I’ve been a professional video editor for more than 10 years now, and I’ve edited in a variety of settings.
Along the way, I’ve found a handful of useful accessories that are beneficial aside from the obvious computer and editing software. (Learn more about my favorite video editing software.)
Of course you’ll need to begin with a reliable and fast computer, as well as editing software, but after you’ve acquired these essential pieces of gear, what comes next?
Here is a complete breakdown of my top 10 favorite accessories for beginner video editors.
This post does contain Amazon product recommendations. As an Amazon associate, I receive compensation for qualifying purchases, however any commission that I earn comes at no cost to you.
1 | A Quality Pair of Headphones
Our Top Pick: Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Headphones
Perhaps the most important on this list is a professional set of headphones. You’ll especially need quality headphones if you work in a shared environment with other people around you.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for the right pair of headphones and why I chose this pair as my top choice – comfort, sound quality, noise cancelling ability, and price.
- Industry-leading noise canceling with Dual Noise Sensor technology.Specific uses for product : Audio.Frequency Response : 4Hz-40,000Hz..Headphone Type : Closed, dynamic. Frequency Response : 4 Hz-40,000 Hz
- Next-level music with Edge-AI, co-developed with Sony Music Studios Tokyo
- Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging (10 min charge for 5 hours of playback)
- The WH1000XM4 Touch Sensor controls to pause play skip tracks, control volume, activate your voice assistant, and answer phone calls.
- Speak-to-chat technology automatically reduces volume during conversations
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
While these Sony headphones are a bit on the pricey side, in my opinion they are completely worth it. The quality is outstanding and they truly check every box. I also love that they are bluetooth. It’s really nice to not worry about another extra cord getting in the way.
A close runner up: Bose QuietComfort 35
Very similar to the Sony’s, Bose has another great option that made this a truly hard choice to decide between the two.
- Three levels of world-class noise cancellation for better listening experience in any environment
- Alexa-enabled for voice access to music, information, and more
- Noise-rejecting dual-microphone system for clear sound and voice pick-up
- Balanced audio performance at any volume
- Hassle-free Bluetooth pairing, personalized settings, access to future updates, and more through the Bose connect app. USB cable: 12 inch
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
2 | Surround Sound Studio Speakers
Our Top Pick: Edifier R1700BT Bluetooth Bookshelf Speakers
If you work in a private environment, you may decide to invest in a quality set of surround sound speakers rather than headphones. This is a personal decision, based on what makes the most sense for your editing environment.
You may also choose a quality pair of editing speakers if you plan to invite your clients into your studio to review your work.
Here is my top recommendation for quality video editing speakers.
- BLUETOOTH CONNECTION - Pair your phone, tablet or computer for a true hassle free wireless experience, perfect for any iOS, Android, MacOS or Windows device.
- 2 x AUX INPUT - Convenient connection to any device that has a 3.5mm headphone output or dual RCA output. Connect to two devices via AUX at the same time, no plugging and switching needed.
- REMOTE CONTROL - switch input sources, control volume and mute/unmute at your figure tips.
- CLASSIC WOOD FINISH - High quality MDF wood build finished with walnut wood effect vinyl serves as a great compliment to any home decor.
- 2 YEAR WARRANTY - Guaranteed high quality and reliability with hassle-free parts and labor warranty for two years in USA and Canada.
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
What I love about the Edifier speakers:
First, not that it’s a deal breaker, but I love the way they look. Professional, clean and polished.
Second, the fact that they are bluetooth enabled, meaning eliminating excess wires (always a plus for me).
Last, sound quality. Especially for the price, these field monitors will give you excellent feedback when reviewing your video edits in real time.
3 | Ultra Wide Video Monitor
Our Top Pick: LG Full HD IPS UltraWide Monitor
There are multiple reasons that you’ll eventually want to invest in a quality external monitor.
First and foremost, to see your edits in more detail and clarity on a larger, wider screen.
