If you are interested in video editing, then looking for the best computer for video editing is the first thing you would search on the internet, isn’t it? Look no further as this buying guide will help you choose the right one for your video editing needs, whether that be motion graphics, animation, or stop motion.

Although not all computers are created equal, I wanted to assist you in selecting the best option available with our list of the Best Computer for Video Editing in 2023 for any budget. If you prefer something more portable, see our list of the best laptops for video editing.

Knowing what to look for first might put you ahead of the curve when purchasing any piece of technology to aid in the expansion of your organization. You can read our post about desktop publishing software if desktop publishing is of greater interest to you.

Dive into the article to look at the best video editing computers for all budget ranges and skill levels that will make your motion graphics shine.

So to help, let’s start there.

 

15+ Best Desktop Computers for Video Editing in 2023

While many individuals would prefer laptops for video editing due to their portability, this portability can reduce the components in the machine as a whole. With a desktop computer for video editing, such is not the case.

The parts are typically top-of-the-line and, if they aren’t, can be changed out for ones that are, making them fully upgradeable. The options on my list are based on the notion that they are much superior than video editing laptops in terms of power and capabilities.

Check out our list below, and if there is a computer you like, click the link for more info. Otherwise, keep reading below.

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What is the best computer for video editing?

Apple iMac is the best computer for video editing. Check our comparison table to find other best desktop computers for your video editing needs.

 

Top 3 Most Popular Desktop Computers

These are the three best-selling video editing desktop computers on Amazon right now:

 

How to choose the right computer for Video Editing

When you look at the product description for a regular desktop computer, the terms that are being used can get a bit overwhelming, to say the least. Now, if you’re looking for a computer for video editing, that overwhelming feeling can increase.

Don’t worry, though. We have your back, and let’s look at what you should consider when buying a computer or video editing.

Resolution

While not every computer for video editing will be available packaged with a monitor (see our best monitors post), for those that come with a monitor, having the right one can make everything look amazing.

The most widely available resolution at the moment is 4K, which is also known as Ultra-High Definition. These monitors have a resolution of 3,840 by 2,160 pixels which is double the number of pixels that are found in a 1080p display. Choosing a monitor of this type can really help the image quality of your videos while editing and could make all the difference between two similar computers.

Graphics Card

Depending on the type of video editing you are doing, the need for a good graphics card can help any graphics or animation explode from the screen. Before you decide on a computer, you want to make sure that you make sure you pay attention to the recommended system setting for whatever editing software you’re using so that you know you’ll get the best results from it. See our feature on the best graphics cards for video editing.

Storage

Every video editor has clips and snippets of video that may not have fit in the project they’re currently working on but might be perfect for something later on. These little clips can add up very quickly and take up a lot of memory in your computer. Finding one that starts with at least 1TB of memory is a good place to start.

SSD/HDD

Speaking of storage, there are primarily two types of storage drives out there for you to choose from SSD or Solid State Drives and HDD which stands for Hard Disk Drive. An SSD will provide you with a better overall performance when compared to HDD. Typically you should only use SSD’s on your computer. The best configuration would be to have multiple solid-state drives within your computer, each being delegated specific tasks.

RAM

Most video editing software that is available today uses a lot of RAM. A good rule of thumb is that the higher the resolution of the footage, the more RAM will be useful. With the onset of 4K displays and footage being taken in 4K, consider finding a PC with at least 32GB. Higher than that is obviously better, but only if you can afford it.

Processor (CPU)

Also known as the CPU or the “brain” of your computer, having a good processor is crucial in having a video editing computer that allows you to complete tasks without annoying lag time. For example, if you’re using Adobe Premier, the CPU that you have will determine how fast you can get the editing done on your footage.

The computing power from a CPU is generally used in two ways when it comes to video editing. During the editing process, it will help generate video previews and also comes into play when you are encoding and exporting a video.

Having a good CPU is one part of your computer you should not cut corners on. It is that important.

Price

No matter what other aspects of the specification you should consider are, it always comes down to price. In all honesty, many of the best computers for video editing do not come cheap. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t affordable options out there, but you want to make sure that the money you end up spending is worth it in the long run and that you make sure you get your money’s worth.

Our list runs the gamut from affordable to high-priced as well as some extreme designs. What each of these choices has, though, are the specs and components that you need to do the best possible job editing whatever type of video you shoot.

