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Precise and creative editing is crucial in transforming your raw footage into a video that captivates your viewers. Though you don’t need an extensive or expensive setup to achieve professional results, it’s vital to equip yourself with at least the essential pieces of kit.
Beginners and pros will have different requirements. And if you’re a design fanatic, you’ll probably be concerned with how your studio looks as well as how it edits. Whatever your profile, we’ve got you covered.
This article explores what you need for video editing and how to choose the kind of equipment to invest in. We’ve also compiled a list of top recommendations for beginner and pro editors to inspire you.
TL;DR
- Video editing setups don’t need to be extensive or expensive. You can achieve great results even with the most basic equipment.
- The core video editing equipment is a computer, editing software, and headphones or speakers.
- Important things to consider when designing your video editing workspace are: usability, budget, design and available features
What equipment do you require for video editing?
Before we get to our recommendations, we want to take you through what kind of video editing equipment you need. Of course, your requirements may vary depending on whether you’re a beginner or an experienced professional.
Computer
Let’s start with your computer. Video editing can be resource-intensive, so you need to ensure that your computer has enough processing power and storage to handle your editing sessions.
Also, if you’re investing in a new computer, you should consider editing software compatibility before purchasing. For instance, if you want to use Final Cut Pro X, you must buy a Mac.
Memory / Hard drive
As we discussed above, your video editing computer should ideally have a large hard drive or memory capacity. But you can also get yourself an external storage drive to store your footage.
You’ll need to weigh up between an SSD (Solid State Drive) and an HDD (Hard Disk Drives). We recommend opting for an SSD because these are more durable and run faster. That said, SSDs do come with a higher price tag, so if you’re wary of budget an HDD might be a better option.
Monitor
The next piece of equipment to think about is a computer monitor. A video editing monitor is the best way to get an accurate and maximized look at your footage to ensure that every detail is just right. You’re looking for a monitor that offers you top-quality resolution (ie. 4K or above).
Investing a monitor is also important for avoiding eye strain and your general comfort levels during long-editing sessions.
Keyboard
A specifically designed video-editing keyboard can make a world of difference. Short-cut keys can speed up your workflow and their special design can improve your comfort levels when you’re recording.
Graphics card
A graphics card is the key to a seamless editing workflow. Your choice of graphics card can impact your export, playback, and editing speed, as well as the quality of your previews.
Headphones or Speakers
The next item to think about is editing headphones or speakers. The choice is totally personal and may depend on your budget too. Either way, getting an accurate picture of your audio during your editing sessions is critical to achieving the right mix and ensuring everything is aligned properly.
Generally speaking, professionals should opt for studio speakers for the most accurate audio.
Video editing software
Your choice of video editing software will ultimately impact your capabilities when it comes to editing your footage. That’s why it’s important to consider the types of features and tools on offer and whether your chosen software is right for your level.
A chair
Though this isn’t hardware or software as such, a comfortable and supportive editing chair is a must. This is especially the case if you’re working long-hours editing your videos.
What to Consider When Purchasing Video Editing Equipment
To help you pick out the best equipment for your specific setup, here are some things to keep in mind:
Budget
Firstly, you need to pin down how much you want to spend. This means working out an overall budget and thinking about whether you want to spend more or less on certain pieces of kit. It’s also important to ensure you’re getting a good bang for your buck, so do your research before making your purchases.
Usability
Another key consideration is usability. This means thinking about how user-friendly a piece of kit is and whether it will enhance or change your workflow. This is a significant factor in software because you may feel out of your depth if you choose a program aimed at industry professionals rather than beginners.
Features
Ensure to take a detailed look at all the features that a certain piece of hardware or software offers you. This means examining all of its features and asking what they do and what they mean for your video editing capabilities.
Design
Finally, from a visual and aesthetic perspective, it’s always good to think about how you want your setup to look and feel. This will definitely impact the kinds of equipment you choose to buy for your video editing setup.
7 Video Editing Equipment Must-Haves for Every Level & Budget
Now onto the exciting part: our recommendations.
Computer
Your computer sits at the heart of your editing setup. Here are some recommendations:
Desktops
iMac
Price: Starts at $1,299 (additional memory and other upgrades will add to the base price).
The iMac runs on Apple's powerful M1 processor and is a great option for both beginners and pros both in terms of capability and price point.
