Armed with the best video editing software, a decent smartphone and a little creative spark, anyone can be a movie-maker these days. Developments in tools mean it's never been easier to capture high-quality video footage – it's just a case of finding the right editor for you. In this buying guide, we've rounded up a selection of the best video editors in 2019. These tools make cutting, editing and perfecting really simple.
The Video Editing & Production category includes software programs designed to record, edit, and produce video in various digital file formats and to export that video to DVDs or other external media. When it comes to video editing software, Adobe Premiere Pro is the first one that you will hear and that too for good reasons. Think of a feature, any feature that you might need in a video software, and I will bet that Premiere Pro has it. The editor is not only powerful but also has a clean.
The software we've picked out won't break the bank, but if you're really short on cash (or aren't ready to commit to a paid option just yet), click through to page two of this guide for our list of the best free video editing software. The video editors we've recommended in this buying guide are jam-packed full of features to turn your footage into celluloid gold. Whether you're using one of the or another device, we've picked the best options to suit you. You'll find the best video editing software for Windows PCs, Mac and Android machines. There are also brilliant choices for beginners and experienced video editors alike. Adobe Premiere Pro CC. Dedicated companion app If you're a Windows user, is the best video editor available right now.
This one's a bit of a no-brainer: Premiere Pro is an all-singing all-dancing video editor from one of the biggest names in the industry, which is used by multitudes of creative professionals. It's easy to see why it's so popular for Windows 10 users. It can handle an uncapped number of video tracks, which can be imported from pretty much any source you can think of (files, tapes, cameras of all standards. Even VR). The automatic sync is a gem when you have multi-angle shots, and it's hard to fault the fine-tuning tools that really make your video stand out from the crowd. There's also an all-new free companion app – Adobe Premiere Rush – that makes it easy to work with footage captured on your phone. At time of writing, it was available on iOS, macOS and Windows. You can subscribe to just Premiere Pro on its own, but if you use more than one of Adobe's apps, it'll be worth your while for a slightly higher monthly fee.
Final Cut Pro X. Expensive is our pick for the best video editing software for Mac. And, as you would suspect with Apple, the must-have editor is consummately easy to use and comes packed with enough features to warrant the (admittedly high) price tag. We like the grouping tools, effect options and the straightforward way you can add and edit audio. If you're already entwined in Apple's ecosystem, you'll appreciate how Final Cut cleverly coordinates with your Photos or iTunes collections. Adobe Premiere Elements 2019.
Not the fastest video editor Adobe makes another entry in this list with; a great choice for both beginners and experienced editors. It isn't as complex as the more heavyweight Premiere Pro video editor (listed at number one above), which is best suited to full-time video editing professionals. But Premiere Elements is still packed with excellent features, such as face detection, audio effects and bundled soundtracks. And it's friendly to use, too. Whether you're an editing newbie or a pro, automated functions – such as motion tracking and smart toning – will make your life a lot easier. The same can be said of the video stabilisation option and simplicity of editing. Premiere Elements comes with all the video effects you’d expect in a consumer video editor: transitions, chroma-keying, opacity and so on. The media library is also intelligently organised, with smart searches making it easy to find finished and draft files.
Slow on lower-end devices If you think that trying to edit video on your smartphone or tablet is a pointless exercise, will make you think again. Available for Android devices, iPhones and iPads, we've highlighted this option as the best video editing software for Android because it goes way above and beyond what you'd expect from a mobile app. It packs the ability to edit multiple layers, add handwriting and text annotations, experiment with up to four audio tracks and precisely edit at a frame and sub-frame level. We could go on with a long list of features, but perhaps the best endorsement is the average review score from on both the App Store and Google Play.
Plus, it's free, so it's probably worth just downloading this video editing app and giving it a try. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate 2019. Too basic (and unusual) for pros offers a great way into video editing for novices. A well-designed interface means it's very easy to get going with straight away, but yet it doesn't lack in features. There's multi-cam editing, 4K video support, 360-degrees VR video support, a music library and loads of effects, to name but a few. Not bad at all for the price. The more you use VideoStudio Ultimate, the more you'll notice and make use of its little features and flourishes. It's a great option for beginners, and still has plenty to offer more experienced video editors – although pros will probably want to opt for one of the standard video editing software options.