Regardless of which one on our list speaks to you or holds your interest, each of these is an excellent machine that anyone would be lucky to have in their office.

 

15 Best Computers for Video Editing, Motion Graphics & Animation in 2023

1. Apple iMac 24-inch (Editor’s Choice)

Best computer for video editing overall (best overall value & performance)

Screen: 24-inch Retina 4.5K display | CPU: VIA 8 Core| RAM: 16GB | Graphics: Integrated 8-core GPU|Storage: 512GB-1TB SSD

Filled with exceptional speed and power efficiency, owners of Mac desktops are dedicated to the brand, and they aren’t shy about telling others about their passion. It is challenging to switch back once you begin editing your videos on a Mac because it is an entirely new universe.

The iMac is outstanding in its own right since this video editing computer combines performance with great value, even though it isn’t quite as powerful as its larger brother, the iMac Pro.

Using a P3 wide color space on a 24-inch Retina 4.5K screen makes graphics appear more realistic and increases the vibrancy of the colors in your video. If you’re searching for a powerful workstation PC, this might not be for you because memory is also limited to 16GB.

The increased 512GB SSD is a great update for the iMac because it can do tasks more quickly and utilize the 8-Core to its full potential.

Pros	Cons
➕Enhanced graphics performance	➖The lack of ports remains
➕Excellent screen	➖Only two Thunderbolt ports
➕Attractive new design

 

 

Apple iMac 24-inch Review

Want a closer look at this fine computer? Check out this Apple iMac 24-inch review video:

Video credits: Max Tech/ YouTube

 

2. Microsoft Surface Studio 2

The best all-in-one Windows computer

CPU: Intel Core i7-7820HQ | Graphics: Nvidia GeForce GTX 1060 – 1070 | RAM: 16GB – 32GB | Storage: 1TB-2TB SSD

Microsoft Surface Studio 2 is an incredible all-in-one best computer for editing. The marvelous 28-inch screen computer looks like something from the future that is loaded with features for everyone starting from video editors to filmmakers. You can use it as a giant drawing pad while also editing graphical videos.

It is equipped with a potent Nvidia GeForce GTX 1070 graphics card and an Intel Core i7 processor, making it suitable for both video editing and gaming. It is without a doubt the appropriate PC for artists and creatives.

Yet, when you consider the cost, you might need to turn around. It is the high-end sports car in the computing industry!

Pros	Cons
➕ Big performance improvements over the previous version	➖ Unhandy port placement
➕ Important contrast ratio	➖ Not upgradable
➕ Brighter display	➖ HDR and Thunderbolt 3 are not available

 

 

3. Apple iMac (24-inch 2021) 

Best value computer for video editing

CPU: Apple M1 chip | Graphics: Integrated 7-core – 8-core GPU | RAM: 8GB – 16GB | Storage: up to 2TB

Our vote for the best value computer for video design in 2023 is Apple’s brand-new 24-inch iMac. Apple has improved on everything we liked about the famous all-in-one iMac.

For starters, compared to the 21.5-inch model it replaces, it now has a larger screen. Because of the 4.5K resolution, you can edit 4K videos without occupying the entire screen.

The new iMac has also undergone one of the most significant redesigns in recent years. The bezels around the screen are significantly narrower than they were previously. It also looks great, and it now comes in a variety of colors, evoking Apple’s old G3 all-in-one PCs.

For maximum performance, we recommend getting the 8-core GPU, 16GB of unified storage, and 512GB of storage.

If you need more power and speed, we recommend the iMac Pro (item 6), which offers 32GB of RAM, or for a middle ground, the iMac (item 1).

Pros	Cons
➕ Webcam, speakers, and mic are just great	➖ Gaming experience and multitasking is better on Windows 10
➕ With a 24-inch screen, there is enough real estate to bounce between applications
➕ Powerful M1 processor available

 

 

4. Mac Studio

Most powerful desktop

Mac studio is the perfect upgrade for your Mac desktop. The studio crams epic performance, broad connection, and new features into a tiny package, providing everything you need at your fingertips and transforming any room into a studio. Mac Studio offers two variances for you to choose from: the lightning-fast M1 Max or the all-new M1 Ultra.

