Best Video Editing Software

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best video editing software

best video editing software

Top 18 Best Video Editing Softwares

Is it real to find the best video editing software? Some people will tell you that it’s Adobe Premiere Pro, Lightworks or Vegas Pro but where is the truth?

To make everything clear, I tested 18 different cheap and free video editing softwares that you can use for professional work with your video content.

1. Adobe Premiere Pro CC

Best video editing program for professionals

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Pros+
  • Good color bar
  • Synchronization with other Adobe elements
  • The interface is customizable
  • Import and export of files in any format
Cons-
  • Doesn’t always work stably
  • Takes up lots of space
  • For pros, but no animation
 

Adobe Premiere Pro CC, a popular advanced-level program is the first in my best video editing software list. This Adobe software will edit virtually any type of file. It is ready to create footage of any level including movies, TV, and YouTube.

Almost all video editors use exactly this movie editing software in cinematographic companies all over the world.

Premiere Pro has enough capacity to handle 360-degree video in virtual reality and 8K-frames in its own format. It can also perform XML import and export.

This enables you to share files, transfer the project to the Final Cut Pro rival or export it to Plural eyes for synchronization. Premiere Pro makes it convenient to work on multi-camera shooting, creating multi-sequences and editing large concerts by quickly switching cameras.

Another advantage this editing program has is the Lumetri Color panel, in which wide color adjusting is available at the post-production stage. The program easily integrates with After Effects, Audition, and Photoshop, which adds another plus on Premiere Pro’s count.

However, in terms of animation, such opportunities are minimal here. After Effects is more suitable for this.

2. Final Cut Pro X

Best software for video editing on Mac OS

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Rank (4.7/5)
macOS 10.13.6 or later | Read Final Cut Pro X review
Pros+
  • Possibility to work with animation
  • Comfortable color panel
  • Useful professional tools
  • File import and export in any format
Cons-
  • Only for macOS
 

If Windows owners more commonly use Premiere Pro, MacBook users usually prefer Final Cut Pro X as the top video editing software. Apple's Final Cut Pro X comprises of an extensive selection of video adjusting tools developed to satisfy most professional needs.

Despite this, the workbench will still be manageable for beginners. While working within the free trial period, you will easily find many useful online tutorials. That will help you exploit its full potential.

Final Cut Pro X grants you the opportunity of HD video editing in a wide variety that begins with smartphones and finishes with files like ProRes RAW and REDCODE RAW 8K. This program is used in Hollywood and other large-scale projects around the globe.

This video editing software will easily process graphics, effects, videos of 360- degrees, and even multi-camera recordings. When your video is ready, export it in any of the formats presented, including the high dynamic range (HDR) mode.

3. Vegas Pro

Best video edit software with a simple interface

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Rank (4.5/5)
Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 (64-bit) | Read Vegas Pro review
Pros+
  • Supports many formats
  • Fast render
  • Convenient interface
  • Work with audio up to 24 bit/192 kHz
  • Records immediately on a disk
Cons-
  • Requires a high-performance computer
 

Another accessible video editing software for Windows is Vegas Pro 16 that has varying packages to satisfy video post-production and requirements of a wide spectrum. Vegas Pro 16 Edit is claimed to be the core version of the software.

However, the majority of users will find their major working needs covered by the tools available. As it is extensively used by bloggers it might as well be called the best editing software for YouTube.

The video post-production mechanisms are non-linear with the time scale displaying multiple tracks. The Vegas Pro 16 Edit instruments will help achieve that high-end look. You can work on footage in either 4K, HDR, or high frame rates, stabilize frames or do tracking of objects in motion and perform routine color, light, and sound corrections.

Getting done with editing videos, you will face a selection of exporting methods. You may save your video in the way you can further use in another popular video post- production application of your choice.

4. Pinnacle Studio 21 Ultimate

Best video editing and converting software

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Rank (4/5)
Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10
Pros+
  • Has a Stop Motion Animation function
  • Multi-camera editing
Cons-
  • Requires a high-performance computer
 

Within the Corel product range, the best video editing software is the Pinnacle Studio. It costs $129.95 (The sum required for 360-degree and 4-thousandth content editing using the Ultimate pack), twice what the VideoStudio charges. What do you get for extra money? There are motion tracking algorithms, support of 360-degree virtual reality and 4k, multi-camera editing, etc.

Considering all capabilities, the Pinnacle’s control panel has remained simple and understandable like the softwares mentioned above. Thus, if speed is crucial and spending extra dollars is no worry of yours, Pinnacle is a good choice. Its outstanding features are top-level rendering speed, fully-featured toolkit, and customer support.

