Many video editing software options are available, each with unique features and benefits. The best video editing software for you will depend on your specific needs and preferences.
Seven most popular options are:
Adobe Premiere Pro
A professional-grade video editing software that offers a wide range of features and tools for advanced video editing.
Works on: Windows, macOS
Trail for: 7 days
Adobe Premiere Pro is a versatile video editing software widely used for creating everything from YouTube content to Hollywood films, such as the 2021 Oscar-nominated movie Mank. Its popularity among designers, animators, and VFX artists is evident, and after extensive testing, we understand why.
In our evaluation, we appreciated how the software increased our efficiency by organizing tasks into distinct workspaces, like editing, effects, and audio. These workspaces streamline specific tasks and minimize distractions, a feature we experienced on both Mac and PC.
We found that the automatic sync works seamlessly for multi-angle shots, and it’s hard not to praise the fine-tuning tools that truly make videos stand out. Customizable keyboard shortcuts and exceptional collaboration features only add to the software’s appeal.
Premiere Pro supports 4K, 8K, and VR formats, offering a high degree of precision and control with its trimming and editing tools. The software allows for an unlimited number of video tracks, as demonstrated by our test with four 4K videos, and supports importing from nearly any source.
As part of the Creative Cloud suite, Premiere Pro receives regular updates, which subscribers can access for free. The most recent update in June 2022 (version 22.5) introduced new workspaces for vertical video, gradient addition to strokes and shadows for titles and graphics, and compatibility with the RED V-RAPTOR camera.
Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro are the two industry-standard video editing tools on our list, with the latter being exclusive to Mac. Given its cross-platform capabilities, we regard Adobe Premiere Pro as the best overall video editing software.
Final Cut Pro X
An advanced video editing software for Mac users that offers a streamlined interface and powerful features for professional video editing.
Final Cut Pro, alongside Premiere Pro, is an industry-standard app in the TV and film industries. It’s subscription-free, requiring a one-time payment, but is only available for Mac users.
We admired its Magnetic Timeline and strong organizational features, including grouping tools, effects, and audio tools. It also supports advanced capabilities like 360-degree video, HDR, and color correction.
Optimized for Mac, it integrates seamlessly with Apple’s ecosystem. Updates are free, with the latest release in October 2022 offering stability improvements and faster exporting. However, it isn’t an option for non-Mac users and can be expensive, although a 90-day free trial is available.
DaVinci Resolve
A free video editing software with advanced color correction tools, features, and professional-grade audio and video editing capabilities.
DaVinci Resolve, our top pick for the best free video editing software, offers a paid version called DaVinci Resolve Studio with additional features. Originally a color-grading tool, it has evolved into an all-purpose editing tool used by professionals. The latest version includes cloud collaboration, making it ideal for distributed teams. It excels in color grading, and also offers smart video stabilization and built-in audio mixing within a single app. While its interface may require some familiarization, DaVinci Resolve is a competitive, full-feature package worth considering.
iMovie
A user-friendly video editing software for Mac users offering various basic video editing tools and features.
iMovie, a free video editing app for macOS and iOS users, offers a range of features for beginners and intermediate users. The Magic Movie feature quickly combines clips, adds titles, and chooses music, while the Storyboards feature provides templates and guides for various video topics. It also includes a Cinematic Mode, filters, soundtracks, and title cards. However, iMovie isn’t ideal for professionals due to infrequent updates and limited advanced tools. Additionally, it’s only available for Apple users. Nevertheless, for beginners or those seeking a simple start, iMovie is a worthwhile option.
Filmora
A user-friendly video editing software for beginners that offers a range of basic and advanced video editing tools and features.
Wondershare’s Filmora is an affordable, user-friendly video editing option, ideal for beginners or occasional users. Its intuitive interface offers built-in titles, effects, and filters, as well as a library of royalty-free sound effects and music. The latest update (version 12) introduced collaboration tools, AI-based smart cutout, 3D titles, and more. Although a free version is available, it watermarks your videos. To remove watermarks, you can opt for an Annual, Lifetime, or Unlimited plan, with the latter offering unlimited stock library downloads and new effects each month.
