Best Laptops and Computers for Editing in 2025
- The Global Photography Community
- Nov 5, 2024
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 27
When it comes to editing—whether it's video, photography, or design work—you need a machine that can keep up. Nothing’s more frustrating than dealing with a lagging timeline, slow render speeds, or choppy previews when you’re in the creative zone.
What to Look for in an Editing Machine
A solid editing setup is all about the right combination of power, performance, and practicality. Here’s what matters most:
Processor: Look for Intel i7/i9, AMD Ryzen 7/9, or Apple’s M-series chips. For serious multitasking and rendering, a fast CPU is a must.
Graphics Card: For video editing, animation, or 3D modeling, a dedicated GPU like NVIDIA’s RTX series or AMD’s Radeon is key.
RAM: Go for at least 16GB, though 32GB+ is ideal if you handle large files or intensive projects.
Storage: SSDs are a must for speed. Look for at least 512GB, but more is always better.
Display Quality: Accurate color and high resolution are critical, especially if you’re working on design or photography projects.
Portability: Are you editing on the go? Choose a laptop. Need raw power? A desktop could be your best bet
High-Performance Laptops for Editing on the Go
For creators who need to edit wherever inspiration strikes, here are the best laptops in 2025:
1. MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Pro / M3 Max)
The new MacBook Pro 16-inch with Apple’s M3 Pro and M3 Max chips is a game-changer for creatives. Apple’s own silicon has been optimized for performance, and the M3 models offer even faster rendering, smoother playback, and excellent battery life—so you don’t have to be tethered to a charger.
Why It Stands Out: Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, with incredible color accuracy and brightness, makes it a dream for photo and video editors. And the performance? Top-notch.
Best For: Video editors, photographers, designers, and anyone who loves working on a macOS environment.
2. Dell XPS 17 (2025)
Dell’s XPS 17 has long been a favorite among creatives, and the latest model continues the tradition. Powered by Intel’s latest 13th-gen i9 processors and equipped with NVIDIA RTX 4080 graphics, this laptop doesn’t play around when it comes to handling large files and heavy software.
Why It Stands Out: The 17-inch 4K display has 100% Adobe RGB color coverage and great sharpness, making it perfect for visual work. Plus, its build quality is excellent, so you get both power and durability.
Best For: Designers and video editors who need screen space and performance in a sleek package.
3. ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14
Though it’s marketed as a gaming laptop, the ASUS ROG Zephyrus G14 is an editing powerhouse thanks to its AMD Ryzen 9 processor and up to an NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU. Plus, it’s super portable, so it’s ideal for creatives who need a high-performance laptop without the bulk.
Why It Stands Out: Compact, lightweight, and powerful, with great cooling for intensive workloads. The QHD display is also sharp and color-accurate.
Best For: Video editors and graphic designers looking for power in a small, portable form.
4. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
The Surface Laptop Studio 2 is a favorite among digital artists and designers. Its unique “studio mode” lets you fold the screen down flat, turning it into a digital drawing tablet. This makes it especially appealing for anyone who likes to sketch directly on their screen.
Why It Stands Out: The PixelSense display has great color accuracy, and the 120Hz refresh rate makes it super smooth. Plus, its stylus support is fantastic for artists.
Best For: Digital artists, illustrators, and graphic designers.
Power-Packed Desktops for the Ultimate Editing Setup
If portability isn’t a priority and you want maximum power for intensive projects, consider these desktop options:
5. Apple Mac Studio (M3 Ultra)
Apple’s Mac Studio with the M3 Ultra chip is a true beast when it comes to desktop editing power. This machine is a favorite among high-end video editors and 3D artists who need unparalleled processing speeds and efficiency.
Why It Stands Out: With up to 128GB of unified memory and an insane number of GPU cores, it can handle even the most demanding projects without breaking a sweat. It’s incredibly compact too, so it fits easily on any desk.
Best For: Professional video editors, animators, and creators working with 3D or high-resolution content.
6. HP Z8 G5 Workstation
If you need a seriously powerful desktop for extreme editing tasks, the HP Z8 G5 Workstation is built for you. It’s customizable with up to dual Intel Xeon processors and NVIDIA RTX A6000 GPUs, making it ideal for film production, 3D rendering, and other resource-heavy applications.
Why It Stands Out: This workstation is designed for maximum performance and reliability, with room to upgrade or customize as needed. It’s on the pricey side but pays off in sheer power and longevity.
Best For: Professionals in video production, 3D rendering, and VFX work.
7. Dell XPS Desktop (2025)
The Dell XPS Desktop line has come a long way, and the latest model is built with Intel’s latest processors and NVIDIA’s RTX 4080 graphics card. It’s a great middle-ground for creators who need serious power but don’t want the price tag of a high-end workstation.
Why It Stands Out: It’s powerful, reasonably priced, and easy to upgrade as your needs grow. Plus, Dell’s build quality and customer support are reliable.
Best For: Editors, graphic designers, and casual 3D artists who need a solid, customizable desktop.
