Every travel vlogger knows that capturing incredible footage is only half the journey — the other half is editing it to perfection. In recent years, Apple’s M1 and M2 chips have reshaped the landscape of video editing for content creators, especially those on the move. With faster processing speeds and optimized performance, these chips have made MacBooks and other Apple devices go-to tools for vloggers who demand speed, quality, and portability. But with countless video editing apps on the market, how do you choose the right one — particularly if you prefer a timeline-based workflow?
TL;DR
The world of video editing on macOS has evolved significantly since the introduction of M1 and M2 chips. Travel vloggers prefer timeline-based editors that offer a mix of performance, portability, ease-of-use, and professional features. Among the top choices are Final Cut Pro for its Apple-native optimization, Adobe Premiere Pro for its versatility, and DaVinci Resolve for its stellar color grading. LumaFusion and CapCut also offer unique strengths, especially for users seeking mobility and speed.
1. Final Cut Pro – Apple’s Own Editing Powerhouse
Why Vloggers Love It: Final Cut Pro is developed by Apple, which means it’s fine-tuned for performance on M1 and M2 chips. The software runs effortlessly, even with 4K or 8K footage, and offers lightning-fast render times and smooth previews.
With its magnetic timeline, background rendering, and intelligent cropping, Final Cut Pro is trusted by professionals but intuitive enough for aspiring vloggers as well. It’s ideal for travel creators who often edit on the go and need efficiency without sacrificing quality.
- Optimized for M1 & M2 chips: Unparalleled performance and battery efficiency
- Timeline-based interface: Smooth and clean layout perfect for travel storytelling
- Multicam editing: Allows easy synchronization of drone, GoPro, and camera footage
- Advanced audio tools: Capable of isolating background noise
Pricing: One-time purchase of $299.99
2. Adobe Premiere Pro – Cross-Platform Versatility
Why Vloggers Love It: A household name in video editing, Premiere Pro is loved for its vast plugin ecosystem, industry recognition, and integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps like After Effects and Photoshop. For vloggers capturing footage across different devices and formats, its UI and tools offer unmatched flexibility.
Adobe jumped on the Apple Silicon bandwagon early. Now, Premiere Pro screams on M1 and M2 Macs, running quieter and faster than ever. The real draw, though, is how seamlessly it integrates with Lightroom and Audition — perfect for vloggers editing both visuals and sound.
- Broad format support: Easily import footage from drones, cameras, or smartphones
- Timeline precision: Layer multiple clips, B-rolls, and effects with ease
- Frequent updates: Adobe regularly pushes features based on community feedback
Pricing: Subscription-based, starting at $20.99/month (Creative Cloud plans)
3. DaVinci Resolve – Best for Color Grading and Cinematic Looks
Why Vloggers Love It: DaVinci Resolve brings Hollywood-quality post-production tools to your Mac. Famous for its superb color grading panel, it’s often the final step in editing high-quality travel vlogs with rich visuals. Whether you’re showcasing the blush of a sunset or the vibrant hues of a street market, Resolve helps those colors stand out.
It runs smoothly on M1 and M2 vessels, even when using its advanced Fusion effects or high-bit-depth footage. Though the learning curve is steeper than others on this list, those willing to dive in are rewarded with studio-grade results — for free.
- Comprehensive workspace: Fusion (Visual Effects), Fairlight (Audio), Edit, and Color tabs
- Node-based color grading: Ideal for stylized cinematic travel videos
- Multiplatform compatibility: Freely switch projects between Mac and Windows
Pricing: Free version available, Studio version at $295
4. LumaFusion – Mobile Friendly, Travel Ready
Why Vloggers Love It: LumaFusion is a popular choice among content creators who want to edit directly on iPads or even iPhones. Fully compatible with M1 and M2 chips in MacBooks and iPads, it’s a lightweight powerhouse that puts professional editing in your backpack — literally.
This app features a highly intuitive timeline interface, supports up to six video and audio layers, and lets you export in various frame rates and resolutions. For travel vloggers who may not always have their laptops but need to quickly cut and polish a video, LumaFusion offers a brilliant solution.
- Touch-optimized timeline: Great for on-the-go editing via iPad or MacBook
- Multitrack capabilities: Layer narration, music, and video effortlessly
- Regular updates: New features frequently added based on user feedback
Pricing: One-time purchase of $29.99
5. CapCut – Quick, Creative, and Social-Media Friendly
Why Vloggers Love It: Developed by the same company behind TikTok, CapCut has evolved beyond casual social media edits. The Mac version, designed with Apple Silicon in mind, brings enhanced speed, real-time previews, and an easy-to-use timeline interface.
CapCut supports keyframes, chroma key, motion tracking, and speed ramping — features once limited to complex editors. Plus, its templates, stickers, and transitions are perfect for adding flair to travel montages aimed at social media platforms like Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts.
- Simple yet powerful timeline tools
- AI-driven effects & transitions
- Integrated stock library: Includes music, sound effects, and animations
Pricing: Free basic version, with Pro features available via subscription
Key Considerations When Choosing Your Timeline-Based Editor
Before locking in a video editing platform, travel vloggers should weigh a few essential factors that can significantly enhance — or hinder — their workflow:
- Mobility: Can you edit on-the-go with minimal equipment?
- Format compatibility: Does the app support footage from all your sources?
- Cloud syncing or collaboration: Useful if you’re collaborating with editors remotely
- Exporting options: Especially important if you post to multiple platforms in different formats
Conclusion: The Perfect Tool Depends on Your Vlogging Style
If you’re a frequent traveler creating long-form cinematic journeys, Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Resolve might be your best bet. Want the flexibility of switching between Mac and PC or collaborating with teams? Premiere Pro is a strong contender. Creating short, social-friendly content in a flash? Turn to CapCut. And for those always on the road who edit directly from a tablet or slim MacBook, LumaFusion is a lifesaver.
Whatever your preferred style, these timeline-based editors are proving that modern MacBooks — especially those with M1 and M2 chips — are more than ready to keep up with the demands of today’s globe-trotting content creators.