Vegas Pro – A professional-grade video editing software that offers advanced audio and video editing features and a wide range of effects and transitions, including motion tracking and 3D compositing.
Avid Media Composer – A professional-grade video editing software that offers a wide range of features and tools for advanced video editing, including advanced color grading, audio editing, and effects, as well as collaborative workflow capabilities.
Ultimately, the best video editing software for you will depend on your specific needs, such as your experience level, the type of videos you want to create, and your budget.
Free Video Editing Software
Several free video editing software options are available, each with its own features and benefits. Here are some of the best free video editing software options:
- DaVinci Resolve – A professional-grade video editing software with advanced color correction tools and features and professional-grade audio and video editing capabilities. It is available for free, as well as a paid version with additional features.
- Shotcut – An open-source video editing software that is free and offers a wide range of video and audio editing tools and features.
- HitFilm Express – A free video editing software that offers a range of basic and advanced video editing tools and features, as well as various effects and transitions.
- Lightworks – A professional-grade video editing software that offers advanced video and audio editing capabilities and a wide range of effects and transitions. It is available for free, as well as a paid version with additional features.
- Blender – A free and open-source video editing software that offers a wide range of video editing tools and features, as well as 3D modeling and animation capabilities.
Which software do we use for video editing?
I learned video editing on a Mac, and hence i started with Final cut pro, but when I tried Adobe’s Premier Pro, i wanted to stick to it. Although the video editing process is mostly similar to all video editing software, I would still like to brief you on the basics of video editing on Adobe Premier Pro.
Here is a step-by-step process of video editing with Adobe Premiere Pro:
- Import media files: Open Adobe Premiere Pro and import your video and audio files into the program by selecting File > Import.
- Create a new project: Create a new project by selecting File > New > Project, and then set your project settings, such as the video frame rate and resolution.
- Create a sequence: Create a new sequence by selecting File > New > Sequence, and then select the sequence settings, such as the video frame rate and resolution.
- Organize your files: Organize your files in the project panel by creating folders and subfolders to keep everything organized.
- Drag and drop clips: Drag and drop your video and audio clips from the project panel onto the timeline to begin editing your sequence.
- Trim clips: Use the razor or trim tool to trim your clips to the desired length.
- Add transitions: Add transitions between clips by selecting the effect panel and dragging a transition onto the edit point between two clips.
- Add effects to your clips by selecting the effect panel and dragging an effect onto a clip.
- Adjust audio levels: Adjust the audio levels of your clips by selecting the audio track and using the audio mixer to adjust the levels.
- Add titles and graphics: Add titles and graphics to your sequence by selecting the title panel and creating a new title or graphic.
- Color correction: Use the Lumetri color panel to adjust the color and tone of your footage.
- Export your project: When finished editing, select File > Export > Media, select your export settings, and export your project.
This is a basic overview of the video editing process with Adobe Premiere Pro. There are many more advanced features and tools available in the program that you can use to create more complex and professional-looking videos.
Is Video Editing on Mobiles Easier?
Video editing apps offer a convenient, user-friendly, and affordable way for users to edit their videos on the go and create professional-looking content for social media and other platforms. Here are the reasons you might like to consider while editing a video on mobile.
- Convenience: Video editing apps allow users to edit their videos on the go without needing a desktop or laptop computer. This makes it convenient for users to edit their videos anytime, anywhere, and instantly share them with friends and followers.
- User-friendly interface: Video editing apps are designed to be user-friendly, with simple interfaces and intuitive controls that make it easy for anyone to edit their videos, even if they don’t have any prior video editing experience.
- Cost-effective: Many video editing apps are free or available at a low cost, making them an affordable option for users who don’t want to invest in expensive desktop software.
- Social media integration: Video editing apps often come with built-in social media sharing features, which allows users to easily share their videos on popular social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
- Advanced features: Many video editing apps offer advanced features like filters, effects, and transitions, which allow users to create professional-looking videos with minimal effort.
Here are some of the best video editing apps for mobile devices:
- iMovie (iOS) – A user-friendly video editing app for iOS devices that offers basic video editing features, such as trimming, cropping, and adding effects and transitions.
