If video isn’t already an important part of your content marketing strategy, odds are it’s about to be. Web content is taking a turn toward video whether SEOs and content marketers like it or not. Nearly 50% of marketers are adding YouTube and Facebook channels for video distribution in the next year; one third of online activity is spent watching video; and video itself is projected to account for more than 80% of all internet traffic by 2019. 80%!
- Best Free Video Editing Tool
- Best Paid Video Editing Software
- Best Free Video Editing Software Windows 10
- Editing Software For Youtube
- Top Paid Video Editing Software
The best free video editing software you can download today. HitFilm Express 14. The best free video editing software overall. Compatible with: Mac, Windows Minimum system requirements: Windows 8 (64-bit). DaVinci Resolve. OpenShot is one of the best open-source free video editing software solutions in the market. It is a powerful video editor packed with numerous useful features. It has a simple-to-use, drag-and-drop interface that even beginners can operate easily. It provides advanced features like unlimited layers, video transitions with real-time previews, etc.
Fortunately, there are plenty of alternative editing apps for YouTube. Among all the video editing software out there are many free ones, and within those are programs that are great for editing YouTube videos, specifically. There are editors for all platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and others. Free vs paid video editing software. There are some free video editing solutions out there. Programs such as DaVinci Resolve and Shotcut are free downloads, and iMovie comes preloaded on every new Mac computer. While these products may be good for small projects and advanced users, they're not ideal for beginners and they often lack features. Using free video editing software is a convenient way to edit your videos. Plus, most of them are so easy to use that they're great for beginning editors. You might want a video editing program if you need to extract audio from a video or add different audio, cut out parts of the video, add subtitles, build a DVD menu, merge video files,.
For those looking to continue to grow their organic traffic, that means one thing:
Not an expert? Don’t know how to edit videos, have a video studio, or have a bona fide video specialist to shoot and cut your features? That’s alright! The goal of today’s blog is to show you that with the right video editing software, you too can churn out sleek, professional video content—regardless of experience—and keep your content strategy ahead of the curve.
Let’s dive in! Here are our recs for the top 10 best pieces of video editing software or video editing apps for beginners—from cheapest (i.e. free!) to most expensive.
1. Apple iMovie
Ok—so to those of you working with PCs, this one won’t really apply; but we’d remiss to leave it off the list. If you’re looking for simplicity and elegance, it doesn’t get much better than Apple iMovie. iMovie’s ten high-fidelity filters are some of the classiest in the video editing game; and if you’re shooting on your iPhone, or have been editing a project on your iPad, you can use AirDrop to wirelessly and seamlessly transfer your project over to your Mac.
Lightmap hdr light studio 5 1 download free. One of iMovie’s most coveted features is its green-screen, or “chroma-key” tool, which allows you to place your characters in exotic locations—Hawaii, say—at a moment’s notice. Want to overlay the scene with “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”? iMovie ties directly in with iTunes and GarageBand, so you can easily implement custom tracks and sounds. When your movie’s finally ready to ship, release it into the wild using iMessage, Facebook, YouTube, or any other of iMovie’s succinctly connected platforms.
Standout Features: Seamless Apple product integration; green-screen; audio and social platform integration
Pricing: Free with the purchase of a Mac
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2. Lumen5: How to Edit Videos Without Much Technical Ability
We’ll put this more in the category of a video editing “tool” than video editing software, but for social media marketers who want to create fun, flashy social promos in the blink of an eye, Lumen5 is a no brainer. Here’s a short little feature we made for a recent blog post, 14 Fun & Festive Holiday Marketing Ideas for 2017:
Lumen5 markets itself as a tool that turns blog posts into social promos. While the process isn’t perfect, and you’ll likely have to do some tinkering to get your blog content looking just the way you want it, the rest of the video creation process is a cinch. Merely refine some copy that teases your blog post; drag and drop some gifs, screengrabs, or video clips; add some music; and your engaging social video will be ripe for Facebook and Twitter.
Standout Features: Blog-to-social-promo creation; drag-and-drop interface
Pricing: Create as many 480p videos as you want with the free version; or, for $50 per month, upgrade to 1080p HD.
