Best video editing computer 2020: the top PCs for editors and producers
Having the best video editing computer is the only way to go if you’re a video editor or a producer. Due to the intensive nature of video editing, there are a few essential things you’ll need in the computer you’ll be using. That means that not just any PC will do – you need one that’s capable of handling large files and editing (and viewing) high-resolution videos.
The best video editing computer must come with a powerful discrete graphics card for rendering and converting raw footage. Nvidia’s upcoming GeForce RTX 3000 GPUs, which are expected to deliver up to a 75% performance hike, would be perfect – although their release has been delayed until August. Plenty of RAM is also necessary, as well as a multi-core processor, for making the video editing process as quick as possible.
We’ve rounded up the very best video editing computers for a range of budgets, although they certainly won’t come cheap with all necessary high-end components. Don’t worry; with our built-in price comparison tool to ensure you get the best deals, you’ll find one that gets the best value for your money.
The best video editing computer at a glance
- Apple iMac Pro
- Microsoft Surface Studio 2
- Corsair One Pro i180
- Mac Mini 2018
- iMac (27-inch, 2019)
- Apple Mac Pro (2019)
- Lenovo Yoga A940
1. Apple iMac Pro
The best PC for video editing in the world
CPU: Intel Xeon W | Graphics: AMD Vega 64 (16GB HBM2 RAM) | RAM: 128GB | Communications: Gigabit Ethernet | Dimensions (W x D x H): 65 x 20.3 x 51.6cm
Most powerful Mac ever
Excellent design
Very expensive
Non user-upgradable
The Apple iMac Pro is one of the most powerful PCs that Apple has ever made, and it’s easily the best video editing computer money can buy right now. Speaking of money, you’ll need quite a bit of it, as this is a very expensive machine. However, for the price you get sublime build quality, plus some of the most cutting-edge components on the market today. The Intel Xeon processor and AMD Verga 64 graphics card will make editing videos fast and smooth, and there’s enough horsepower here to be able to preview your edits on the fly. Apple’s software is also incredibly popular with creatives and video editors, as it’s fast and reliable.
2. Microsoft Surface Studio 2
A great iMac Pro alternative
CPU: Intel Core i7-7820HQ | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 – 1070 | RAM: 16GB – 32GB | Storage: 1TB-2TB SSD
Brighter display
PCIe SSDs
Very expensive
3. Corsair One Pro i180
An incredibly powerful video editing PC
CPU: Intel Core i9-9920X | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce RTX 2080 Ti | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 960GB SSD, 2TB HDD | Communications: Gigabit Ethernet | Dimensions (W x D x H): 20 x 17.6 x 38cm
Immensely powerful
Lovely design
Very expensive
Not all components are upgradable
The Corsair One Pro i180 is one of the most powerful PCs out there, which makes it one of the best video editing computers you can buy in 2020. It comes with an Intel Core i9-9920X, Nvidia RTX 2080 Ti, 32GB of DDR4 RAM, 920GB NVMe M.2 SSD and 2TB hard drive. That’s some seriously impressive and cutting-edge hardware for video editing. Unlike the iMac Pro and the Surface Studio 2 above, the Corsair One Pro i180 lets you upgrade certain components yourself, making this a future-proof PC. It’s also got an amazingly compact design that means it can easily sit on or under a desk. It’s very expensive, though.
4. Mac Mini 2018
Same size, way more power
CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i3 – Core i7 | Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630 | Storage: 128GB – 2TB PCIe Flash | Dimensions (W x D x H): 19.7 x 19.7 x 3.6cm
Hugely improved specs
Tiny, aesthetic design
Expensive
The Mac mini 2018 has been refreshed with modern hardware, bring Apple’s tiniest Mac into the modern age. It comes with an 8th-generation desktop processor, plenty of RAM and some of the fastest SSDs we’ve seen – all while keeping the same beloved compact form factor. What makes it an ideal video editing PC is that you can add an external graphics card to the Mac mini for added graphical prowess. You can also chain several Mac minis together and offload tasks onto each machine. This means you can use one Mac mini to render your video, while using another to complete other tasks. It’s incredibly versatile, and good value as well.
5. iMac (27-inch, 2019)
Now with 8th-generation processors
CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i5 – 9th-generation Intel Core i5 | Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 570X – 580X, Intel UHD Graphics 630 | RAM: 8GB – 64GB | Screen: 27-inch Retina 5K 5,120 x 2,880 P3 | Storage: 1TB – 2TB Fusion Drive | Dimensions (H x W x D): 20.3 x 25.6 x 8 inches (51.6 x 65.0 x 20.3cm)
Stunning 5K display
Quiet under load
SSD upgrades are expensive
Yes, another Mac computer on this list. However, Apple really does make some of the best video editing computers in the world, and this latest refresh of its iconic all-in-one iMac is worthy of inclusion on this list. It’s packed with 8th- and 9th-generation desktop-class processors this time around with up to 8-cores for multitasking – essential if you’re video editing. If you’re looking for an all-in-one Mac, the new 27-inch iMac is your best bet, at least if you’re not looking to spend huge amounts of money on the iMac Pro.
6. Apple Mac Pro (2019)
Apple’s most powerful computer just got even better
CPU: up to 28-Core Intel Xeon W | Graphics: up to AMD Radeon Pro Vega II Duo | RAM: up to 1.5TB | Storage: up to 8TB SSD | Communications: 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 5.0, 2x 10Gb Ethernet, | Dimensions (W x D x H): 21.8 x 45.0 x 52.9 cm
Incredibly modular
More than enough power
Very expensive
Not a very attractive design
Apple has made the Apple Mac Pro (2019) one of its most modular computers yet. Combined with its raw power, it’s not just one of the best video editing computers 2020 has to offer, but also extremely future-proof, which is only right since you’re spending good money for it. Apple is ushering in that cheese grater look that we’ve come to love since its unveiling, thanks to its unique cooling system that maximizes airflow and keeps the noise down. That’s not all; one look at its specs, and you’ll see that this is a creative professional’s ultimate tool. Video editors will have a hard time throwing a task at this workstation that will slow it down.
7. Lenovo Yoga A940
CPU: 8th-generation Intel Core i7-8700 | Graphics: AMD Radeon RX 560 4 GB | RAM: 32 GB DDR4 2666 MHz | Storage: 1 TB 5400 RPM + 256 GB PCIe SSD | Display: 27″ 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) IPS Multi-touch
Good price
Stylus included
Older components
Screen not great in direct light
Lenovo’s latest all-in-one offering may not be as powerful as the latest Mac Pro or even Apple’s premium AIO, the iMac Pro. At this point, the 8th-generation chips and Radeon RX 560 graphics are a bit dated. However, it is still plenty powerful to meet the needs of creative professionals out there who are not entirely impressed by Apple’s pricey machines. On top of that, the Lenovo Yoga A940 has a few aces up its sleeves, including 100% Adobe RGB support and Dolby Vision, a set of Dolby Atmos speakers, a port offering that’s more generous than Apple’s all-in-one, and a stylus included in the box.
Read the full review: Lenovo Yoga A940