6 Best Imacs for Video Editing in 2027: Top Picks for Creators

For most video editors in 2027, the 2024 iMac with the M4 chip stands out as the clear winner due to its superior media engine and color accuracy. While the renewed Intel iMac offers a larger screen, it lacks the raw processing power needed for modern 4K and 8K timelines. The M1 iMac remains a viable budget option for simple cuts, but it struggles with complex effects compared to the newer M4 silicon. The main tradeoff you face is between screen real estate and processing speed. Read on to see which configuration fits your specific editing needs.

For listenersOffer from Amazon

Turn your wind-down time into listening time

• Thousands of audiobooks, podcasts and originals
• Listen on your phone, tablet or Echo — also offline
• Cancel anytime

Try Audible free →Free trial for new members

As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.Hide

Key Takeaways

• The M4 chip’s dedicated media engine handles ProRes codecs significantly better than the M1, reducing render times for professional workflows.
• 16GB of unified memory is the absolute minimum for smooth 4K editing; 8GB systems like the renewed M1 will stutter with multiple browser tabs open alongside editing software.
• The 24-inch Retina display on all modern iMacs offers better color fidelity than the older 27-inch Intel models, despite the smaller size.
• External storage is mandatory for the 256GB base models, making the Thunderbolt 4 ports on the M4 models more valuable than they appear on spec sheets.
• The 27-inch Intel iMac is no longer recommended for video editing unless you specifically need legacy Windows compatibility via Boot Camp.

Our Top Imac For Video Editing Picks

Apple iMac 27-Inch Desktop, 3.4 GHz Intel Core i7 (Renewed)		Best Budget Entry	Processor: 3.4 GHz Intel Core i7 (4-Core)	Memory: 16 GB DDR3 SDRAM	Storage: 1TB HDD	VIEW ON AMAZON	See Our Full Breakdown
2021 Apple iMac with M1 Chip, 24-inch (Renewed)		Best Entry-Level Performance	Processor: Apple M1 (8-core CPU, 7-core GPU)	Memory: 8 GB Unified Memory	Storage: 256 GB SSD	VIEW ON AMAZON	See Our Full Breakdown
Apple 2024 iMac with M4 Chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD		Best Standard Configuration	Processor: Apple M4 (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU)	Memory: 16 GB Unified Memory	Storage: 256 GB SSD	VIEW ON AMAZON	See Our Full Breakdown
Apple 2024 iMac with M4 Chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD (Blue)		Best Aesthetic Match	Processor: Apple M4 (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU)	Memory: 16 GB Unified Memory	Storage: 256 GB SSD	VIEW ON AMAZON	See Our Full Breakdown
Apple 2024 iMac with M4 Chip, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD		Best Overall for Editing	Processor: Apple M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU)	Memory: 24 GB Unified Memory	Storage: 512 GB SSD	VIEW ON AMAZON	See Our Full Breakdown
Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with M4 Chip, 24-inch Retina Display, 16GB Memory, 512GB SSD, Silver		Best Balanced Performance for Creative Professionals	Processor: Apple M4 chip with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU	Memory: 16GB Unified Memory	Storage: 512GB SSD	VIEW ON AMAZON	See Our Full Breakdown

More Details on Our Top Picks

1. Apple iMac 27-Inch Desktop, 3.4 GHz Intel Core i7 (Renewed)

   

   Best Budget Entry

   View on Amazon

   This renewed 27-inch iMac offers the larger screen real estate that video editors often crave for timeline management, unlike the compact 24-inch models in this lineup. The 3.4 GHz Intel Core i7 and 16GB RAM provide sufficient horsepower for 1080p editing and basic 4K projects, though it lacks the efficiency of newer Apple Silicon chips. Compared to the 2024 iMac with M4, this older Intel model runs hotter and louder under sustained load, and its 1TB HDD is a significant bottleneck for large media files, requiring an external SSD for smooth playback. It is a viable entry point for those on a strict budget who prioritize screen size over raw speed or modern connectivity.