3. Nero Video
One of the cheaper options around ($49.99), Nero Video holds its own on this list—it comes well-stocked with a lot of the tricks and effects you’ll find among other products vying for video editing supremacy, and as far as software for beginners, you can certainly do worse. If you’re going to spend money learning how to edit videos, however, you might want to steer clear. Nero just doesn’t have the speed and functionality of some of the other products listed here, and if it’s value proposition is its price, $50 is still not all that cheap.
Standout Features: Low pricing
Pricing: One-time payment of $49.99
4. Corel VideoStudio
Corel VideoStudio has all the characteristics of the other top-of-the-line products on this list, including 360-degree VR and 4k support, but it also has the distinction of being the first piece of consumer video editing software to offer motion tracking—which, if you’re not already familiar, is a feature that allows you to track specific objects throughout your cut (if you wanted, say, to point an arrow at one of your characters, blur out his face, or bestow him with a funny hat). Antetype 1 3 0 – interface design tool. Most of the products on this list come equipped with motion tracking, but VideoStudio still boasts one of the best motion tracking systems around.
One of the knocks on VideoStudio is its speed, which lags notably behind some of the faster systems on this list, like CyberLink PowerDirector and Pinnacle Studio. Still: for a one-time payment of $51.99? You can do much worse.
Standout Features: Motion tracking
Pricing: One-time payment of $51.99
5. Filmora from Wondershare
When it comes to video editing software, Filmora is about as multi-faceted as they come. Filmora is Wondershare’s standard, simple, high-quality video editing offering; but Wondershare also offers FilmoraGo (for mobile editing) and Filmora Scrn (for screen recording and editing). The design is intuitive and easy to use, and comes replete with filters, overlays, motion elements, transitions, and a small selection of royalty-free music. Here are a few more of the “basics” Filmora offers:
4k and gif support are boilerplate features for most video editing products today, but one thing Filmora does particularly well is titles. Title tools are trending in video software, and while Filmora’s doesn’t have the functionality of say, an Apple Final Cut Pro X, which can superimpose 3D titles over your videos and rotate them on three axes, it nonetheless has some snazzy titling features for the money you’re spending.
Another Filmora feature beginners to video editing will find attractive is “Easy Mode,” which allows you to create fun, polished edits by merely dragging and dropping clips, choosing a theme, and selecting music.
Standout features: Title tool; mobile and screen editing; “Easy Mode”
Pricing: Starts at $59.99 for a lifetime license; or, $39.99 for a year.
6. CyberLink PowerDirector
So—we stretched the meaning of “software” a bit earlier; now, we’re going to stretch the meaning of “beginner.” We included CyberLink PowerDirector on this list because its interface is, at the end of the day, pretty straightforward. Head to the product page, run through the tutorials, and you’ll be alright. There is within the interface, however, an embarrassment of options and effects. If you’re not willing to invest the time in learning all of them, it can get a bit overwhelming.
Don’t be scared of CyberLink’s extra features; just be wary of your commitment level!
In terms of rendering, PowerDirector is regarded as one of the fastest video editing systems around. It also operates consistently in the sphere of the innovative and cutting edge. PowerDirector led the charge in the switch to 4k, and today, it’s one of the first systems to support 360-degree virtual reality footage.
Price: you get what you pay for! $79.99 gets you unlimited access to one of the most capable pieces of video editing software around.
Standout Features: Lightning-fast rendering; comprehensive suite of effects
Pricing: One-time payment of $79.99
7. Adobe Premiere Elements
We include Premiere Elements on the list mostly because it’s been an industry leader in the video editing game for some time. And $79.99 is not egregious, but we’re here to say that at that price, you’re mostly paying for the name. In the time since Premiere Elements’ inception, too many other products have surpassed it in speed and capability for us to place it among the cream of the crop. That’s to take nothing away from Premiere Elements’ usability, though—specifically for beginners.
The Guided Edits feature makes Adobe Premiere a particularly attractive option for beginners, as it allows them to take on both quick edits and advanced projects with substantial assistance from the software.
If you’re not entirely sure what you’re doing, don’t sleep on Guided Edits!
So while Premiere Elements lags behind the competition in terms of speed, 3D editing, multi-cam, and some other advanced features, it’s still a great choice for the beginner looking for a comprehensive suite of effects, and some guidance on how to implement them.
