15 Best Video Editing Software in 2024 (Free and Premium)

Building a career as a video content creator in 2024 requires you to master not only shooting techniques, but also post-processing. For that reason, you need to have the best video editing software.

But which one is the best editing software for your level of expertise? Due to the great number of options in the market, it can be challenging to choose along with their pros and cons.

Nonetheless, you do not need to worry. In this article, we will take a look at some of the best video editors for vloggers, vtubers, and streamers alike.

What to Consider When Choosing the Best Video Editors?

• User Interface (UI) — You need to open your video editing software and make sure everything is easy to find. A user-friendly interface that fits your creativity is key. The best video editors with customized layout can help you edit faster and better.
• Features — Your software must have the features to do any task you need. You can cut and rearrange clips, add smooth transitions, apply cool effects, and adjust the colors in your videos.
• Performance — You need to get powerful software for smooth editing. It handles difficult projects, high-quality videos, and complex edits. Top video editing apps optimize rendering with GPU acceleration.
• Format Support — For the best video editing software, you need one that supports various video formats like MP4, MOV, and AVI, as well as codecs such as H.264 and H.265. This allows you to import and edit videos from any source seamlessly.
• Creative Tools — Good video editing software should have diverse built-in effects, transitions, filters, and templates. It should also offer powerful color tools for precise adjustments and integrated audio editing capabilities.
• Export Options — Your video editor should offer customizable settings for saving your finished videos like the resolution, bitrate, format. This ensures optimal quality when viewed on platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, and social media.
• Platform — Windows, macOS, or Linux compatible? Your software needs to adapt to your creative environment. It would be even better if they support the mobile platform as well and have continuity to work from one platform to another.
• Target Users — Is it for beginners, enthusiasts, or professionals? The best video editing software for beginners should have a user-friendly interface and tutorials. Professionals require advanced features and customization options.
• Advanced Features — It’s great to have. A solid video editing software could come with AI features such as auto-captioning, color enhancement, content creation, and object removal to enhance Virtual Reality experiences or enable cloud integration for convenient access and safe storage.

Read Also: MKV vs MP4

15 Best Video Editing Software in 2024

It is easy to find various video editing programs today. The followings are a couple of the most popular options you can try:

1. Apple iMovie

• Price: Free
• Platform: MacOS and iOS
• Best video editing software for: All content creators who uses Mac

iMovie is one of the best video editing software for Mac users. It comes preloaded on MacOS devices and can be downloaded for free on iPhones and iPads.

Yes, it comes without any cost, but its features are impressive. Basic editing tools like trimming, cutting, and stitching? Check. And that’s not all, there are also special features like Storyboards and Magic Movie.

With Storyboards, you can use different video templates for all kinds of content, like product reviews and cooking tutorials. And Magic Movie lets you combine clips and soundtracks to make awesome videos.

Pros:

• User-friendly — iMovie is one of the best video editing apps with a simple interface that enables beginners to edit videos without overwhelming complex features.
• Continuous Work — If you’re an Apple user, iMovie works smoothly with your devices for a seamless editing experience.
• Free — This cost-effective video editing software for Mac lets you play around and make videos without spending extra money.

Cons:

• Too Basic for Pros — It’s great for quick edits and simple projects, but it falls short when it comes to the advanced features needed for professional-level video production.
• Only for Apple Users — If you don’t use Mac OS or iOS, then this is not your video editing app.

Overall, iMovie is a free and simple interface for basic video editing on Mac devices which is ideal for quick edits and beginners.

2. Adobe Premiere Pro

• Price: $20.99/month (with 7-days free trial)
• Platform: Windows and MacOS
• Best video editing software for: Professional content creators

Adobe is a well-known brand in the creative industry, and Premiere Pro proves that it is a must-have video making software for professionals and enthusiasts.

At first, Premiere Pro’s interface may seem overwhelming with its all menus and panels. But as you use it, you’ll find that each panel is a well-organized workspace that simplifies your editing process.

Premiere Pro stands out with its multicam editing feature, seamlessly synchronizing multiple footage into one video. This good video editing software also comes with smart features like automatic captioning and color grading. So, you can save time on editing and get your content published faster.

