Did you know that over 5 billion YouTube videos are watched each day? If you want to be a YouTuber, you need to make sure that you have the gear that you need to compete with all of the other YouTubers out there.

So, what are the best laptops for YouTube? And what about desktop computers to use for video editing?

In this article, we’ll help you make a computer purchase for your YouTube and video editing needs. That way you can make a smart purchase that doesn’t waste your money.

What Tasks Are You Doing?

Before you go out and spend thousands of dollars on a new Mac or PC, first take a second to analyze what exactly you need in a computer. If you’re a YouTuber, no matter what type of content you make, odds are there are a few things that you need your computer to be great at.

For example, above all else, you need your computer to run video editing software at fast speeds. That way you can edit large video files, and process your completed projects, quickly.

As a YouTuber, you’re also always watching videos. So, a nice 4k screen and a powerful graphics card are on the list of must-have features, too.

Finally, you need a computer with tons of storage, as video files can be quite large and take up lots of space on your computer. With that being said, you can boost your computer’s storage space using affordable external hard drives, so this isn’t as important as the other specs mentioned on this list.

What Specs Are Important?

Every computer can run a YouTube video downloader for Mac tools and store videos. But if you’re serious about your YouTube career, you need to purchase a computer that is built from the ground-up with serious video editing jobs in mind.

So, what specs are the most important? Well, you’re going to want a multi-core processor of some kind. The i9 processors are the best, but an i7 or an i5 can get the job done, too, if you’re working on a tight budget.

As far as your hard drive is concerned, you’re going to want at least 256 GB of hard drive on your computer. Of course, the higher that number is, the better, but 256 GB is a solid number to start at.

Again, you can always boost your computer’s storage space by using an external hard drive of some kind. And a minimum of a 2 GB graphics card is also recommended.

What About RAM and Screen Size?

When it comes to RAM, that is where you need to make sure your computer is powerful enough to get the job done. Anywhere from 8-32 GB of RAM is recommended, and again, the higher that number, the faster and more powerful your computer will be.

But what about screen size? Anything bigger than 19 inches is solid. If you find a computer that you like with a smaller screen, there are some life hacks that you can use to get around this issue that we’ll discuss later.

The Best Laptops for YouTube

So, what are some desktop and laptop models out there that we recommend for YouTubers? Well, we’ve got 4 options for you to choose from, all of which will make being a YouTuber possible.

We’ve broken them down into 4 categories to make it easier for you to decide. Those categories are the pro model, the advanced model, the budget-friendly model, and the on-the-go model.

The Pro Model (Apple iMac Pro)

We’ll be honest. The Apple iMac Pro isn’t for beginners. One of these computers is going to set you back a few grand, which means that, unless you’re serious about YouTube, it’s not the smartest investment.

With that being said, spec-wise, it’s the best option on this list. With up to a 28-core processor, and 1.5 TB of RAM, the iMac Pro is more than powerful enough to make any YouTube video that your brain could come up with.

The Advanced Model (Apple iMac)

Like the iMac Pro? Want a more affordable version? Check out the Apple iMac.

Like the iMac Pro, the iMac can handle just about any task that you ask it to do. You can get an iMac with an i5, i7, or i9 processor. And with 8 GB of RAM and plenty of storage space, you’d be more than happy with your purchase.

The Budget-Friendly Model: (Hewlett-Packard ENVY)

Working with less than $1,000? Need to make a budget-friendly purchase? The Hewlett-Packard ENVY is the computer for you.

Although it lacks an i9 processor, you can get either the i5 or the i7 and get the processing power that you need. You can also choose between 18-32 GB of RAM, which is right in that sweet spot that we mentioned earlier. 

The On-The-Go Model (Asus ZenBook Pro)

Laptops usually don’t offer you the best deal for your money. But if you need an on-the-go model, the Asus ZenBook Pro is one of the best options on the market available today.

With the Asus ZenBook Pro, you’ve got an i7 processor and 16 GB of RAM to work with. While the 15-inch screen is undersized, you can pair it with a larger monitor at home to get a better editing experience.

Looking for More Tech Tips and Tricks?

Remember, the best laptops for YouTube aren’t going to be as powerful as desktop options in the same price range. But as long as you know what specs to look out for, you should be able to find a computer that works for you for under $1,000.

Looking for more tech tips and tricks? Check out our blog!