Standout Features: Guided Edits; simple interface
Pricing: One-time payment of $79.99
8. Pinnacle Studio
At the higher end of the Corel product line is Pinnacle Studio—which, at $129.95 (the amount you’ll need to pay to edit 360-degree and 4k content with the “Ultimate” version), costs more than twice as much as VideoStudio. What do you get for the extra money? Well, not only does Pinnacle come readily equipped with all the features you’d expect from an upper-echelon product—motion tracking, 360-degree VR support, 4k support, multi-cam, etc.—but you’d be hard-pressed to find a faster product on the market in terms of rendering.
For all of its features, Pinnacle’s interface is still as user-friendly and intuitive as anything on this list. Thus, is you have the need for speed, and you don’t mind shelling out a few extra bucks for it, Pinnacle might be the product for you.
Standout Features: Top-of-the-line rendering speeds; full range of features and support
Pricing: One-time payment of $129.95
9. Adobe Premiere Pro
With a virtually unmatched suite of features, 360 VR and 4k support, and a newly implemented ability to store, organize, and share assets online with a team, Adobe Premiere Pro is perhaps the most complete piece of video editing software around. Here’s a recent video promo for our free AdWords account structure guide we cut using Premiere Pro.
One of the more dazzling of Premiere Pro’s tools is the Lumetri Color tool, which offers color adjustment and manipulation on par with that of a Photoshop. The multi-cam feature is also a winner—whereas most systems allow you to work with a limited number of camera angles, Premiere Pro’s latest iteration allows for an unlimited amount.
Throw in a wealth of titling options, readily connected ancillary apps (like Photoshop and After Effects), and a flexible, easy-to-use interface, and Premiere Pro is a no brainer.
Standout Features: Multi-cam and coloring options; title tool; easy integration with Adobe Products; straightforward interface
Pricing: $19.99/month
10. Apple Final Cut Pro X
For the most advanced, least fiscally prudent of beginners, there’s Apple Final Cut Pro X. $299.99 might be a little steep for a product you may well have a difficult time understanding; but for those among you who enjoy a challenge, and who aspire to some level of professionalism in video editing, why not go for it? Apple has made the transition from iMovie to Final Cut Pro more painless than ever—so if you’re the kind of guy or gal who enjoys him/herself an Apple product, and has worked with iMovie to the point of mastery, it might be time to splurge on Final Cut Pro. The power is still daunting; the interface, significantly less so.
Standout Features: Magnetic Timeline; Touch Bar support
Pricing: One-time payment of $299.99
Some Final Thoughts
Are you a content or social media marketer looking to get in the video editing game for the sake of keeping up with the growing video trend? Don’t stress! Any of the above software apps would make a fine choice for a beginner.
Think about your budget, your current level of expertise, and how much time you’re willing to devote to learning a new skill. Whether you're looking for the best video editing software for YouTube, or the responsibility has simply fallen on you to get your team’s video marketing strategy up to snuff—don’t wait around deliberating! Get invested in one of these video editing products, and make it yours.
Whether it's for work, your social media page or your business, video editing is an increasingly important skill for the digital era. With an abundance of video editing apps and other software available totally for free online, there is no longer any need for expensive video editing suites.
In this article, we review 15 best free video editing tools in 2020 on the Internet:
Read along to get the ins and outs of most popular online video editor as well as their pros and cons.
Follow this step-by-step guide on how to edit video on Windows and macOS or check out the three most powerful free video editing software for Windows to help you get started.
1. Davinci Resolve
One of the most professional and advanced video editors on this list, Davinci Resolve is optimized for high-end video editing, graphics manipulation, and color correction. User’s looking to get the most out of Davinci Resolve should have a powerful computer with an equally powerful graphics card to boot.
What’s more, Davinci Resolve has features for audio mixing, special effects, and motion graphics. More than just a simple video editor, Davinci Resolve is the real thing. While those looking for basic editing or a program optimized for creating quick social media content will probably be put off by Davinci’s many features, as an entirely free program, Davinci is one of the best editors available. Finally, you might be surprised to learn that Davinci Resolve is even used by professional video producers in Hollywood, advertising, and television!
