If you’re in the market for a MacBook Pro that excels at video editing, you might want to contemplate the latest models available in 2025. With powerful M4 and M4 Max chips, these laptops promise not just performance but also stunning visuals. But the options don’t stop there; you’ll find a range of choices, including some reliable older models that still pack a punch. Let’s explore which of these could be the best fit for your editing needs.
Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 Chip (14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display)
If you’re a video editor looking for a powerful and portable solution, the Apple 2024 MacBook Pro with the M4 chip is a standout choice. With its stunning 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, you’ll enjoy vibrant colors and sharp details at a 3024-by-1964 resolution. Weighing just 3.41 pounds, it’s easy to carry around. The M4 chip delivers impressive performance with a 10-core CPU and GPU, making editing smooth and efficient. Plus, you can configure it with up to 2TB of storage and 32GB of memory. And with up to 24 hours of battery life, you won’t be tethered to a charger.
Best For: Video editors and creative professionals seeking a powerful, portable laptop with exceptional display quality and performance.
Pros:
- Impressive performance with the M4 chip’s 10-core CPU and GPU for efficient video editing.
- Stunning 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display provides vibrant colors and sharp details for accurate visual work.
- Long battery life of up to 24 hours ensures you can work without frequent recharges.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other laptops with similar specifications.
- Weight may be a concern for those seeking ultra-portability, as it weighs 3.41 pounds.
- Limited upgrade options post-purchase for memory and storage configurations.
Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop with M4 Max
The Apple 2024 MacBook Pro with the M4 Max chip is a powerhouse designed for professional video editors who demand top-tier performance. With its 14-core CPU and 32-core GPU, it delivers exceptional speed for your most demanding tasks. The stunning 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display offers a native resolution of 3456-by-2234, ensuring your visuals pop with 1600 nits peak brightness. You’ll enjoy all-day battery life, lasting up to 21 hours for video streaming. Plus, with ample memory options and fast connectivity through Thunderbolt 5, this MacBook Pro meets all your video editing needs effortlessly.
Best For: Professionals in video editing and creative fields seeking high-performance computing power and stunning visual clarity.
Pros:
- Exceptional performance with a 14-core CPU and 32-core GPU, ideal for demanding tasks.
- Stunning 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with high brightness and impressive contrast ratio.
- Long battery life, offering up to 21 hours for video streaming without interruption.
Cons:
- Higher price point compared to other laptops in the market, which may not be suitable for all budgets.
- Limited upgrade options after purchase, especially for memory and storage configurations.
- May be overkill for casual users or those with less intensive computing needs.
Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 Chip
For video editors seeking a lightweight yet powerful option, the Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 chip stands out. With its stunning 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display, you’ll enjoy vibrant colors and sharp details. The M4 chip packs a punch, featuring a 10-core CPU and 8-core GPU, ensuring smooth video editing with hardware-accelerated formats like ProRes. You’ll appreciate the impressive battery life—up to 18 hours for video streaming. Plus, the 12MP Center Stage camera and four-speaker sound system elevate your video calls. With two Thunderbolt 4 ports, connectivity is a breeze, making this MacBook Air an ideal choice for your editing needs.
Best For: Video editors and creative professionals looking for a lightweight, powerful laptop with excellent performance and battery life.
Pros:
- Powerful M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and 8-core GPU for seamless video editing.
- Stunning 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display providing vibrant colors and sharp details.
- Impressive battery life of up to 18 hours for video streaming, perfect for on-the-go editing.
Cons:
- Limited storage options with only 256GB SSD, which may not suffice for large video files.
- No dedicated graphics card, which some high-end video editing tasks might benefit from.
- Higher price point compared to other laptops with similar specifications.
Apple 2020 MacBook Pro 13-inch (Renewed)
Looking for a powerful yet portable laptop for video editing? The Apple 2020 MacBook Pro 13-inch (Renewed) is an excellent choice. With a 2.0GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB of RAM, it handles video editing tasks smoothly. Its stunning 2560 x 1600 pixel display brings your visuals to life. Weighing just 3.1 pounds, you can easily take it anywhere. The 512GB SSD provides ample storage, while the average 10-hour battery life keeps you productive on the go. Plus, it’s been professionally inspected to look and work like new, ensuring you get great value for your investment.
