These days, nearly everyone has a YouTube channel. Maybe you want to one day work in Hollywood. Perhaps you just want to put together home movies and edit funny cat videos. Whatever that reason is, you need the best video editing software you can find. So we’ve put together a pretty solid list here. It ranges from the pricey behemoths that Hollywood uses on your favorite blockbusters, to the perfectly competent free options that will make your kids’ birthday parties dazzle the world in better-than-real-life 4k splendor.
Best Free Video Editing Software
If you are just starting out in the video editing world, paying hundreds or thousands of dollars for an editing suite may not be possible. Luckily, some of the best video editing software out there is free. You don’t have to pay extravagant prices for the capability to put together professional-quality video. Whatever you splice together in these suites can stand up next to almost anything you pit it against.
1. Apple iMovie
If you have a Mac, you already have a powerful video editing suite on your hard drive. iMovie comes pre-installed on Apple computers. It is quite honestly one of the better options available, free or premium. It just happens to be free. The interface is simple and easy-to-learn, even for beginners. You get 4k support, multi-track editing, and a plethora of transition/sound effects. The software itself is pretty beastly, too. iMovie can handle some pretty heavy files without bogging down (depending on your system specs, of course). It also exports directly to online video platforms, and your projects sync between the MacOS version and the iOS version. If you’ve ever used Garage Band, then you’ll know the kind of experience you’ll have with iMovie.
2. HitFilm Express
Now this one…this one is a real contender for the title of best video editing software. Not just for Mac, but Windows, too, HitFilm Express is a crazy powerful application. It’s rare for a free piece of software to be as fully featured as this one is, but that’s not the really amazing thing about it. While that’s definitely a major reason — I mean, if it couldn’t do pretty much everything, why include it? — but the real selling point for me is the ridiculous amount of documentation and tutorials the company releases for their software. They are actively engaged in your learning how to use their product to pull off some really awesome stuff. From Iron Man-style HUDs to lightsaber effects to just knowing how to do screen replacement on a moving prop, it’s not often you find a piece of free software that’s supported this heavily by the company and community.
3. VideoPad
NCH Software puts out some really solid stuff. Their audio editing software WavePad is just top-notch. And VideoPad, the video side of their library, doesn’t fall short of that standard. There’s a Windows, Mac, and Android version of VideoPad. No iOS port, though. Regardless, the UI is slick and easy, getting to all of the controls is a cinch, and adding in a transition between scenes or cutting out a section is no problem. Color correction, audio mixing, adding narration…everything you really need as an amateur auteur is in VideoPad. It also does 3D stereoscopic video, and you can add even convert 2D to 3D. Cool stuff.
4. Adobe Premiere Clip
Here’s an interesting take on the free software. Adobe Premiere Clip is a mobile-only version of Adobe’s big, bad behemoth Premiere Pro. That means it is obviously not going to put out major releases for a billion-dollar studio. For someone looking for the best video editing software they can take with them, Premiere Clip is a contender. There’s an Apple iMovie app that works awesomely for this, too, but it’s iOS only. Premiere Clip being for iOS and Android bumps it up the list for its own inclusion. Not to mention that it syncs with Adobe’s Creative Cloud and other mobile apps. (All of which are free, too, by the way). If you’re a casual videographer who just wants some video for your website’s hero sections, maybe quick promos for a client, or polished social videos, Premiere Clip is definitely something to look into. Of the ones I’ve used, Adobe Premiere Clip is the best video editing software I’ve found.
5. Avid Media Composer | First
Avid absolutely makes some of the world’s best audio/visual software. Their audio editing software Pro Tools is an industry standard, and they certainly have some of the best video editing software out there, too. And while the version of Media Composer used by Hollywood studios can be upwards of $1,200 dollars, this version is totally and completely free. You’re limited in some things that you can do (Media Composer | First can only do 1080p video, not 4k, for instance), but the tools you have access to are the same ones in the premium version — that one just gets more options for those tools. If you are looking at video production as a career, you can’t not download Media Composer | First, if for no other reason than to get familiar with something that you will almost certainly have to work with one day.
Talking about Avid’s Media Composer is a good transition into premium applications, since the full version is definitely a top-contender. If the free version wets your whistle, try a month-long subscription of Media Composer for $74.99. It’s definitely a premium app you need to check out. There are a lot more out there, too, ranging from affordable to a major tax deduction.
1. Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Once upon a time, there was a terribly powerful and much-sought-after video editor called Adobe Premiere Pro. It could do anything the producers and directors wanted (and more!), but it was so expensive, it turned people away before they could even give it a shot. Then one day, the Adobe Creative Cloud was launched, and instead of being hundreds of dollars up front, editors could use some of the best video editing software around for as little as $19.99 a month. There was much rejoicing around the world.