Key features:
- Big display (so you don’t need to invest in a separate monitor) & great resolution
- Can handle 4K editing
- Sleek and thin design with range of colors to choose from
- Easy to use
- Compatible with Final Cut X
Things to consider:
- Watch out for lack of ports (unless you upgrade for 2 Thunderbolt / USB 4 Ports and 2 USB 3 ports)
- GPU may result in some lagging
Microsoft Surface Studio 2+
Price: $4,499.99
The Surface Studio 2+ is a strong contender for editors with a big budget. It runs on Windows 11 and is perfect for creatives of all descriptions - artists, content creators, and more. It even has a touchscreen, if that floats your boat. Though it’s a versatile computer, its price tag will definitely put some editors off.
Key features:
- Large high-resolution screen (works as a monitor and touchscreen for versatile workflows)
- Stylish design
- Large storage capacity & fast running speed
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060/70 graphics chip for high-speed processing
Things to consider:
- High price-point
- Compatibility
Laptops
Macbook Pro 16-inch
Price: Starts at $2,499 (upgrades available for an added price)
Video editors who are after the versatility and flexibility that a laptop offers, can’t go far wrong with Apple’s Macbook Pro.
Key features:
- Portable and sleek design
- SD card slot, HDMI port and 3 USB-C port
- Big display with Liquid Retina XDR display
- Runs on M1 Pro Chip which offers powerful performance
- Pro Res ‘Afterburner’ accelerator which helps to enhance key workflows for film and video professionals
Things to consider:
- Though it has a big display, you may want to invest in an external monitor too
- Heavier than some comparable laptops
- Expensive price for a laptop
- Compatibility
Razer Blade 15
Price: $1,999.99 (although models with added storage cost more)
The Razer Blade 15 is a gaming laptop at heart. But it delivers high-speed and powerful performance for video editing too.
Key features:
- Runs on 10th Gen Intel Core i7 which delivers high-speed performance
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 Ti graphics card for ultra-fast visuals
- Sleek and portable design
- Open SSD slot gives you the ability to add storage
Things to consider:
- Compatibility
- Small display
Monitor
Asus ProArt PA348CGV
Price: $729
The ASUS ProArt is an ultra-wide screen with a frameless design for maximized screen size. This is a great option for editors who don’t want to compromise on size or budget.
Key features:
- Ultrawide
- Pre-calibrated for excellent color accuracy
- HDR-10 compatible
Things to consider:
- Price point
- Size (you may want to check it would fit in your setup)
Dell UltraSharp U2419
Price: $369
If you’re on a budget but still keen to include a monitor in your editing setup, then the Dell U2422H might fit the bill.
Key features:
- Always-on integrated blue light screen to minimize eye strain (although it still promises accurate color)
- Borderless design
- Swivel the screen to your liking (landscape vs vertical)
Things to consider:
- Maximum resolution 1080p
Hard-drives
HDD
HDDs are a great choice for creators on a budget. They are cheaper than SDDs, so you can get more storage for a better price. However, HDDs are also more fragile and vulnerable to data loss if you don’t care for them properly.
Seagate BarraCuda 2.5” Hard Drive
Price: $225.99 for 5TB
The Seagate BarraCuda 2.5” Hard Disk is a reliable hard-drive, perfect for editors that have a mid-range budget.
Toshiba Canvio
Price: $69.82 for 2TB
The Toshiba Canvio is another reliable budget external hard drive. You’ll only get 2TB of storage at this price, but this might be enough if you’re just starting out. If you’re a mac user though, you’ll need to reformat it to use it.
SDD
SDDs come with a higher price tag. But they also work faster, tend to be lighter and are also far more durable.
SanDisk Extreme Pro SSD - 2TB
Price: $219.99
The SanDisk SDD is a fast-performing and durable hard drive that lives up to its price tag. You get protection from up to 2-meter drops as well as dust and water resistance. Some creators may not like its design and feel, though, with a rubbery texture and orange trim.
Samsung 860 Pro - 2TB
Price: $379.99
The Samsung 860 Pro is another great choice of SSD. Though it sits at a higher price point, it promises to last (and perform) in the long term.
Keyboard
Logitech Craft
Price: $158.00
The Logitech Craft is a keyboard reimagined for creatives. Its most unique feature is the ‘creative input’ dial, which is versatile across different apps. It also has optimized workflows for Adobe Premiere Pro.
