27 Best Video Editing Software Programs [this 2024]

Worldwide, people of all ages spend more than 2 hours watching online videos every week.

40% of Millennials (aged 26-35) spent an average of between 4-10 hours per week just watching online videos, with 15% spending 20+ hours per week.

The bottom line?

Video content has a lot of potentials today, but you also have a lot of competition.

Make sure you’re using the best video editing software to produce high-quality content or else you risk your audience losing interest.

Table of Contents

What Should You Look for in Video Editing Software?

To find good video editing software, pay attention to these factors:

  • System compatibility
    You need to choose software that works with your computer. If the software isn’t compatible with your computer, it doesn’t matter what features it has.
  • Editing tools
    Most video editing software today will come with a similar set of basic editing features, depending on who it is marketed to. Higher-end software offers a lot more features. Look for basic editing tools like transitions, clipping, audio editing, overlays, etc.
  • Ease of use
    You should expect some kind of learning curve with any new software, but it’s better to look for one that doesn’t require an enormous time investment to understand.
  • Price
    There are many different price categories for video editing software, ranging anywhere from $50 to $500+. Find a budget you’re comfortable with. You may also find free video editing software that works for your needs.
  • Ongoing support
    Check if the software is still being updated on a regular basis and the level of ongoing customer support you can expect as a user.
  • File types supported
    Depending on the type of recording device you use where you get your files from, you’ll need editing software that’s compatible with that file type for video inputs. Check what kind of outputs are supported by the software as well, so you can upload the video to its destination without any trouble.
  • Software limitations
    Always check if the software has any limitations that might get in the way of your use. Look for things like the number of editing tracks available, if there’s a subscription required to use certain features, if the software is online only, etc
  • Audio editing
    It’s helpful if video editing software can also manage basic audio editing and layering. As long as the software is compatible with mp3, WMA, and WAV, it should be able to work with nearly everything. 

Another option worth considering is an infographic. These are visual images such as a chart or diagram you can use to represent information or data. You can also use them to highlight the evolution of projects, events, products, and company milestones. If you’ve no design experience, you might find a timeline maker a valuable tool. 

What is the Best Video Editing Software Now [2023]?

As it stands, there are many different types of video editing software on the market today.

Because of the large number of choices, there’s no software that’s definitively the best for everyone.

The best video editing software is the one that fills your specific needs.

Here are the details about some of the most popular video editing software available to help you decide for yourself.

Apple iMovie – A Best Free Video Editor for iPhone

This is the homepage of Apple iMovie video editing software.

Free video editing software that comes with all new Apple devices, including Macbooks, iPhones, and iPads.

For a more feature-rich software for MacOS, look for Final Cut Pro (previously Final Cut Pro X).

Compatibility

  • iOS and MacOS 10.14.6 or later

Key Features

  • Basic editing tools (combine, clip, titles, transitions, etc.)
  • Color matching tools for images/video clips
  • 4K and HEVC compatible
  • Click and drag editing
  • Trailer or Movie editing modes
  • Picture in picture editing (1 image only)
  • Green screen editing
  • Split-screen video supported (2 equal halves)
  • Basic audio editing – compatible with iTunes and Garageband audio files
  • Output saves as mp4 files

Pros

  • Super simple to learn and use
  • Ideal for short videos or voiceovers
  • Included on all new Apple devices by default
  • Seamless import/export of video projects between Apple devices
  • Make high-quality short videos quickly
  • Mobile app for cross-device editing

Cons

  • 2 video editing tracks only
  • Lacking many advanced editing tools
  • No 360 video editing, VR video, motion tracking, or 3D editing
  • Not ideal as a long-form movie maker

Pricing

  • Free

Lumen5 – Best Online Video Editor

This is the homepage of Lumen 5 video editing software.

Browser-based software you can access from anywhere.

Very stripped-down and simple to use, but requires a strong internet connection.

Compatibility

  • Online only, all browsers & operating systems

Key Features

  • Basic video editing tools + AI auto-edits
  • Drag & drop editing tracks
  • Direct social media integration
  • Built-in catalog of overlays, transitions, and effects
  • Large database of royalty-free audio, video, and images
  • Supports MP4, MOV, GIF, and standard image file formats

Pros

  • Web-based, no download necessary
  • Create short online videos in less than an hour
  • Well-suited for social media useEasy branding features for videos/images
  • No experience is required, AI auto-editing does most of the work
  • Highly collaborative
  • No app is needed for mobile use

Cons

  • Voiceover does not work well
  • No image or audio editing
  • Internet connection required, no offline editing (high data usage)
  • No 4K video support
  • Maximum video length of 2 minutes
  • No green screening, masks, or alpha channels

Pricing

Freemium software.