Best For: Those seeking a powerful and portable laptop for video editing and creative tasks on the go.
Pros:
- High-performance: Equipped with a 2.0GHz Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB of RAM for smooth multitasking.
- Stunning display: Features a 2560 x 1600 pixel resolution for vibrant visuals, ideal for video editing.
- Lightweight and portable: At just 3.1 pounds, it’s easy to carry around, perfect for on-the-go professionals.
Cons:
- Renewed condition: As a refurbished model, it may have minor cosmetic imperfections.
- Limited upgrade options: The RAM and storage are not user-upgradable, potentially limiting future performance enhancements.
- No optical drive: Lacks a built-in optical drive, which may be a drawback for users needing to use CDs or DVDs.
Apple 2019 MacBook Pro (16-inch, 16GB RAM, 1TB Storage)
With its powerful 2.3 GHz Intel Core i9 processor and stunning 16-inch Retina display, the Apple 2019 MacBook Pro (16GB RAM, 1TB Storage) is an ideal choice for video editors seeking high performance and exceptional visual quality. The AMD Radeon Pro 5500M graphics guarantee smooth rendering and playback, while the 1TB SSD provides ample space for your projects. You’ll appreciate the Magic Keyboard and large Force Touch trackpad for a comfortable editing experience. With an estimated battery life of 11 hours, you can work on the go without constantly searching for an outlet. This model delivers reliability and speed for your editing needs.
Best For: Video editors and creative professionals seeking high performance and exceptional visual quality in a laptop.
Pros:
- Powerful 2.3 GHz Intel Core i9 processor for fast performance and multitasking capabilities.
- Stunning 16-inch Retina display with True Tone technology for vibrant and accurate colors.
- Ample 1TB SSD storage provides plenty of space for large projects and files.
Cons:
- Relatively high price point compared to other laptops with similar specifications.
- Weight of 4 pounds may be cumbersome for users who prioritize portability.
- Limited port options with only Thunderbolt 3 (USB Type-C) connections, which may require additional adapters.
Apple MacBook Pro 13.3-inch with M1 Chip (Renewed)
The Apple MacBook Pro 13.3-inch with M1 Chip (Renewed) is an excellent choice for video editors seeking portability without compromising performance. With its powerful 8-core CPU and GPU, you’ll experience smooth editing and rendering. The stunning Retina display, boasting a resolution of 2736×1824 pixels, guarantees your visuals look vibrant and detailed. Plus, the 16GB unified memory and 1TB SSD storage provide ample space for your projects. Weighing in at just 4.49 pounds, it’s easy to carry around. Customers have rated it 4.4 out of 5 stars, making it a reliable option for your editing needs.
Best For: Video editors seeking a portable laptop that delivers high performance without compromising on quality.
Pros:
- Powerful performance with an 8-core CPU and GPU for smooth editing and rendering.
- Stunning Retina display with a high resolution of 2736×1824 pixels for vibrant visuals.
- Lightweight design at just 4.49 pounds, making it easy to carry on the go.
Cons:
- Renewed condition may imply some wear and tear compared to new devices.
- Limited upgrade options as memory and storage are unified and not user-replaceable.
- No dedicated graphics card, which might be a consideration for heavy graphics tasks.
Apple Late 2020 MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1 Chip, Renewed)
For video editors seeking a powerful yet compact machine, the Apple Late 2020 MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1 Chip, Renewed) stands out as an ideal choice. With its 8-core CPU and GPU, you’ll experience up to 2.8x faster performance and 5x faster graphics, making editing smooth and efficient. The stunning 13.3-inch Retina display offers 2560 x 1600 resolution and 500 nits brightness for vibrant visuals. Plus, the 512GB SSD guarantees quick app launches and file access. Weighing only 3 pounds, it’s portable enough for on-the-go editing while providing up to 20 hours of battery life.
Best For: Video editors and professionals seeking a powerful, portable laptop for efficient editing and graphics performance.
Pros:
- High Performance: Equipped with an 8-core CPU and GPU for up to 2.8x faster performance and 5x faster graphics.