But seriously, Adobe Premiere is one of the top suites in the video editing, period. However, it is not newbie friendly, like most Adobe products, but it’s also not overly hard to learn if you’re willing to take the time to understand how it works. While the interface looks imposing, the workspace is set up intuitively — for Adobe. And the tools you have are powerful enough to produce Hollywood hits, as well as the perfect dance recital montage. If you’ve ever used Photoshop or Audition, you’ll be right at home with Premiere, and your learning curve won’t be nearly as steep as a totally new user.
2. Adobe Premiere Elements
Premiere Elements is the no-fuss-no-muss version of Premiere Pro. This one is more accessible, easy-to-use, and completely powerful in its own way. Like iMovie above, this app invites newbies in and makes them comfortable while giving them access to features that can produce some truly stellar videography. The big draw for Premiere Elements over Premiere Pro is how inviting the UI is because it was made for folks who aren’t video professionals. Everyday people can use Premiere Elements and make high-quality vids, and Adobe even has a built-in tutorial system called Guided Edits that will lead you through using the software’s features and effects. Elements does cost $99.99 for the app (no subscription here), but it does a whole lot and helps you along every step of the way, which really justifies the cost.
3. Apple Final Cut Pro
As Garage Band is to Logic Pro, so is iMovie to Final Cut Pro. Apple is really good at offering a highly polished free version of their software to really get people invested in their ecosystem. Like I said above: iMovie does so much, and it’s so easy to use. When you look at Final Cut, you can really see that it’s a premium version of what might as well be its little sister app. It costs $299, and is every bit the industry-grade software as Media Composer or Adobe Premiere. Things you could do in iMovie are faster because of workflow enhancements, and you have a lot more options for tweaking and getting fine details right. Final Cut is absolutely a professional-grade suite of software, and there is a huge community out there for plugins and extensions. Apple is constantly coming up with new intelligent features to help make colorizing and grading quicker and more seamless.
4. Pinnacle Studio Ultimate
Corel is a software company that goes back decades. I remember when I got my first-ever computer at home, and my mom went crazy over Corel’s PaintShop, and later on, WinZip was pretty much a necessity before Windows included unzipping archives natively. Now, Corel is really upping their game by putting out two really, really awesome premium video editors: VideoStudio and Pinnacle Studio. In a lot of ways, they’re both worth recommending. Pinnacle just edges out VS by simply doing everything its baby brother can do and more. And for roughly the same price (depending on the deal Corel is offering, Pinnacle Studio Ultimate sells for $99-129 and VideoStudio for $89-99). For the price difference, go for the suite with more power and options, has arguably the better interface, and is edges out its baby brother in overall power. You may not get Hollywood-quality videos out of either of these. But Corel is really nipping at Apple and Adobe’s heels with this one.
5. Lightworks
One of the lesser-talked-about video editors, Lightworks is absolutely professional-grade software. I have to note that Lightworks is runs on Linux. There are a lot of video editors that run on Windows or Mac exclusively (or both). Few, however, run on Linux. Because you can really configure Linux to be a powerhouse, know that Lightworks takes advantage of your hard work. Additionally, you can set up real-time collaboration on projects — yep, just like Google Drive. You and your team can be working on the same project simultaneously. And the project manager can give folks different permissions so team member steps on anyone else’s toes. Best of all, there are oodles of pricing options: the free option is surprisingly full-featured, but it’s limited to 720p. The full Lightworks Pro suite can be bought via subscription (monthly or yearly, $24.99 and $74.99 respectively). You can outright buy the pro version for $437.99 — but that’s limited to point releases, not major version upgrades.
The Best Video Editing Software is…
…impossible to determine! Really, I think it is. The features are similar across the top contenders, and a lot of the final verdict will come down to both individual taste and budget. The free options like iMovie and HitFilm Express will be more than enough for some people and even some smaller companies who just need a few slick videos every now and then. And the premium offerings are all so unbelievably close to each other in performance, UI/UX, and output quality that you simply can’t go wrong. Since most of them offer a free trial period, it’s in your best interest to give them a shot and see what clicks with you and your team.
What is the best video editing software that you’ve come across? Give us recommendations in the comments!
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Hi B.J. Keeton,
Thanks for sharing such an informative and useful article. Definitely helped for anyone which is required Video Editing Software.
Thanks,
FCP is my choise on macOS platform.
Hi B.J. Keeton,
Thanks for sharing such an informative and useful article. Definitely helped for anyone which is required Video Editing Software.
Thanks,
I’m a video editor. I’ve been using Avid Media Composer, and while I support your addition of the free version, I’m currently changing. Black Magic Design has a free version of DaVinci Resolve that blew me away. It’s better than some of the premium stuff I’ve used. And their premium version is only $300! Look into it.
Have to agree with Christopher about Resolve. Been a long time user of Premiere Pro but Davinci Resolve is a beast! Not as easy to use as Premiere or Final Cut but the learning curve is worth it!
