Whether you’re taking your first steps to becoming a video editor, you’re a pro with years of experience behind you, or you maintain a vlog, you’ll need a great tool to support your video editing needs and work your magic.
But video editing tools are available on the market? And which one is right for you?
Well, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’ll explore 10 of the best video editing software on the market (both free and paid) which have been tried and tested, and which we have evaluated according to a variety of factors (including features, affordability, user-friendliness, user reviews and value for money) to help you make an informed decision.
The best video editing software at a glance
Here’s a sneak peek of the top video editor tools:
|
|
TOOL |
BEST FOR |
PRICING |
|
1 |
Professionals and advanced editors |
From $34.49/month |
|
|
2 |
Mac professionals |
$299.99 |
|
|
3 |
Beginners on a budget |
From $19.95/month |
|
|
4 |
Color grading and advanced post-production |
$295 |
|
|
5 |
Screen recording and tutorials |
From $179.88/year |
|
|
6 |
Free editors for Mac users |
Free |
|
|
7 |
Creative beginners |
From $59.99/year |
|
|
8 |
Intermediate users |
Free |
|
|
9 |
Versatility and ease of use |
From $19.99/month |
|
|
10 |
Intermediate to advanced editors |
From $59.99 |
Top 10 video editing tools
Let’s look at the best video editing software in more detail:
1. Adobe Premiere Pro
⬤⬤⬤⬤◐ EXCELLENT
Adobe needs no introductions, being the company behind software like Photoshop and Illustrator as well as the PDF file format. Its video editing tool Premiere Pro is just as effective as Adobe’s other tools, and offers advanced features for complex and high-quality video productions.
Features
- Multi-cam editing
- Motion graphics template library
- Lumetri color correction tools
- Cloud-based collaboration
- Seamless integration with After Effects and Photoshop
Pros
- Regular updates with cutting-edge features
- Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud apps
- Professional-grade tools for advanced projects
Cons
- Steep learning curve for beginners
- Can be resource-intensive for older computers
Pricing
- Free trial
- Monthly plan: $34.49/month
- Subscription: $22.99/month or $263.88/year
2. Final Cut Pro
⬤⬤⬤⬤〇 VERY GOOD
Perfect for Mac users (in fact, it’s only available to Mac users), Final Cut Pro offers a modern interface with a magnetic, “trackless” timeline that simplifies the entire video editing process. What’s more, it’s great for importing, editing and enhancing footage from various sources.
Features
- 360-degree video editing
- Advanced color grading
- Multi-cam support
- Magnetic Timeline for easy editing
- Optimized for Apple Silicon chips
Pros
- Exceptional performance on Mac computers
- One-time purchase, no subscription
- Advanced tools for professional use
Cons
- Exclusive to macOS
- Not as intuitive for beginners
Pricing
- Free 90-day trial
- $299.99 (one-time purchase)
3. Movavi
⬤⬤⬤⬤◐ EXCELLENT
As a beginner-friendly video editing tool, Movavi is one of the best options on the market. What stands out most about Movavi is its intuitive interface, which provides you with everything you need to create, manage and share high-quality video content.
The complete Movavi suite, meanwhile, features other useful tools (including a photo editor, a video converter and a screen recorder) which can cover all your needs.
Features
- Drag-and-drop interface
- Built-in effects, filters and transitions
- 4K video-supported editing
- Noise removal and other audio editing functions
- Export options for YouTube and other platforms
Pros
- Easy-to-learn interface for beginners
- Great selection of built-in templates and effects
- Affordable compared to others tools
Cons
- Limited advanced editing features
- Exporting can occasionally slow down
Pricing
- Free trial (watermarked exports)
- Standard version: $19.95/month
- Plus version (includes 3 effects packs): $79.95/year or $99.95 for lifetime access
4. DaVinci Resolve
⬤⬤⬤⬤◐ EXCELLENT
Developed by Blackmagic Design, DaVinci Resolve is world-renowned in the film and television production industry. In fact, it’s known as Hollywood’s #1 post solution, with movie blockbusters like Jurassic World Dominion and Thor: Love and Thunder on its roster.
Features
- Supports 8K video editing
- Fairlight audio tools
- Hollywood-grade color correction tools
- Multi-user collaboration
- Fusion for VFX and motion graphics
Pros
- Free version has robust features
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Industry-leading color grading tools
Cons
- Interface can be overwhelming for beginners
- Requires high-performance hardware
Pricing
- Free version available
- Studio version: $295 (one-time purchase)
5. Camtasia
⬤⬤⬤⬤〇 VERY GOOD
Created and published by TechSmith, Camtasia is perfect for creating presentations, tutorials and gaming content on your own terms. It’s one of the most user-friendly tools on this list, and works seamlessly across both Windows and Mac.