- Vibrant Display: Features a stunning 13.3-inch Retina display with 2560 x 1600 resolution and 500 nits brightness for exceptional visuals.
- Long Battery Life: Offers up to 20 hours of battery life, making it ideal for on-the-go editing without frequent recharging.
Cons:
- Limited RAM: Comes with only 8GB of RAM, which may not be sufficient for heavy multitasking or memory-intensive applications.
- Renewed Condition: As a renewed product, it may show minor signs of wear compared to a brand new laptop.
- No User Upgrade Options: RAM and storage are not user-upgradable, limiting future expansion or upgrades.
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch with M2 Pro Chip (Renewed)
Engineered for serious video editors, the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch with M2 Pro Chip (Renewed) delivers exceptional performance thanks to its powerful 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU. With 16GB of unified memory, multitasking becomes seamless, while the 8TB SSD storage supports extensive media libraries and large production files. Enjoy up to 18 hours of battery life, making it perfect for all-day editing sessions. The compact design guarantees portability, while pro-level ports, including Thunderbolt 4 and HDMI, enhance connectivity options. Rated 4.4 out of 5 stars, this MacBook Pro is ideal for anyone serious about video editing.
Best For: Professionals in video editing, coding, and large file management who require high performance and extensive storage capabilities.
Pros:
- Powerful Performance: Equipped with a 10-core CPU and 16-core GPU for fast processing and graphics handling.
- Ample Storage: 8TB SSD provides extensive space for large media libraries and production files.
- Long Battery Life: Up to 18 hours of battery life supports all-day use without needing to recharge.
Cons:
- Weight: At 9 pounds, it may be less portable compared to lighter laptops.
- Renewed Condition: As a renewed product, it may have minor cosmetic imperfections compared to a brand new model.
- Price Point: The high specifications come with a premium price, which may not be suitable for all budgets.
Apple MacBook Pro 2020 with M1 Chip (Renewed)
If you’re a video editor seeking powerful performance in a compact package, the Apple MacBook Pro 2020 with the M1 chip is a standout option. With its 13.3-inch Retina display and 2560 x 1600 resolution, you’ll enjoy stunning visuals while editing. The 8-core CPU and GPU deliver up to 2.8x and 5x faster performance, respectively, making it a breeze to handle demanding tasks. Plus, with up to 20 hours of battery life, you can edit all day without worrying about charging. This renewed model offers excellent value, ensuring you can achieve professional results without breaking the bank.
Best For: Video editors and creative professionals seeking high performance in a portable laptop.
Pros:
- Powerful M1 chip provides exceptional CPU and GPU performance, significantly enhancing productivity.
- Long battery life of up to 20 hours allows for extended editing sessions without the need for frequent charging.
- High-resolution Retina display offers stunning visuals, making it ideal for detailed video editing work.
Cons:
- Limited storage capacity of 256GB may require external solutions for larger projects.
- Renewed condition might not appeal to users looking for brand new products.
- Only 8GB RAM may not be sufficient for extremely demanding multitasking scenarios.
Apple 15.4in MacBook Pro Laptop (2018 Model, Renewed)
The Apple 15.4in MacBook Pro (2018) stands out as an excellent choice for video editors seeking a balance of power and portability. Weighing just 2 pounds and featuring a sleek Space Gray design, it’s easy to carry around. Its 2.2 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7 processor and 16 GB of RAM guarantee smooth multitasking, while the AMD Radeon Pro 555X graphics enhance your editing experience. With a stunning 2880 x 1800 Retina display, your videos will look vibrant and sharp. The 256 GB SSD offers sufficient storage for your projects, making it a solid option for creatives on the go.
Best For: Creative professionals and video editors looking for a powerful yet portable laptop for editing and multitasking.
Pros:
- Powerful Performance: Equipped with a 2.2 GHz 6-Core Intel Core i7 processor and 16 GB of RAM for seamless multitasking.
- High-Quality Display: Features a 2880 x 1800 Retina display that delivers vibrant and sharp visuals for video editing.
- Lightweight Design: Weighing just 2 pounds, it’s easy to carry, making it ideal for on-the-go creatives.
Cons:
- Limited Storage: The 256 GB SSD may not be sufficient for users with large project files or extensive media libraries.
