Mac or Windows?
What specifications to pay attention to when purchasing a laptop
Each semester, students ask whether a Mac or Windows system is better for creative work. The short answer is that it depends on your workflow, tools and personal preference. If you prefer a smooth user experience and the way Apple devices work together, macOS is probably the better fit. Just keep in mind it usually comes with a higher price tag. If you want hardware flexibility, strong compatibility with external gear, and more budget options, Windows might be the smarter choice.
Before buying a laptop, review the latest system requirements for Adobe Creative Cloud applications on Adobe’s website. Aim for the recommended specifications, not the minimum for the best performance across apps like Premiere Pro, Photoshop, After Effects, etc. See the chart below for the current recommended specifications for Premiere Pro.
Based on our experience with both platforms, we’ve outlined some quick takeaways and a comparison chart to help you get started. Use this as a guide, then do additional research before making your decision.
| Premiere Pro 25 | APPLE Mac Recommended specs | WINDOWS Recommended specs |
| Processor | Apple silicon M1 Pro, M1 Max, M1 Ultra, or newer | Intel® 11th Gen or newer CPU with Quick Sync or AMD Ryzen™ 3000 Series / Threadripper 3000 series or newer CPU |
| Operating system | macOS Ventura (version 13) or later | Windows 10 (64-bit V22H2 or later) or Windows 11 |
| Memory | Apple silicon: 16 GB unified memory | 16 GB RAM for HD media 32 GB or more for 4K and higher |
| GPU | Apple silicon: 16 GB unified memory | 8 GB GPU memory |
| Storage |
Fast internal SSD for app installation and cache Additional high-speed drive for media |
|
| Display |
1920x1080 pixels or greater DisplayHDR 1000 for HDR workflows |
|
| Network storage connection | 10 Gigabit Ethernet for 4K shared network workflow | ASIO compatible or Microsoft Windows Driver Model |
Mac vs Windows comparison
| CATEGORY | APPLE Mac (Apple Silicon) | WINDOWS |
| Audio editing |
Optimized for Logic Pro X (Mac-only) Stable, low-latency performance with Core Audio Great plugin support (Waves, FabFilter, etc.) Ideal for mobile music production |
Best for Pro Tools, Cubase, Ableton Live, etc. Broad support for interfaces and drivers (ASIO) High expandability: multiple drives, PCIe cards May require more manual tuning |
| Video editing |
Final Cut Pro is lightning fast and Mac exclusive Premiere Pro & DaVinci Resolve run smooth on M1/M2 chips Excellent Retina/XDR display color accuracy Long battery life during edits |
Runs Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Avid extremely well NVIDIA RTX GPUs offer powerful CUDA acceleration Ideal for 8K, VFX, and VR workflows Upgradeable GPUs/CPUs extend system life |
| Photo editing |
Native support for Photoshop, Lightroom, Affinity Retina displays = sharp, true-to-life previews Fast RAW processing with Apple Silicon Tight iCloud integration for photo libraries |
Handles Photoshop, Lightroom, Capture One with ease Supports pro-grade monitors for color work Faster batch processing with higher-core CPUs Flexible for multi-drive RAW workflows |
| Performance scaling |
Unified memory (shared RAM between CPU & GPU) = fast, efficient workflow Not upgradeable Excellent thermals and quiet fans |
More RAM options (64–128GB), multiple GPUs, high-core CPUs Handles large Adobe projects with multiple heavy apps running |
| Ease of use & stability |
macOS is consistent/less troubleshooting Fewer driver issues |
Occasional issues after updates Offers flexibility, but may require driver management |
| Upgrade path |
No internal upgrades (RAM & SSD soldered) Choose higher specs before purchase |
Fully upgradeable (RAM, GPU, storage, CPU) Better long-term value if upgrading over time |
| Price |
Higher starting cost Limited configurations, but solid performance across the board |
Wider range: budget to elite workstations More configurations available |
| Best for |
Creators who value stability, color accuracy, and portability Great for those working in Final Cut, Logic, or Adobe tools on the go |
Creators who need maximum power, GPU acceleration, and flexibility Ideal for 3D, VFX, or heavy post-production workflows |