Video editing is a cherished art that requires not only creativity and extreme focus but an adequate operating system as well. Professional video editors are unable to compromise on high performance, speed, and upgradeability. But as technology keeps on advancing and newer computers with better specs are released in the market, the debate continues about what the best computer is for video editing.
One such debate is using a Mac VS PC for video editing. Both are powerful machines with a tried-and-true operating system, but many beginners and professionals are hesitant to give a clear conclusion on what the better device is for video editing.
In this article, we’ll discuss how to choose between a Mac VS PC, when you should choose one over the other, and which one will be right for you.
How to Choose Between Mac VS PC for Video Editing
Many people prefer Macs over PCs for their reliability but many other factors go into buying a computer as a video editor. When choosing a computer for video editing you need to consider your budget as well as the hardware and software of the device.
Below are a few pointers to look at when deciding between the two.
Price
Not everyone can afford a Macbook Pro or iMac due to its exclusive price. Even its cheapest option, the Macbook Air, costs around $1000 which limits your buying power. However, you can find many great budget options in Windows PCs that range anywhere from around $500-800.
So, before debating between a PC and Mac for video editing you should look at your budget and be willing to spend a good amount of money to invest in a computer for professional video editing.
Hardware
Reliable hardware and build quality is essential for an efficient video production workflow. To ensure maximum productivity and the best results you’ll need a good amount of RAM, storage, and processing power.
Apple seems to come fully equipped with sturdy build quality, high amounts of RAM, and ample SSD memory which enables you to complete any video production task. Its powerful M1 chip is far better than most processors we’ve seen from a Windows PC and can power through most tasks with ease.
PCs on the other hand are upgradeable, unlike the Mac which means you can always increase the RAM or replace your processor with a faster one. This not only makes it possible to improve the PC’s specs but gives you greater flexibility over how much you want to spend.
With a PC you only get what you pay for but the Mac is an all-in-one machine straight out of the box.
Software
Having the right video editing software is important for a comfortable workflow, making sure all your videos process smoothly and give you the best results. Most video editing software is dependent on your hardware, so before you go on to buy a computer you need to make sure it meets the minimum requirements of the video editing software you plan on installing.
Premier Pro is an industry-standard video editing software that recommends 16 GB of memory for Apple and 32GB for a Windows PC. This means that even though you may buy a high-performance computer, you’ll have a bad experience after finding out it doesn’t meet the recommended requirements of your video editor.
If you buy a Mac device you can avoid all the above as Apple offers you its video editing software, iMovie. iMovie is an easy-to-use tool for video editing and many entry-level video editors use it as their first choice for producing great quality videos.
Planning to buy a budget computer with average specs? You'll need to check out our list on the best video editors for low-end computers.
Reasons to Use a Mac for Video Editing
User-Friendly Interface
Macs have a much cleaner, smoother, and user-friendly interface than Windows PC. It’s easy to navigate through the menus and apps smoothly transition from one window to the other. This provides you with a faster workflow and the ability to power through tasks. The Mac OS also doesn’t require a lot of updates like Windows where each new edition of windows comes with a slight learning curve due to the changed interface.
Great Colors and Fonts
The Mac has great color calibration and offers font standardization to make all your videos look consistent and give you a clear idea of how the result will look like. This is also great for video presentations as you’ll make a great impression with your colors looking crisp. Although some high-end PCs also offer color standardization these come at a higher price tag than most Apple Macs.
Integrates with Other Apple Devices
If you have other Apple products then the Mac is an essential piece of equipment to complete your Apple ecosystem. All Apple products follow a consistent design and most can seamlessly integrate with your Mac which makes tasks such as transferring files from your iPhone or setting up your Apple speakers with your Mac quick and easy.
Easy to Set Up
When you first open up your Macbook you can start using it out of the box. Unlike a Windows PC, the Mac comes with its standard video editing software, iMovie. This is a great program to get started with video editing on the macOS and make basic videos.
Setting up the Mac is also easier since you won’t be dealing with multiple tools, software, and vendors. On the Mac, you can manage everything from one device.
Reliable Hardware
Macs have always been the go-to choice for most artists including graphic designers and video editors due to their reliable build. Apple never compromises on providing the highest quality for their Mac products. Although the price is expensive compared to other entry-level laptops/PCs, with a Mac you can be sure to get a good device with a fantastic resale value for video editing.
