I was planning to start a cooking vlog and turned to Reddit for advice. The community recommended using LumaFusion to create videos. The choice seemed good, but I totally disliked that this program lacked a free trial version. So, I started to look for LumaFusion alternatives.
Another reason to begin the search is that the software is geared towards more advanced users. I’d prefer something with pre-made customizable templates for a smooth start.
Another big drawback for me is that LumaFusion isn’t available for PC. While I edit shorter social media clips on my iPhone, longer cooking tutorials are easier to work on with a computer. So, I need a versatile LumaFusion alternative for Windows that is also optimized for mobile use. Ideally, I’d like to find a cross-platform app that allows editing videos across devices.
Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS
Best for: Professional editing across devices
The first thing that struck me about this tool was its cross-platform nature. Comparing Adobe Premiere Rush vs LumaFusion, I was impressed by how its cloud-synching feature works. I can record a video in my kitchen, apply the needed corrections, and then continue editing on PC. This is very convenient.
At first, I had some worries about its intuitiveness, but the program has a user-friendly interface, unlike LumaFusion. Besides, it is packed with pre-designed templates, which you can personalize by adding transitions, titles, and overlays. If something feels confusing to you, take advantage of multiple step-by-step tutorials on how to use Adobe Rush.
I also like that the program’s usability is perfectly harmonized with its powerful capabilities. There are many efficient tools for multi-track editing, audio controls, background music adjustments, and more. Creating cooking videos is very convenient here.
Key features:
Pricing: Free Starter plan; $9.99/month for the paid plan
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iPad
Best for: Color grading
DaVinci Resolve surprised me with its powerful feature set available at no cost. This free alternative to LumaFusion has a simple interface and a separate section for quick edits. It is hidden on the “Cut” page, making it possible to apply correction to raw footage flat out, which is impossible in LumaFusion.
It is important to tweak colors in cooking videos. With this program, I managed to improve them without going overboard and ruining realism. Generally, with this video editing software for iPad, it is possible to create very appetizing content.
The only thing that slightly slowed down my work at first was the variety of tools. It took some time to learn them, but you can always take advantage of tutorials to get the hang of them quickly. As for pre-customized templates, there aren’t lots of them here. Still, you can choose any of the options you like and turn it into a unique project.
Key features:
Pricing: Free version; $295
Platforms: CapCut online, Android, iOS, Windows
Best for: Social media content creators
When I started to examine this LumaFusion free alternative, I understood that it was one more option great for rookie users. It operates on multiple platforms, which is convenient if you tend to use different operating systems. What’s more, CapCut contains all the must-have tools in one place. There are video editing instruments, effects, transitions, and text animations.
I often complement my videos with text descriptions. Fortunately, the program allows text and overlays to be added to label recipes. I can change fonts, experiment with animations, and add auto-caption. Another distinction from LumaFusion is the huge variety of templates. I used this reel editing app when I was pressed for time but needed to create attention-grabbing reels.
Plus, there are beautiful color filters. With them, I can create a particular mood in my seasonal content. Color grading tools are good, but not as powerful as those in DaVinci Resolve. Still, CapCut is sufficient for most of my tasks.
Key features:
Pricing: Free version; in-app purchases
Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Best for: Beginners and amateurs
Filmora video editor is a feature-rich LumaFusion alternative with creative templates, effects, and text animations. I used it to add a captivating intro to my video and smooth transitions between different steps in a recipe. All operations are easy to perform thanks to the drag-and-drop working process.
Besides video, the program offers helpful audio editing tools. With them, it is possible to adjust volume, fade out certain audio pieces, as well as highlight sound. For more creative edits, you can take advantage of music and sound effects.
I particularly like that the software works smoothly on Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. If something seems unclear, you can use built-in tutorials. For example, you can learn how to apply split-screen effects, speed up clips, etc.
Key features:
Pricing: Free version; $49.99/year or $59.99 one-time purchase
Platforms: Android, iOS, Mac
Best for: Vloggers
The main difference between LumaFusion and VN Editor is their cost. VN offers many basic functions absolutely for free. The UI is intuitive, providing access to the multi-layer timeline. Few free programs can offer the same feature.
I used the software to organize different cooking videos into one clip and apply sound effects. Both the process and the result were great.
I especially like the text and subtitle tools. I frequently need to create step-by-step tutorials and outline ingredients in my videos. With this free video editing app, completing the task is easy. What’s more, it offers beautiful fonts, animations, and customization options.
Another strong point of this alternative to LumaFusion is the set of filters and adjustment tools. They are very helpful for making vibrant scenes. Besides, I regularly use speed controls and keyframe instruments for making time-lapses or zooming in on particular cooking procedures.