Mac studio powered by M1 Max has the efficiency to take on any task flawlessly with a 2.4X faster CPU and 3.4X speedier GPU. With two M1 Max chips, M1 Ultra lets you run complex particle simulations in a 3D environment. M1 Ultra supports up to 18 streams of 8K resolution.

Mac Studio container is a ground-breaking thermal technology intended to allow the M1 Max or M1 Ultra to run heavy workloads while whisper-silent.

With an assortment of 12 high-performance ports situated front and rear for easy access, Mac Studio allows you to easily attach and unplug your camera, external storage, and other devices. You can connect up to four Pro Display XDRs and one 4K TV to get the whole picture. Mac Studio includes a headphone jack with expanded compatibility for high-impedance headphones and a line out for amplified speakers.

Pros	Cons
➕Thunderbolt 4 ports provide fast external connectivity	➖RAM cannot be upgraded
➕It is compact
➕Extensive external display support

 

 

5. Lenovo IdeaCentre AIO 3i

The best budget PC for video editing (all in one)

Screen: 21.5 Inches FHD (1920 x 1080) | CPU: Intel Pentium| Graphics: Integrated Intel UHD Graphics.| RAM: 16 GB | Storage: up to 1TB

Finding a good video editing computer complete with a monitor, mouse, and keyboard for an affordable price is tough, which is what makes the IdeaCentre from Lenovo such a smart buy for anyone on a budget.

A 21.5-inch FullHD screen covers an impressive array of tech, including an Intel Pentium Gold 7505 Processor 2.0GHz and up to 1TB of storage for all of your work. While this computer is not suited to someone looking for a high-end computer to do professional video editing, the IdeaCentre is a great option for those starting out or hobbyists.

Pros	Cons
➕Decent display size	➖No USB-C ports
➕Easy to set up
➕Very good performance

 

 

6. Dell XPS 8940

Best budget video editing computer 

CPU: 10th-generation Intel Core i7 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti 6GB GDDR6 | RAM: 32GB | Storage:  1TB PCIe m.2 SSD + 2TB SATA HDD

The Dell XPS Special Edition desktop PC is an excellent alternative for those on a tight budget. Even its most high-configuration models are reasonably priced, especially for videographers seeking a strong creative workstation that won’t empty their pockets.

There are plenty of connectors on both the front and rear, including a full-sized SD card slot and an easily accessible USB Type-C port on the front. There is even an optional DVD drive (upgradable to Blu-Ray) for those occasions when you need to install software from a CD or burn data/video to a disc.

Pros	Cons
➕ Great performance	➖ Build quality is not that great
➕ Profoundly configurable	➖ No default SSD
➕ Compact size	➖ It can’t be overclocked

 

 

7. HP Envy 34

Best video editing desktop alternative for Mac

CPU: Intel Core i7-11700 | RAM: 16GB  | Storage: 1 TB SSD

The HP Envy is a perfect desktop computer for video editing, as the storage is 1 TB, so you can store more files. With the power and performance you need to keep creating, it offers an uncompromising display that offers true-to-life color. With the magnetic, detachable camera that you can move between five locations to show off your work on video, you may alter the way you cooperate.

Enjoy an ultra-fast gigabit data rate with a Wi-Fi 6, which provides high-speed data. Start editing your video with this PC for a calm and user-friendly experience.

Pros	Cons
➕Very efficient	➖GPU is a mobile chip
➕ Reasonable pricing
➕Fast processing capability

 

 

8. Apple iMac Pro

The best Mac for video editing 

Display: 27-inch 5K Retina | CPU: 8-, 10- or 18-Core |  Graphics: Vega GPU | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1 – 4 TB

If you’ve read any of our other articles about desktop computers, you’re pretty familiar with this beast of a desktop computer, and we cannot keep from recommending it in almost every product article we publish. Yes, we know that it is ridiculously expensive, but the specs on the iMac Pro make it more than worth the money if you can afford it.

What does all that money get you? How about a gorgeous 27-inch 5K monitor that you have to see to believe, as it can easily deliver up to one billion colors making every single image is absolute best? The highest-end option comes with an 18-core processor along with storage options of either 1 or 4TB, giving you all the room you could ever need. With four Thunderbolt 3.0 ports and a 10GB Ethernet port, it has more than enough ways for you to plug in your peripherals.

