When in the video production industry, it’s not only your performance that matters. A career as a video producer or editor is a tough one. Let’s look at the facts: Your production is only going to be as good as your hardware is. If your computer is running low on CPU, RAM, and GPU your skills can be fantastic but if your tools not performing them for you, there simply won’t be any results, but a lot of time spent looking at blank or frozen screens.
It doesn’t matter if you’re editing or working in the post-production with rendering software, the reliable performance of your hardware is key. With this list of the best computers for video production in 2023, you’ll be up, and running and ready to level up your game in no time.
Of course, it’s not all about the performance, but a lot is. For your personal needs, the most important thing is that you find tools that fit right into your workflow. Are you working on 4K or higher resolution? Are you stable in one place, or do you keep on traveling around? Get your needs straight before you even start looking for a new computer. Depending on your budget, this is of course another major point in choosing the right computer. So let’s dive right into it, for you to make up your mind.
What Are You Working For?
Before we give you our well-researched and tested list of the best computers and laptops for video producers, let’s get one thing straight. What is it you need to look out for when buying a new computer for your video editing career?
First of all, what do you want to produce? If it’s “simple” REELS for social media, you actually won’t need much more than a phone to put in captions and text overlays. If you’re planning to create animated logos, you’re already one level up and will certainly not get that done in a simple application. Is it a lot about artistic expression, or maybe the audio? Then look out for something that offers resolution and high-quality speakers.
On top of that, the software is big too. Again, depending on the required quality of your videos and their purpose, you need to choose wisely.
Hardware Requirements of Computers for Video Editing
RAM
The Random Access Memory is directly connected to the total capacity for editing your laptop can provide. It exchanges data with the CPU and the faster this exchange happens, the smoother your editing will be. As a general rule, you need a minimum of 12 GB RAM whereas 16 GB is certainly better and offers you more flexibility for bigger projects.
Processor
Processor means speed when it comes to computer terms. Not going too deep into it, let’s just keep it simple: The higher the clock rate, the better. For a suitable computer, you should be looking at 2.8 GHz upwards.
Graphic Card
For video editing, you should be looking at graphic cards with a GPU, short for the graphics processing unit. That simply allows you to create high-end results in no time.
Ports
As a video producer, you’ll have all different kinds of hardware to connect to your computer. External hard drives, cameras, speakers, second screens, and more. So be well aware of what kind of ports your computer comes with and what you need to create the perfect workflow for yourself.
Top Computers for Video Editors in 2023
1. iMac 24-inch, M1, 2021
Apple’s new iMac is not only holding a unique design itself but helps you to boost your video editing work with fantastic graphics and light-speed processing.
CPU: Apple M1 - 8 cores
GPU: Apple M1 8 Core GPU
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 1TB SSD
Display: 24-inch, 4.5K Retina display
2. HP OMEN 30L
This originally for gamers designed computer not only offers high performance but awesome graphics made to display any edit in real-time.
CPU: Intel Core i9-10900K
GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080
RAM: 32GB DDR4-3200 SDRAM
Storage: 2TB SSD
3. Dell Precision 3650
Apple and HP are above your budget? The new Dell Precision is a workstation offering heaps of upgrade options combined with good processing power.
CPU: Intel Core i9 11900K, 3.5GHz
GPU: NVIDIA Quadro RTX 4000 (8 GB)
RAM: 64 GB
Storage: 2TB SSD (M.2)
4. Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch
If you’re constantly on the go wanting to have your office close by, the MacBook Pro unites fast processing and extraordinary Apple graphic for the best possible results.
CPU: Apple M2 Pro and Max (10-12-cores)
GPU: 19 core GPU
RAM: 32 GB
Storage: 512GB SSD
Display: 14-inch, 3024 x 1964-pixel
5. Dell XPS 15 OLED 2021
A powerful laptop with an amazing graphic processor and high-performance you find with this ultra-thin laptop, made for video designers to boost their workflow.
CPU: Intel Core i7-11800H
GPU: Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 Ti
RAM: 16 GB
Storage: 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD
Display: 15.6-inch, 3456 x 2160 (3.5K) OLED
Which One Is the Best Computer for Video Editing in 2023?
This is entirely up to you and your needs. Now that you know what you need to be aware of, get your needs straight and figure out what your goal is. You’re a digital nomad? Chances are that you won’t get the iMac 24-inch. You’re mainly rendering? Go looking for a superfast processor. Take this list and do your homework before you buy a needed computer to kick off your video editor career.
Still can’t make your final decision? You don’t need to worry, just check out which devices made it to our other lists of best computers for video production since 2020 below!
Best Computers for Video Editing in 2022
1. iMac (24-inch, M1, 2021)
The Apple iMac 24-inch is the latest model suitable for budding video editors as it is available at an affordable rate. The computer can be termed the best desktop for video editing in 2022 as it comprises many prominent video editing applications.
Advantages:
The computer comes with an excellent screen quality with a colorful design. It is the best option as it fulfills multiple processing requirements in a single monitor.
Disadvantages
The system upgrade process is quite tricky, a significant setback for the system. You can have only one external monitor. Moreover, the RAM is restricted to 16 GB.