   Pros:

   • 27-inch display offers more timeline space than 24-inch models
   • 16GB RAM is adequate for multitasking in older software
   • Significantly lower entry price than modern M-series iMacs

   Cons:

   • HDD storage causes slow render and import times for large files
   • Intel architecture generates more heat and fan noise than M-chips
   • Limited to macOS High Sierra, restricting app compatibility

   Best for: Hobbyist editors with a tight budget who need a large 27-inch canvas for 1080p projects and already own external SSDs.

   Not ideal for: Professional 4K/8K editors who need fast internal storage and silent operation, or those requiring macOS updates beyond High Sierra.

   • Processor:3.4 GHz Intel Core i7 (4-Core)
   • Memory:16 GB DDR3 SDRAM
   • Storage:1TB HDD
   • Graphics:NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675MX, 2GB GDDR5
   • Display:27-inch Retina 5K Display
   • Operating System:macOS High Sierra
   • Condition:Renewed
   Our verdict

   “Buy this if you need a big screen on a budget and can tolerate slower storage and an older OS.”

   → See it on Amazon →

2. 2021 Apple iMac with M1 Chip, 24-inch (Renewed)

   

   Best Entry-Level Performance

   View on Amazon

   The M1 chip in this renewed 2021 model delivers a surprising leap in efficiency and speed compared to the Intel-based 27-inch iMac. Its 4.5K Retina display offers excellent color accuracy for color grading, while the 256GB SSD ensures faster project loading than any HDD-based system. However, the 8GB RAM is a hard limit for modern video editing workflows; while it handles 1080p well, it struggles with complex 4K timelines or heavy effects compared to the 16GB M4 models. This machine is ideal for beginners learning Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro on a budget, but it will hit a ceiling quickly as projects become more demanding.

   Pros:

   • M1 chip provides excellent single-core performance for editing
   • 4.5K Retina display supports P3 wide color gamut
   • Silent operation due to fanless or low-fan design

   Cons:

   • 8GB unified memory limits multitasking and heavy effect rendering
   • 256GB SSD fills up rapidly with video assets
   • Renewed status may vary in battery or component longevity

   Best for: Beginner video editors transitioning from laptops who want Apple Silicon performance without the premium price tag.

   Not ideal for: Editors working with 4K RAW footage or multiple streams, as the 8GB RAM will cause frequent swapping and lag.

   • Processor:Apple M1 (8-core CPU, 7-core GPU)
   • Memory:8 GB Unified Memory
   • Storage:256 GB SSD
   • Display:24-inch 4.5K Retina (4480 x 2520)
   • Connectivity:2x Thunderbolt/USB 4, 2x USB 3
   • Operating System:macOS (Upgradable)
   • Condition:Renewed
   Our verdict

   “A smart choice for starters who prioritize speed over memory capacity, but upgrade to 16GB if possible.”

   → See it on Amazon →

3. Apple 2024 iMac with M4 Chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD

   

   Best Standard Configuration

   View on Amazon

   This 2024 model strikes a balance between performance and price, featuring the new M4 chip which outperforms the M1 in this list for multi-core tasks like encoding. The 16GB of unified memory is the sweet spot for most casual video editors, allowing smoother playback of 4K H.264 footage compared to the 8GB M1 model. However, the 256GB SSD remains a critical weakness; you will almost certainly need an external drive for your media library. Compared to the 24GB M4 variant, this unit saves money but offers less headroom for future-proofing, making it best for users who manage their storage externally and don’t run heavy effects simultaneously.

   Pros:

   • M4 chip offers significant performance gains over M1 for rendering
   • 16GB RAM provides adequate headroom for standard 4K editing
   • 4.5K Retina display with 500 nits brightness for accurate grading

   Cons:

   • 256GB storage is insufficient for video assets without external drives
   • No upgrade path for RAM or storage post-purchase
   • Premium price compared to non-Apple PCs with similar specs

   Best for: Casual YouTubers and social media creators editing 4K H.264/HEVC footage who use external storage.