Second, comfort. As an editor, we spend a ton of time hunched over a computer screen. Having the ability to mount and external monitor in a more comfortable position will not only be easier on your eyes, but also on your neck and back as you sit or stand to work.
Lastly, ease of use. Having an extra monitor gives you the flexibility to work on two screens (your main computer plus your monitor). This can be extra helpful if you tend to multitask throughout the day and want to reserve one computer for email, photoshop, after effects, or anything else you may work on in tandem with your Premiere Pro projects.
You may even set up one extra screen to be the preview window for your current video edits. This is especially helpful for client or peer review should you need that capability in your studio as you work.
There are many options out there to choose from. Here’s how I narrowed down this expansive list to my top monitor choice for video editors: affordability, quality, reliability, and size.
- 21:9 ultra wide IPS display
- SRGB over 99 percent
- PIP mode in screen split; Response time 5ms (High); Brightness (cd/m2) 250(Typ), 200(min) cd/m2
- Game Mode; Black Stabilizer; Compatibility Windows 10; Set the color to 24 bit
- Without Stand (WxHxD) 24 x 2.2 x 11.3 inches; With Stand (WxHxD) 24 x 7.4 x 15.1 inches
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
4 | Studio Lighting Accessories
Our Top Pick: BenQ ScreenBar
Like I said, I’ve editing in a variety of different environments. One of the most important factors that you can usually control is the lighting around you while editing.
It is critical that you eliminate any glare on your editing screens. It’s also critical to cut back on any harsh over head or window lights in the room. But you don’t want it to be completely dark in the room, as this can fatigue your eyes staring at a bright computer screen with no surrounding light at all.
This BenQ ScreenBar is a genius solution for editors. It attaches to the top your monitor and is completely adjustable. Not only can you adjust the angle of the light, but you can also adjust the intensity and color correction of the light itself.
- EYE CARING & TOP QUALITY - Flicker-free and anti-blue light hazard LED light source with CRI>95 for natural colours. Long lifespan LED tested to last for 17 years with 8 hours of daily use.
- NO SCREEN GLARE - With carefully calculated beams, ScreenBar’s ASYM-Light technology prevents screen reflections and direct glare, ensuring comfortable screen reading.
- WIDE LIGHTING COVERAGE - Provides a 500lx brightness across a wide 60x30cm area, effectively balancing ambient light and screen brightness for better eye comfort. Easily powered via USB-A.
- PATENTED CLAMP - Mounts securely on monitors 1-3cm thick, saving space with a patented counterweight clamp with great stability. Fits ultrawide and curved monitors of 1500R and above. (Note: Special monitor back design may affect compatibility.)
- AUTO DIMMING & TOUCH CONTROL - Built-in light sensor automatically adjusts brightness based on ambient light. Intuitive touch controls allow manual adjustments of brightness and colour temperature from 2700K-6500K.
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
5 | A Fast and Reliable External Hard Drive
Our Top Pick: Samsung SSD 1 TB
I think we all know how important it is to have external hard drives available to save our projects in multiple locations. In fact, I probably have a closet full of them.
But not all external hard drives are created equal. Not even close.
As a video editor, you don’t need just any external hard drive. You and your workflow will be greatly served from having a FAST external hard drive. Not only fast, but also extra durable, especially if you ever travel with it.
For this reason I recommend having at least one solid state drive. If you’re unfamiliar with this type of hard drive, you can read all about it here.
But the short answer is, although a bit more pricey, they are extremely fast and durable since they aren’t built with tons of tiny moving parts.
With a fast external hard drive, you can edit directly from the drive with no lag. You can also import and export MUCH quicker using an SSD drive.