CyberLink PowerDirector 17 Ultra. Tough for newbies is a serious bit of software for serious video editors: this is excellent video editing software that delivers professional and high-quality features, without a Hollywood budget. Get cracking on the 100-track timeline and you'll soon find yourself making the most of multitudes of stabilisation and video correction tools, professional effects, multi-cam editing, motion tracking and surprisingly easy trimming. There's 360-degree video editing as well, together with support for all the file standards and formats you can imagine. And if you're finding it all a bit of a struggle, then there are plenty of video tutorials to help to get you sorted. Pinnacle Studio 22.
May be too basic for some Going for is well worth considering if you've never edited video before and want to delve in for the first time. The pricing is below the average of those above and you can always bail out if you find within the first 30 days that it's just not for you.
But honestly, we'd be surprised if you need to. For in the region of $60/£60, you get more than 1,500 effects, titles, and templates, 6-track HD video editing, handy colouring tools, a dedicated stop motion feature, time remapping and much more. And most features are an absolute doddle to use. So it feels like a genuine step up from free options, without splashing stupid money.
Of course it doesn't have the full suite of features that some others in this list offer, that's not what Studio 22 is all about. And if you try and like the Pinnacle interface and tools, you can always upgrade to one of the company's more comprehensive packages. Next page: The best free video editing software.
Finding the best free video editing software should be a core part of any. Stunning video content can really help boost conversions and ROI for your online store. Whether its, or Youtube product testimonials, the best free video editing software will make your brand look slick and professional. With the amount and quality of video editing software available, you don’t have to be Spielberg – or have his budget – to get epic results. In this article we compile the best free video editing software from around the web.
Our list focuses on the most versatile free video editing software we could find. While each user has different needs, this guide will provide you with a good overview of what you can expect from each video editor and how to to get the best out of it. Our selection is divided into the best free video editing software for desktop, mobile video editing apps, and video editors for Instagram. Ready to get started? Lights, camera, action! Post Contents. Best Free Video Editing Software for Desktop The following list of the best free video editing software is desktop based.
Desktop applications typically have more editing power than mobile apps. Use these video editors when you need to produce or your website. All of these video editors are either entirely free to use or have an excellent free version.
This video software ranges from basic to advanced. Blender Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Blender, one of the best free video editing software, is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Is an open source program that is entirely free to use. Blender was actually designed as a 3D animation suite, but it does come with a very useful video editor. Blender’s video editor should be enough for most of your video needs. The editor allows you to perform basic actions like video cuts and splicing. It also allows you to carry out more complex tasks like video masking.
This makes it a very flexible video editor and caters to both beginner and advanced users. The Blender Video Editor includes the following features:. Live preview, luma waveform, chroma vectorscope, and histogram displays. Audio mixing, syncing, scrubbing, and waveform visualization. Up to 32 slots for adding video, images, audio, and effects. Speed control, adjustment layers, transitions, keyframes, filters, and more. Pros: Perfect for advanced users who are not put off by all the features.
Cons: The sheer array of features make the learning curve a little steeper. Most of the tutorials are focussed on the 3D animation/modeling side.
The resources to help you with the video editor are very limited. Best for: More advanced projects that may involve 3D animation. Blender Reviews: 2. Lightworks Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Lightworks is another one of the best free video editing software.
It’s available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Is one of the more powerful video editors on the list. It’s absolutely packed with useful features. The free version should be more than enough for most users. The pro version costs $25 a month.
This video editor includes the following in the free version:. High precision video trimming.
Multicam support. Export to 720p for Youtube. A wide range of video formats supported. While most features are included, 4K video support for Youtube and Vimeo is only included in the paid version of the software. Compared to Blender, for example, Lightworks has many great video tutorials which can make it quicker to get up and running. Check out to make sure the free version has what you need.
Pros: Very powerful video editor with many advanced features. Cons: 4K video support only in paid version.
Some users may find Lightworks too advanced. Best for: All round desktop video editing. Lightworks Reviews: 3.