The free plan allows 5 videos per month.

Subscription packages:

  • Starter – $29/month
  • Premium – $79/month
  • Business – $199/month

Adobe Premiere Elements – Best Video Editing Software to Learn

This is the homepage of Adobe Premiere Elements video editing software.

Simple editing software that’s ideal for basic short videos and image videos.

Although it’s compatible with many Mac computers, Adobe Premiere Elements doesn’t work with Macs that use Apple Silicon processors.

Compatibility

  • 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 8.1, MacOS 10.14 or later

Key Features

  • Quick, Guided, and Expert editing interfaces
  • Basic audio editing
  • Auto Creations
  • Automatic video and image adjustment
  • Video still captures
  • Basic video editing (trimming, clips, speed, etc.)
  • Basic transition selections
  • Drag and drop editing

Pros

  • Excellent motion-tracking features
  • Auto-tagging makes finding clips or images in the organizational library easy
  • Easy to use, even for beginners
  • Simple interface that’s less cluttered
  • Ideal for quick edits

Cons

  • Slow rendering compared to other similar programs
  • Does not allow 360, multi-cam, or 3D editing
  • No HVEC output option
  • No collaborative features
  • Limited editing features

Pricing

  • One-time payment of $99.99 (30-day free trial available)

Adobe Premiere Pro – Best Premium Editing Software

This is the homepage of Adobe Premiere Pro video editing software.

Advanced video production software that can handle anything.

Premiere Pro has all the bells and whistles, but it also has a learning curve that might be too steep for beginners.

Compatibility

  • 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 8.1, MacOS 10.14 or later

Key Features

  • Advanced audio editing (noise reduction, individual frequency adjustment, etc.)
  • Royalty-free stock audio gallery
  • Productions – collaborative feature for editors
  • Large selection of transitions and effects
  • Wide range of video and image editing tools
  • Organizational features for libraries
  • VR video editing

Pros

  • Great for advanced editing and professional work
  • Work on multiple projects simultaneously
  • Compatible with 40+ files formats (input/output)
  • Useful as a moviemaker and social media video content creator
  • Publish directly online or download locally/to the cloud
  • Excellent closed caption tool that works in multiple languages
  • Responsive design works well on most screen sizes
  • App version available

Cons

  • Complex for beginners
  • Subscription-only, no one-time purchase option
  • Requires a stronger computer

Pricing

Subscription software.

Annual subscriptions:

  • Individual – $20.99/month
  • Business – $33.99/month

Filmora – An Easiest Simple Video Editor for Windows

This is the homepage of Filmora video editing software.

Helpful editor for quick projects with limited complexity.

Best when combined with an outside audio editing program.

Compatibility

  • Windows 10, 8, and 7 or Mac 10.12 or later

Key Features

  • Basic video editing
  • Basic audio editing, separation, and equalizing
  • GIF creation and editing support
  • Split-screen and multi-clip layering, overlays
  • Video stabilization and noise reduction
  • Green screening
  • Screen recording
  • Royalty-free audio library
  • Simple transition selections
  • HEVC and 4K file support

Pros

  • Great for social media videos and other online videos
  • Fast rendering speed compared to similar software
  • The intuitive interface is easy to learn
  • Split-screen editing allows up to 4 screens simultaneously
  • Motion tracking available
  • Presets and templates help you do simple edits quickly
  • Video editing app version available

Cons

  • Audio quality is not as high as some other software, limited editing options
  • Limited text and titles selections
  • Watermark on free video edits
  • The pro version is not as feature-rich as other comparable software (business package)
  • Some lag when editing multiple video tracks

Pricing

One-time purchase (Filmora X)

From $69.99 (individual user)

Subscription:

  • Individual – $39.99/year year
  • Bundle Package – $99.87/year
  • Business Package – $155/year per user

InVideo – Online 4K Video Editing Software

This is the homepage of InVideo video editing software.

Cloud-based video editor geared towards short social media videos.

Highly collaborative, great for teams of all sizes.