Key features:
Pricing: Free; in-app purchases
Platforms: iOS, macOS
Best for: Casual Apple users
iMovie has a straightforward design, offering a more intuitive video editing experience compared to LumaFusion. One of the biggest perks of iMovie is that it’s completely free and integrates flawlessly into the Adobe ecosystem. MacBook owners will appreciate the convenient iCloud sync feature. Thanks to it, you can quickly send your projects across devices.
When editing my cooking videos, I often use integrated themes, namely, “Simple” and “Bright”. Thus, I can create clips that look professional and interesting. To give them an even more captivating look, I add titles, clear recipe steps, and a brief intro. Thanks to the drag-and-drop approach, the task is quick to tackle.
I was also impressed by how easy it was to apply filters to create a unified tone in my videos. Playing around with the green screen function was enjoyable. Frankly speaking, I was surprised at how well this iPad video editing app coped with background corrections.
Key features:
Pricing: Free
Platforms: iOS, Android
Best for: Mobile use of easy AI tools
LumaFusion definitely has its advantages, but Videoleap totally surpasses it in terms of accessibility. It’s packed with features but doesn’t sacrifice ease of use. I love how smoothly it runs on my mobile device. The interface is simple and efficient, making tasks like cutting and trimming clips a straightforward process.
This LumaFusion alternative Android offers trendy animations and fonts. Moreover, there are lots of cinematic effects and eye-catching filters. This YouTube Shorts app is perfect for setting the mood for my YouTube content. I can produce a warm, autumnal vibe for my recipes and a bright, summery look for my salads.
Another strength of this program is its collection of keyframe animations. I like creating unique animations like subtle zoom-ins or pans to make my videos stand out. By applying such creative touches, it is possible to direct viewers’ attention to particular dishes and ingredients.
Key features:
Pricing: Free version; from $9.99/month
Platforms: Windows, macOS
Best for: Comprehensive video editing features
The first time I launched PowerDirector, I saw that it was more intuitive to master than LumaFusion. However, it isn’t a kind of a very simple program but rather one with multiple features properly packed in a neat and understandable layout. I used it to organize my cooking footage, trim videos, and adjust the pacing.
This LumaFusion alternative for Android and iOS devices contains lots of transitions and templates. There are also powerful color correction tools and mesmerizing effects. Using them, I improved brightness, contrast, and saturation in a matter of seconds.
I was surprised by the motion-tracking capabilities. I used this motion tracking software to attach text or elements to moving objects in my videos, like a spoon stirring in a bowl. The audio editing tools were also top-notch. I could fine-tune background music, add sound effects, and even remove distracting noise from my audio clips.
Key features:
Pricing: Free trial; from $19.99/month
Platforms: Windows
Best for: Windows users needing robust editing capabilities
If you’re a Windows user looking for dedicated video editing software for Windows, Vegas Pro is an excellent choice. It outperforms LumaFusion in terms of raw power, allowing me to handle even the most demanding video projects.
Vegas Pro appeals to users with its timeline-based editing. It offers precise control and customization options, as well as great color correction tools and grading features. I used color curves to adjust the color gamut in my clips so that they look inviting to the audience. Still, some editing functions take time to understand.
I also want to highlight the multi-cam editing feature. Though I use it from time to time only, I plan to hone my skills and master this technique.
Key features:
Pricing: Free trial; $399
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Best for: Users looking for a powerful free option
What sets Shotcut apart from LumaFusion is its open-source flexibility and ability to run on any machine. I think the interface could be more refined, but it’s still user-friendly and customizable. I like the drag-and-drop timeline because it is very easy to organize my cooking footage. Besides, I like that Shotcut supports multiple tracks to combine videos, audio, and effects.
What’s more, this lightweight video editor offers efficient tools to edit audio. It is possible to adjust volume, get rid of background noise, and apply different effects.
Another reason to choose this LumaFusion alternative for iOS is the huge variety of filters for audio and video. Still, they aren’t as intuitive as those in VN Editor and PowerDirector. As for shortcomings, you won’t find any pre-designed templates and transitions here. So, switching from LumaFusion to Shotcut may not be an option for people who want ready-to-use elements.
Key features:
Pricing: Free
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux
Best for: Users seeking a powerful open-source video editor
Kdenlive is a fantastic free, open source video editor that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. I love how customizable the interface is. I can tailor my workspace to my exact preferences.
I was truly pleased by the breadth of effects and transitions available in Kdenlive. There are basic cuts and more complex, visually appealing options, suitable for creating engaging tutorials. The color grading tools are particularly noteworthy. I can improve colors in my cooking videos without dealing with complex instruments.
The keyframe animation feature is very cool. Using it, I can make smooth, cinematic movements, like zooming in on bubbling sauce or panning across a rising dough. All in all, Kdenlive is a great tool, but it can be a bit unreliable when dealing with large-scale projects compared to LumaFusion.
Key features:
Pricing: Free