on a desk with a pair of 5K monitors and you’ll make video editors very happy indeed.
30-second review: 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.
Pricing: The RRP of the Khadas Mind start at $549 / £750 for the standard model and $849 / £999 for the premium version. That's not cheap, but among the powerful machines on this list, it's at the more affordable end.
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. Of course, it's not as small as the Mac mini (M4, 2024) listed below, but there's only a few centimeters in it.
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.
Our expert says...
Our expert says...
Erlingur Einarsson
Despite its slight graphical compromise, it handles photo-editing with ease, connectivity is ample and comfortable, it's exceedingly easy to set up, and with the Mind Dock attached, it's truly a complete workstation that takes up an astonishingly small amount of desk space.
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
30-second review: The 2024 Mac mini delivers better-than-ever performance in a smaller-than-ever body, and for our money it continues to deliver some of the best value for money across Apple's whole portfolio. The new M4 chip delivers around 20% better CPU performance than its predecessor, and as I found in my testing, it chops and shreds its way through video editing tasks. The base model now includes 16GB of unified memory as standard, which is crucial for smooth video editing performance.
Pricing: Starting at an official Apple price of $599 / £599, 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. This is some of the best value for money that Apple offers right now.
Design and build: The new Mac mini is remarkably compact, 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. We found the power button placement on the bottom to be somewhat awkward but rarely needs accessing in daily use. It trumps the Khadas Mind's impressively small scale by a few centimeters, but it's also a whole lot less fiddly, if you excuse that bottom-mounted on/off button.
Performance: The M4 chip handles 4K video editing in Premiere Pro smoothly, with quick rendering times and responsive timeline scrubbing. It crunched its way through our benchmark tests, achieving impressive results. The neural engine provides up to 38 TOPS of processing power, beneficial for AI-enhanced video tools, and I liked how the system remains virtually silent even under heavy loads. This is 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.
Our expert says
Our expert says
Erlingur Einarsson
This is a perfect desktop computer for video editors who won't need cutting-edge graphics performance. In terms of sheer value for money, it's top-tier.
30-second review: The all-in-one solution from Apple saved you the fuss of having to buy a separate keyboard and monitor. 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.
Pricing: With the official Apple price starting at $1,299 / £1,299, this offers excellent value for an all-in-one design workstation. Note that the nano-texture display adds $200 / £200 to the price, though.
Design: Thin, minimalist and stlyish, this is one of the best-looking computers available today, something that's heightened 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. Unlike the Mac Studio and Mac mini listed above, the keynote for the iMac is the all-in-one form factor, featuring a 4.5K Retina display.
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.
In 2025, this feels like a niche product. If you care about aesthetics, need a healthy dose of processing power, have budget to play with and are happy to stay in one place, the iMac is absolutely perfect for you. But in today's world, chances are you're going to want a laptop too, or at least an iPad. If the iMac is a second device, that hole in your wallet is starting to look pretty gaping.
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.
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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 CPU is the ‘brain’ of your computer, so it’s important to make sure it has enough processing power to handle heavy loads on video editing software. This will also vary depending on your software of choice - some programs leverage the GPU more heavily - and the complexity of editing projects, but a general rule of thumb is you want at least a 6 or 8-core CPU. Solid all-rounders include the Intel Core i9-14900K and the AMD Ryzen 9 9900X.
How much RAM is needed in a PC for video editing?
Ideally, you’ll want at least 32GB; this will see most beginner to mid-range creatives tackle the majority of video editing projects, allowing you to run multiple programs at once and work with 4K footage. However, it’s never a bad idea to opt for more if money is no object, and 64GB RAM will ensure the smoothest possible 4K editing experience.
What kind of graphics card (GPU) is ideal for video editing?
There are a few key factors to consider when choosing a graphics card for video editing, starting with the amount of VRAM (video memory). More VRAM means more complex video editiing capability; so where 6GB VRAM is good enough for basic 1080p editing, 4K needs at least 6GB, and 8K needs at least 16GB of VRAM. Regardless of your skill set, it's always wise to opt up, if budget allows. Then there's core clock speed, which determines the performance speed, and the design architecture, as well as factors like cooling, software compatibility and size. For more details, see our guide to the best graphics cards for video editing.
What software do I need for video editing?
The best 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. It's even possible to get great editing software absolutely free, thanks to DaVinci's Resolve program.
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.
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.
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.
Managing editor, computing and entertainment, TechRadar
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.