Compatibility

  • Online only, mobile and desktop

Key Features

  • Drag & drop video editing
  • 4K video editing support
  • Audio capture and simple editing, including voiceover
  • Basic video editing tools, including stabilization and split screens
  • Branding overlays
  • Direct social media integration
  • Royalty-free media galleries
  • Bulk uploading of video clips, images, and audio
  • Text overlays and editing
  • Text-to-video for published content (i.e. blog posts)

Pros

  • Ideal for video intros or outros, or social media content
  • Quickly create social media videos or video ads
  • Access to a top online database of stock video, images, and audio with a subscription plan
  • Create and save templates for faster editing
  • Great for teams who need to post a lot of online video content
  • Work on multiple projects simultaneously

Cons

  • Limited video formats, sizes, lengths (15-minute video cap)
  • Online-only (strong internet connection required)
  • The offline editor has no access to templates, royalty-free media
  • Limited to 1 media track per video
  • Text-to-speech options don’t compare well to other editors
  • Videos are edited on a single track

Pricing

Freemium software.

Free Package.

60 videos per month, with a non-removable watermark.

Subscription Packages:

  • Business package – from $15/month
  • Unlimited package – from $30/month

HitFilm Express – Best Free YouTube Video Editor

This is the homepage of Hit Film Express video editing software.

Free video editor with a packed set of features, lots of tutorials, and expansion options.

Compatibility

  • 64-bit Windows 10 or Windows 8, MacOS 10.13 High Sierra or later

Key Features

  • Basic video editing tools, including color adjustment
  • 4K video exports in standard file formats
  • Motion tracking and basic animation tools
  • Green screening
  • Overlays, modern video effects, and limited 3D simulations
  • Basic audio editing, multiple audio tracks on videos

Pros

  • Easy to use for people of any experience level
  • Scalable with paid add-ons if you need more features
  • Compared to other free options, HitFilm Express has a lot of extra editing features
  • Great for simple YouTube videos and social media content
  • Lots of presets and editing templates are available

Cons

  • Any non-standard file formats require a purchased add-on
  • Add-ons required for advanced video editing features
  • Ads and purchase prompts are all over the software home screen

Pricing

  • Free (Pay what you want) with paid add-ons available
  • HitFilm 4 Pro – $349 (Extra features, no paid add-ons) one-time payment

Avidemux – Best Video Trimming Software

This is the homepage of Avidemux video editing software.

Avidemux is a simple free video editing software that lets you quickly make changes to online videos.

It’s a free solution for small businesses and individuals who need to edit videos regularly.

Compatibility

  • Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, or 10 (32-bit and 64-bit), Mac OS X 10.9 or later, Linux, BSD

Key Features

  • Basic video editing tools (trimming, cutting, simple filters, etc.)
  • Common file format compatibilities (DVD, MP4, MPEG, AVI, etc.)
  • Layering and filters
  • Audio syncing and sound effects
  • Compressing video file sizes
  • Web-based software

Pros

  • Quick and easy editing
  • Minimalistic UI
  • Great for personal use
  • Compatible with most operating systems

Cons

  • Cannot transcode videos in batches
  • No advanced editing features
  • No timeline for normal linear editing
  • Limited update support as an open-source software
  • No advanced video format support (4K, 360, etc.)

Pricing

  • Free, open-source program

DaVinci Resolve – Best Free Video Editing Software

This is the homepage of Da Vinci Resolve video editing software..

 

A powerful editor with a full suite of tools geared at long-form content.

Lots of room to grow from the free version as you gain experience editing videos.

Compatibility

  • 64-bit Windows 10, MacOS 10.4.16 Mojave or later, Linux CentOS 7.3 or later

Key Features

  • Basic video editing tools
  • Color correction and adjustments tools, auto-adjustors
  • Advanced audio editing tools, including sound mixing and effects (Fairlight FX in paid version only)
  • Wide compatibility for most input/output file formats (4K supported)
  • 3D animations and editing (paid version only)
  • Remote rendering and file export
  • Multi-user simultaneous collaboration

Pros

  • Great file format support compared to other free video editors
  • Choose to use keyboard shortcuts from top editing software (Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, etc.)
  • Feature-rich for beginners and experienced editors alike
  • Cinematic edits for professional polish
  • Excellent color correction features, even in the free version
  • Great for beginning editors looking to get into TV, movies, or commercial advertisements
  • Supports up to 2,000 audio tracks per video
  • Export multiple projects at once with the render queue

Cons

  • Higher learning curve compared to other free editors
  • Requires a more powerful computer than other free editors

Pricing

  • Free Version – Davinci Resolve
  • Paid Version – Davinci Resolve Studio 17 – $295

EaseUS Video Editor – Best Cheap Editing Software

This is the homepage of Ease US video editing software.