Pros	Cons
➕ Fast internal SSD	➖ No expansion slots
➕ Upgradable RAM	➖ No support for additional internal storage
➕ Quiet fans
➕ High-quality speakers

 

 

9. HP Pavilion Desktop PC Tower

The best PC for video editing made easy

CPU: 3.6 GHz Intel Core i7 | Graphics: Intel Integrated Graphics | RAM: 16 GB ddr4_sdram | Storage: 2TB

HP is a well-known manufacturer of computers that are easy for people to turn on and use, and that hasn’t changed with the Pavilion Desktop PC Tower, which makes editing video easy with powerful hardware components inside the case as well as connectivity ports to help you connect all of your devices.

While the only major downside is that the graphics card is integrated, not dedicated, however, an Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage are more than enough power under the hood to perform really well when editing video.

Pros	Cons
➕ Sleek body	➖ Short 180-watt power supply
➕ Great build quality
➕ Optical drive

 

 

10.  Dell Inspiron 7700

The best budget high-performance video editing computer

CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i7 | Graphics: GeForce MX330 Dedicated Graphics | RAM: 32GB | Storage: 1TB SSD

When you see that the CPU of a desktop computer is made by Intel, you should know that the company is known for offering the maximum number of cores on their processors and that remains true with the Inspiron 7700 from Dell which is powered by the Intel Core i7.

This best computer for editing is perfect for editing videos and handling multiple demands with 32 GB of RAM, along with 1TB SSD of hard drive space for all of your data. A dedicated GeForce MX330 graphics card can help the tower present all of your videos in the best resolution that they can be in.

Pros	Cons
➕Good performance	➖Height of the display cannot be adjusted
➕Ample storage
➕Great connectivity

 

 

11. ASUS ROG Strix GL10

The best PC for video editing and game playing 

CPU: AMD Ryzen 5| Graphics:  Nvidia Ge Force Gtx 1660| RAM: 8 GB | Storage: 256GB PCIe SSD+1TB HDD

While it is easily marketed to the PC gaming crowd, the ROG Strix GL 10 supports processors up to the 6-core and houses an Nvidia Ge Force Gtx 1660. It is built for expansion, so you can equip the ROG with up to 8 GB of RAM and it comes with a 256GB PCIe SSD+1TB HDD, which is more than enough room for any of your video files or any PC games you play in your downtime.

Pros	Cons
➕Impressive cooling solution	➖Low RAM
➕Conservative design
➕ Decent gaming performance

 

 

12. Acer Aspire C27-1655-UA93 AIO Desktop

Best all-in-one video editing computer

Processor: 11 Gen Intel Core i7 | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce MX330 | Storage: 512 GB SSD, 1 TB OneDrive cloud storage |

When it comes to sleek and powerful computers for video edits, the Acer Aspire C27 is a great option. With a 27.0″ Full HD Widescreen IPS LED Backlit screen, this computer delivers vivid colors. Aside from that, it also has great color accuracy at varied angles.

This system comes with a 512 GB SSD and a 1TB OneDrive cloud memory, so you’ll have ample storage space for all your edits. The Nvidia GeForce MX330 comes with 2GB of dedicated GDDR5 VRAM and fast Wi-Fi 6 helps ensure you work efficiently.

For the whole package in a sleek build, the Acer Aspire C27 is one of the best video computers out there.

Pros	Cons
➕Capable of powerful processing	➖The audio is underwhelming
➕Comes with an IPS LED-backlit screen for vivid colors	➖ The webcam clarity needs improvement
➕ Easy to set up
➕Light and compact build

 

 

13. HP OMEN

The best windows PC for video editing

Processor: AMD Ryzen 7 3700X Up to 4.4GHz | RAM: 1TB HHD+512GB PCIe NVMe SSD | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 | Storage: 16 GB

If you look at other reviews of the HP Omen, you’ll notice that many describe it as an absolute beast. Hardware-wise, it’s HP’s answer to the iMac Pro, and it’s not at all hard to see why it gets such high recommendations.

It is powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 3700X powerful processor along with 16 GB of DDR4 RAM and a 1 TB HHD+512GB PCIe NVMe SSD that can give you tons of room for all of your video projects. With the large RAM capacity, multitasking and editing 4K video are made even easier, so this is one desktop that is best for someone who wants a powerful video editing computer at a good price.