Pros:

• Industry Leader — Most professionals in industries like film, TV, and online platforms like YouTube use this top video editor.
• Extensive Toolset — You’ll get advanced editing features, effects, and integrations to improve your videos with this editing software.
• Collaborative Workflow — You can connect Premiere Pro with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps such as After Effects and Photoshop for a seamless workflow.

Cons:

• Steep Learning Curve — Learning this software with lots of features can be challenging at first.
• Resource Intensive — Make sure your computer is strong enough to handle Premiere Pro’s needs for best performance.
• Subscription model — This best video editing software is only available through Adobe’s subscription model.

This software is highly recommended for professional video editing, ensuring high-quality productions. But, it requires a powerful system and a subscription starting at $20.99/month.

3. CyberLink PowerDirector 365

• Price: Starts from $51.99/year (with 30-days free trial)
• Platform: Windows and MacOS
• Best video editing software for: All content creators with various skill levels

CyberLink PowerDirector is one of the best video editing software options for easy and effortless customizations.

They have AI motion tracking feature that can recognize subjects in your videos and add creative effects to their body. Plus, it can keep them in focus while blurring the background.

CyberLink PowerDirector also offers AI audio restoration. You can easily detect and eliminate background noise in your video to keep the focus on important dialogues and explanations.

This is one of the best video editing software for beginners. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to adjust effects, audio, and more. Plus, it’s lightweight, so you can render previews and save projects faster.

Pros:

• For All Users — PowerDirector 365 has many features for beginners and advanced editors. It combines easy-to-use tools with advanced features.
• Unique Features — You can use the AI effects and motion tracking for a creative edge that stands out from the rest.

Cons:

• Feature Overload — On one hand, it’s fantastic for pro users, but as a beginner, you can feel a bit overwhelmed when exploring all the features of this best video editor.
• Not so Friendly Interface — The interface may not be as friendly as other options, which can make editing challenging
• Additional Costs — Even though it is cheaper than Adobe Premiere Pro, you must subscribe and pay to access all the great features, advanced tools, and effects in this video editor.

In short, this versatile editor offers a wide range of tools and effects, including AI-powered features and motion tracking, making it suitable for all skill levels.

4. HitFilm

• Price: Free & Premium (starts from $7.99/ month)
• Platform: Windows and MacOS
• Best video editing software for: Professional content creators, especially indie filmmakers

HitFilm is an intermediate-level PC video editing software. It’s not as fancy as Adobe Premiere Pro or CyberLink PowerDirector, but it’s great if you want more than what Apple iMovie offers.

This is one of the best video editing software that offers instant edits like color filters and visual effects. But you can also take control when it comes to choosing transition styles, doing color grading, and customizing in-video texts.

HitFilm offers advanced features like chroma key for adding virtual backgrounds without a green screen. It also has an automatic audio synchronization for seamless alignment of video and audio tracks, eliminating the need for manual setting of voice over points.

Pros:

• Complete Toolkit — a favorite among indie filmmakers and YouTubers for its combination of editing tools and visual effects.
• Feature-Rich Freebies — one of the best video editing software for YouTube with compositing tools, 3D effects, and essential editing features to explore for free.

Cons:

• Learning Curve — Learning all of HitFilm Express’s features might take some time, even though the basics are easy to understand.
• Performance Issues — Some users have reported occasional performance hiccups, especially when working on complex projects or using resource-intensive effects.

This free video editor is ideal for aspiring filmmakers and YouTubers. It provides a combination of editing and visual effects tools, with optional paid add-ons for extra features.

5. DaVinci Resolve

• Price: Free & Premium ($295 for a lifetime)
• Platform: Windows, MacOS, and Linux
• Best video editing software for: Professional content creators, YouTubers

Looking for a great free alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro? DaVinci Resolve is the perfect option for you. This video editing app offers many similar features found in Adobe’s video editor, including a complete workspace tool, powerful color grading, and multicam editing.

That’s not all, though. This top video editing software includes advanced visual effects and motion graphics features. This means you can blend animation with live footage or produce animated videos and films all in one program.