   Not ideal for: Professionals handling large project libraries internally or those running complex motion graphics alongside video editing.

   • Processor:Apple M4 (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU)
   • Memory:16 GB Unified Memory
   • Storage:256 GB SSD
   • Display:24-inch Retina 4.5K, 500 nits
   • Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Thunderbolt 4
   • Camera:12MP Center Stage
   • Audio:Six speakers with Spatial Audio
   Our verdict

   “The sensible default for most hobbyists, provided you are comfortable managing storage externally.”

   → See it on Amazon →

4. Apple 2024 iMac with M4 Chip, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD (Blue)

   

   Best Aesthetic Match

   View on Amazon

   Functionally identical to the Silver 16GB M4 model in this lineup, this Blue variant offers the same M4 performance and 16GB memory configuration. The choice here is purely aesthetic, targeting creators who want their workspace to reflect their brand or personal style. It shares the same 256GB storage limitation as its silver twin, meaning you must budget for an external SSD regardless of color choice. Compared to the 24GB model, this unit offers less memory headroom, but for most single-stream video editing tasks, the difference in workflow speed is negligible. It is a stylish entry point for Apple Silicon editing, but do not confuse the color with extra capability.

   Pros:

   • Identical M4 performance to the Silver 16GB model
   • Vibrant Blue finish adds personality to the workspace
   • Excellent color accuracy on the 4.5K Retina display

   Cons:

   • Same storage bottleneck as the Silver model (256GB)
   • 16GB RAM may limit complex project scalability
   • No functional advantage over the Silver variant

   Best for: Content creators who prioritize desk aesthetics and color coordination over raw storage capacity.

   Not ideal for: Users who need more than 256GB of internal space or require more than 16GB of RAM for heavy multitasking.

   • Processor:Apple M4 (8-core CPU, 8-core GPU)
   • Memory:16 GB Unified Memory
   • Storage:256 GB SSD
   • Display:24-inch Retina 4.5K, 500 nits
   • Color:Blue
   • Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Thunderbolt 4
   • Ports:Up to four Thunderbolt 4 ports
   Our verdict

   “Buy this if you want the Blue aesthetic and are happy with 16GB RAM and external storage.”

   → See it on Amazon →

5. Apple 2024 iMac with M4 Chip, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD

   

   Best Overall for Editing

   View on Amazon

   This configuration is the Best Overall choice in this roundup for serious video editing. The jump to 24GB of unified memory and a 10-core M4 chip provides substantial headroom for handling larger 4K projects, multiple audio tracks, and complex effects without the bottlenecks found in the 8GB M1 or 16GB M4 models. The 512GB SSD is also a practical improvement, allowing you to keep active project files and caches on the fast internal drive. While it comes at a higher price point than the 256GB variants, the combination of increased RAM and storage capacity reduces the immediate need for external drives and future-proofs the machine for more demanding workflows.

   Pros:

   • 24GB RAM allows for smoother multitasking and larger project files
   • 512GB SSD provides sufficient space for OS, apps, and active projects
   • 10-core M4 chip delivers faster render times than 8-core variants

   Cons:

   • Higher upfront cost compared to base 16GB/256GB models
   • Still lacks the port variety of traditional tower PCs
   • No upgrade path for memory or storage after purchase

   Best for: Semi-professional editors and YouTubers handling complex 4K timelines who want internal storage and ample RAM.

   Not ideal for: Casual users who only edit short social media clips and do not need 24GB of memory or 512GB of storage.

   • Processor:Apple M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU)
   • Memory:24 GB Unified Memory
   • Storage:512 GB SSD
   • Display:24-inch Retina 4.5K
   • Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, Thunderbolt 4
   • Dimensions:21.54 x 5.79 x 18.15 inches
   • Weight:9.77 pounds
   Our verdict

   “The most balanced and capable editing machine in this list for those who can afford the upgrade.”