That’s really cool. I haven’t used DaVinci Resolve before, so that’ll get added to my list to give a shot. 🙂
Agreed – Davinci Resolve is *amazing* even in it’s free iteration – and considering that Vegas has taken a massive turn for the worse with it’s acquisition by Magix, Resolve is my go-to editing suite. It’s improving quite a bit with every release – as opposed to other software that is making miniscule improvements. It’s very much worth evaluating.
I recently moved from Premiere Pro to DaVinci Resolve. I’m still getting the hang of Resolve but it seems to be more stable.
How in the holy hell did DaVinci Resolve not make your list? Both for Free and Premium
I think you missed two other very important video editors in this review – Camtasia by Techsmith, and PowerDirector by Cyberlink.
Both of them have excellent and powerful features, and Camtasia is one of the more user-friendly packages I have experienced.
Oh yeah, you are absolutely right. Camtasia was just barely edged out on my list.
It’s been a while since I’ve used PowerDirector, but I have used Cyberlink software pretty much since my dad grabbed us a copy of PowerDVD back in the 90s. They do make great stuff.
Second for PowerDirector!
Yes these two should be top of the list in my opinion. I never even heard of the others and I’ve done lots of research. PowerDirector is beyond amazing on mobile, and Camtasia is the clear winner on desktop.
I totally agree.
Camtasia is a great start to tweaking your video to make it your own while you learn some editing.
I use both of those packages but my love of Camtasia had withered. It’s a bit too expensive for what it does in my opinion. I like Cyberlink but that’s probably because I know it. I deleted Corel’s VideoStudio from my computer because it didn’t seem to add anything I didn’t have with Cyberlink.
I’m surprised Screenflow didn’t make this list. Is there any reason you preferred these others over Screenflow?
I love Biteable! I made tons of video with it.
I am running a educational website with videos counting over a thousand. I have been using Sony Vegas Pro since version 8 (currently it’s 15). I have tried several video editors mentioned in the article but have always come back to Sony Vegas. The reason is its simplicity in usage and visual solutions on the timeline which I haven’t seen elsewhere – these features make editing really fast and effective. Sony Vegas handles all kinds of media (audio and video) and can render into any imaginable format even in one go. Now it is compatible with almost any other video editing platform (like Adobe After Effects). Highly recommended to anyone at any level: fast learning, high quality editing and end product.
Vegas *was* my go-to software for quite a few years, but with the recent Sony-to-Magix transition, Vegas has fallen from grace rather rapidly – both in stability and customer service.
For anyone considering purchasing it, I would recommend downloading a demo and perusing the forums first – especially paying attention to the long-time users comments. I upgraded from (Sony) V13 to (Magix)V14 less than two weeks before V15 came out – and Magix refused to upgrade my license to V15. Most companies have a 60-day grandfather clause for upgrades – so this was a bit of a shock to me.
I tend to give that advice for any software, Joe. If there’s a trial, take advantage of it. Same for money-back guarantees if there’s no trial. I have been burned too many times at following recommendations without any kind of hands-on experience. I’ve learned my lesson now.
You missed Blender. The software is incredibly powerful and available on Windows, Mac and Linux.
Corel Video Studio is a good one too.. And usually can be had pretty inexpensively.
Wondershare Filmora is another very good choice.
Filmora was also on my shortlist that got barely edged out. It’s really, really good. I also really like their Get Creative blog. It’s full of good stuff, too. 🙂
Wondershare Filmora is another very good choice.
No mention of DaVinci Resolve?
I find Filmora is really good too as for documentation goes plus ease of use. Thanks for this line up of editors. Will have to try some of the free stuff.
The inbuilt program in Windows7 – Movie Maker – Common you hard core buffs. Get with it 🙂 lol
ok ok, in all seriousness thanks for the write up. I now have some exploring to do.
They took my Movie Maker away in Windows 10! It actually was my go-to for short, stupid videos simply because it was there. (Kinda the same for iMovie nowadays, actually)
I actually use Screenflow from Telestream and have been loving it for years. While it’s better known as a screen recording and editing application, it’s extremely capable as a video editor depending on your needs.
Good article, I use Pinnacle Studio Ultimate and I am very satisfied. Thank you for the new excellent knowledge.
Resolve 14 is pretty good.
I use Edius, for me is the best video editing software.
More powerfull and easy than FCP, Premiere and DaVinci Resolve, but DaVinci Resolve have most good features.
What about Sony Vegas Pro? Been using it for years and can do everything adobe premier does
I agree with the above PowerDirector props. When you factor in cost, I don’t think it’s close.
Now Days, mostly social trends are moving to videos, thanks for sharing informative details for “Video Editing Software”. I would be trying with Sony Vegas & Camtasia.
Guys You are Awesome, this article has cleared my confusion.
Personally I love Camtasia a lot, but its value is a bit high, but I think it’s worth it
Corel video and pinnacle