Shotcut Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Shotcut the best free video editing software is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux., like Blender, is a fully open source program. This means after downloading it, you get access to all the features without the need for a paid upgrade. This video editor supports a wide range of video formats and boasts a great collection of tutorial videos. While this video editing software has great features, some users may find the interface a little quirky.
This software was originally designed for Linux and it definitely shows. But, under the hood, it’s still a quality video editor. Two of the most striking features are 4K HD resolution support and its timeline editing. Not many free versions of the software include 4K resolution support.
Shotcut also doesn’t require you to import your video into the editor: this can be a time saver if you are dealing with large video files. Pros: Native timeline editing and 4K resolution support. Cons: Quirky interface may be off-putting for some users. Best for: 4K, HD video projects. Shotcut Reviews: 4. VSDC Free Video Editor Available on Windows. The best free video editing software only available on Windows is VSDC.
Is video editing software only available to Windows users. The free version has a powerful set of features including color correction and audio editing. The pro version costs $19.99 and includes image stabilization, voice over support, and visual waveform. If you choose not to update to the pro version, then technical support costs $9.99 for one month, or $14.99 for a year. Pros: Relatively straightforward to learn with many powerful features. Cons: Technical support is not free; Windows only. Best for: Windows-based editing projects VSDC Reviews: 5.
Machete Video Editor Lite Available on Windows. Is one of the most simple editors in the list and is great for quick and simple editing tasks. In the free version, you cannot edit audio, you can only entirely remove audio tracks.
Also, the free version only supports AVI and WMV files. The full version costs $19.95, and it allows you to edit audio and supports more file types. Pros: Super simple to learn and use. Cons: Windows only; does not support as many file types as other programs; no audio editing. Best for: Simple video splicing. Machete Reviews: 6. Avidemux Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Is one of the best video editing software for beginners as the interface is very simple to use. This program can help you to perform basic tasks including:. Simple cutting. Encoding. Filtering If you are completely new to video editing, this might be a good place to start. Pros: Very simple software; no need to read technical docs. Cons: Not as many features as other video editors.
Best for: Basic editing tasks for beginners. Avidemux Reviews: 7. HitFilm Express Available for both Mac and Windows. Is one of the more professional video editors to make the list. It contains all the features you would expect from a basic editor (splicing, trimming, and audio editing) plus many more. While some users may find HitFilm a little advanced, it’s certainly one of the best all round free video editors out there.
The free package includes over 180 special effects. The tutorials are mainly based on well known Hollywood movies like Star Wars, but these are very interactive and engaging. Before you can download this software, Hitfilm asks you to share a status update on social media. However, this is a very small price to pay for such advanced software.
Finally, Hitfilm includes a store where you can purchase add-ons, but this is beyond the scope of most users, as the free feature set should be more than enough. Features included:. Advanced cutting tools. Keying for green screen effects.
Audio and video filters. Compositing tools. Layers and masking. 3D video support Pros: Truly professional video editor without the price tag. Cons: May take some time to learn the interface.
Best for: Youtuber Vlogs – Youtube uploading is built in. HitFilm Express Reviews: 8. DaVinci Resolve Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Is arguably the most advanced video editor on the list. While it has many professional video features, its interfaces remain intuitive.
Alongside video slicing and trimming you can master audio and correct color. You can also use it to add 2D and 3D titles to your video. If you just want to trim and upload your videos, the rich feature set of DaVinci Resolve may be too extensive. However, if your video project is a little more advanced, the free version of this software is hard to beat. Features included:. Advanced trimming.
Multicam editing. Color correction. Audio mastering Pros: Intuitive interfaces and incredible color correction. Cons: Its wide array of features make it a little overwhelming, and not all tutorials are free. Best for: More advanced projects where you need to correct colors.
DaVinci Resolve Reviews: 9. Openshot Available on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Is entirely open source. It may remind some Mac users a little of iMovie with its easy to use drag and drop interface. However, Openshot packs more features than iMovie, including unlimited layers and audio mixing.
This free editor strikes a nice balance between advanced features and a simple interface. It also allows real-time previews when you create transitions between clips. Features included:. Unlimited tracks/layers.
Clip resizing, scaling, trimming, snapping, rotation, and cutting Video transitions with real-time previews. Compositing, image overlays, watermarks. Title templates, title creation, subtitles 3D animated titles (and effects).