On top of that, DaVinci Resolve offers a powerful audio editor for enhancing sound effects, mixing audio, and equalizing. It also enables collaboration through Blackmagic Cloud, allowing you to share projects and work with your team seamlessly.

Pros:

• Free — DaVinci Resolve’s free version provides you with top-notch tools for professional-grade editing, including outstanding color grading features, all without any cost.
• All-in-One Solution — This video editing software handles every part of post-production, from editing to color correction, audio post-production, and visual effects.
• Flexible Workflow — The node-based editing system gives you a flexible workflow, allowing you to have more control and flexibility over your projects.
• One Time Payment — With a one-time payment, you can enjoy the full benefits at a more affordable price for long-term usage.

Cons:

• Overwhelming Complexity — it can seem a bit overwhelming at first with its extensive features and unique interface, especially if you’re just starting out.
• Resource Intensive — For optimal performance in DaVinci Resolve, you need a powerful computer with sufficient processing power and memory.

Bottom line, DaVinci Resolve is a top video editing software with free features. The premium version, priced at $295, offers additional visual effects and access to DaVinci’s neural engine.

6. Movavi Video Editor

• Price: $79.95 for a lifetime (with 7-days free trial)
• Platform: Windows and MacOS
• Best video editing software for: All content creators who need quick edits and social media sharing features

If you’re new to video editing and want a software that’s beginner-friendly with plenty of features, Movavi is a great option for you.

Movavi Video Editor goes beyond simple cutting and trimming. It has advanced tools like stabilization, color adjustment, and chroma keying. Plus, you can resize and crop clips for the best viewing experience.

Want quick edits with color filters, intro screen templates, and overlays? You can do it and get your desired outcome.

Pros:

• Easy to Use and Affordable — Movavi Video Editor offers a budget-friendly and user-friendly experience, making it an attractive option for cost-conscious creators like you.
• Decent Basic Features — Movavi offers a basic toolkit for editing videos that gets the job done without all the fancy features of high-end software.
• Good Performance — With Movavi, you can quickly edit and share videos without wasting time on rendering and processing tasks.

Cons:

• Basic interface — Movavi’s interface is easy to use, but it doesn’t offer as many customization options as some other best video editing software.
• Not for Pros — If you require advanced video editing capabilities, Movavi may be too simple for experienced content creators like you.

Movavi Editor is the go-to option for fast and efficient video editing software, perfect for creating quick social media videos with ease.

7. Final Cut Pro

• Price: $299.99 for a lifetime (with 90-days free trial)
• Platform: MacOS
• Best video editing software for: All professional content creator who uses Mac

If iMovie doesn’t meet your needs, give Final Cut Pro a try. It’s one of the best video editing software known for its smooth design and amazing editing features.

Final Cut Pro is built for macOS. So, you’ll experience seamless video editing even for 4K and 8K projects. It means you’ll enjoy uninterrupted playback and faster rendering for smoother workflow efficiency

This top video editor goes beyond the basics with impressive features like multicam editing, motion graphics, and 3D titling. Plus, the magnetic timeline effortlessly connects clips, eliminating gaps or overlaps, making editing a breeze.

Pros:

• Great on Macs — Final Cut Pro optimizes macOS using Apple’s hardware and software for a seamless editing experience.
• Intuitive Interface — Like other Mac apps, its user-friendly interface makes editing simpler, allowing you to focus on your creative works.
• Efficient Workflow — Features like Magnetic Timeline and background rendering streamline editing workflow, saving time and enhancing project efficiency.

Cons:

• Limited Plugin Ecosystem — Final Cut Pro’s selection of third-party plugins is not as extensive as software like Premiere Pro. This may slightly limit your creative choices.
• Expensive — Final Cut Pro costs more than some other editing software, so it can be a big expense for some beginners.

So, if you’re looking for streamlined editing with Magnetic Timeline and top-notch performance on macOS, Final Cut Pro is a great video editing software. But it comes at a cost of $299.99.

