All you need to do is install one of the tools on this list of the best video editing software on your laptop or smartphone, and you've instantly got the means to splice together footage. Then, all you need is a bit of time, imagination and creativity to begin putting together your movie.
The best thing about this is that it means video editing can be done by anyone, no matter what their experience or budget is, or what kind of equipment they have. Everyone has the ability to make eye-catching videos thanks to the best video editing software on this page.
Modern video editing software is better than ever, offering the kind of tools and effects that would usually only be available to professionals. So, it's never been a better time to start making movies. However, even a quick search on the internet will tell you that there are hundreds of video editing software available, and this can make it hard to choose what the best video editing software is for your needs – and that's where we come in.
In this buying guide, we've rounded up a selection of today's very best video editors. These tools make cutting, editing and perfecting really simple. The software we've picked out won't break the bank, as while professional video editing software can become very expensive, these affordable home versions means they are within the budget of most people.
However, we've also listed the best free video editing software as well. These are great tools for people who don't want to financially commit to making movies, and you'll be surprised just how much they offer considering they are completely free to use!
We've made sure that this guide to the best video editing software contains choices for all kinds of people, from budding movie makers just starting out, to professional editors who want to make their work really stand out. It doesn't matter if you're using one of the best laptops for video editing 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.
The best video editing software: Paid-for
01. Adobe Premiere Pro CC
The best video editing software for Windows
Platform: Windows and Mac | Key features: Multi-cam editing, 3D editing | Video tracks: Unlimited | Free trial: Yes | Best for: Professionals and enthusiasts
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, mac OS 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 subscribing to Creative Cloud for a slightly higher monthly fee.
Excellent automatic functions
Industry standard video editing tool
Free trial available
Dedicated companion app
If you're a Windows user, Adobe Premiere Pro CC
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, mac OS 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 subscribing to Creative Cloud for a slightly higher monthly fee.
- Download Adobe Premier Pro CC
02. Final Cut Pro X
The best video editor you can get for your MacPlatform: Mac | Key features: Muti-cam editing, intelligent colour balancing | Video tracks: Unlimited | Free trial: 30-day | Best for: Professionals and enthusiasts
Versatile and powerful editingBrilliant interfaceMakes sense for Apple usersExpensiveFinal Cut Pro X 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.- Download Final Cut Pro X from Apple
03. Adobe Premiere Elements 2019
A great all-round video editor to suit most users
Platform: Windows and Mac | Key features: Video stabilisation, face detection, automatic motion tracking | Video tracks: Unlimited | Free trial: Yes | Best for: Professionals and enthusiasts
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.
Easy to use
Loads of features
Not as powerful as some tools
Not the fastest video editor
Adobe makes another entry in this list with Premiere Elements;
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.
Download Premiere Elements from Adobe
04. Adobe Premiere Rush
All the Adobe goodness but on your mobile
Platform: Android, iOS | Key features: In-app motion graphics, 4K support | Free trial: Free starter plan | Best for: Enthusiasts on mobile
All can be done in the app
Excellent for sound editing
Ideal if you already know Adobe
Don't rely on limited free plan
Any PC-using video editor worth their salt has inevitably used Adobe software at some point. Adobe Premiere Rush takes all the best bits that Adobe has perfected over the years and transports it to the palm of your hand.So what does it offer the editor on the go? A straightforward user interface that will be immediately familiar to users of Premiere Pro or Elements; four video tracks; three audio tracks; easy instant export to your social media accounts; in-app editing tools...the list goes on! It's no wonder that it recently went to the top of our best video editing apps countdown.
Yes, you can give it a good go for free with the Rush Starter Plan, but it's only enough to export three videos. Luckily, it doesn't cost a lot to grab the full version of the Adobe Premiere Rush app on iOS or Android.
05. KineMaster
Best video editing software for Android...for pros
Platform: Android, iOS | Key features: Instant preview, smart effects | Free trial: Free app | Best for: Beginners and lightweight professional use
Surprising amount of features
Good enough for professionals
Cheap editing app
Slow on lower-end devices
If you think that trying to edit video on your smartphone or tablet is a pointless exercise, KineMaster
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.
06. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate 2019
Best video editing software for beginners
Platform: Windows | Key features: Real-time effects, colour correction | Free trial: 30-day | Best for: Beginners
Really easy to pick up
Nice selection of features
Relatively inexpensive
Too basic (and unusual) for pros
Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
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.
Download Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
07. Filmora9
An easy to use tool with plenty of effects and resources included
Platform: Windows, Mac | Key features: 4k support, built-in effects and titles | Free trial: Free version available | Best for: Enthusiasts
Simple to use
Reasonable price
4K support
Free version to try
Wondershare's
Filmora9 is a strong video editing tool for enthusiasts, or those just
getting started with editing. The intuitive interface should make it
easy to get started with, and there are built-in titles, effects and
filters designed for budding YouTubers. There's also a library of
royalty-free sound effects and music to give your videos impact – plus
the ability to record your own media to include, directly within the
tool.If you're using the tool professionally, you'll probably want to opt for the more advanced FilmoraPro – explore the differences between the two tools here.
Price-wise, there are a few different options to choose from. If you're just starting out, the free version includes all the same features and tools as the paid tool, but all your videos will have a brand watermark on them. You can then choose between a 1-year plan, a lifetime plan for a one-off fee. Finally, there's a supercharged Unlimited plan, which throws in unlimited downloads from an stock library and new effects each month.
08. CyberLink PowerDirector 17 Ultra
Video editing software for experienced filmmakers
Platform: Windows | Key features: Multi-cam editing, 360-degree video, motion tracking (and loads more) | Free trial: 30-day | Best for: Enthusiasts
Really powerful tool
Stacks of features
Surprisingly affordable
Tough for newbies
CyberLink PowerDirector
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.
09. Pinnacle Studio 22
An easy-to-use video editor if you're starting out
Platform: Windows | Key features: Multi-camera capture and editing, color controls, stop motion animation | Free trial: 30-day (money back guarantee) | Best for: Beginners
Super-simple to use
Varied features
Attractive pricing
May be too basic for some
Going for Pinnacle Studio 22
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.
The best free video editing software
Amazingly, some of the best free video editing software is almost the same as that used by professionals working on big budget Hollywood productions. In most cases, there’s a paid-for version with more features, but the free versions we’re going to show you have the majority of the functionality intact. In the case of Lightworks, for example, the main restriction is the output format, but VSDC and the amazing DaVinci Resolve let you export your creations in a wide range of formats.The range and power of the features available in these free video editing software tools is remarkable; if you have the talent there’s nothing to stop you putting together a technically accomplished production.
If your needs are simpler and you just want easy-to-use software that sits between Windows Movie Maker and a top-end professional package, then there’s a free video software download for you here.
10. DaVinci Resolve
Professional-quality colour correction and audio mastering
Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux | Key features: Great colour-correction, Fairlight audio tools, compatible with Fairlight consoles, multi-user collaboration | Good for: Specialised colour and audio editing
Exceptional colour correction
Powerful audio post production
Good for collaborative working
More suited to finishing footage
DaVinci Resolve
is a free video editing tool used on big-budget film and TV
productions. It has especially powerful for colour correction and audio
capabilities, so if those are priorities then this could be the software
for you.As well as traditional colour features such as curve editors and primary colour wheels, there's also facial recognition and tracking, so you can adjust skin tones, eye and lip colour. For audio, DaVinci Resolve uses Fairlight, a suite of high-end editing tools that enable you to mix and master up to 1,000 channels.
It’s amazing that this software is available with nearly all the features present in the free version. If you’re looking for the best free video editing software for Windows or Mac, this could be it.
11. Lightworks
A Hollywood-grade editor with only a few restrictions
Platform: Windows, Linux, Mac OS X | Key features: Almost any format imported natively; outputs directly to YouTube/Vimeo; multicam editing; project sharing for groups | Good for: Slick-looking films
12. VSDC
Add special effects and text that will output in a range of formats
Platform: Windows | Key features: Supports wide range of file formats, built-in DVD burner, chart tool, video stabiliser | Good for: Presentations
The free version of VSDC will export to a range of different formats including AVI and MPG. If you’re unsure about formats, you can even tailor the output so that it works well on particular devices for playback. It supports most video formats, so you shouldn’t have any trouble importing your clips, and there’s a built-in DVD burner.