Pros	Cons
➕Impressive battery life	➖The lid is prone to flexing
➕Impressive thermal performance	➖Speakers are average

 

 

14. CYBERPOWERPC Supreme Liquid Cool

The best power for your buck

Processor: AMD Ryzen 9 5900X | RAM: 16GB DDR4 | Graphics: NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3070| Storage:1TB NVMe SSD

A high-end, affordable machine from the folks at CyberPowerPC. This beast boasts some powerful specs including an AMD Ryzen 9 5900X, 16 GB of RAM, and an  NVIDIA Geforce RTX 3070 8GB Video Card which will make your video editing process simple. The RGB tempered glass side panel also is a unique feature that adds a unique aesthetic. You won’t be disappointed with this highly-rated machine.

Pros	Cons
➕Speedy SSD	➖Very heavy
➕Plenty of storage	➖ Fan is loud
➕ Strong processor	➖ Runs hot

 

 

15. Dell Alienware Aurora R12

A Flagship PC for Creatives

CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i7 11700F | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060 12GB GDDR6 | RAM: 256GB  PCIe SSD | Storage: 16 GB

The Alienware Aurora R12 is a great upgrade from R11 as it comes with a better on-fire processor. The excellent build quality and graphics performance of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 makes this flagship gaming PC a fantastic pick for gamers. For streaming and content creation, it is a good choice, as an Intel and NVIDIA combination works reasonably well. However, many creatives prefer AMD chips for editing and designing. For the price, it is definitely worth the investment.

Pros	Cons
➕ Splendid Nvidia graphics cards	➖ High-end specs are expensive
➕ The processor is good for gaming
➕ Impressive support and service options

 

16. HP 27 Pavilion  AiO All-in-One

Best compact video editing computer for affordability

CPU: Intel Core i7-12700T | Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti | RAM: 16 GB | Storage: 1TB SSD NVMe, 1TB HDD SATA

When it comes to stylish video editing computers, the HP 27 Pavilion AIO is a compact and aesthetically pleasing option. Although the 16GB RAM is not as suited for heavy-duty video editing work, you can upgrade it to 32GB.

The screen has micro-edges, meaning you can get the most out of the display. Also, this one comes with a pop-up camera to ensure privacy.

That said, this computer only has a UHD Graphics 770 card, which is better than the previous version. While it is not the most powerful system, this video editing computer is one of the best compact models out there.

Pros	Cons
➕ Compact and sleek design	➖ GPU is lacking
➕ Comes with a touchscreen
➕ Great value for money

 

 

17. CORSAIR ONE PRO a200

A Dream Computer for Content Creators 

CPU: AMD Ryzen 9 | Graphics: Nvidia Ge Force Rtx 3080 | RAM: 64 GB | Storage: 2 TB SSD

Corsair One Pro a200 is the most powerful model. With a powerful AMD processor and legendary Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 GPU, it is a dream computer for gamers and graphic designers. The storage, ports, and vertical cooling are all in perfect order to deliver an amazing experience. The classy and stylish design with customizable lighting and whisper-quiet operation makes this a perfect pick for users looking to get a mix of style and performance at a reasonable price.

Pros	Cons
➕ Compact and powerful	➖ It has limited upgrade potential
➕ Attractive design

 

 

18. Lenovo Legion Tower 5i

A Powerful PC for Video Editing

CPU: 11th Generation Intel i5-11400 6-Core | Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 1650 | RAM Memory: 16 GB| Storage: 512 GB

The Lenovo Legion Tower 5i is an excellent video editing PC with excellent value for money.

It features strong Intel 11th-generation processors and an NVIDIA GTX 1650 Super graphics card. This modern GPU delivers modern gaming and does most video editing tasks without pushing this video editing PC into prohibitively expensive territory.

Pros	Cons
➕ Great gaming performance	➖ No webcam
➕ Impressive cooling solution
➕ Built-in wifi

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Choosing the Best Computer for Your Needs

I hope my list of The Best Computers for Video Editing gives you a brief idea of what you are looking for to choose from the best options available around for your video editing work. Making sure that whichever one you choose meets the needs you have is what matters most.

Do you have a computer for video editing that you love, but it’s not on your list? Let us know more in the comments below.

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