8. Wondershare Filmora

• Price: $9.99/month, $29.99/year or $49.99 for a lifetime (with 30-days free trial)
• Platform: Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android
• Best video editing software for: All creative creators, especially, social media content creators

Are you ready to move beyond beginner-level editing? Then you can upgrade to a robust and user-friendly video editing software like Wondershare Filmora.

This is one of the best video editing software that offers beginner-friendly features such as color filters, title screen templates, and AI audio denoise. These features deliver amazing results as-is, while still allowing for customization.

Experienced Filmora users will appreciate its advanced features such as masking, color correction, and chroma keying. Plus, they’ll find the keyframing tool useful. It allows for seamless integration of hand-drawn animation and footage by setting precise start and end points in the video.

Pros:

• Affordable — Filmora costs only $9.99/month and provides many features for casual editors and aspiring YouTubers.
• Easy to Use — With a simple interface and drag-and-drop features, you can start editing hassle-free most of the time.
• Many Effects — It offers a wide range of built-in effects, transitions, and titles, making it easy for you to add a creative touch to your videos.

Cons:

• Limited Professional Features — It’s great for beginners, but it’s missing the advanced features for serious projects or pro-level videos.
• Watermark in Free Version — The free Filmora version puts a watermark on videos, which can make your content look less professional.

One of the best video editing software that offers a vast library of effects, templates, and transitions for creative video editing at just $9.99 per month.

9. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate

• Price: $64.99 for a lifetime (with 30-days free trial)
• Platform: Windows, MacOS
• Best video editing software for: Professional Content Creators

If you’re a video enthusiast in search of a powerful editing tool, check out Corel VideoStudio Ultimate. This best video editing software is designed for pros and offers a variety of features for creating top-notch videos, like 360-degree VR editing and 4K Ultra HD support.

The official name is VideoStudio Ultimate 2023. It’s the top-tier version, offering more features than the standard Pro version. With it, you can edit movies using up to 6 multi-cameras and enjoy audio cues and face indexing effects.

VideoStudio Ultimate is one of the best video editing software for PC and Mac. It offers creative tools like a built-in screen recorder for capturing screen action easily and a video stabilization feature to keep your footage steady.

Pros:

• Great features for Creatives — VideoStudio Ultimate offers a wide range of cool features like stop motion animation and motion tracking for you to get creative and bring your artistic ideas to life.
• Suitable for Most Users — It offere a mix of easy-to-use features and advanced tools to meet the needs of beginners and experienced editors alike.
• Affordable — Wondershare Filmora is cheaper, but VideoStudio Ultimate can be the best choice for affordable video editing software, too.

Cons:

• Interface Challenge — It can be less intuitive than other options for some beginners.

If you want one of the best video editing software for YouTube with unique features like stop motion animation, time-lapse, and 360-degree editing, Corel VideoStudio Ultimate is a must-try.

10. Pinnacle Studio Ultimate

• Price: $89.99 for a lifetime (with 15-days free trial)
• Platform: Windows, MacOS
• Best video editing software for: Professional content creators

When looking for the best video editing software for PC, don’t forget to check out Pinnacle Studio Ultimate. This software is made for Windows users, especially professionals who want exact control and advanced features for their video projects.

Once Avid Studio, Pinnacle Studio offers a wide range of professional video tools in their Ultimate version. From color grading and keyframe animation to multi-camera editing, it has it all. Plus, you can also enjoy video masking, 360-degree editing, and support for 4K and HDR content.

Pros:

• Awesome Features — Edit your videos with features like multi-camera editing, 360-degree video editing, motion tracking, video masking, and color grading to make them stand out.
• User-Friendly — Even beginners can easily navigate through Pinnacle Studio Ultimate’s user-friendly interface.
• Creative Flexibility — You can make great videos and express your creativity with vast library of effects, transitions, titles, and templates of this software.
• Value for Money — Pinnacle Studio Ultimate costs less than Final Cut Pro, but still has lots of great features.

Cons:

• Performance Issues — Some users experience crashes or freezing when working with big projects or high-resolution footage
• Limited Plugin Support — It has limited support for third-party plugins compared to other professional video editing software.
• Resource-Intensive — For complex projects, the software needs a powerful computer to run smoothly.