   → See it on Amazon →

6. Apple 2024 iMac All-in-One Desktop Computer with M4 Chip, 24-inch Retina Display, 16GB Memory, 512GB SSD, Silver

   

   Best Balanced Performance for Creative Professionals

   View on Amazon

   This configuration strikes the ideal balance between raw processing power and practical storage capacity for video editors. While the base model with 256GB SSD feels cramped for storing high-resolution footage, this 512GB variant provides enough breathing room to keep active projects accessible without constantly offloading files to external drives. The M4 chip’s 10-core GPU handles 4K timelines smoothly, offering a noticeable speed advantage over the previous M1 generation. However, compared to the 24GB RAM model, this 16GB setup may struggle if you multitask heavily with browser tabs and background apps while editing. It is the sweet spot for editors who value color accuracy and sleek design but do not need the maximum memory headroom of the premium tier.

   Pros:

   • M4 chip delivers efficient rendering speeds for 4K video timelines
   • 512GB SSD offers practical space for active project files without external drives
   • 24-inch Retina display provides accurate color for grading tasks
   • Compact all-in-one footprint saves valuable desk space

   Cons:

   • 16GB RAM may limit performance during heavy multitasking
   • No option to upgrade memory or storage after purchase
   • Premium price point compared to comparable Windows desktops

   Best for: Freelance video editors and content creators who work primarily in 4K and need sufficient internal storage for active projects.

   Not ideal for: Heavy multitaskers running complex effects or 8K footage, who would benefit more from the 24GB RAM model.

   • Processor:Apple M4 chip with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
   • Memory:16GB Unified Memory
   • Storage:512GB SSD
   • Display:24-inch Retina display
   • Ports:Up to 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports
   • Connectivity:Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
   • Dimensions:21.54 x 5.79 x 18.15 inches
   • Weight:9.77 pounds
   Our verdict

   “This model is the best choice for editors who want a powerful, space-saving machine with enough storage to handle daily workflows without upgrading to the most expensive tier.”

   → See it on Amazon →

How We Picked

I evaluated these machines based on their ability to handle modern video editing workloads, specifically looking at codec decoding, timeline playback smoothness, and export speeds. The ranking prioritizes the M4 architecture because its hardware acceleration for AV1 and ProRes is far ahead of the M1 and Intel generations. I also weighed the importance of unified memory, discarding configurations that would bottleneck multitasking in professional applications like DaVinci Resolve or Final Cut Pro.

Screen quality and connectivity were secondary but important factors. All modern iMacs feature P3 wide color gamut displays, which is non-negotiable for color grading. I ranked the newer models higher because their Thunderbolt 4 and USB-C ports provide faster data transfer rates for external SSDs, a critical component of any serious editing rig.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Imac For Video Editing

Choosing the right iMac for video editing isn’t just about picking the most expensive model; it is about matching the hardware to your specific post-production workflow. Here are the critical factors that should dictate your purchase.

The Importance of Unified Memory

Video editing is one of the most memory-intensive tasks you can ask a computer to do. 16GB of unified memory is the baseline for comfortable 4K editing, allowing the GPU and CPU to share resources without bottlenecking. If you plan to work with 8K footage or use heavy motion graphics in After Effects, 24GB or more is strongly advised. Buying a machine with only 8GB will force your system to swap data to the SSD frequently, causing stutter during playback. This is the most common mistake buyers make when trying to save money on the entry-level M1 models.

Storage Speed vs. Capacity

Internal storage on iMacs is fast but expensive and fixed forever. The 256GB SSD in base models fills up quickly with just your operating system and applications. For video editors, the strategy should be to buy the smallest internal drive you can afford and invest the savings in a high-speed external Thunderbolt SSD. This approach gives you faster render times and more flexibility. The M4 iMacs support Thunderbolt 4, which offers up to 40Gb/s throughput, making external drive performance nearly indistinguishable from internal storage for most projects.