The free version of Hitfilm Express contains everything you need to make a professional-quality production, but in some cases you’ll benefit from expanding its capabilities by purchasing some of the add-on features. Add-on packs start from around $7/£6, so you can pay for only the features you need and tailor the software to your needs for a reasonable price.
Plenty of special effects
Large range of output formats
Works well with GoPro footage
More suited to presentations
If you’re making a presentation and want to add text, lines, charts and other special effects to it, VSDC
is the free video editor for you. It includes Instagram-style filters,
lots of special effects including colour correction and blurring, and
there’s a mask tool so you can apply effects to part of the video (for
obscuring faces, for example). There’s also a video stabiliser to help
remove camera shake from footage taken with GoPros or drones, and a
powerful chart tool for adding graphs to presentations.The free version of VSDC will export to a range of different formats including AVI and MPG. If you’re unsure about formats, you can even tailor the output so that it works well on particular devices for playback. It supports most video formats, so you shouldn’t have any trouble importing your clips, and there’s a built-in DVD burner.
The best video editing software: Free
13. Hitfilm Express
A powerful editor with add-ons to suit your needs
Platform: Windows, Mac | Key features: Over 180 visual effects; 2D and 3D effects compositing; MP4 H.264 export; good range of import formats
Great community and training
3D compositing
Tricky download process
Powerful computer required
No list of the best free video editors would be complete without a mention of Hitfilm Express.
It’s capable of producing feature films or music videos with 3D
effects, but it’s also good for making videos for YouTube, as direct
uploading is built in.The free version of Hitfilm Express contains everything you need to make a professional-quality production, but in some cases you’ll benefit from expanding its capabilities by purchasing some of the add-on features. Add-on packs start from around $7/£6, so you can pay for only the features you need and tailor the software to your needs for a reasonable price.
14. Shotcut
This superb free tool offers powerful editing
Platform: Windows, Linux, Mac | Key features: Support for wide range of formats; comprehensive video and audio editing; supports 4K resolutions; uses FFmpeg | Good for: Basic video editing
Lots of filters and effects
Customisable, intuitive interface
Great file format support
No good for more advanced projects
Shotcut
is the tool for you if you’ve outgrown Movie Maker and want to go to
the next level, but don’t need the complexity of some of the other
packages on this list. Its interface is uncomplicated and approachable,
and you can even customise it to match your needs via dockable and
undockable panels. It supports a huge range of formats ,so you’re
unlikely to run into trouble in that department. Finally, there’s a rich
assortment of filters and quite advanced special effects that are easy
to manage and apply. This is one of the best free video editors that
will do anything you'd need for the majority of projects.15. Apple iMovie
A Mac classic
Platform: Mac | Key features: Supports 4K resolutions; effects and filters | Good for: Basic video editing
So what results can Apple iMovie achieve? Well, 'results' is the right word, as the finish and sheen you get from an iMovie-made video are much better than you'd expect from a freebie. It's really easy to make your footage sing and you'll be surprised how quick and straightforward it is to knock together a polished-looking (and sounding) edit.
If your laptop of choice is a recent
, then this is one of the programs that has fully functioning Touch Bar support. Although we'd like to see support for 360-degree video and multi-cam editing added to future iterations.
Easy to make something polished
Great for audio
Already on your computer
Mac-only
We couldn't really end this list without at least a mention of Apple iMovie,
the classic free video editing software for Mac. If you're a Mac owner,
the program should already be pre-loaded on to your machine. But if
you're an editing amateur, it shouldn't be overlooked – bloatware, this
is not.So what results can Apple iMovie achieve? Well, 'results' is the right word, as the finish and sheen you get from an iMovie-made video are much better than you'd expect from a freebie. It's really easy to make your footage sing and you'll be surprised how quick and straightforward it is to knock together a polished-looking (and sounding) edit.
If your laptop of choice is a recent
, then this is one of the programs that has fully functioning Touch Bar support. Although we'd like to see support for 360-degree video and multi-cam editing added to future iterations.
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