In short, if you’re looking for best editing software for PC with precise controls for color grading and animation, this one is worth the $89.99 price tag.

11. Microsoft Clipchamp

• Price: Free, $11/month (Premium)
• Platform: Windows, MacOS
• Best video editing software for: All content creators, including social media influencers with marketing content

Microsoft Clipchamp is the official video editor for Windows. But what’s funny is that Mac users can also enjoy this one of the best video editing apps. So, it is not exclusive like iMovie.

If you want an easy way to make professional marketing videos, Microsoft Clipchamp is the perfect web-based video editor to try. Microsoft Clipchamp makes video creation and editing simple, even for beginners.

The interface is easy to understand and Clipchamp makes it easy to connect to social media sites. You can just share your amazing creation with your followers right away, without leaving the platform.

Pros:

• Ease of Use — Clipchamp is designed with beginners and casual users in mind: intuitive interface and easy drag-and-drop functionality and more.
• Cloud-Based — You can edit videos from any device with internet access, and your projects are automatically saved.
• Free Version — If you’re okay with up to 1080p quality and don’t need a Brand kit for logos and colors, free Clipchamp is good for your basic editing needs.
• Basic Stock Media — You can easily add templates, stock footage, music, and sound effects to your video projects.

Cons:

• Nor For Complex Projects — It’s great for simple and short videos, but it may not be the best for complex or professional projects.
• Internet Dependency — Just like other cloud-based apps, you can only use Clipchamp if you have a stable internet connection.
• Watermarks – Your content may include watermarks for using certain assets or features.

Overall, Clipchamp can be the best video editing software for beginners who need to add branding to their content and easily connect with social media.

12. Sony VEGAS Pro Edit

• Price: $19.99/month $95.88/year, $199.00 for a lifetime (with 30-days free trial)
• Platform: Windows
• Best video editing software for: Professional content creators, vloggers

What is one of the best video editing software for enthusiasts and serious content creators? Sony Vegas Pro is a top choice that you should definitely consider.

This great video editor is made for Windows. Both beginners and pros adore it because of its non-linear editing setup and diverse set of tools. No wonder it’s perfect for all sorts of projects, from personal vlogs to cinematic productions.

Vegas Pro also has powerful audio editing features, like multitrack editing and advanced effects, making it a top choice for projects requiring detailed sound design.

Pros:

• Feature-Rich — Vegas Pro offers a complete package of editing tools, visual effects, and audio mixing features, making it a strong rival to other professional editing software like Premiere Pro.
• Flexible Workflow — Feel free to customize the interface and adapt the workflow to match your editing style and preferences.
• Affordable Option — If the lifetime option is too pricey, you can choose the monthly subscription to access the premium features of this excellent editing software.
• Wide Format Support — VEGAS Pro works with many video and audio formats, even high-resolution footage up to 8K.

Cons:

• Learning Curve — can be harder to learn than beginner-friendly video editing software because of its many features and capabilities.
• Resource Intensive — You need to have a powerful computer with plenty of RAM and a solid graphics card for the software to run well.

In short, this video editing software is a great alternative to Premiere Pro with a flexible workflow and abundant features for editing videos and audio.

13. Lightworks

• Price: Free, $10.49/month, $104.99/year, $149.99 for a lifetime
• Platform: Windows, MacOS, Linux
• Best video editing software for: Professional content creators, Vloggers, Filmmakers vloggers

“From First Edit to Hollywood Pro.” That sums up this amazing video editing software perfectly. Lightworks is a powerful, versatile tool trusted by industry professionals.

You can get professional-grade video content with this editing software. This software is a must for experienced editors. With lots of supported formats and special features like real-time effects and color correction, it gives you total control and flexibility.

You can choose the Lightworks licensing option that suits you best. The free version is ideal for filmmakers starting out and creators on a budget. If you need advanced features like high-resolution export, project sharing, and advanced audio mixing, opt for the paid Pro version.

