What makes the best video editing software?
The best video editing software depends on several factors, including technical proficiency, budget, and project complexity. While no single editor suits every need, the market offers a wide range of high-quality options for all skill levels and platforms.
Many of the most powerful video editing tools are available for free, even those offering advanced features. Meanwhile, premium software ranges from industry-standard suites used in professional film production to cost-effective solutions designed to enhance workflow efficiency.
With automation playing an increasing role in post-production, creators can focus on storytelling while leveraging technology to streamline the editing process.
Having worked with various video editors applications over the past two decades—on projects ranging from personal creative endeavors to professional product reviews—I have extensively tested and evaluated more than 70 video editors. Based on this experience, I have identified the best video editors software for Windows, macOS, and web-based platforms.
Professional-Level Software
1. Adobe Premiere Pro
With Adobe Premiere Pro, you get industry-leading video editors tool designed for professionals and creatives alike. Whether you’re crafting cinematic masterpieces or social media content, Premiere Pro empowers you to edit faster, work smarter, and bring your vision to life—all powered by AI-driven innovations.
Smarter Tools, Faster Workflows!
- AI-Powered Editing – Auto-transcribe, generate captions, and refine clips like editing a text document.
- Seamless Color Grading – Balance colors effortlessly with AI-powered tools and professional-grade color wheels.
- Pro-Quality Audio – Enhance dialogue, reduce noise, and sync music perfectly to your video timeline.
- Eye-Catching Effects & Transitions – Choose from hundreds of built-in effects or customize templates for a unique look.
- AI Media Intelligence (Beta) – Instantly search footage based on objects, colors, locations, or shot types.
Who Is It For?
Premiere Pro is built for professional editors, filmmakers, content creators, and serious enthusiasts. It’s the perfect choice if you need advanced editing tools, seamless collaboration, and integration with Adobe’s Creative Cloud suite.
Flexible Plans & Pricing
- Premiere Pro (Standalone) – ₹733.96/mo (incl. GST)
- Creative Cloud All Apps – ₹1,915.14/mo (incl. GST) (Includes Photoshop, After Effects & more!)
- Exclusive Discounts for Students & Businesses
- Try Before You Buy – Free Trial Available!
| Feature | Support |
|---|---|
| Video Tracks | Unlimited |
| Motion Tracking | Yes |
| Multicam Editing | Yes |
| 3D Editing | Supported |
| 360° VR Content Support | Yes |
| Keyword Tagging for Media | Yes |
| 4K XAVC-S Format Support | Yes |
| HEVC (H.265) Export | Yes |
2. Final Cut Pro
Features:
- Magnetic, Trackless Timeline – Enables a flexible editing workflow.
- Advanced Organization Tools – Includes libraries, ratings, tagging, and AI-driven scene and facial recognition.
- Support for 360-Degree Video & Wide Color Gamut – Enhances creative possibilities for high-quality productions.
- Plug-In Compatibility – Expands functionality with third-party tools.
- Multicam Editing – Facilitates seamless multi-angle video editing.
- Optimized Performance – Delivers fast and efficient processing.
Considerations:
- Unique Timeline Approach – May require adjustment for editors accustomed to traditional track-based workflows.
- Import & Export Complexity – Less intuitive compared to Adobe Premiere Pro.
- Apple Ecosystem Restriction – Available exclusively on macOS.
- Limited Collaboration Features – Lacks some of Premiere Pro’s team-based functionalities.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | macOS only |
| License | Paid (One-time purchase) |
| Video Formats | ProRes, H.264, H.265 (HEVC), XAVC-S, MXF, MP4, MOV, etc. |
| Audio Formats | AAC, AIFF, MP3, WAV, CAF |
| Image Formats | PNG, JPG, BMP, TIFF, PSD |
| Rendering Engine | Apple Metal Engine |
| Editing Features | Magnetic, trackless timeline, multicam editing, motion tracking, 3D text, advanced color grading |
| Effects & Transitions | AI-powered Scene Removal Mask, video/audio effects, speed ramping, chroma key (green screen) |
| Export Formats | MP4, MOV, MXF, ProRes, H.264, H.265 (HEVC) |
| Resolution Support | Up to 8K |
| Frame Rates | Supports variable and fixed frame rates |
| Hardware Acceleration | Optimized for Apple Silicon (M1, M2, M3) and Metal API |
| Customization | Customizable UI, keyboard shortcuts, third-party plug-in support |
| Auto Backup | Yes, with version history |
| Collaboration Features | Limited compared to Premiere Pro, no cloud-based editing |
| Community Support | Apple forums, online documentation, third-party courses |
| Latest Version | Final Cut Pro (latest macOS version) |
Why Choose Final Cut Pro?