Apple Magic Keyboard
Price: $114.99
The Apple Magic keyboard is an obvious choice for Apple fanatics. It has the signature Apple feel and design which will fit right into an Apple-oriented setup. However, this won’t work for creators who have opted for a Windows setup.
LogicKeyboard Astra for Adobe Premiere Pro
Price : $147.87
This keyboard is designed specifically for use with Premiere Pro. And you can use it with Windows and Mac. The quirky color-coded keys help you to speed up your workflow with intuitive shortcuts. If you’re into sleek and stylish equipment, this might not fit your setup.
Black Magic DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor
Price: $395.00
If you’re happy with your current keyboard but want to streamline your workflow with intuitive keys and dials, then the DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor is a strong choice. Its compact design means it’ll fit even the coziest setups, and the search dial and quick-shortcut buttons help speed up your editing in no time. That being said, this small but powerful keyboard does come with a hefty price tag, so it won’t be as suitable for smaller budgets.
Editing software
Riverside
Price: Free, paid plans starting at $15
If you're looking for an all-in-one recording and editing platform, Riverside is for you. We offer up to 4K video recording, where you can invite up to 7 guests to join you no matter where they are. You'll receive separate audio and video tracks to give you maximum editing control. But there's no need to edit externally, our built in editor offers a seamless experience.
Riverside's text-based video editor uses Ai transcriptions so you can create precise cuts as easily as editing a text document. Any text you delete in these transcripts automatically removes the matching video and audio in your recordings. You can also turn your transcriptions into video captions which you can then style and position as you want. Top it off by adjusting and customizing your layout, plus fine-tuning your audio.
You can also maximize on your long-form recording and turn it into multiple short clips. Short-form content is all over social media right now and it's an effective way to entice viewers into your long-form content. With Riverside all it takes is one extra click with our Magic Clips tool. This Ai tool identifies memorable moments in your recordings and transforms them into short clips which you can then edit and polish as you like.
Key features:
- Text-based video and audio editor so you can navigate and edit through your video without rewatching anything
- Highly accurate Ai transcriptions available in over 100 languages
- Quick and easy tools for customizing your video layout
- Magic Clip creator for seamless short shareable videos
- Automated audio fine tuning features such as background noise removal and audio normalization
- Custom backgrounds and logos so you can brand your content
Final Cut Pro
Price: $299.99
Apple’s powerful video editing suite, Final Cut Pro, is an industry favorite - for obvious reasons. Video editors can let their creativity go wild with the wide range of features available. And crucially, it achieves an ideal balance between catering for beginners and living up to pros’ expectations.
Key features:
- Object tracker
- Cinematic mode
- Color grading, editing, audio, motion graphics and more
- Additional plug-ins, effects and tools
- Intuitive workflow and easy to learn
DaVinci Resolve
Price: Free version available. Resolve Studio costs $295 for a lifetime license
DaVinci Resolve has both a free and paid version. Let’s take a look at both of them and their key differences. Da Vinci Resolve is known as the professional solution for video editing. Don’t let that put you off because beginners can get to grips with it quickly too. The free version is a great option for creators on a budget or beginners who want to give it a go before committing.
The Studio version gives you access to more features including 32K resolution, immersive audio tools, motion effects, and support for multiple GPUs.
Key features:
- Multi-user collaboration in your studio
- Blackmagic Cloud which lets you store your word in the cloud for international collaborations
- Up to 32K resolution in Studio
- Compatibility with all major operating systems
Adobe Premiere Pro
Price: $20.99/month for individuals and $35.99 per license for teams
Adobe Premiere Pro is another solid choice of video editing software.
Again, it covers both beginners and pros with an intuitive interface packed with a wide range of powerful features. Though it’s a strong contender, its subscription price might put some creators off though.
If you’re a Riverside user, note that we have an Adobe Premiere integration so you can easily export your recording into a Premiere timeline.
Key features:
- Sleek interface
- Easy to use
- Auto color correct
- Compare your before and after footage with Comparison View
- Integrated tutorials and ‘learning mode’ helps beginners to get to grips with the platform
- Audio assign feature for more streamlined workflows
iMovie
Price: Free with Apple devices
iMovie is a good option for video editors who are just starting out and have a Mac. Though it’s fairly simplistic if you’ve got big ambitions, iMovie is easy to use and a great place to start.