? SPECS:
Runs on: Windows, macOS, and Linux
Input formats: ARI, MTS, MXF, AVI, CIN, DNG, DPX, CDX, MP4, MXF, EXR, MOV
Output formats: ARI, MTS, MXF, AVI, CIN, DNG, DPX, CDX, MP4, MXF, EXR, MOV
Input formats: ARI, MTS, MXF, AVI, CIN, DNG, DPX, CDX, MP4, MXF, EXR, MOV
Output formats: ARI, MTS, MXF, AVI, CIN, DNG, DPX, CDX, MP4, MXF, EXR, MOV
✅ PROS:
- Entirely Free
- Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux
- Versatile With a Huge Array of Video Editing Tools
⛔️ CONS:
- Steep Learning Curve
- Optimized for Powerful Computers With High-end Graphics Capabilities
2. Lightworks
Lightworks is an excellent solution for users who start to handle video professionally. The video editor is packed with a number of useful features, including high precision video trimming; a wide range of video formats and export to 720p for Youtube are supported.
Lightworks superbly designed timeline helps you to resize a video or combine several short segments of footage; with color correction and GPU-accelerated real-time effects, you could achieve the perfect look. The great news is that complex rendering and encoding processes take place in the background so you can continue working while they complete.
Lightworks is free, however, if you want to access advanced features, a paid version is available.
? SPECS:
Runs on: Windows, macOS, and Linux
Input formats: latest audio and video formats
Output formats: MP4, MXF, Quicktime, AVI, mts, mpg, m2t
Input formats: latest audio and video formats
Output formats: MP4, MXF, Quicktime, AVI, mts, mpg, m2t
✅ PROS:
- Open-source
- Almost Any Format Imported Natively
- Outputs Directly to YouTube/Vimeo
- Many Video Tutorials
- Project Sharing for a Group
⛔️ CONS:
- 4K Video Support Only in Paid Version
- Confusing Interface Design for Beginners
3. OpenShot
Openshot is entirely open source offers basic video editing features like trimming and slicing. It may remind some Mac users a little iMovie with its easy to use drag and drop interface. However, Openshot packs more features than iMovie, including unlimited layers, audio mixing and video tracks in the timeline. This free editor strikes a nice balance between advanced features and a simple interface.
Openshot includes tile templates and video effects, so if you want to have more touches on your video, this free video program can also help you. You can import a variety of file formats from audio files, still photos and multiple types of video codecs, including 4K, and have access to an impressive number of transitions and 14 effects.
? SPECS:
Runs on: Windows, macOS, and Linux
Input formats: QuickTime, AVI, WMV, MPEG, etc
Output formats: MPEG, AVI, MP4, MOV, etc
Input formats: QuickTime, AVI, WMV, MPEG, etc
Output formats: MPEG, AVI, MP4, MOV, etc
✅ PROS:
- Free
- Open Source
- Easy-to-use Interface
⛔️ CONS:
- The Application Has Multiple Layers of Setup
- Incredibly Slow When Effects are Applied
4. Filmora9
Film making buffs and novices alike love Filmora9. The software is a standout because, throughout many changes and upgrades, it has remained true to its purpose, film editing. Some competitors keep adding features that nobody uses. Filmora9 keeps things simple. It has a user-friendly interface, and even beginners can easily figure out how to use the software. That being said, it is packed full of powerful video editing tools like special effects, layers, green-screen effects, keyframing, background noise removal, creative filters, professional 3D LUTs, and 4K support.
Another reason to shout it from the rooftops is Filmora9 has security baked into the program to keep your uploads safe. They have a free version so you can try it out before buying. Filmora9 works on Windows and Mac platforms. The only downside is that you need to purchase the full version for all the fun bells and whistles, and it is not cheap.
Time sink 2 0. ? SPECS:
Runs on: Windows and macOS
Input formats: MOV, GIF, MP4, WAV, PPT and many more
Output formats: MP4, GIF, MOV
Runs on: Windows and macOS
Input formats: MOV, GIF, MP4, WAV, PPT and many more
Output formats: MP4, GIF, MOV
✅ PROS:
- Free trial.
- 4K support.
- Multiple media layers for complex editing.
- Windows and Mac compatible.
- Money-back guarantee.
- Free updates.
- Excellent customer service.
⛔️ CONS:
- Subscription-based pricing.
- Expensive full version.