Features
- Easy drag-and-drop editor
- Screen recording and webcam captures
- Interactive quizzes and effects
- Built-in assets like intro and transitions
- Export options for various platforms
Pros
- Great for creating educational content
- User-friendly and straightforward interface
- Seamless combination of screen recording and editing
Cons
- Limited for advanced editing projects
- No monthly pricing option
Pricing
- Free version available
- Annual plans: $179.88 (Essentials), $249.00 (Create) and $599.00 (Pro)
6. iMovie
⬤⬤⬤⬤〇 VERY GOOD
Another Apple product, iMovie is available natively on all iOS devices, and what’s great about it is that it allows you to edit video content for free. Even though it’s one of the more basic options on the list, it still offers a comprehensive suite of tools and features to create home movies, travel videos and even short films.
Features
- 4K video support
- Simple timeline editing
- Pre-built themes and trailers
- Built-in music and sound effects
- Seamless integration with macOS and iOS
Pros
- Completely free for Apple users
- Perfect for beginners
- High-quality output for basic editing
Cons
- Limited advanced features
- Available only to macOS and iOS users
Pricing
- Free
7. Filmora by Wondershare
⬤⬤⬤⬤◐ EXCELLENT
Wondershare’s Filmora video editing software simplifies complex timelines (making it a great choice for beginners) and offers a large selection of tools and features to seamlessly edit video content. Its background noise removal and voice clarity enhancement capabilities make it worth the money.
Features
- Drag-and-drop editor
- Split-screen editing
- Built-in effects store
- Motion tracking and keyframing
- Royalty-free stock music and video clips
Pros
- Affordable and beginner-friendly
- Vast library of effects and templates
- Fast rendering times
Cons
- Limited professional-grade tools
- Subscription-based for full access
Pricing
- Free version with watermarks
- Annual plans: $59.99 (Basic) and $69.99 (Advanced)
- Perpetual license: $79.99 (one-time payment)
8. Shotcut
⬤⬤⬤⬤〇 VERY GOOD
Next up: Shotcut, a user-friendly, cross-platform video editor that isn’t only free, but also open-source. One of the most impressive things about Shotcut is its capability to handle multiple video and audio tracks, which provides you with the opportunity to effortlessly create even the most complex video project.
Features
- Keyframe animations
- Wide format support including 4K and ProRes
- Color grading and scopes
- Advanced video and audio filters
- Native timeline editing without import requirements
Pros
- Completely free and open-source
- Supports advanced features like filters and keyframes
- Works on Windows, macOS and Linux
Cons
- Interface feels less polished than paid tools
- Steep learning curve for beginners
Pricing
- Free
9. VEGAS Pro
⬤⬤⬤⬤〇 VERY GOOD
Formerly known as Sony Vegas Pro, and developed by Magix, this video editing software is perfect for video editors in the TV and film industry who need complete control and creative freedom over the entire video editing process.
Features
- HDR-support
- Timeline-based editing
- Vast library of effects
- Advanced audio editing tools
- AI-assisted tools
Pros
- Great for pros and hobbyists alike
- Easy-to-learn interface
- AI tools save editing time
Cons
- Limited collaboration tools
- Windows-only software
Pricing
- Free trial
- Subscriptions: $19.99/month or $95.88/year
- Perpetual license: $199.00
10. Pinnacle Studio
⬤⬤⬤⬤◐ EXCELLENT
Ending our list of the top 10 video editors on the market is none other than Pinnacle Studio. Developed by Pinnacle Systems, it’s tailored to beginners and professionals alike, and features advanced tools, precise controls and cinema-grade effects to create stellar video projects.
Features
- 360-degree video editing
- Keyframe-based editing
- Motion tracking
- Advanced color grading tools
- Split-screen video templates
Pros
- Affordable with powerful features
- User-friendly interface
- Excellent support for 360-degree videos
Cons
- Limited free trial features
- Occasional stability issues
Pricing
- Free trial
- From $59.99 (one-time purchase)
How to choose a video editing tool
Whether you’re a beginner, an expert video editor or a jobseeker creating a video résumé, the key to choosing a video editing tool lies in choosing the one that is right for you and your specific skill set and situation.
Here are some tips and key considerations for you:
- Understand your needs. Are you a professional video editor working on complex projects? Or are you a beginner looking for a tool to edit your travel vlogs?
- Consider how long you’ll need the tool. If you only need it for a few simple projects, or you’ll otherwise be using the video editor infrequently, you might want to consider a free option.
- Evaluate your budget. Can you afford one of the pricier options, or is your monthly or yearly budget restricted to a specific dollar amount?
- Think about usability. While one of the more popular and more advanced tools might seem like a good investment, these often come up with a steeper learning curve.
- Check out the features. Tying into what exactly you need from a video editor, consider which features are essential, from trimming and transitions to storage systems and video format compatibility.
- Test it out. Most video editors offer trial or free versions that are worth testing before making a commitment.
Final thoughts
There are countless of video editing tools to consider investing in that you’re truly spoiled for choice. But too many options can often be counterproductive, leaving you feel overwhelmed.
Hopefully, though, our list of the top video editor tools will have helped you narrow down your options and make an informed decision that you’re happy and comfortable with — and proud of.
Got a question, or want to make your own suggestions for the best video editing software? Let us know in the comments section below.