Key features:
- Budget-friendly
- Easy to use and beginner friendly
- Intuitive storyboard & interface
- Green screen effects
- Available across Apple devices
Headphones & Speakers
Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro
Price: $135
These Beyerdynamic closed-over-the-ear headphones are a perfect addition to a basic setup. They offer great sound quality and a comforting amount of durability. With a good padding on the headset, these will perform well during long editing sessions.
Sony MDR7506
Price: $130.00
You’ll see these Sony MDR7506 headphones in a lot of studios because they’re a fail-safe option for high-quality video editing. The balance between their sound quality, their basic (but sleek) design, and their price is fairly unbeatable. Perfect for beginners and pros alike.
KRK Rokit RP7 G4
Price: $498.59 for a bundle of 2
If you’re looking for studio monitors on a budget, the KRK Rokit RP7s are a perfect choice. These studio speakers promise powerful performance, great sound quality, and adjustability to match your needs.
Edifier MR4
Price: $129.99
The Edifier MR4 Powered Studio Monitor Speakers offer great value for money. You’ll be working with studio-quality and minimalist speakers. You can adjust the high and low frequencies to match your preferences, and since they’re easy to set up, you’ll get your workstation connected in no time.
Editing Chair
Duramont Ergonomic Office Chair
Price:$329.99
This might look like a basic office chair, but the Duramont Ergonomic chair also promises serious comfort. It’s adjustable with a high back for added support. It also features extra cushioning alongside a head, and armrests to help you maintain good posture whilst you’re editing.
HAG Capisco Adjustable Standing Desk Chair
Price : $1,116.00
The HAG Capisco Adjustable Standing Desk Chair certainly looks unusual, but it gives you the flexibility to alternate between sitting and standing whilst you’re working. Depending on what feels good, you can swivel the chair to sit forward, sideways, or backwards. You’ll definitely appreciate the choice when you’re on a long editing shift.
Tips on making the best use of your video editing equipment
Do your research
The first step to getting the most out of your video editing equipment is choosing the right kit in the first place. Take your time picking out each item and making sure that it’s going to work for you. Once you’ve got your hands on a new piece of hardware or software, learn about all its features and how it works so you can harness every last bit of it.
Continual learning
Your video editing equipment can only do so much. You need to know the best techniques, tips, and tricks to make your equipment perform. That’s why continual learning is so important. Watch video editing tutorials, and don’t be afraid to experiment during your editing sessions. This is how you continue to improve on your abilities.
Ask for feedback & advice
And lastly, make sure to ask your colleagues and other industry professionals for advice and support. They’ll be able to guide you in using your video editing equipment properly so that you can achieve stellar results.
FAQs on Video Editing Equipment
Let’s take a look at some of the most common questions about video editing equipment.
Which gadget is best for video editing?
This depends on what kind of gadget you’re looking for (and what you already have in your setup). Upgrading your keyboard to an editing keyboard can make more difference to your workflow than you might think. Changing up your video editing software can also equip you with new features and tools to play around with. Try and keep up to date with the latest releases to be the first to know about the coolest gadgets out there.
What do YouTubers edit their videos with?
Depending on which YouTuber you talk to, they’ll tell you something different. Some of the most popular video editing software include Final Cut Pro, iMovie, and Adobe Premiere.
Though bear in mind that some YouTubers probably outsource their editing needs to a dedicated editing service.
Read more: How to Edit YouTube Videos Easily: Complete Beginner Guide
What materials do I need to film and edit a video?
Here’s a list of what you’ll need to film and edit a professional grade video:
- Camera
- Computer
- Headphones
- Microphone
- Recording software
- Lighting
- Video editing software
As we said earlier, your setup doesn’t need to be complicated or overly expensive - all you need are the basics.
What equipment is needed for 4K video editing?
Editing 4K video requires a computer that’s up to the task. This is what you’re looking for: fast CPU, a powerful graphics card, big memory, and sufficient storage. You also need to think about a monitor that can display 4K, so you can edit accurately. Finally, you’re looking for a video editing software that is compatible with 4K video editing.
Read more: 8 Best 4k Video Editing Software for Top-Quality Content (2024)
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