- Adobe Premiere Rush (iOS, Android) – A powerful video editing app that allows you to edit videos on the go with advanced editing features, including color correction, audio editing, and motion graphics.
- Kinemaster (iOS, Android) – A full-featured video editing app that offers a wide range of features, including multi-track editing, video and audio effects, and chroma key.
- Quik (iOS, Android) – A simple and easy-to-use video editing app that allows you to create professional-looking videos in just a few minutes by selecting your footage and adding transitions and effects.
- FilmoraGo (iOS, Android) – A user-friendly video editing app that offers a wide range of features, including themes, filters, text overlays, and music.
- PowerDirector (iOS, Android) – A comprehensive video editing app that offers a wide range of features, including video stabilization, chroma key, and slow-motion effects.
- Magisto (iOS, Android) – A smart video editing app that uses AI to create professional-looking videos by selecting your footage, adding music and effects, and creating a video in just a few minutes.
These video editing apps are great for editing videos on the go, and they offer a range of features and tools for creating professional-looking videos.\
Free Video Editing Apps
Several free video editing apps offer a range of features and tools for editing videos on mobile devices. Here are some of the best free video editing apps:
- VN Video Editor: Occasionally referred to as “VN Video Editor Maker VlogNow,” is a multimedia application created for editing video content on iOS or Android smartphones, tablets, or computer devices. This software is free to use without watermarks or any hidden conditions, and has proven to be quite effective for a variety of video editing requirements in today’s digital landscape.
Video Editor boasts a wide range of features that cater to various editing needs. Key specs include support for multiple videos and images, automatic draft saving, user-friendly voice recording interaction, full-screen preview mode, and the ability to import your own media. The software also offers an array of special effects, such as curve shifting, over fifty film-inspired filters, filter adjustments, nine built-in transition modes, reverse and zoom functions, keyframe animation, nineteen different animation presets, and a picture-in-picture mode. VN Story Mode provides text effects, subtitle effects, multiple font styles, and adjustable material duration. When it comes to exporting, Video Editor allows for custom export settings, supports 4K and 60fps, and enables users to save and export projects locally. - InShot: InShot Video Editor is an appealing, straightforward app that enables users to edit videos, fine-tune photos, and craft collages. The app offers a satisfying experience without any cost, and for those who want to support the developers through one-time payments or subscriptions, numerous additional effects are available.
While the InShot app is free, ads appear at the top of the screen during editing, and the final output will have the InShot logo watermarked in the lower right corner. If you prefer a cleaner interface without the watermark, you can remove these limitations for $2.99 (£2.99).
InShot also offers animated stickers, fonts, and filters, many of which are free. Simply browse the store and download the ones you like, while others may require a fee. Instead of making individual purchases, you can opt for a subscription, which grants access to all additional content and removes ads and watermarks.
Subscription options include $3.99 (£3.49) per month, $14.99 (£11.99) per year, or a one-time purchase of $34.99 (£33.99). The one-time fee might seem steep for a mobile app, but you have the choice of selecting different plans or even not paying at all. - iMovie (iOS) – A free video editing app for iOS devices that offers basic video editing features, such as trimming, cropping, and adding effects and transitions.
- Adobe Premiere Rush (iOS, Android) – A free video editing app that allows you to edit videos on the go with advanced editing features, including color correction, audio editing, and motion graphics.
- Kinemaster (iOS, Android) – A free video editing app that offers a wide range of features, including multi-track editing, video and audio effects, and chroma key.
- Quik (iOS, Android) – A free video editing app that allows you to create professional-looking videos in just a few minutes by selecting your footage and adding transitions and effects.
- FilmoraGo (iOS, Android) – A free video editing app that offers a wide range of features, including themes, filters, text overlays, and music.
- PowerDirector (iOS, Android) – A free video editing app that offers a range of features, including video stabilization, chroma key, and slow-motion effects.
Overall, these free video editing apps are great for editing videos on the go, and they offer a range of features and tools for creating professional-looking videos.
Free Audio Editing Software
Several free audio editing software is available that offer a range of features and tools for editing audio files. Here are some of the best free audio editing software:
- Audacity – A free, open-source audio editor that supports multi-track editing, recording, and mixing.