Display Color Accuracy and Size

While the 27-inch Intel iMac offers more screen real estate, the 24-inch Retina display on the M4 models delivers superior color accuracy with 500 nits of brightness and full P3 wide color gamut support. For color grading, accuracy matters more than size. You can always connect an external monitor if you need a dual-screen setup, but you cannot upgrade the built-in display’s color performance. The M4’s display technology ensures that what you see is closer to the final broadcast standard than the older Intel panels.

The M4 Media Engine Advantage

The jump from M1 to M4 is not just about raw CPU speed; it is about the media engine. The M4 chip includes dedicated hardware for decoding and encoding ProRes and AV1 codecs. This means smoother timeline playback and faster exports without taxing the main CPU. If you edit primarily in Apple ProRes, the M4 will feel twice as fast as the M1. For editors using H.264 or HEVC from consumer cameras, the difference is still present but less dramatic, making the M1 a possible budget compromise.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use an iMac for 4K video editing?

Yes, but the experience depends heavily on the generation. The M4 iMac handles 4K timelines with ease, even with multiple layers of effects, thanks to its advanced media engine. The M1 iMac can also edit 4K, but you may need to use proxy files for smoother playback if your timeline is complex. The older Intel iMacs struggle with modern 4K codecs and are generally not recommended for this purpose in 2027 due to thermal throttling and slower render times.

Is 16GB of RAM enough for video editing?

For 1080p and simple 4K projects, 16GB is sufficient for most users. It allows you to keep Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro open alongside a web browser and music player. However, if you work with motion graphics, 3D elements, or 8K footage, 16GB will become a bottleneck. In those cases, upgrading to 24GB or 32GB is a better investment than spending that money on a faster processor, as memory shortages cause more frequent system freezes than CPU limitations.

Should I buy the renewed Intel iMac for the larger screen?

Generally, no. While the 27-inch screen is appealing, the Intel architecture is outdated for video editing. It lacks the hardware acceleration for modern codecs found in Apple Silicon chips, leading to slower exports and hotter operation. The 24-inch M4 iMac is significantly faster and more power-efficient. If you need a larger workspace, it is far better to buy the 24-inch M4 iMac and connect it to a high-quality 4K external monitor than to compromise on processing power for built-in screen size.

Do I need an external hard drive with an iMac?

Almost certainly, yes. The internal SSDs in iMacs are non-upgradable, and video files consume space rapidly. A 256GB internal drive is too small for storing a library of video projects. Investing in a fast Thunderbolt 4 external SSD allows you to keep your operating system on the internal drive for speed while storing large media files externally. This setup also makes it easier to back up your work and transfer projects between machines.

Which iMac is best for beginners?

The renewed M1 iMac is the best entry point for beginners. It offers the same Retina display quality and Apple Silicon efficiency as newer models but at a lower cost. For learning the basics of cutting, trimming, and basic color correction in iMovie or Final Cut Pro, the M1 chip is more than capable. You can always upgrade to an M4 model later as your skills and project complexity grow, making the M1 a low-risk investment for those starting out.

Conclusion

Choosing the right iMac for video editing comes down to matching your budget with your workflow intensity. For the majority of professionals and serious enthusiasts, the Apple 2024 iMac with M4 Chip (16GB/512GB) is the best overall pick, offering the perfect balance of speed, storage, and display quality. If you are on a tighter budget, the renewed M1 iMac provides excellent value for learning and light editing, though you should skip the 8GB RAM variants if possible. For those needing maximum headroom for complex projects, the 24GB M4 model is the premium choice that future-proofs your setup against memory-hungry applications. Avoid the Intel-based renewed models unless you have specific legacy software requirements, as they fall short in performance and efficiency compared to the Apple Silicon lineup.