The needs of video editing in 2020 have already gone beyond what Windows Movie Maker can offer. The abundance of different formats required for social media, 360 technologies, and 3D elements all raise the bar for video editing software. It may seem like the only applicable software will have an exorbitant price, but it’s not nearly the case. In this article, we’ll take a brief look at free and paid applications that are suitable for both professionals and amateurs.
Free Software
Shotcut
Shotcut is one of the most lightweight and newbie-friendly applications on the list. It features an intuitive interface, the support for a wide range of formats, and numerous filters and effects. Professionals might find it insufficient depending on their specific needs, but Shotcut will work perfectly for most amateur projects.
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is the editing application prided on its coloring features. The app works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. It features powerful audio capabilities and color correction tools that can be used to adjust such minor details as eye and lip color on a face. DaVinci Resolve is less useful for raw videos.
KineMaster
KineMaster is one of the two applications on this list tailored specifically to mobile platforms. The app is arguably the best editing tool for Android and iOS. It features a large range of smart effects and multilayer editing capacity. KineMaster also enables creators to add and mix up to four audio tracks. The only downside of the application is its glitching functioning on slower phones.
You can read more about photo and video applications for the mobile here.
Lightworks
Lightworks is a cross-platform application that has both free and paid versions. The only fundamental difference between them is the number of output formats that the paid version offers. Lightworks can output directly to Youtube and Vimeo, and it promotes collaboration. The application may be difficult to master for beginners.
Hitfilm Express
Hitfilm Express is only offered for Windows and Mac. It provides users with over 180 visual effects and the ability to combine 2D and 3D effects. The application requires a powerful computer, mainly because of the 3D compositing capabilities. Another perk is the abundance of add-ons that can be purchased as needed in packs.
Apple iMovie
Apple iMovie is pre-installed software on most Macs. Despite its default status, it’s an amazing tool that Mac owners are likely to find useful. The app focuses on helping users achieve polished and professional-looking edits out of any footage.
Apple Clips
Apple Clips is an application for iOS. Although accessibility is its downside, the app deserves attention for how handy it is when you need an edit to post on social media. Apple Clips allows users to create neat edits, add stickers and captions, apply various filters, and work either with the existing footage from the phone or record something through the app.
Paid Software
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is currently the best video editing software for Windows users. It is used and praised by professionals, and its price of $24.84 per month for individual usage is entirely justified by the app’s functionality. Adobe Premiere accepts numerous input sources, including VR, it can handle a large number of video tracks, and it offers automatic synchronization for multi-angle shots.
Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
Corel VideoStudio targets Windows users and suits beginners perfectly. It combines a good variety of features with a well-designed interface that is easy to navigate. The application also comes bundled together with a music library, 360 VR video support, and many other effects and tools, all for one price of $99.
Final Cut Pro X
As far as editing software for Mac goes, Final Cut Pro X may be the best choice for a reasonable price. The editor is powerful and easy to use. It’s an overall well-rounded application that presents a lot of features, effects, and audio editing options. Also, it’s easy to synchronize Final Cut with other Apple services, such as iTunes and Photos.
Filmora9
Filmora9 is another tool that will satisfy novices and those who only start moving towards professional editing. The application features built-in titles, filters, effects, and a library of royalty-free music and sound effects. It also grants creators the ability to record additional media to include directly through the app. In addition to the paid option, there is a free version of Filmora9 that has the same features but attaches a brand watermark to every edit.
CyberLink PowerDirector
CyberLink PowerDirector is one of the most professional pieces of software on this list. With the price of $99.50, it’s not much more expensive than Filmora9 and other applications. CyberLink offers tools for stabilization, correction, and trimming, as well as a multitude of effects. The application supports 360 video editing and multicam editing. To top it off, CyberLink has a large community and plenty of tutorials available to get started and make the most of the application and its features.