5. DaVinci Resolve 18

Pro video editing software for color grading

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Rank (4.5/5)
Mac / Win / Linux
Pros+
  • Fusion pack for creating visual effects
  • Multifunctional
  • Ideal for video color correction
  • Has a trial version
Cons-
  • You need to dedicate time to learn this software before expecting great results
 

In comparison with other video editors, it is much cheaper and you can begin using it on free terms at first. Later, having ascertained yourself that all the tools fully meet your needs, you can purchase the program. Getting yourself an updated version of Studio, you will acquire new 3D and ResolveFX tools plus other ones for multi-user processing.

The workbench provides deep color correction of frames, which gives it an advantage over others. Just like the rest of the above-listed programs, it presents functions for working on sound and graphics. DaVinci Resolve will not limit you in imagination and amplification of the idea.

6. Lightworks

Free and good video editing software

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Rank (4/5)
Mac / Win / Linux | Read Lightworks review
Pros+
  • Has a free version
  • Has a multi-cam
Cons-
  • Doesn’t support DVD recording
  • Maximum of 720р in the free version
 

Lightworks is the best video editor that can easily perform many tasks due to its capacity. The version in the public domain has a carefully selected workbench, such as tilting, multi-camera editing, a multi-layer timeline approach as well as many useful video effects. You’re limited, however, in using the advanced toolset until full payment of membership.

You are allowed to export projects up to 720p to popular multimedia platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo, etc. The program supports 1080p and so on. Even though the Lightworks toolkit is huge, no DVD export can be performed. Operating the full version will cost $24.99 monthly.

7. Openshot

Great video editing software for basic video montage

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Rank (2.5/5)
Mac / Win / Linux
Pros+
  • Takes up little space
  • Suitable for beginners and for simple tasks
  • Good features for working with sound
Cons-
  • Isn’t for professional video editing
 

OpenShot is the best free video editing software found online. It is good for use with all sustainable and x-plat video editing workbenches. The program has been operating since 2008. It constantly has new updates that expand its potential and make it more convenient and easier for users.

There is support for multiple file formats, transition effects, compositing support, keyframe animation, title adjusting, etc. Remarkably reliable is the version in the public domain, which allows achieving impressive results. This application can be called the best home movie editor to edit videos for your YouTube blog.

8. Camtasia Studio

Professional video editing software

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Rank (3/5)
Mac / Win
Pros+
  • Screen capture
  • Interactive texts
  • High-resolution recording and export
Cons-
  • Export only in the paid version
  • Few animation features
 

The program’s screen capture technology is highly convenient. I may safely call it the best video editing software for those who record video tutorials. Camtasia also works with multiple tracks, so you can overlay background music or record your own voiceover along with the video clips. It’s possible to import either webcam content or something pre-recorded up to 4K.

Camtasia also has additional features of particular use for teachers, for instance adding interactive tests and assessing students’ progress. After video editing is done, results can be exported in 4K Ultra HD quality. Direct export is available only after you pay for the program.

9. KineMaster

Best amateur video editing software for recording videos on your smartphone

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Rank (3/5)
Android / iOS
Pros+
  • You can edit videos using a phone
  • Deep work with sound
  • Does capture in the program
Cons-
  • Low functionality, suitable mainly for beginners
  • Cannot set project parameters
 

It is the best video editing software on your smartphone. The interface, as for a phone application, is quite convenient. There are smart effects and instant result viewing. The only question is your phone performance, it should not be below average.

The application is rich in functions. It is possible to work on several layers, add handwritten or typed in annotations, mess around with 4 audio tracks. In addition, the price for such an application will be affordable for everyone.

10. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate X10

Best HD video editing software

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Rank (4/5)
Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10
Pros+
  • Storyboard mode
  • Voice recognition and subtitle creation
  • Music Library
Cons-
  • Trial version is strongly limited in functionality
 

Corel VideoStudio’s feature set is equally trouble-proof to the best professional video editing software from Adobe or CyberLink. It presents 4K, 360-degree VR, multi- camera sequences, plus a large repertoire of no-royalty music. The program has tips that show which video clips have or have not already been used on the timeline.

Moreover, you will be assisted in matching the speech to subtitles with the voice recognition patterns. Corel supports the majority of file extensions and, therefore, is suitable for posting on social networks or online hosting.

11. Apple iMovie

Best home video editing software

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Rank (3/5)
Mac / iOS
Pros+
  • Simple interface
  • Selection of colors for consistent viewing of movies
  • Stylish themes
  • Numerous audio tools
Cons-
  • Less flexible than some computer video editors
  • Some helpful controls eliminated for simplification
  • No multi-camera or motion tracking features
 

Such simple video editing software for Mac owners fits unpretentious users and beginners. It offers effects, transitions, and filters suitable for Instagram or YouTube bloggers. You can create titles and use the built-in templates. On the timeline, you will only see 2 footage tracks.