Here’s my favorite:
- Innovative V-Nand Technology: Powered by Samsung V-Nand Technology, the 860 Evo SSD offers optimized performance for everyday computing as well as rendering large-sized 4K videos and 3D data used by the latest applications
- Continuity tester/Wire tracer
- Secure encryption: Protect data by selecting security options, including Aes 256-bit hardware-based encryption compliant with Tcg Opal and Ieee 1667
- Warranty and compatibility: 5-year limited warranty; Windows 8/Windows 7/Windows Server 2003 (32 bit and 64 bit), Vista (SP1 and above), XP (SP2 and above), MAC OSX and Linux
- Included contents: 2.5 inches (7 millimeter) SATA 3 (6 GB/S) SSD & user manual (All other cables, screws, brackets not included); Reliability (MTBF): 1.5 Million Hours Reliability (MTBF)
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
6 | An Editing Specific Keyboard
Our Top Pick: Tourbox Photo and Video Editing Console, Advanced Controller
When it comes to keyboards for video editors, you can go as sophisticated or as simple as you wish. There are so many options.
If you want to learn more about all the top keyboards and types that I recommend, you can check out a post I made entirely about it.
But for this list, I’ll keep things short and share with you what I would choose if I had to just choose one – the Tourbox Photo and Video Editing Console.
This works in tandem with your existing keyboard and mouse, but allows you to completely customize it to fit your most commonly used commands across just about any software – including Adobe Premiere Pro.
It saves tons of time and makes your editing work more comfortable. I highly recommend this addition to your editing studio.
- Upgraded Tourbox NEO - More accurate and smoother sense of control, TourBox NEO is the controller designed for image and video processing software. The device features a knob, wheel, scroller, and multiple buttons, and is designed for use alongside a tablet or mouse.
- Add Pressing Function（Knob & Dial） -TourBox's controls are said to be precisely calibrated for ideal speed, accuracy, and acceleration, each button customizable for the creation of personal presets. With this controller, users are able to rapidly adjust brush size, hardness, flow, and opacity, as well as perform actions like zooming in and out and dragging an image.
- The controller has a small, portable design that enables photographers to work on their content while away from the office. The device is compatible with both Windows and macOS.
- Experience hassle-free work with TourBox. With its compact and ergonomic design, you can stash and tuck it in your backpack and you are good to go for travel and business trips.
- Upgraded TourBox Neo is a new generation product launched by TourBox Tech in 2021, with improved components calibration, more extensive customization support, and preferable user experience.
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
7 | Additional USB Hubs
Our Top Pick: CHOETECH 9 in 1 USB Hub Adapter
This next one is super affordable and a great addition for any editor.
I’m constantly running out of room for more USB plug ins and other cord attachments.
With this little gadget, I have extra outlets for all those additional plugs, plus more features so that I have just about every attachment I could need.
Consider this the ‘Swiss army knife’ of video editing tools.
8 | Functional Workspace Desk
Our Top Pick: Bestier L-Shaped RGB Gaming Desk
Although this desk is officially classified as a ‘gaming’ desk, it would function as the perfect editing desk as well.
Here are some of the top reasons I love this desk:
- The L-shape: this provides extra space for moving between tasks while editing. One side can be to house your monitor and keyboard, while the other can house important scripts and notes for projects.
- Monitor Stand: this heightened shelf to put your monitor on provides not only extra space (you can store your keyboard underneath it) but also will make you more comfortable as you look up at the monitor as opposed to hunching down to see it.
- Build in LED light strip: a small detail, but one that doesn’t go unnoticed. This extra bit of light comes pre-installed and can be set to 7 different colors and mode, providing a little extra ambience to your work space.
- 【Gray Computer Desk】Bestier L Shaped Desk has three assembly ways ① 55" l desk ② 72" long desk ③ Two 36" small desks, ideal for home office, studying and gaming. Purchase 2 to create a cool U-Shaped workstation.
- 【Led Computer Desk】 Gaming desk with led lights brings you amazing gaming vibes. 7 main colors, 20 dynamic modes to design your room.