A low-cost video editor with a lot of features and a free version you can use to try it out.

Compatibility

  • 64-bit Windows 7, 8, or 10

Key Features

  • Basic video editing features
  • Adding text, images, and overlays
  • Simple transitions and effects
  • Basic green screening
  • Basic audio editing (importing, mixing)
  • In-platform voiceovers
  • Split-screen editing
  • GIF editing support

Pros

  • One-click voiceover recording
  • Export in mobile-ready formats
  • Lets you remove watermarks from existing videos
  • Remove audio from videos

Cons

  • No 4K video support
  • Only compatible with Windows desktops
  • The free version has very limited features

Pricing

Subscription (free trial available)

Subscription Plans:

  • Annual – $49.95/year
  • Monthly – from $17.97/ month
  • Lifetime Plan – $79.95 one-time payment

Shotcut – Best Free Video Editing Software for Windows

This is the homepage of ShotCut video editing software.

Free video editing software with a lot of great features packed into a slightly messy interface.

With a little bit of a learning curve, you can make professional-looking videos from many different video, image, and audio files.

Compatibility

  • Windows, MacOS, Linux, FreeBSD

Key Features

  • Native timeline editing (no video or image file import needed)
  • Wide video and image file support (including 4K and 360 videos)
  • Webcam and audio capture
  • Advanced audio editing features
  • Advanced video editing features
  • Green screening
  • Basic overlays and effects

Pros

  • Edit images and video clips with various file formats
  • Easily organize clips and images as you edit
  • Download the software to your computer or use it from a portable hard disk
  • Software is translated into many different languages
  • Fully codec and platform-independent
  • Create fully customized file export settings

Cons

  • Takes some time to learn to use all the features
  • UI is not as beautiful or refined as other comparable software
  • Not always stable – it may crash sometimes under heavy use or with low-performance PC
  • No support for uploading external subtitle files – you must create them yourself with text overlays

Pricing

  • Free

VideoPad – Best Video Editing Software for Personal Use

This is the homepage of Video Pad editing software.

With free and paid tiers available, this software has a few options to suit different budgets and business needs.

Good for online video content, but limited usefulness for long-form content or cinema.

Compatibility

  • Windows, MacOS, Linux

Key Features

  • Basic video editing features
  • Video stabilization & shaking reduction
  • Import music tracks over video & trim sound clips
  • 4K video support (import & export)
  • 360 video supportGreen screening

Pros

  • Export directly to YouTube and Facebook
  • Simple to get started and make quick videos
  • Works with low-spec computers
  • Ideal for simple videos, ads, or social media content
  • No watermarks, even on the free version
  • Unlimited video editing tracks

Cons

  • Slow rendering and upload speeds
  • Limited visual effects available
  • The interface is outdated and not intuitive – some features are difficult to find
  • Purchased licenses are not transferrable between computers (even your own computers)

Pricing

Subscription.

Free non-commercial package.

One-Time Purchases:

  • Master Edition (full features, no limits) – $99
  • Home Edition (full features, some limits) – $60

Subscription Plans:

  • Master Edition – $5.50/month

Nero Video – A Best Low-Cost Video Editor for YouTube

This is the homepage of Nero Video editing software.

Jack of all trades with editing features that fall a little short of the competition.

Great multi-device syncing options mean seamless editing between your smartphone and desktop.

Compatibility

  • Windows7, 8, and 10

Key Features

  • Basic video and audio editing
  • Create slideshows with both images and videos
  • Wide file format compatibility (including 4K and HEVC)
  • Express or Advanced editing mode
  • Vertical video editing
  • Simple effects and overlays

Pros

  • Music auto-adjusts to accommodate video length
  • Video and image features to help you from start to finish
  • Good for YouTube content – especially picture-in-picture edits
  • Quick clip previews to save time while selecting video footage

Cons

  • No 360 or 3D video support
  • No motion tracking or multi-cam options
  • Cannot export directly to social media
  • The outdated interface may be a little hard to use

Pricing

  • One-Time Payment – $49.99

Freemake Video Converter – Best Clipping Software

This is the homepage of Freemake Video Converter editing software.

Only the basic editing features, but enough to handle simple tasks.

More of an import/export tool, this software helps you get videos where you want them in the format you need.

Compatibility

  • Windows

Key Features

  • Limited video editing tools (cut, merge, rotate)
  • Common file format support
  • Adding and trimming audio
  • File format converter

Pros

  • Great for beginners with simple projects
  • Clean, modern interface
  • Direct integrations with Facebook. YouTube, Vimeo, and others
  • Change video files into common online formats

Cons

  • No HEVC or 4K video support
  • Watermark included on longer videos
  • Some ads are placed around for other software

Pricing

Subscription.