Advanced Timeline (including drag & drop, scrolling, panning, zooming, and snapping) Pros: Open source, unlimited layers. Cons: Not that many video tutorials. Best for: Great for users just starting out with video editing. Openshot Reviews: 10. IMovie Available on Mac Good old comes baked into Mac OS. Like most native Mac apps, this video editor is very intuitive to use. It features a drag and drop interface.
Mac users can use iMovie as a playground for learning the basics of video editing. Once you are up to speed, you may find that alternative best video editing software in this list may better suit your needs.
Features included:. Library of pre-made transitions. Video trimming. Audio editing. Split screen.
4K resolution support Pros: Easy to learn. Cons: Advanced users may find features a little limited; import and render times can be a little slow. Best for: Mac users getting started with video editing. IMovie Reviews: 11. VideoPad Available on Windows is one of the best video editing tool to take your first steps in the world of multimedia video editing. It’s perfect for anyone starting to play around with video compositions as it is simple and easy to use. Advanced video editors may find it too basic though.
Features included:. Library of pre-made transitions.
Export Movies In Multiple Resolutions. 3D Video Editing. Reduce Camera Shakes. Sound Effects Library Pros: Robust features for directly exporting to YouTube and other social platforms.
Cons: Too simple for more advanced users. Best for: Beginners getting started with video editing.
VideoPad Reviews: 12. Freemake Video Converter Available on Windows is a free video converter that can modify and convert videos, extract audio from video clips, and embed videos to websites. Simple and fast, Freemake can be used in converting video clips to be played on various mobile devices and gadgets. The software can convert videos between more than 500 video file formats and supports multiple audio and image file formats for creating slideshows and video clips. Features included:.
Convert Videos Fast And Simple. Convert Movies With Subtitles. Convert Between 500+ Formats.
Cut, Join, And Rotate Clips. 4K resolution support Pros: No specialist knowledge required. Cons: When you first install some features are locked for three days. Best for: Converting videos into a myriad to file formats. Freemake Reviews: Best Free Video Editing Software for Mobile These apps are for people who like to capture and share videos from their smartphones and edit videos on the go.
While there are many great video editing apps out there, this list covers some of the best, most intuitive, and free to use video software for mobile devices. Splice Splice, one of the best free video editing software for mobile, is only available on iOS. Is one of the most popular free video editing apps available for iPhone and iPad users.
From the makers of GoPro, this app is simple to learn due to its simple interface. You can edit and cut videos in just a few taps. Add some transitions and sounds from the large built-in library and your video is ready to share. Pros: Simple and very easy to use.
Cons: Only available for iOS. Best for: When time is of the essence and you need to edit a video quickly. Splice Reviews: 14. Quik Available on iOS and Android is another free video editing app from the makers of GoPro. This app is similar to Splice but takes a little editing power away from the user. It has auto trim and edit features that do speed up the editing process, however, you can still manually edit your clips if you want more control. It’s impressive what Quik can do automatically: it searches your video to find great moments and can even add transitions.
If you really need a fast edit, this is the app for you. Also, unlike Splice, it’s available to Android users, too! Pros: Auto editing features.
Cons: Some users may want more editing control. Best for: Quick, individual video edits. Quik Reviews: 15.
Adobe Premiere Clip Available on iOS and Android is a very popular video editing app. This app links into Adobe’s well known Premiere Pro product but works equally well as a standalone app. Add music (your own or from the library included), transitions, auto-correct the color, and you’re ready to share your video. With its two modes, Freeform and Automatic, you can choose whether you retain editing control, or you let Adobe pick transitions and trim your clip automatically. Adobe users will be happy to know that this app syncs beautifully with other Adobe staples such as Lightroom. Pros: Simple to use; Adobe Creative Cloud support. Cons: Lacks a few basic functions like the ability to rotate clips.
Best for: Basic mobile video editing. Adobe Premiere Clip Reviews: 16. Horizon Available on iOS and Android. Is a simple app that enables users to capture videos horizontally no matter the position of their phone. When we rush to capture a moment we may forget to tilt the phone and capture the action horizontally.