- 【Large Ergonomic Shelf】 Our ergonomic computer desk with 36" monitor stand keeps your screen at comfortable eye-level height, effectively preventing back and neck pain throughout workdays. Headphone Hook and Cup Holder can be set at left or right sides.
- 【Sturdy and Durable Material】 Wooden desktop is made of 15 mm P2 particle thicken panel, sturdy X-shaped with strong metal board frame ensures maximum durability and stability, bearing more than 250 lbs. Round corner in the middle is suitable for wall corner and prevents scratches occasionally.
- 【Easy Assembly】2 adults are recommended to assemble this L desk. Bestier offers excellent and friendly customer service before and after your purchase, 1-year quality guarantee. Please feel free to contact us for any problem, we will solve within 24h and make you satisfied.
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
9 | Comfortable and Ergonomic Chair
You’ll be spending a ton of time in this chair. It’s important that you invest in a chair that is not only comfortable, but also supportive long term of your posture and spinal health.
I love this chair because of the specific S-shaped design, meant to support your lower back while also keeping you comfortable upright.
It’s fully adjustable and even counter-weight controlled, so that it adapts to your specific body size and weight.
- ERGONOMIC S-CURVE DESIGN - The contoured shape of the back helps to align your spine in its natural, healthy S-shape. The backrest tilts back up to 130 degrees and can be locked at 3 different angles, perfect for working, reading, or relaxing.
- EASILY CUSTOMIZABLE - Features include adjustable seat depth, 3D adjustable arms, adjustable lumbar, headrest, seat height adjustment, 3 position recline lock, breathable mesh backrest, thick seat cushion.
- LUXURY WHEELS - We created a functional luxury upgrade with smooth, silent MOLENTS Mirrored Wheels, and enhance your seating experience！
- ADJUST IT JUST HOW YOU LIKE - With its powerful 3D adjustable armrest, adjusting up and down, pivot in and out, and shift forward and back, to provide steady support for your arms so your shoulders can remain in a relaxed position. A wide, curved headrest raises, lowers, and tilts up to 45 degrees back.
- EXCEPTIONAL BUILD QUALITY - This adjustable office chair has been certified by BIFMA and SGS. The heavy-duty five-star chair base passed the 2504 lbs gravity test. The maximum capacity of this ergonomic chair is up to 275 lbs.
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
10 | Set the Studio Ambiance
Last on our list, we come to a few more ‘fun’ items that I couldn’t help but add.
None of these are necessities, but they will all add that extra bit of ambiance that will make your studio or home office all the more inviting.
For creatives, I think it’s really important to create an environment that puts your mind at ease and allows you to simply concentrate and get in that flow of work.
There’s a lot of truth to your environment dictating your mood, so I do all I can to ensure that my work space is inviting and creative in itself.
Here are just a few of my favorite little extra accessories that other video editors my enjoy as well.
- Unframed 4 (8x10) prints - Blue background with White images
- Printed on Fujicolor Crystal Archive paper
- Design patent inspired artwork - Made in USA
- Home Office Game room decor
- Gift for all occasions
- ★Creative and Interesting --- an optical Acrylic flat panel with laser engraving can give you amazing 3D visual effect. Sleeping with the night lights on can help you feel safe at night.
- ★Smart Touch --- Simple One Touch button with 7 colors changing: red, green, blue, yellow, cyan, purple and white. It can be fixed one color or 7 colors gradually changing.
- ★Convenient and Safe --- two methods of electricity supply: 3* AA Batteries or USB connection. Light source is used with the high quality LED, the light is soft and uniform, no dazzling, non-flicker. It is harmless to children's eyes.
- ★Wonderful Gifts --- 3D night lights would be wonderful birthday gifts, Christmas gifts, Thanksgiving gifts, anniversary gifts, housewarming gifts, graduation gifts for kids, baby, girls, boys, families, friends, Valentine’s day gifts for him or her, women or men, boyfriend or girlfriend, wife or husband. It is used in home, bedroom, children’s room, living room, bar, shop, Cafe, restaurant, party, etc.