5. Blender
Available for most popular operating systems, Blender is an open source video editor and 3D animation suite that is totally free. Offering a complex suite of animation and video editing tools, Blender is one of the darlings of the free video editor community. For many first time editors, Blender’s scope and versatility come as a bit of a shock with many surprised to find that such a robust editor is available entirely for free!
In this sense, Blender may be too complicated for some. With a steep learning curve, first-time video editors may find themselves overwhelmed by the many options. Keep in mind that Blender was designed for 3D animation. While its video editing support is extremely robust, for those simply interested in basic editing, Blender might be unnecessarily complicated. But for those with time on their hands and the drive to advance their video editing skill set, Blender is a natural choice.
? SPECS:
Runs on: Windows, macOS, and Linux
Input formats: latest audio and video formats
Output formats: MOV, MPEG4, MP4, AVI, WMV, MPEGPS, FLV, 3GPP, WebM
Input formats: latest audio and video formats
Output formats: MOV, MPEG4, MP4, AVI, WMV, MPEGPS, FLV, 3GPP, WebM
✅ PROS:
- Free
- Versatile Video Editing Features
- 3D Animation
⛔️ CONS:
- Steep Learning Curve
- Complicated User Interface
6. Camtasia
Camtasia is an all-in-one place tool: a powerful video editing program, and an easy-to-use screen recorder for creating professional-looking how-to and explaining videos, video lessons, webinar recordings, etc. on both macOS and Windows.
A free mobile app for iOS and Android allows you to record a video with just your phone and easily transfer it then from your device to the Camtasia app on your computer for further processing. A great option to underline is the opportunity to upload the ready-to-consume video to YouTube, Vimeo, or any other platform of your choice.
There is no free plan, but you can try out the solution within the free 30-day period: all features are at your disposal, but any video you render will be watermarked.
? SPECS:
Runs on: Windows and macOS
Input formats: MOV, GIF, MP4, WAV, PPT and many more
Output formats: MP4, GIF, MOV
Input formats: MOV, GIF, MP4, WAV, PPT and many more
Output formats: MP4, GIF, MOV
✅ PROS:
- Easy to use
- Excellent tutorial videos
- Has a mobile companion app
- Support 4K video
⛔️ CONS:
- Lacks the auto-record feature
- A bit pricey
- Audio editing is not the best
7. FlexClip
FlexClip is another contender looking to be the best video editor out there, and it does a pretty good job. The simplified user interface makes it easy to get started on your first project. Using the built-in templates and stock imagery, along with audio resources, you can quickly put together a video worthy of praise. If you get stuck, FlexClip has ample online documentation and tutorials to teach you everything you need to know. Some of the most powerful features baked right in include text, music, adding watermarks, overlays, widgets, logos, fonts, color, rotation, duplicating and slicing slides, and more.
The program works right in your browser, so there is nothing for you to install. It works best on Google Chrome. FlexClip aims to be the most sought after professional and personal free video editor. We give it high marks for aspiring to be that good, and it comes close. Our only complaint is the shortage of templates to choose from and some unresponsiveness during testing.
Best Free Video Editing Tool
? SPECS:
Runs on: Google Chrome
Input formats: MP4, MOV, WEBM, and M4V
Output formats: 480P, 720P, and 1080P MP4
Runs on: Google Chrome
Input formats: MP4, MOV, WEBM, and M4V
Output formats: 480P, 720P, and 1080P MP4
✅ PROS:
- Web-based, Nothing to Install
- Easy to Use
- The Free Version is Feature-rich (unlimited)
- Everything Saved and Backed up in the Cloud Automatically
- Template-based
- Free Stock Imagery, Music, and Videos
- Export Video in 1080p
⛔️ CONS:
- It Requires a Strong Internet Connection to Run
- A Bit Slow and Glitchy at Times
- Too Few Templates
8. VideoProc
Unlike some of the other video editors, VideoProc is software that needs to be installed on your computer. It does come with built-in GPU hardware acceleration. Actually, it can accelerate video processing and bring highest possible quality on all main-stream computers, even low-end computers. Therefore, it is a good choice to smoothly process and edit 4K, HD and large-sized videos in any formats on all computers. Meanwhile, it can lower CPU usage to 40% (averagely).
