Is The M1 Macbook Air Still Powerful Enough For Video Editing In 2025

As we move deeper into 2025, Apple’s transition to its own silicon continues to redefine expectations for performance and efficiency in laptops. The M1 MacBook Air, introduced in late 2020, was a game-changer at launch—offering desktop-class power in an ultra-thin, fanless design. But nearly five years later, as software demands grow and new chips like the M4 emerge, many creators are asking: is the M1 MacBook Air still capable of handling modern video editing workflows?

The answer isn’t a simple yes or no. It depends on your specific needs, project complexity, and software choices. While it may not be ideal for high-end professional work involving 4K timelines or complex effects, the M1 MacBook Air remains surprisingly capable for a wide range of editing tasks—even in 2025.

Performance Overview: Where the M1 Still Shines

The M1 chip brought a dramatic leap in CPU and GPU performance compared to Intel-based Macs, especially in single-threaded tasks and energy efficiency. Built on a 5nm process with an 8-core CPU (four performance cores, four efficiency cores) and a 7- or 8-core GPU, the M1 handles everyday computing with ease—and that includes basic to moderate video editing.

In real-world testing throughout 2023 and 2024, editors using Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and Adobe Premiere Pro reported smooth playback and rendering for 1080p projects and even some 4K clips, particularly when optimized with proxy workflows. The unified memory architecture allows fast data sharing between CPU and GPU, reducing bottlenecks during timeline scrubbing and color grading.

Apple’s Metal-accelerated frameworks and native app support have further improved responsiveness. Apps like Final Cut Pro are deeply optimized for Apple Silicon, enabling features such as background rendering, AI-powered object tracking, and HDR export—all running efficiently on the base model M1 MacBook Air with 8GB of RAM.

Tip: Always use apps compiled for Apple Silicon (native versions) to maximize performance. Avoid Rosetta translation when possible.

Real-World Editing Scenarios in 2025

To assess the M1 MacBook Air’s relevance today, consider how different types of creators use it now:

Student & Hobbyist Editors

For school projects, YouTube vlogs, short social media clips, and personal documentaries, the M1 MacBook Air excels. With 1080p footage from smartphones or entry-level mirrorless cameras, timelines remain responsive. Export times are reasonable—typically under 5 minutes for a 10-minute 1080p video in H.264 using Final Cut Pro.

Freelancers & Content Creators

Many freelance editors working on client reels, promotional videos, or podcast intros rely solely on the M1 MacBook Air. As long as they avoid multi-cam 4K sequences or heavy After Effects compositions, performance holds up well. Using proxy files during editing significantly improves responsiveness when dealing with higher-resolution source material.

Professional Workflows

Here, limitations become apparent. Editors working with RAW 4K footage from Blackmagic or RED cameras, layered motion graphics, or extensive noise reduction in DaVinci Resolve will notice stuttering playback, longer render times, and occasional crashes—especially with only 8GB RAM. Complex timelines with multiple streams of 4K H.265 can overwhelm the system, leading to dropped frames and sluggish UI response.

“Even in 2025, the M1 MacBook Air is a solid choice for indie filmmakers who prioritize portability and battery life over raw horsepower.” — Jordan Lee, Video Production Consultant

Comparison: M1 vs. Newer Chips in Common Tasks

Task	M1 MacBook Air (8GB)	M2 MacBook Air	M3 MacBook Pro (14\")
1080p Edit (Final Cut Pro)	Smooth	Very Smooth	Effortless
4K Timeline Playback (No Proxy)	Lags with effects	Mostly smooth	Fully smooth
Export Time (10-min 1080p H.264)	~4 min	~2.5 min	~1.5 min
DaVinci Resolve Noise Reduction (4K)	Unusable without proxies	Playable with optimization	Responsive
Battery Life During Editing	~6 hours	~8 hours	~10 hours

This comparison shows that while newer chips offer noticeable gains, the M1 remains functional for lighter workloads. For users who don’t need cutting-edge speed, upgrading solely for performance may not be cost-effective.

Optimization Tips for Better Performance in 2025

You can extend the useful life of your M1 MacBook Air by optimizing both hardware usage and workflow practices. These strategies help maintain efficiency even as software evolves:

1. Use Proxy Files: Generate lower-resolution copies of your footage for editing. Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro allow automatic proxy creation, drastically improving timeline responsiveness.
2. Close Background Apps: Free up memory by quitting unused applications. With only 8GB RAM, multitasking heavily while editing can cause slowdowns.
3. Upgrade Storage: If you’re still on 256GB, consider moving to 512GB if possible. Running out of disk space impacts virtual memory performance.
4. Keep macOS Updated: Apple continues to release optimizations for older devices. Staying current ensures better compatibility and security.
5. Use Final Cut Pro When Possible: It’s the best-optimized NLE for Apple Silicon. Switching from Premiere Pro to Final Cut Pro often results in smoother performance on the same hardware.