- ★Notice ---【3D is just Visual Effect, the lamp itself is Flat】We aim to provide 100% satisfaction for you, return or refund are guaranteed if it doesn't meet your need.
- ★Perfect Size -- Camera wooden pen holder size: 12.5 * 9* 7.5cm/4.92 * 3.54* 2.95inch. This is a pretty perfect size for your desk.You won't regret buying it!
- ★Unique Shape -- The creative camera shape attracts a lot of people's eyes. The retro wooden material makes the pen holder more durable, it will win more praises for you, perfect!
- ★Creative Ornaments -- Elegant creative camera pen holder, Nordic style is more elegant and noble, it is the most creative home decoration, adding a lot of fashion for your office or home.
- ★Best Organizer -- Add this unique gadget to your office or home. It will keep your pen, pencil and other office tools in the best shape, neat and beautiful.
- ★Best Gift -- If you are looking for the perfect office gift, these unique camera wood pen holders will be your best choice, they will definitely be warmly welcomed by everyone!
- Material& Specifications: Made of waterproof and bendable copper wire that could be shaped into any symbols (The string light is waterproof, but battery box is not waterproof). The wire of 20 Led Clip String Lights is 7.2feet/2.2m; 30 Led Clip String Lights is 10.5feet/3.2m; 40 Led Clip String Lights is 13.7feet/4.2m; Please select the right string lights.
- 3 Light Modes:Always ON/Flash/OFF.It allows you to free adjustment any sizes on the led clip string lights for picture, any anyway you want! It can be put or hung on walls, windows, doors, floors, ceilings, grasses, Christmas trees etc.They are also durable, work in synergy to offer greater coverage, and give of a light fairy effect in night.
- Battery Operated:The clip lights operated by battery which requires 3 AA batteries (not Included you need to buy it by yourself) each set includes a small battery box with ON/OFF button. Not only great for indoor use anywhere, but also safe for outdoor use in a covered area for party clip string lights decoration.
- A Perfect Lighting Decoration: It is awesome to decorate sweet bedroom, parties, weddings, Valentine's Day, Christmas, home, window, bathroom, festival, Holiday, shows, restaurant, hotel, commercial building, shopping center, shopcase. Transparent clip which can nip photo or other small Items creating excellent wonderful and a warm atmosphere.
- [[ Christmas Gifts Choice]]:Our clip string lights not only for your own use but also as a gift for others.It is not just a showcase of pictures or artworks, but also a perfect way to recall your unforgettable and wonderful memory with this LED Photo Clip String Lights.Do not always stare at the LED light bulb directly as this may damage your eyes: )
- Even and bright Light: As indoor Mothers day decorations, Govee 16.4ft rgb led strip lighting are equipped with 150 LED beads, making them bright enough to illuminate your bedroom, kitchen, TV, and gaming room. Note: these LED lights are not waterproof.
- Wireless Smart App: The Govee Home app offers you advanced control over your led strip lights and access to incredible features like the customizable DIY mode and a convenient Timer function. Nice led lights for bedroom.
- Music Sync: As Mothers day decorations, a built-in mic allows the smart LED strip lights to sync to any music type. Use our Govee Home app and watch in glee as your led strip lighting dance to your favorite songs.
- Even and bright Light: Govee 16.4ft rgb led lights are equipped with 150 LED beads, making them bright enough to illuminate your bedroom, kitchen, porches, cabinets and gaming room. Note: these LED lights are designed for Mothers day gifts.
- Easy to Install: Our all-in-one light kits come with an ETL listed adapter, strong adhesive, and 5 support clips. Simply attach the LED lights to any dry, clean wall, and reinforce them with the clips for more security.
Last update on 2024-04-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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“Great share!”
I like the way how you represent this blog. Your blog will help the Beginners to know about the best Video Editing Equipment available.
Keep sharing such informative stuff!!