Free plan available.

  • Annual subscription – $9
  • One-time Payment – $19

Lightworks – Best Mid-Range Video Editor

This is the homepage of LightWorks video editing software.

A good mid-range editor with a solid free version that lets you get used to the software before committing to a purchase.

Compatibility

  • Windows, MacOS, Linux

Key Features

  • Multitrack video editing
  • Non-linear, drag-and-drop editing bar
  • Multi-cam editing support
  • 4K video support
  • Text and effect overlays
  • Audio capture

Pros

  • Export directly to many social media, YouTube
  • Easily find images, video, and audio files in the media library
  • Intuitive interface that’s easy for new users to learn
  • Quick rendering and editing speeds
  • Useful for short-form and long-form content

Cons

  • It May be difficult to learn if you have already used other professional editors
  • The free version only allows limited file format exports
  • No 3D video editing option

Pricing

Free version available, limited features.

Subscription Packages:

  • Lightworks Pro – $24.99/month or $174.99/year
  • One-time Payment – $437.99

Final Cut Pro – Best Video Editing Software for iOS

This is the homepage of Final Cut Pro video editing software.

Previously called Final Cut Pro X, this is Apple’s professional video editing software with a full suite of editing features for Mac users.

Compatibility

  • MacOS

Key Features

  • Supports 4K, HVEC, 360, XML, and other formats
  • Add metadata, including keywords, to specific clips or whole projects
  • Magnetic clips, drag-and-drop editing
  • Customizable roles for categorizing clip types
  • Upload completed projects directly online or save them locally (mp4)
  • Compound clips – grouping clips, audio, and effects together
  • Clip auditioning – seamlessly compare multiple clips in a final production
  • Advanced editing tools – 100+ transitions, clipping, color matching, etc.
  • Advanced audio editing – 100+ audio effects
  • Picture in the picture & other overlay effects including green screening
  • Edit 360 & multi-cam video

Pros

  • Unlimited editing tracks
  • Continuous updates
  • Customizable keyboard shortcuts
  • Highly compatible with iMovie
  • Great 360 video editing tools
  • Flow tool smooths awkward jump cuts
  • Good selection of 2D and 3D title templates

Cons

  • No search option in an import dialog box
  • 3D titles need a second program to edit – Apple’s Motion app for $49
  • Does not support Quicktime or MIDI files
  • The extra program needed to expand output file types – Apple’s Compressor for $49
  • Not ideal for videos with menu selections (i.e. DVD or Blu-ray discs)

Pricing

  • $299 (3-month free trial available)

Corel VideoStudio Pro – Best for Video Stabilization

This is the homepage of Corel Video Studio Pro video editing software.

The stable, feature-rich editor that fits most of the needs for personal and professional video content.

Compatibility

  • 64-bit Windows 7, 8, or 10

Key Features

  • Screen capture and voiceovers
  • Multi-cam, 4K, and 360-degree video editing
  • Basic video editing tools (cut, merge, etc.)
  • Filters, effects, and text overlays
  • Timeline editing bar
  • Color correction and enhancement
  • AR filters
  • Video stabilization
  • Split-screen editing
  • Animation tools
  • Basic audio editing

Pros

  • Upload your videos directly to YouTube or Vimeo
  • Quick rendering speeds
  • Easily create smoothly animated videos – especially stop-motion videos
  • Works with most input and output formats
  • Recent updates have greatly improved the program’s stability

Cons

  • Media library cannot be keyword tagged
  • Many features are automatic, fewer options for in-depth custom edits
  • Video-cutting tools can be imprecise

Pricing

  • Full version – $79.99
  • Ultimate version – $99.99

Movavi Video Editor – Best Editor for Video File Conversion

This is the homepage of Movavi Video editing software.

A simple set of features that can make attractive videos without needing a powerful computer.

Compatibility

  • Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 10, MacOS 10.10 and later

Key Features

  • Green screening
  • Motion tracking filters
  • Lowers storage requirements than other editors
  • Basic video editing features
  • Library of transitions, filters, overlays, and title presets

Pros

  • Unlimited editing tracks
  • Clean interface that’s easy to navigate
  • Great for use on a low-end computer
  • Free mobile editor available (Movavi Clips) for a similar experience

Cons

  • Rendering speed is slow compared to competing for software
  • Trimming tools are limited
  • Upsells throughout the software unless you purchase the full package deal
  • Limited color correction/grading tools

Pricing

  • Starting from $59.95 one-time payment (free trial available)

MiniTool MovieMaker – Best Video Editing Software for Images

This is the homepage of MiniTool MovieMaker video editing software.