VideoProc sells itself as a lightweight video editor capable of producing high quality edited 4K videos. Using the simple interface, you can quickly cut, merge, crop, and edit your 4K videos using sound, text, subtitles, music, and effects like Grayscale, Mirror, Edge, Painting and Sharpen to improve your final cut.
VideoProc also has powerful features to stabilize your video, remove fisheye, and noise. Some other perks are a built-in GIF maker, video enhancements, MKV, and M3U8 encoding, and more! VideoProc runs on macOS 10.6 or later and Windows 7 or later. They offer both a free download version and three paid license plans to choose from.
? SPECS:
Runs on: macOS 10.6 or later and Windows 7 or later
Input formats: AVI, MOV, MP4, MOV, MPEG, and more
Output formats: MP4, MOV, WebM, AVI, FLV, and more
Runs on: macOS 10.6 or later and Windows 7 or later
Input formats: AVI, MOV, MP4, MOV, MPEG, and more
Output formats: MP4, MOV, WebM, AVI, FLV, and more
✅ PROS:
- Reasonably Priced
- Lightweight and Flexible
- It Can Easily Edit Large 4K Videos
- Powerful Video Editing Capabilities
⛔️ CONS:
- No Web-based Version
9. iMovie
iMovie from Apple is one of the most consumer-orientated video editors out there. It’s already installed on all new Macs, and users can use it as a playground for learning the basics of video editing. iMovie features a drag and drop interface, allows you to edit and import 4K video clips from smartphones and GoPro cameras; provides you with the ability to start editing on iPhone or iPad and finish it on your Mac.
Aside from video, images and audio can also be incorporated into your project by just dragging your multimedia into the project area and arranging them in timeline-like fashion.
The resulting video can be previewed in real time, as well as any effects — themes, text, music, voice-overs — before exporting the file directly to YouTube, Facebook, or any other platform.
? SPECS:
Runs on: macOS and iOS
Input formats: DV, HDV, AVCHD, AIC, AAC, Motion JPEG/A, iFrame, h.264, MP4, MOV
Output formats: DV, HDV, AIC, AAC, MP4, MOV
Input formats: DV, HDV, AVCHD, AIC, AAC, Motion JPEG/A, iFrame, h.264, MP4, MOV
Output formats: DV, HDV, AIC, AAC, MP4, MOV
✅ PROS:
- 4K Resolution Support
- Good for Basic Video Editing
- Already on Your Mac
- Ability to Start Editing on iPhone or iPad and Finish on a Mac
- Elegant Interface
- Easy to Navigate
⛔️ CONS:
- macOS Only
10. Shotcut
Shotcut is a free open-source, cross-platform video editor. It is great for those, who have outgrown Movie Maker and want to go to the next level but don’t need complex solutions.
Although the interface may appear quite advanced for some users, multiple PRO features are usually not found in a free version. The Shotcut video editor doesn’t require you to import your video into the editor. So, it can be a real time saver if you are dealing with large video files.
Shotcut supports a range of video formats and up to 4K resolutions, and offers a native timeline editing. The video editor includes three-point editing, keyframes for filter parameters and video compositing across tracks.
? SPECS:
Runs on: Windows, macOS, and Linux
Input formats: latest audio and video formats
Output formats: latest audio and video formats
Input formats: latest audio and video formats
Output formats: latest audio and video formats
✅ PROS:
- Wide Range of Formats are Supported
- Native Timeline Editing
- 4K Resolution Support
- Comprehensive Video and Audio Editing
- Good for Basic Video Editing
- Open-source
- Lots of Filters and Effects
⛔️ CONS:
- Not Good for Advanced Projects
11. VideoPad Video Editor
VideoPad Video Editor is a cross-platform video editor that works great with Windows and MacOS. One of the simplest editors available, VideoPad offers few tools but is easy to learn. Without the steep learning curve of other editors, VideoPad represents a minimal time investment that can still result in stunning films.
VideoPad’s free version is great for new editors. For those looking for more features, VideoPad’s paid version has many more complicated features to augment any editing toolbox. If anything, VideoPad is great for making social media ready videos. Its simple pull-down menu makes it easy to upload your creations anywhere on the web.