2. Microsoft Surface Studio 2
If you are looking for a Windows system to work on, then Microsoft Surface Studio 2 is one of the best computers for video editing. The system has powerful graphics and allows you to flip the screen to edit comfortably. You can avail the system for a 16 GB RAM that holds a 1 TB SSD drive.
Advantages
The system combines susceptible touch screens, quality editing software, and higher speed quality. It is the perfect replacement for iMac computers.
Disadvantages
The computer is quite expensive for the offered features. Moreover, the system’s CPU is not updated to the latest version in the market.
3. Apple iMac Pro
Apple has always been the destination for all video editors, as it comprises many intuitive features and tools in a single system. The computer offers 4K and 5K display resolutions, which meets the requirements of videographers, making it one of the most sought-after video editing PC builds. The solid-state storage allows you to access the frequently used files without delay.
Advantages
With a compact design, the system holds 128 GB of RAM. It has excellent screen quality with stellar system performance. Moreover, the system stays cool regardless of the weather.
Disadvantages
One cannot upgrade the system without external assistance, and it does not have Adobe RGB support. Considering all the high-quality features and the system’s efficiency, the price is predictably high.
4. Dell G5 5090
The Dell G5 5090 provides seamless upgradeability, making it much more future-proof than a regular console. Being a gaming desktop primarily, it comes with critical benefits such as 16GB memory and 256GB SSD + 1TB HDD storage making it a popular choice for an editing computer.
Advantages
The system performance is outstanding with a fast CPU and a ton of RAM. Moreover, you can avail yourself of this desktop with professional video editing quality at a reasonable price.
Disadvantages
One of the major setbacks of the computer is that it does not have the best GPU.
Best Computers for Video Editing in 2020
1. Apple iMac Pro
Apple iMac Pro is the perfect choice for professionals with high-quality features and top-notch performance. If you are in favor of a sturdy design built with quality, then iMac Pro is the best option for you.
Processor: 3.2GHz 8-core Intel Xeon W
Memory: 32GB up to 256GB
Storage: 1TB SSD
GPU: Radeon Pro Vega 56 GPU with 8GB HBM2 memory
Display: 27-inch Retina 5K
Price: $4.999
Advantages
Apple iMac Pro can be used by architects, game designers, or professionals. It offers the best screen size for video editing. If you are familiar with macOS then it will work as the best operating system for video editing.
Disadvantages
Apple computers in general have upscale pricing and might not be the first choice for students who are looking for a workstation with a more reasonable price. So make sure that an Apple iMac Pro meets all your needs in video editing.
2. HP Z2 Mini G4
If you want to run your projects regardless of place and time, HP Z2 Mini G4 will work miracles due to its compact size of 2.28 x 8.5 x 8.5 inches.
Processor: i3, i5, and i7 processors in addition to Xeon
Memory: 4GB to 64GB
Graphics: Nvidia’s Quadro P1000
Storage: 256 GB to 2TB on SSD, 500 GB to 1TB for the hard drive.
Price: $868
Advantages
Easy to move around.
Disadvantages
Many experience sudden fan working at random times affecting video calls or gaming experience due to noise. If you are someone that prefers a quiet atmosphere while working and can not stand fan noise, then you might want to think twice.
3. Acer Predator Orion 9000
If you are a gamer as well as a video editor, Acer Predator 9000 will ace each task smoothly. You can handle each task thrown at you with speed and ease.
Processor: 3.5 GHz six-core Intel Core i7 - 3.3GHz 10-18core Intel Core i9
Memory: 8GB to 64GB
Graphics: Dual Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti
Storage: Starting from 1TB
Price: $3,799.99
Advantages
It is a powerhouse ensuring fast and smooth video editing progress while allowing a one-of-a-kind gaming experience.
Disadvantages
Acer Predator is quite bulky for a desktop and mighty expensive. Its noise can also be overkill for gamers.
4. Lenovo Yoga - A940
Fancying a device that has more in common with Mac with a better price-performance? Then the Lenovo Yoga a940 is what you are looking for in editing your videos like the wind. One of the best laptops for video editing, Lenovo Yoga’s flexible design, and handy features will help you amplify your skills.
Processor: 8th-generation Intel Core i7-8700
Memory: 32 GB DDR4
Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 560 4 GB
Storage: 1 TB + 256 GB SSD
Price: $2,105.99
Advantages:
An all-in-one laptop that is better priced compared to Mac. Top-notch screen quality ensures a better experience while photo editing or video editing.
Disadvantages:
Its plastic build might not be for you. If your job includes 3D modeling as a professional Lenovo Yoga- A940 might not be enough to meet your needs.
Computers for Video Production: In Conclusion
Video production can be seamless with a high-performing computer with adequate storage, fast processing speed, and sleek design. With so many new versions of computers in the market, there is always room for confusion. So the top computer lists above can help you narrow down your choice and work on it seamlessly. Remember the check on our list in the upcoming year as we will be updating our lists as new options are released to the markets!
Timeless Solution: Vagon Cloud Computers
Video producers looking for various other efficient and budget-friendly options for video editing can check out Vagon. You can replace high-quality but pricey computers with seamless supercomputers of high performance for video editing.
We offer a supercomputer on the cloud that can be accessed on any device that allows you to access your applications anywhere. Check out Vagon to see how we can help you run your applications from any device to improve your skills.