A basic tool that’s ideal for combining a lot of images together into a video with transitions.

This is free video editing software for Windows users.

Compatibility

  • Windows 7, 8, 10

Key Features

  • Create videos from images
  • Pre-made transitions
  • Basic video editing tools
  • Speed control tools
  • A simple array of effects, including text
  • Auto-save
  • Basic audio editing

Pros

  • Create simple videos out of your images
  • Throw a video together in minutes
  • Features are easy to learn to use
  • Drag and drop images or video clips into place
  • Lots of different interesting transitions to use

Cons

  • Very limited features – no video capture, stabilization, brand overlays, or voiceover
  • Can’t share videos directly to social media
  • No 4K or 360-degree video support
  • The editing process can be frustrating, especially trying to keep audio in sync

Pricing

  • Free

Blender – Best Video Editor for Animated Videos

This is the homepage of Blender video editing software.

Mainly a 2D and 3D animation tool for motion graphics, Blender also includes a basic video editor that lets you make simple videos quickly and easily.

Compatibility

  • Windows, MacOS, Linux

Key Features

  • 3D animation tools
  • Basic video editing tools
  • Fades, transitions, and other effects
  • Basic audio editing
  • Green screening
  • Picture-in-picture, text, and other overlays

Pros

  • The editor is stable and can handle large video files well
  • As an open-source program, it’s more flexible than some editors
  • Lots of third-party add-ons are available for free to enhance the editor
  • Download to your computer or run the editor from a USB/external hard disk

Cons

  • Only 2 editing channels are allowed (1 for video, 1 for audio)
  • Rendering is slow when you have too little RAM
  • Older computers may run the program slowly

Pricing

Subscription service.

Free version available.

Subscription Package:

  • $11.50/month (expanded features, video training)

Clipchamp – Best Online Video Editor for Chrome

This is the homepage of ClipChamp video editing software.

This simple browser-based video editor has a large following and a solid set of tools.

Compatibility

  • Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and other Chromium browsers

Key Features

  • Basic video editing tools
  • Screen recording and capture
  • Green screening
  • Basic audio editing
  • Add images or video clips
  • Customizable preset video templates
  • Browser-based editor

Pros

  • Easy to add simple graphics and text to videos
  • The lightweight editor that runs well on a lot of computers
  • Other editing and video-related software available that integrates well with this program
  • Large user base
  • Acquired by Microsoft in September 2021

Cons

  • Videos above 480p have a watermark on the free version
  • Limited color grading options
  • Some rendering issues when using your own imported video files
  • Limited functions in the free version

Pricing

Free version available

Subscription Plans:

  • Creator plan – $9/month or $72/year
  • Business plan – $19/month or $156/year
  • Business platinum – $39/month or $324/year

WeVideo – Best Video Editing Software for Education

This is the homepage of WeVideo editing software.

A useful cloud-based video editor with collaborative editing capabilities and cloud storage.

Compatibility

  • Chromebook, Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS

Key Features

  • Green screening
  • Large stock media library
  • Cloud-based editing
  • Collaborative editing with multiple users
  • Effects, transitions, and overlays

Pros

  • Unlimited access to stock videos, images, and music tracks with the right package
  • Publish directly to YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and more
  • Great for creating social media content
  • No software download needed
  • Simple integrations for education
  • Edit on the Android app, iPhone app, or iPad app

Cons

  • Collaborative editing sometimes glitches when multiple users are making changes
  • The cloud-saving mechanism can be difficult to navigate (copying, saving, editing, etc.)
  • Limited text overlay options

Pricing

Subscription.

Individual and Business Plans:

  • Power – $9.99/month or $59.88/year
  • Unlimited – $15.99/month or $95.88/year
  • Professional – $39.99/month or $239.88/year
  • Business – $73.99/month or $443.88/year

Education Plans:

  • Individual Teacher – $89/year
  • Classroom – $299/year
  • Grades or Groups – Custom Pricing
  • School or District – Custom Pricing

Vimeo Create – Best Video Editor for Vimeo Videos

This is the homepage of Vimeo Create video editing software.

Create videos directly for Vimeo or other platforms.

Limited features in a lightweight tool that’s great for short-form content uploaded directly online.