Final Cut Pro offers a modernized editing experience with an innovative “trackless” timeline, providing a flexible yet powerful toolset for video professionals. Its AI-powered Scene Removal Mask eliminates backgrounds without the need for a green screen, streamlining post-production. Additionally, the iPad version, available via a $4.99-per-month subscription, integrates seamlessly with the desktop application. Apple has also announced upcoming multicam editing support for the iPad version, further enhancing its capabilities.
Ideal For:
Final Cut Pro is widely used in professional film and television production, underscoring its capabilities for high-end editing. However, its user-friendly design makes it an excellent choice for aspiring filmmakers and enthusiasts looking to advance from iMovie.
3. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve isn’t just for professionals—its node-based workflow, AI-powered editing tools, and cinematic color grading make it a game-changer for both beginners and pros. Whether you’re crafting Hollywood-level films or fine-tuning your latest YouTube project, Resolve has got you covered. Plus, Blackmagic Design offers seamless hardware integration for an even smoother experience.
Why Choose DaVinci Resolve?
DaVinci Resolve isn’t just another video editing software—it’s a Hollywood-grade powerhouse that offers professional-level tools with a generous free version! While it comes with a learning curve, the reward is unparalleled control over your edits.
DaVinci Resolve – Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | Windows, Linux, macOS |
| License | Free (Basic Version) & Paid (Studio Version) |
| Video Formats | MP4, AVI, MOV, MXF, ProRes, DNxHD, H.264, H.265 (HEVC), XAVC-S, RED, ARRI, BRAW, OpenEXR |
| Audio Formats | WAV, AAC, MP3, FLAC, AIFF |
| Image Formats | PNG, JPG, BMP, TIFF, EXR |
| Rendering Engine | GPU-accelerated rendering with CUDA, OpenCL, and Metal |
| Editing Features | Multi-track timeline, keyframes, Fusion node-based VFX, Fairlight audio editing |
| Effects & Transitions | Motion tracking, chroma key (green screen), speed ramping, AI-powered Smart Reframe |
| Export Formats | MP4, MOV, AVI, MXF, ProRes, DNxHR, OpenEXR |
| Resolution Support | Up to 32K (for high-end workflows), supports 4K UHD and 8K editing |
| Frame Rates | Supports variable and fixed frame rates |
| Hardware Acceleration | GPU-accelerated playback, real-time rendering, hardware-based H.265 encoding |
| Customization | Customizable UI, panels, keyboard shortcuts |
| Auto Backup | Yes, with project recovery and timeline versioning |
| Cloud Collaboration | Yes, supports multi-user project collaboration |
| AI-Powered Features | Auto-captioning, text-based editing, Smart Reframe, AI-driven color correction |
| Community Support | Forums, training courses, official documentation |
| Latest Version | DaVinci Resolve 18.6 (as of the latest release) |
What Makes It Stand Out?
- Precise Editing Tools – Get full creative control with advanced features.
- Sleek & Intuitive Interface – Designed for efficiency and smooth workflow.
- Motion Graphics & Audio Editing – All-in-one solution for video production.
- Blazing-Fast Rendering – Top-tier performance with hardware acceleration.
- Keep in Mind: It demands high system resources and takes time to master!
Who Should Use It?
From aspiring creators to professional filmmakers, DaVinci Resolve is a go-to choice. It has powered iconic films like Avatar and Dune, but even if you’re just starting out, its free version lets you dive in and explore its magic.
Beginner-Friendly Software:
4. iMovie
iMovie is a user-friendly yet feature-rich video editing software designed for individuals seeking an intuitive editing experience. With a beautifully simple interface, iMovie offers a streamlined workflow that caters to beginners and casual editors alike. While it lacks advanced capabilities such as multicam editing and motion tracking, it compensates with robust tools like chroma-keying, excellent movie templates, and unique support for iPhone-specific video features.