This app can help you solve that problem: all footage shot in the app is captured horizontally no matter how you tilt your phone. Check out to see how it works. Avoid vertically captured videos and shoot quick videos in the Horizon app. Pros: Very simple to use; never waste vertical content.
Cons: Android version is not as advanced as iOS version; some in-app purchases may be necessary depending on your needs. Best for: Always capturing film horizontally. Horizon Reviews: Best Free Video Editing Apps for Instagram We all love Instagram. But, as an ecommerce store owner you know the importance of making your brand look professional. Take your Instagram stories to the next level with these video editing apps. By the way, all the mobile video editing apps listed above also work great for Instagram, too. These video editing apps, however, have been designed specifically with the Instagram platform in mind.
Magisto Available on iOS and Android. Is an award-winning AI video editor.
Add your photos, video, music and whatever else you want to include and it will automatically edit and create your video. And the results are pretty impressive. By choosing the type of story you want to tell, Magisto can save you lots of time by using its smart video editor to deliver your professional video. Great for quick Instagram posts. It makes it look like you spent at least a couple of hours editing your story. Pros: The AI results are truly impressive. Cons: You sacrifice some editing control for speed.
Best for: Quick, professional looking video edits. Magisto Reviews: 18. Boomerang Available on iOS and Android. Boomerang, available on and, is an app created by Instagram. This app helps you use your photos to create more engaging content. Shoot a burst of up to 10 photos and Boomerang will turn them into a mini video.
Thanks to native support, you can post to Instagram straight from the app. Pros: Very easy to use and share content. Cons: This is pretty much a one feature app. Best for: Turning photos into engaging video content. Boomerang Reviews: 19.
Anchor Video Maker Available on iOS and Android. Anchor Video Maker, available on and, is great for making audio content much more engaging.
Don’t let those audio files go to waste: awesome videos can also start life as soundbites. This app automatically transcribes your audio files or podcasts into Instagram friendly videos. Check out, for a demo, tutorial, and download links. Pros: Make audio files shareable.
Cons: Automatic transcription still needs proofreading. Best for: Turning audio files into social shares. Anchor Video Maker Reviews: 20.
Hyperlapse Available on iOS only. Is great for time-lapse videos. This app was actually also created by Instagram, so it really does have that platform in mind. By condensing a lot of time into a short video, Hyperlapse can create interesting videos for your followers. This app also does away with the need for tripods due to its impressive stabilization technology.
This type of time-lapse video could work great to show how a product is made. When you’re done with your timelapse video you can share it straight to Instagram. You can also speed up your time-lapse by up to 12x. Pros: Stabilization technology means you don’t need a tripod. Cons: iOS only; may take a couple of attempts till you get great results. Best for: Shooting stunning time-lapse.
Apple Clips Available on iOS only. While some native Apple apps fall short, is one of the good guys. This app covers most of your video editing needs for Instagram. You can stitch clips together, and edit your timeline. Two of the coolest features are the ability to edit your background and give your content a comic book feel.
The next awesome feature is Live Titles: Just record a video and Apple Clips adds captions automatically while you speak that are in sync with your voice. After you’re done just go back and edit the titles to make sure they are correct. Pros: Quick and easy to use; Live Titles feature. Cons: iOS only. Best for: iOS users looking for quick, interactive, Instagram friendly editing software. Apple Clips Reviews: 22. FilmoraGo Available on iOS and Android.
Last but not least we come to. FilmoraGo is a solid video editing app without any watermarks or paid subscriptions. Add music, transitions, and trim video clips all from within the app.
You can easily add themes, text, and titles to your videos. There is a desktop version starting at $44.99 a year, but you can still get a lot of editing joy from the free mobile app. Pros: Great for basic mobile video editing. Cons: Not quite as good as the desktop app.
Best for: Adding text, themes, and overlays to customize your videos. FilmoraGo Reviews: Summary Use the free video editing software in this list to start creating stunning videos today.
Boost your ROI and maximize your ad spend by creating product videos and ads that present your brand in a visually appealing way. Take your Instagram stories and Youtube videos to the next level by using these video editors to quickly achieve professional results. Happy editing! Want to Learn More?.
Do you have your own recommendations for the best video editing software? We would love to hear from you in the comments below.