- Ocenaudio – A free audio editor with a user-friendly interface and features such as real-time preview, effects, and VST plugins.
- WavePad – A free audio editor with noise reduction, amplification, and voice recording features.
- LMMS – A free, open-source digital audio workstation allows users to create music, mix tracks, and edit audio files.
- Wavosaur – A free audio editor with features such as VST plugins, batch processing, and loop points.
Overall, these free audio editing software options offer a range of features and tools for editing audio files on a budget.
Tips that video editors should keep in mind:
- Storytelling: Video editing should focus on storytelling, and the editing process should help convey the message or story the video tries to tell.
- Organization: It’s important to stay organized during the editing process by labeling and organizing files, creating a timeline, and keeping notes.
- Consistency: Ensure the video has a consistent look and feel by maintaining a consistent color grade, sound levels, and pacing.
- Attention to detail: Pay attention to small details such as transitions, audio levels, and subtitles to ensure a professional-quality video.
- Collaboration: Communication with other production teams members, such as the director or producer, is important to ensure that the video meets their expectations.
- Time management: It’s important to manage time effectively during editing by setting deadlines and prioritizing tasks to ensure the project is completed on time.
- Creativity: Finally, video editing is a creative process, so it’s important to keep an open mind and experiment with new techniques to create an engaging and visually appealing final product.
Overall, video editing software has revolutionized the way we create and edit videos, making it easier and more accessible than ever before to produce high-quality video content. With powerful features and tools, video editing software offers endless creative possibilities for filmmakers, content creators, and video enthusiasts alike.
Multitrack video editing in Premiere Pro
When exporting a multitrack sequence from Premiere Pro, the file format that conveys the most information is typically the Broadcast Wave Format (BWF) with embedded timecode and metadata.
BWF is a high-quality, uncompressed audio format that supports multiple tracks, high bit depths, and sample rates up to 192 kHz. It also allows for embedded metadata such as timecode and track names, which can be useful for post-production workflows.
When exporting a multitrack sequence from Premiere Pro as BWF, you can choose to include or exclude certain tracks, specify the bit depth and sample rate, and include metadata such as timecode and track names.
Other file formats that can be used to export multitrack sequences from Premiere Pro include WAV, AIFF, and MP3, but they may not support all of the same features as BWF, such as embedded metadata. The specific file format you choose will depend on the specific needs of your project and workflow.
Affordable video editing software
There are several affordable video editing software options available, depending on your needs and budget. Here are some popular options:
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a free video editing software that is available for both Mac and Windows. It offers a range of features, including color correction, audio editing, and visual effects. The paid version, DaVinci Resolve Studio, offers additional features for a one-time fee.
HitFilm Express
HitFilm Express is a free video editing software that is available for both Mac and Windows. It offers a range of features, including 2D and 3D compositing, visual effects, and color correction.
OpenShot
OpenShot is a free and open-source video editing software that is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. It offers a range of features, including video transitions, 3D animations, and audio mixing.
Lightworks
Lightworks offers a free version of its video editing software that is available for Mac, Windows, and Linux. It offers a range of features, including video trimming, audio mixing, and color correction.
iMovie
iMovie is a video editing software that is available for Mac and iOS devices. It is included with new Macs and is available for free on the App Store. It offers a range of features, including video trimming, audio mixing, and basic visual effects.
These are just a few examples of affordable video editing software options. It’s important to consider your specific needs and budget when choosing a software program.
Which video editing software is best for YouTube?
In the realm of YouTube creators, three video editing titans reign supreme: iMovie, Final Cut Pro, and Premiere Pro. Novice and casual YouTubers gravitate toward iMovie, the trusty sidekick that’s free, pre-installed on Apple devices, and packs a punch for basic editing needs. However, Android adventurers can embark on their editing journey with Adobe’s Premiere Rush as their trusty companion.
For those who have transcended the realm of casual content creation, seeking professional-grade editing prowess, the mighty Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro are their weapons of choice. These sophisticated tools empower pro and semi-pro YouTubers to sculpt their videos into masterpieces.