- No Optical Drive: The absence of a built-in optical drive may be inconvenient for users needing to read/write CDs or DVDs.
- Customer Ratings: With a rating of 3.8 out of 5 stars, some users may have concerns about reliability or performance.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Apple MacBook Pro for Editing
When you’re choosing an Apple MacBook Pro for video editing, several key factors play a role in your decision. You’ll want to evaluate performance specifications, display quality, storage capacity, battery life, and connectivity options. Each of these elements can greatly impact your editing experience and overall workflow.
Performance Specifications
Choosing the right performance specifications for your Apple MacBook Pro can make a significant difference in your video editing experience. Opt for a model with a higher core count, like a 14-core CPU or more, to improve multitasking and processing speed. A powerful GPU, such as a 32-core option, is vital for enhancing graphics rendering, making your editing smoother. Look for at least 32GB of unified memory to handle large files without lag during intense sessions. High memory bandwidth, around 410GB/s, guarantees fast data transfer between components, essential for efficient video editing. Finally, a long battery life of up to 24 hours allows you to work on the move without frequent interruptions for charging.
Display Quality
Display quality plays a significant role in your video editing workflow, directly impacting how you perceive colors and details. A high-resolution display, like 3024-by-1964 or 3456-by-2234, gives you crisp visuals vital for detailed work. Look for brightness levels up to 1600 nits, which enhance visibility in various lighting conditions, allowing for accurate edits. A contrast ratio of 1,000,000:1 guarantees deep blacks and vibrant colors, essential for color grading. When possible, choose a display that supports a wide color gamut, such as P3, for more vibrant and accurate images. Additionally, features like ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz improve scrolling and changes, creating a smoother and more enjoyable editing experience.
Storage Capacity
Storage capacity is a vital factor in your video editing setup, especially as high-resolution files like 4K videos can quickly consume space. For larger projects, it’s not uncommon to exceed 1TB. Opting for an SSD (Solid State Drive) is essential, as it offers faster read/write speeds, ensuring smooth editing workflows and better overall performance. You can configure your MacBook Pro with 1TB or 2TB SSDs, allowing you to tailor your device to your specific needs and future-proof your investment. Don’t forget about external storage solutions, like Thunderbolt drives, which can help manage large media libraries efficiently. Regular backups and ideal storage management are vital to prevent data loss and maintain performance, especially when dealing with sizable files.
Battery Life
When you’re deep into video editing, the last thing you want is to be tethered to an outlet, which is why battery life is such an vital consideration for your MacBook Pro. Many recent models boast impressive battery performance, allowing up to 24 hours of video streaming or 16 hours of web use. The efficiency of the chip greatly affects this performance; newer processors optimize power consumption during demanding tasks like editing. Look for a higher battery capacity measured in watt-hours (Wh) for longer usage times. Fast-charging capabilities are also important, enabling quicker recharges and minimizing downtime when you’re in the zone. Prioritizing these features will help guarantee you can edit without interruptions.
Connectivity Options
While battery life keeps you editing on the go, connectivity options play a key role in enhancing your workflow. Look for MacBook Pro models equipped with multiple Thunderbolt ports; these allow high-speed data transfer and let you connect various external displays and storage devices simultaneously. An HDMI port is vital for easy connections to monitors and projectors without needing extra adapters. Consider models with an SDXC card slot for quick access to high-capacity memory cards, which are standard in professional videography. Wi-Fi 6E support is also essential, as it guarantees faster wireless connectivity for transferring large files. Finally, evaluate the variety of ports, including MagSafe for reliable charging and a headphone jack for your audio needs.
Portability and Weight
Portability and weight are essential considerations for anyone who needs to edit videos on the go. Lighter MacBook Pro models typically weigh around 3 pounds, making them easy to carry in your backpack or briefcase. With some models measuring just 0.61 inches thick, you can effortlessly store and transport your device. Battery life also plays an important role; options that deliver up to 24 hours of video streaming let you work without frequent recharging. Compact designs allow you to edit comfortably in various settings, whether at a coffee shop, on a plane, or in your studio. Just keep in mind that larger screens, up to 16 inches, provide more workspace but may compromise portability. Choose wisely!