The M1 chip uses machine learning to bring amazing speed and image processing to your videos. Combine that with Mac’s 4K connectivity and thunderbolt ports and you’ll be experiencing ultra-fast data transfers and rendering speeds for your video editing projects.
So, are Macs better for video editing? Not always. Despite the reasons we mentioned above, there are still many people who prefer a PC over Mac. Below we discuss several reasons why that’s the case.
Reasons to Use a PC for Video Editing
They Are Cheaper Than Macs
Many companies sell PCs, but only one sells a Mac. With many options out there you can find a good entry-level budget laptop for half the price compared to the cheapest Macbook which can easily cost upwards of $1000.
If you’re on a tight budget, you’ll have to settle for a used Mac or save up enough to buy the entry-level Macbook Air with smaller memory. But, if you’re planning to buy a PC you can find many brand-new budget options with above-average specs.
More Software Options
Mac and Windows both offer users different apps and programs. Some apps are available on the Mac and vice versa. But, since Windows is more commonly used there are many more options to choose from.
Video editors don’t often change their workflow so if you’re used to using IOS apps like iMovie or Final Cut Pro then a Mac will be right for you. However, if you’re in the market for some more software options a Windows PC will always have much more software to experiment with.
Can Be Upgraded
It’s no secret that one of the reasons for Mac’s success is due to its consistent design. It doesn't require any updates and can be used straight out of the box as mentioned earlier. However, if you ever express the desire to update your workstation, there are a lot of limitations with the Mac.
With the Mac, what you see is what you get - nothing more nothing less. So, if you want to upgrade your Mac by increasing its RAM or internal memory you’d either have to buy a separate upgraded version or a new one. PCs offer a lot more customizations allowing you to easily buy separate RAM and Video Memory by replacing them with your current parts.
Better Connectivity
With a PC, you have a range of different ports that enable you to connect it to monitors, speakers, external hard drives, keyboards, etc. Macs offer a lot fewer connection options although even entry-level Macs do offer 4K connections which makes it slightly better than a mid-range PC.
If your video editing workflow requires you to connect multiple devices to your computer, a PC would suit your needs.
Suitable for Large-Scale Production
Trying to land that dream job working for a large video production team? Then it's likely you’ll be expected to use a PC instead of a Mac. Although many companies use Mac as the industry standard for creative projects, large-scale commercial work such as creating ads or short films requires a PC for more efficiency. PCs allow for faster data transfers and are much more economical, saving companies a lot of time and money in the long-run.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Video Editing Better on a Mac or PC?
A Mac might be the better option for small to mid-scale video editing as it comes equipped with high-quality video editing software. However, If you want more flexibility and an overall powerful machine a PC can be upgraded to your liking and provide more processing and rendering power.
Are Macs Good for Video Editing?
Macs are great for video editing as they come with built-in video editing tools, a powerful M1 chip that powers through tasks, and a minimal operating system that gives you smooth transitions between apps.
Does Premiere Pro Work Better on Mac or PC?
Both Mac and PC have an identical version of Premiere Pro so it doesn’t matter which operating system you choose to run it on. The performance of Premiere Pro depends less on whether your device is a Mac or PC and more on the specs of your computer - the higher the specs, the better the performance
Do Graphic Designers Prefer Mac or PC?
Most graphic designers prefer Mac over PC because of its history with arts and design, user-friendly operating system, and high-quality build. Despite its expensive price tag, Mac has become the industry-standard computer for designers thanks to its bright and colorful display, reliability, and
Why Do Most YouTubers Use Macs?
Many YouTubers and content creators use Mac as it has an easier learning curve and comes equipped with built-in tools meaning they can use it out of the box. It’s simpler to set up and offers them that sleek minimal look for their office setup.
Mac VS PC for Video Editing: Which is the Better Option?
A Mac is a great option for video editors that want a simple and intuitive workspace with an easier learning curve, crisp colors, and a bright display. The M1 chip included in Mac computers makes them a powerful machine and combining that with the IOS apps iMovie and Final Cut Pro, the Mac is the go-to option for most creatives in the industry.
If you’re on a budget or want to have the flexibility to customize your device according to your needs a PC is the ideal option. PCs are also capable of running most modern video editing software and offer increased connectivity compared to a Mac laptop for video editing which makes it a versatile machine.
Choosing the right computer for you comes down to your personal preferences, workflow, and environment. If you need to use the IOS exclusive apps to edit your videos then you don’t have much choice but to choose the Mac. But when it comes to versatility, PCs offer a lot more options, specs, and customizations to suit your needs.