Compatibility

  • Android 7.0 or later, iOS 12.0 or later, MacOS 11.0 or later, all browsers on Windows

Key Features

  • Branding overlays (fonts, colors, graphics, etc.)
  • Pre-made video templates
  • Basic video editing tools (cutting, trimming, merging, etc.)
  • Live streaming (Premium only)
  • Direct recording
  • Collaborative team projects

Pros

  • Ideal for short-form content
  • Make videos quickly
  • Time-coded edit comments for easy collaboration
  • Vimeo has a whole suite of other tools to complement your created videos
  • Wide file format support

Cons

  • The free plan is very limited (no stock media, 30-second videos only, etc.)
  • Many advanced features are restricted to higher-cost subscription plans
  • All videos are limited to 10 minutes

Pricing

Subscription.

Free option available.

Vimeo Basic – Free, but with limited features

  • Plus – $12/month or $84/year (30-day free trial)
  • Pro – $240/year (30-day free trial)
  • Premium – $900/year (30-day free trial)
  • Enterprise – Custom Pricing

OpenShot – Best Video Editor for Linux

This is the homepage of OpenShot video editing software.

One of the few video editing programs made with Linux users in mind, OpenShot is a solid free option that checks a lot of the right boxes.

Compatibility

  • Linux, MacOS, Windows

Key Features

  • Drag-and-drop editing
  • Unlimited editing tracks
  • Basic video editing skills (scaling, trimming, rotating, etc.)
  • Branding, effects, and image overlays
  • Real-time editing previews
  • Title templates and animated 3D titles
  • Time-mapping while editing
  • Basic audio editing
  • Green screening, color correction

Pros

  • Edit on any desktop platform
  • Wide support for video, audio, and image file formats
  • Precise editing – as precise as frame-by-frame
  • Separate audio from videos to edit or remove it
  • Lightweight software that runs well on most computers

Cons

  • Making video captions is not intuitive
  • Rendering speed for YouTube-ready files can be longer than average
  • Software may crash when editing large videos or .wmv video files
  • 3D animations are outdated compared to other free editors

Pricing

  • Free, open-source.

Machete Video Editor Lite – Best Clipping Software

This is the homepage of Machete video editing software.

This is the lite version of the paid video editing software Machete.

It’s lighter and quicker but lacks a lot of the advanced editing features of its paid counterpart.

Compatibility

  • Windows Vista, XP, 2000, 7, 8, 10

Key Features

  • Lossless editing
  • Basic video editing tools (cutting, moving, merging, etc.)
  • Remove audio from videos
  • Video tagging
  • Screen capture
  • Audio capture

Pros

  • Ideal for simple cutting and re-arranging raw video footage
  • The intuitive interface is easy to learn to use
  • No need to re-encode every video

Cons

  • Limited file format support
  • Can’t combine videos with different file formats simultaneously

Pricing

  • Free

Pinnacle Studio – Best Video Editing Software for Windows 10

This is the homepage of Pinnacle Studio video editing software.

Good for long-form content and heavy video projects, as long as you have a good computer with Windows 10.

Compatibility

  • 64-bit Windows 10

Key Features

  • Video capture and screen recording
  • Modern effects, including motion tracking
  • Titling and branding overlays
  • Multi-cam, 4K, and 360-degree editing
  • Unlimited video editing tracks
  • Advanced video editing toolkit
  • Advanced audio editing and mixing tools
  • Transitions from preset transition library
  • Green screening
  • Video stabilization

Pros

  • Great rendering speed
  • Clear and simple editing interface for basic use
  • Upload directly to Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, or Box
  • Make video clips into GIFs
  • Process multiple videos in a batch rather than one by one

Cons

  • Some features are hidden in menus that are hard to find
  • Higher desktop system requirements than comparable software
  • The magnetic editing bar is sometimes imprecise

Pricing

One-time payment.

Free trial available.

  • Studio plan – $54.95
  • Studio plus plan – $89.95
  • Studio ultimate plan – $109.95

This is the homepage of CyberLink video editing software.

With a lot of different purchase options and a free version, PowerDirector is a good editor to try out and scale up as you need more.