Pros:

• Advanced Features — It comes with great features like NewBlue Titler Pro, dynamic motion graphics, and advanced audio EQ.
• Customizable Interface — You can easily customize the interface to match your workflow and preferences, making production faster.
• Wide Format Support — It can handle different video formats, like .mxf, .avi, .mp4, .mpg, and professional codes like ProRes, DNxHD, and RED RAW.
• Video Routing and Keyframing — It simplifies video routing and applying effects with keyframing.
• Free — You can take advantage of the free version that offers essential editing features.

Read Also: Top Options for Video Encoding

Cons:

• Steep Learning Curve — It has a unique interface and unconventional workflow. This can be hard for beginners, needing time to understand completely.
• Export Limitations — If you go for the free version, exporting is limited to 720p resolution and direct uploading to YouTube is not possible.

Bottomline, one of the best video editing apps with tools for trimming and fast editing on less powerful computers that can make awesome movies like “The Wolf Of Wall Street.”

14. CapCut

• Price: Free
• Platform: Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS
• Best video editing software for: Social media content creators

CapCut is a great option for those who prefer free video editing software. It is especially ideal for beginners and social media enthusiasts.

Its makes video editing a breeze with its simple interface and easy-to-use tools. Whether you’re on your phone or computer, creating engaging videos has never been easier.

CapCut is made by the same company that created TikTok, ByteDance. It’s a video editor designed for social media content creation. You can add text, stickers, transitions, and music to make your videos look professional. It also has cool effects and filters that are trending right now.

Pros:

• Beginner-Friendly — You’ll find no hard time using CapCut as a beginner. Its intuitive tools and user-friendly interface make it easy for you to edit videos.
• Free — CapCut is completely free to use on mobile and desktop platforms.
• Social Media Focus — If you create content for social media, this is one of the best video editing apps for you. It provides great output that you can post on all platforms.
• Music Library — It comes with a music library that has lots of songs and sound effects to make your videos better.

Cons:

• Not for Pros — It may not have as many advanced features as professional editing software, limiting its versatility for more complex projects.
• Watermark on Videos — Videos made with the free version might have a watermark, and the Pro version is not available in all countries yet.

Overall, CapCut is one of the best video editor for beginners and social media creators. It’s user-friendly and packed with essential tools for quick edits and trendy effects.

15. Quik

• Price: Free and premium ($9.99/year)
• Platform: Windows, Mac, iOS and Android
• Best video editing software for: GoPro users and content creators

Are you a GoPro camera user? Quik serves both as a companion app and a video editing software for your cool action cam.

Once you install the app, your phone or tablet can be used as a remote trigger for any GoPro camera. What the camera sees is also displayed on your screen, so you can compose videos easily.

You can trim, crop, and even change the speed of your videos. With Quik, you’ll have access to lots of color filters, themes, and stock music. Plus, if you become a premium user, you’ll get unlimited online storage for your videos.

Pros:

• GoPro Integration — Quik works well with GoPro cameras, making it easy to bring in, organize, and edit your footage.
• AI-Powered Editing — Quik uses AI to automatically create highlight videos from your footage. This saves you time and effort during the editing process.
• User-Friendly — It’s easy to use because it has a simple interface. You can easily find and use all the editing tools.
• Cloud Storage and Sharing — Quik offers cloud storage and easy sharing, so you can access and share your videos from anywhere.

Cons:

• GoPro-Centric — It works best with GoPro footage, but it may not be as compatible with footage from other cameras.
• Limited Manual Edit — Quik is good for quick edits, but it doesn’t have as many options as professional software. You’ll have limited control over elements and transitions.
• Subscription Required — GoPro subscription is needed for features like Auto Upload, Automatic Highlight Videos, and more.

In short, Quik is the official editing app for GoPro. It makes it easy to create and share videos from GoPro cameras. It has cool features like automatic uploading for subscribers.

Choose The Best Video Editing Software for Your Needs

Taking your content creation to the next level requires utilizing the best video editing software. With these tools, you’ll be able to create high-quality videos that stand out from the crowd. 

In this article, we have taken a look into many video making software, ranging from professional ones to beginner-friendly options. Some of them offer a free version, while others come with a price.

You can start with a free best video editing software and upgrade to a more powerful paid app as your skill improves. That way, you will not be overwhelmed by various tools and functions.

Want more exciting insights about content creation? Stay tuned to our blog!