Tip: Regularly restart your Mac after intensive sessions to clear cached memory and prevent background processes from accumulating.

Case Study: Travel Vlogger Using M1 MacBook Air in 2024

Sophia Tran, a travel content creator based in Thailand, has edited all her YouTube videos on a base-model M1 MacBook Air since 2021. Her typical workflow involves 4K footage from a Sony A7C, edited in Final Cut Pro, with music overlays, subtitles, and light color grading.

In early 2024, she upgraded her workflow to include drone footage and began experimenting with vertical video formats for TikTok and Instagram Reels. She noticed initial lag when combining multiple 4K clips on the timeline. To adapt, she enabled proxy mode and offloaded transcoding tasks to external drives via Thunderbolt 3.

“I was worried my laptop wouldn’t keep up,” Sophia said. “But once I started using proxies and managing my library better, everything runs smoothly. I edit on beaches, in cafes, on trains—it’s still my go-to machine.”

Her export times increased slightly with more complex projects, but she found that rendering overnight or during charging periods made no difference to her delivery schedule. For her needs, the M1 MacBook Air remains fully viable.

When It’s Time to Upgrade

While the M1 MacBook Air holds up well, certain signs indicate it might be time to consider a more powerful machine:

• Frequent beachballing or app crashes during editing
• Inability to play back 4K timelines without proxies—even with minimal effects
• Long export times affecting turnaround (e.g., over 15 minutes for a 10-minute video)
• Need to run After Effects, Cinema 4D, or other GPU-intensive companion apps
• Working with codecs like ProRes RAW or BRAW regularly

If you're frequently hitting these limits, upgrading to an M2 or M3 MacBook Pro—or at minimum an M2 Air with 16GB RAM—will provide meaningful improvements in stability and speed.

Checklist: Is Your M1 MacBook Air Still Fit for Editing?

Use this checklist to evaluate your current setup:

• ✅ Are you primarily editing 1080p or lightly compressed 4K?
• ✅ Do you use native Apple Silicon apps like Final Cut Pro?
• ✅ Have you implemented a proxy workflow for high-res footage?
• ✅ Is your storage at least half-empty for temp file handling?
• ✅ Can you accept slightly longer render times?
• ✅ Are you avoiding heavy visual effects or multi-app workflows?

If you answered “yes” to most of these, your M1 MacBook Air is likely still sufficient for your needs in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the M1 MacBook Air handle 4K video editing?

Yes, but with caveats. Native 4K editing is possible in Final Cut Pro with optimized settings or proxy files. However, real-time playback with effects may lag, especially with H.265 or HEVC codecs. For consistent 4K performance, consider upgrading RAM or using a more powerful model.

Is 8GB of RAM enough for video editing in 2025?

It’s the bare minimum. For 1080p editing and light 4K work, 8GB is usable—especially with efficient apps like Final Cut Pro. But multitasking with browsers, audio tools, or communication apps can push memory limits. 16GB is strongly recommended for future-proofing.

Will Apple continue supporting the M1 MacBook Air?

Yes. Apple typically provides around 5–7 years of macOS updates for its devices. The M1 MacBook Air is expected to receive OS updates through at least 2027, ensuring continued compatibility with essential apps and security patches.

Final Verdict: Capable, But Know Its Limits

The M1 MacBook Air remains a competent tool for video editing in 2025—if used wisely. Its combination of portability, battery life, and solid baseline performance makes it ideal for students, hobbyists, and mobile creators who value convenience over brute force.

It won’t replace a high-end MacBook Pro for studio-grade productions, but for many real-world scenarios, it’s more than adequate. By adopting smart workflows, leveraging software optimization, and understanding its constraints, users can continue producing quality content without needing to upgrade.

Technology evolves quickly, but so does our ability to work efficiently within limits. The M1 MacBook Air may not be the fastest option available today, but it’s proof that thoughtful engineering can deliver lasting value far beyond its release year.

🚀 Still using your M1 MacBook Air for creative work? Share your experience below—what’s working, what’s not, and how you’ve adapted your workflow for 2025.