? SPECS:
Runs on: Windows and macOS
Input formats: WMV, AVI, MPV, DIVX and many more
Output formats: WMV, AVI
Input formats: WMV, AVI, MPV, DIVX and many more
Output formats: WMV, AVI
✅ PROS:
- Free
- Friendly User Interface
- Easy to Learn
- Optimized for Social Media
⛔️ CONS:
- Few Special Features or Effects
12. VSDC Video Editor
If you’re making a presentation and want to add text, lines, charts and other special effects to it, VSDC might be the best choice. It provides a free non-linear video editing tool which allows users to scene in any position on the timeline.
VSDC offers multiple audio and visual effects that can be applied from different categories such as, object transformation, color correction, transition effects, filters, and special fx. It includes Instagram-style filters, special effects including color correction and blurring, and there’s a mask tool as well so you can apply effects to part of the video (for obscuring faces, for example). VSDC is also bundled with an easy 4K and HD editing feature and allows you to export files to social network sites such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
? SPECS:
Runs on: Windows
Input formats: AVI, QuickTime (MP4/M4V, 3GP/2G2, MOV, QT), HDVideo/AVCHD (MTS, M2TS, TS, MOD, TOD), WindowsMedia (WMV, ASF, DVR-MS), DVD/VOB, VCD/SVCD, etc
Output formats: AVI, DVD, VCD/SVCD, MPEG, MP4, M4V, MOV, 3GP/3G2, WMV, MKV, RM/RMVB, FLV, SWF, AMV, MTV
Input formats: AVI, QuickTime (MP4/M4V, 3GP/2G2, MOV, QT), HDVideo/AVCHD (MTS, M2TS, TS, MOD, TOD), WindowsMedia (WMV, ASF, DVR-MS), DVD/VOB, VCD/SVCD, etc
Output formats: AVI, DVD, VCD/SVCD, MPEG, MP4, M4V, MOV, 3GP/3G2, WMV, MKV, RM/RMVB, FLV, SWF, AMV, MTV
✅ PROS:
- Large Range of Output Formats
- Friendly for Beginners
- Plenty of Special Effects
Best Paid Video Editing Software
⛔️ CONS:
- Technical Support is Not Free
- Windows Only
13. Hitfilm Express
Another great professional-level video editor, Hitfilm Express is on the best general video editors around. Hitfilm Express is great for advanced editors and professionals and its user-friendly interface also lends well to new users of all backgrounds. While Hitfilm Express is free, prospective users must first offer a shout out to the software maker on social media to download.
With basic tools like splicing, trimming, and audio editing enabled, Hitfilm also offers a huge suite of free special effects. Hitfilm Express is a great tool to start learning the video editing process, and those looking for additional features can access expansion packs for as little as $9.99.
? SPECS:
Runs on: Windows and macOS
Input formats: AVCHD, AVI, DV, MP4, MPEG, MOV, MMV
Output formats: AVI, MP4
Input formats: AVCHD, AVI, DV, MP4, MPEG, MOV, MMV
Output formats: AVI, MP4
✅ PROS:
- Free
- Intuitive Linear Editor
- Results are Easily Exportable
⛔️ CONS:
- Some Advanced Features Require Paid Add-ons
14. Windows Movie Maker
If it's not already obvious in the name, Windows Movie Maker is a free video editing software for Windows 10 that also works great with older versions of Windows such as Windows 7. While previously known for its extreme simplicity, Movie Maker has come a long way since its earliest inception as a basic editor. With a slew of basic but indispensable features such as anti-shake and voiceover recording, Movie Maker is more than capable of handling most beginner projects.
For beginners, Movie Maker is perhaps one of the most intuitive applications. Presenting a linear thumbnail editor timeline, users can easily trim and split video while using the three-button play/pause, forward, and back controls.