12. Edius

The best video editing software that is Vegas Pro’s alternative

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Rank (3.5/5)
Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10
Pros+
  • Any format
  • You can use Luts
  • Very fast render
Cons-
  • Only for Windows
 

It is another non-linear good video editing software which is worth paying attention to. It was developed to imitate Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut. The program is suitable for export to YouTube, Vimeo, or DVD.

Besides, it supports Magic Bullet and Sapphire plugins. The color adjustment panel is no worse, providing varied color spaces. This particular program is used for multi-camera editing and for working on television.

13. FXhome by Artlist

Best professional movie editing software

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Pros+
  • Composing functions
  • 2D and 3D effects
Cons-
  • Most add-ons are paid
 

This free and easy video editing software attracts with an unusual but appealing interface and many powerful video editing features, including a new layout panel and improved export tools. An additional starter pack ($9.99) adds even more video editing instruments.

FXhome by Artlist is suitable for enthusiasts, offering possibilities of cross-platform post-production and overlapping, tracking options, 2D and 3D effects, speed control, audio tools, and an arsenal of tutorials on how to edit videos.

14. VideoPad

Best affordable video editing software

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Rank (2.5/5)
Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10
Pros+
  • Stabilization is available
  • Output into 4K
  • Good sound settings
  • A free editing software not for commercial use
Cons-
  • Free version is for Windows only
  • Suitable only for amateurs
 

It is a complex x-plat editing software for YouTube videos. In the main menu, you may choose which social networks you need to use. This app gives you the following variants: Facebook, YouTube from 480 p to 4K, Flickr, Dropbox and Google Drive and it is free for non-commercial use.

15. Magix Movie Edit Pro

Best and easiest video editing software

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Rank (3/5)
Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10
Pros+
  • Good tools for titles
  • Fast rendering
  • Movie templates like trailers
  • Lots of video effects
  • A 360-degree media support
Cons-
  • Complicated tasks may cause problems
  • Shortage of import and structuring tools
  • Additional expenses and encryption of loading for some video formats
 

Movie Edit Pro offers reliable stability, 4K support, and 360-degree and multi-camera editing. This app is for those who need a convenient software.

16. VSDC

Cheap video editing software

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Rank (2.5/5)
Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10 | Read VSDC review
Pros+
  • Non-linear video editing
  • Filters and variety of colors
  • Video file converter
  • HD and 4K support
  • Video file converter
Cons-
  • A beginner may find it difficult to use
  • Out of date icons
 

VSDC is one of the best video editing software for Windows. If you are trying to edit video clips for the first time, this free video editor may seem quite difficult for you because of its variety of functions and menu.

Here you can add lines, diagrams, text and figures, animations, images, audio and subs. Besides, VSDC, like any other software can export video into different formats.

17. Wondershare Filmora

Top video editing software for beginners

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Pros+
  • Not bad headline tool
  • Number of effects and overlays
  • Nice interface
Cons-
  • No movement tracking
  • Such regulations as Action Cam and Cutter allow only one video at a time
  • No DVD menu
  • Search for effects and transitions is absent
 

Wondershare Filmora doesn’t support VR and multi-camera post-production. However, it has a really pleasant interface and a lot of useful video editing effects, which will help you make your video more interesting.

18. Freemake Video Converter

Best video editing software for movies and video conversion

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Rank (3/5)
Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10
Pros+
  • Easy video editing software
  • Ability to record the files right to the disk
  • Lots of input formats are supported
Cons-
  • You may need to pay for extra functions
  • Rendering is slow
  • A restricted number of output formats
 

Video Converter is a free video editing software with convenient and simple editing functions, which differs it from other complicated and confusing video editors. It is easy to perform basic video editing before posting you video clip. You can convert files into other formats or even record files right to the disk. You may add subs, highlight or delete any part of the video easily and fast.

Ann Young

Retouching Guides Writer

Ann Young is an expert photographer, retoucher, and writer with over 9+ years of working at FixThePhoto. Her career in digital community began after earning her degree from New York University. She believes AI can be a real helper if you know how to use it properly. Unlike many photographers, she isn’t afraid that AI tools can replace human experts in different spheres.

Read Ann's full bio

Tetiana Kostylieva

Photo & Video Insights Blogger

Tetiana Kostylieva is the content creator, who takes photos and videos for almost all FixThePhoto blog articles. Her career started in 2013 as a caricature artist at events. Now, she leads our editorial team, testing new ideas and ensuring the content is helpful and engaging. She likes vintage cameras and, in all articles, she always compares them with modern ones showing that it isn’t obligatory to invest in brand-new equipment to produce amazing results.

Read Tetiana's full bio

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