Compatibility

  • Windows, MacOS 10.14 or later

Key Features

  • Basic video editing features
  • Basic audio editing (more features in advanced plans)
  • 360-degree, multi-cam, and 4K editing
  • Motion tracking feature
  • Screen recording
  • Titles, effects, picture-in-picture, and simple overlays

Pros

  • Fast rendering speeds compared to similar editors
  • High frame rate import/export
  • Publish directly to social media
  • Plenty of great transitions
  • Edit from the app version as well

Cons

  • No access to stock media without a subscription
  • No updates with one-time payments
  • Watermarks on free videos
  • Some lag in zooming in and out of the editing timeline
  • Some ad prompts for updates

Pricing

Subscription.

Limited free version available.

Subscription Packages:

  • PowerDirector 365 – from $4.33/month
  • Director Suite 365 – from $8.08/month

One-Time Deals:

  • Ultra – $99.99
  • Ultimate – $139.99

VSDC – Best Video Editing Software for Low-End PCs

This is the homepage of VSDC video editing software.

A simple video editor that works well on almost all computers, even very old ones.

Compatibility

  • Windows XP, Vista, 32-bit or 64-bit Windows 7, 8, and 10

Key Features

  • Non-linear editing track
  • Basic video editing tools
  • Basic audio editing tools
  • Green screening
  • Effects, filters, text titles, and other overlays
  • Simple transitions
  • 4K and 360 VR compatible

Pros

  • Supports most common file formats
  • Very low system requirements – works on almost every computer
  • Feature-rich compared to similarly priced software

Cons

  • The nonstandard layout takes some getting used to
  • Some common features are tucked within submenus
  • The software can sometimes crash

Pricing

  • Free or $19.99 one-time payment for added features

FAQ

What is Video Editing Software?

Video editing software allows you to modify video files.

Most video editing software lets you clip videos, merge separate video and image files, and apply effects.

These software can be installed directly to your laptop or mobile device or can be used in a browser.

When is the best time to buy video editing software?

If you want the lowest price, the best time to buy video editing software is when a sale is going on.

Sometimes software goes on sale during Black Friday, giving you a great limited time offer.

You may also find good one-time deals throughout the year.

Should I pay for a premium video editor?

You may want to pay for a premium video editor if:

  • You need to make cinematic-quality videos
  • You regularly make videos
  • There are specific effects or editing tools you need
  • You use a lot of stock videos or images
  • If you’re just starting out, you may not necessarily need a premium video editor.

Is free video editing software good enough?

Free video editing software is often good enough for simple online videos.

If you’re starting to experiment with video content or you’re using the editor for personal videos, many free editors can work well.

If you’re trying to make professional quality or cinematic videos, long videos, or 3D animation videos, a free editor may not be the right tool.

Which video editing programs do most YouTubers use?

Many top YouTubers use one of these 3 editors:

  • Final Cut Pro (previously Final Cut Pro X)
  • Adobe Premiere Pro
  • iMovie
    YouTube beginners sometimes start out with iMovie, Shotcut, HitFilm Express, or Filmora. These free software provide a lot of the features you may need to get started without the upfront cost.

Can you get a free video editor without watermark?

Yes, there are many free video editors that don’t put watermarks on your videos.

These include:

  • VSDC
  • OpenShot
  • Shotcut
  • Lightworks
  • Blender
  • iMovie
  • HitFilm Express
  • DaVinci Resolve (free package)
  • Clipchamp
  • Always check if a free video editor puts a watermark on your videos before you use the software.

What are the primary functions of editing?

Basic video editing features include:

  • Trimming video clips
  • Framing and cropping
  • Color correction (including exposure adjustment)
  • Blurring or adjusting focus
  • Merging or resequencing clips/images
  • Transitioning between clips or images
  • Adding overlays (subtitles, branding, picture-in-picture, etc.)
  • Adding title sequences
  • Most video editing software includes these features. The effectiveness of the feature may vary. Premium video editors include additional advanced editing features.

How can I improve my video editing skills?

Improve your video editing with a few of these tips:

  • Watch editing tutorials on YouTube
  • Download project files to follow along with tutorials
  • Storyboard your videos
  • Organize your files well for easy access
  • Use keyboard shortcuts
  • Color correct throughout your video
  • As long as you’re practicing the right things, your editing is likely to improve the more you do it.

Recommended Video Editing Software according to Reddit:

Admitting that I cracked Sony Vegas and used it for all my videos. I previously used Filmora but wanted better quality, so I learned Sony Vegas. It’s easy, just drag, drop, and click. Much easier than Premiere Pro.

You might be interested to check those related posts as well:

What Should You Look for in Video Editing Software

Conclusion

The quality of videos you can produce relies heavily on the tools you’re using.

Make sure you’ve got the best video editing software for what you need and start churning out great video content today!

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