? SPECS:
Runs on: Windows 7 and Windows 10
Input formats: ASF, AVI, DVR-MS, M1V, MP2, MP2V, MPE, MPEG, MPG, MPV2, WM, WMV
Output formats: Windows Media Video (WMV) or DV AVI
Input formats: ASF, AVI, DVR-MS, M1V, MP2, MP2V, MPE, MPEG, MPG, MPV2, WM, WMV
Output formats: Windows Media Video (WMV) or DV AVI
✅ PROS:
- Free
- Simple User Interface
⛔️ CONS:
- Limited Features
- Available for Windows Only
- No support for Modern File Formats
- Service Discontinued
15. Clipchamp
Best Free Video Editing Software Windows 10
Clipchamp is really a mixed bag in terms of being the best free video editing software. On the one hand, the free version is limited, and some people report that it is glitchy and slow. However, the paid versions are feature-rich and loved by users. Everyone agrees that Clipchamp is easy to use, intuitive and you can create a new or edited video within minutes. Combine that with their extensive library of customizable templates and stock images, audio, and video clips, and you have a powerful tool capable of compressing, converting, collecting, recording, and creating high definition videos quickly and easily.
Clipchamp works right in your browser, so there is nothing to install. It works best with Google Chrome. The free version, however, is stripped down and does not include the fancy features that the other plans have. Only the two top-tier plans allow you to export in 1080p format.
Editing Software For Youtube
? SPECS:
Runs on: Mac, Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS
Input formats: MP4, MOV, WEBM, AVI, DIVX, FLV, 3GP, WMV, VOB, DCM, and MKV
Output formats:MP4, WebM, ASF/WMV, Flash video (FLV) or (animated) GIF
Runs on: Mac, Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS
Input formats: MP4, MOV, WEBM, AVI, DIVX, FLV, 3GP, WMV, VOB, DCM, and MKV
Output formats:MP4, WebM, ASF/WMV, Flash video (FLV) or (animated) GIF
✅ PROS:
- Free
- Super Easy to Learn and Use
- No Watermark
- No Software to Install
- Works in-browser
- Affordable Pricing Plans
⛔️ CONS:
- Glitchy
- Slow Uploads
- The Free Version Lacks Features
- Upsells but not Over the Top
- You are Limited to 480p Exports With the Free Version
How to Choose the Best Free Video Editing Software
The first guide to navigating anything new is experience. Always try before you buy. With many free apps available in your browser or as a download, you can have the luxury of trying out a few before making a choice. Even if you think the free stuff can’t handle your project; give it a try, you may be pleasantly surprised!
More than just money, investing in a professional video editor also takes a significant amount of your time and energy. If you’re in it for the long haul, then go for it. But if you're just looking to make a few edits or experiment, there’s no need to spend thousands of dollars on programs like Final Cut Pro and Adobe. Even if your planning on going pro, it doesn’t hurt to start free while working your way towards more professional video editors as you build up your client base and revenue.
There are several important factors to evaluate when choosing a free video editor. The user interface is one important feature, however, as a beginner, it can be difficult to know what an efficient video editor user interface looks like as the process will be foreign, to begin with. In this sense, unless you are a professional, there’s no sense placing too much emphasis on interface just yet.
Next, depending on your needs, your free editor should be able to offer basic transitions such as crossfading, fade to black, dissolving, and of course, cutting. Another area to consider here is special effects. While many editors may try to entice you with special effects, chances are most of these will not be relevant. Audio control and audio editing are also important features that can streamline the editing process by saving from using another program.
Perhaps the most important factor to evaluate is stability. Stability depends solely on your computer’s specs and hardware. The most important rule here is to never buy without testing it on your computer first. Hand in hand with stability is compatibility. Always check to make sure your editor is compatible with your file types and supports your desired output type.
Finally, when choosing a video editor, try and get a handle on the popular community and technical support. Editors with the largest user bases tend to have engaged communities that are always willing to help new users learn the ropes. But if you do decide to buy a program or start a subscription, make sure your program comes with technical support, just in case calamity strikes!
For those free programs, user forums and popular blog content are great sources of information. Often, if you do run into a problem, sharing it online will not only lead to a quick resolution but will also help others with the same issue.
Create Stunning Video Content for Free
Top Paid Video Editing Software
With so many video editing apps out there to choose from, we hope that we’ve helped you narrow down your options. All the video editors we’ve focused on here are reputable and each one has its own advantages. Choosing the right editor to begin learning the ropes of video editing can be intimidating at first, but hopefully, by now you’ve come to the right decision. Take your editing to the next level with any of these amazing free video editors!
If these 15 solutions are not enough for you, read more video editing apps reviews here.
Launchberg editors pick and review products independently. We may earn affiliate commissions when you purchase an item via our links—it helps support our testing.