Why We Recommend It
Despite its limitations, iMovie stands out due to its seamless integration with Apple hardware and its ability to deliver high-quality results with minimal effort. Its chroma-keying, picture-in-picture, and audio filter capabilities make it a strong contender in the entry-level video editors space. Additionally, transitioning from iMovie to Apple’s professional editing software, Final Cut Pro, is smooth and intuitive.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Support Status |
|---|---|
| Number of Video Tracks | 2 |
| Motion Tracking | Not Supported |
| Multicam Editing | Not Supported |
| 3D Editing | Not Supported |
| 360° VR Content Support | Not Supported |
| Media Tagging | Not Supported |
| 4K XAVC-S Format Support | Yes |
| Export Options | Supports H.265 (HEVC) |
Who Should Use iMovie?
iMovie is best suited for non-professional users who want to create engaging videos without a steep learning curve. Whether it’s compiling footage from a family vacation or editing a sports highlight reel, iMovie provides an accessible yet powerful toolset. The Storyboard feature also makes it an excellent choice for aspiring filmmakers looking to refine their storytelling skills. However, as an Apple-exclusive application, it is limited to users within the Apple ecosystem.
5. OpenShot
OpenShot Video Editors is a free, open-source, and cross-platform video editing software designed for Linux, Windows, and macOS. It provides an intuitive interface combined with powerful editing tools, making it accessible for beginners while offering advanced features for professionals. OpenShot supports a variety of video formats and is equipped with tools for trimming, slicing, animations, keyframing, video effects, and more.
Why Choose OpenShot?
- Free & Open-Source – No subscription or licensing fees. Completely free under the GPL v3.0 license.
- Cross-Platform – Available for Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it versatile for different users.
- User-Friendly Interface – Simple drag-and-drop functionality for easy video editing.
- Unlimited Tracks – Add multiple layers for videos, audio, and effects without restrictions.
- Advanced Video Effects – Supports background removal (chroma key), brightness adjustments, and more.
- 3D Animation Support – Create stunning 3D titles and animated effects.
- Wide Language Support – Available in over 70 languages.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Supported OS | Windows (7/8/10/11), macOS, Linux |
| Processor | 64-bit, Dual-core processor or higher |
| RAM | Minimum 4GB (8GB or higher recommended) |
| Graphics | OpenGL 2.0+ compatible |
| Storage | Minimum 500MB free space for installation |
| Supported Formats | MP4, AVI, MOV, WebM, and many more |
| License | GNU General Public License (GPL v3.0) |
Why Should You Use It?
-
Ideal for Beginners & Professionals: Its intuitive design makes it easy for beginners, yet it offers advanced tools like keyframing and audio visualization for professionals.
-
No Watermarks or Restrictions: Unlike many free video editors, OpenShot provides full functionality without imposing watermarks.
-
Regular Updates & Active Community: Continuous improvements and a dedicated user base contribute to its reliability.
What Makes It Stand Out?
- Powerful Animation & Keyframes – Unlike many free editors, OpenShot allows detailed animation control over video editors elements.
- Customizable Interface – Users can arrange toolbars, timelines, and effects according to their workflow preferences.
- 3D Animated Titles & Effects – Offers unique 3D title options for a professional touch.
- Integration with Open-Source Tools – Works well with Blender, Inkscape, and other open-source software.
- Strong Video Effects Engine – Includes slow motion, time reversal, and chroma key (green screen) effects.
6. Kdenlive
Kdenlive (KDE Non-Linear Video Editors) is a free, open-source, and feature-rich video editors software developed by the KDE community. It provides a powerful and flexible editing environment suitable for both beginners and professional video editors.
Why Choose Kdenlive?
- Free & Open-Source – No subscriptions or hidden costs.
- Cross-Platform – Available on Windows, Linux, and macOS.
- Professional Features – Multi-track editing, keyframe animation, and real-time previews.
- Extensive Format Support – Compatible with various audio, video editors, and image formats.
- Customizable Interface – Adaptable layouts and shortcut configurations.
- Active Community Support – Constant updates, bug fixes, and an engaged user base.
Kdenlive Technical Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | Windows, Linux, macOS |
| License | Free & Open Source (GPLv2) |
| Video Formats | MP4, AVI, MOV, WebM, MKV, FLV, MPEG, etc. |
| Audio Formats | MP3, AAC, WAV, FLAC, OGG, etc. |
| Image Formats | PNG, JPG, BMP, SVG, TIFF |
| Rendering Engine | MLT Framework with FFmpeg integration |
| Editing Features | Multi-track timeline, keyframes, proxy editing |
| Effects & Transitions | Video/audio effects, motion tracking, chroma key (green screen), speed control |
| Export Formats | MP4, MOV, AVI, WebM, GIF, lossless formats |
| Resolution Support | Up to 4K UHD (3840×2160) |
| Frame Rates | Supports variable and fixed frame rates |
| Hardware Acceleration | OpenGL & GPU support for rendering |
| Customization | Customizable UI, themes, shortcut keys |
| Auto Backup | Yes, with crash recovery |
| Community Support | Forums, mailing lists, online documentation |
| Latest Version | Kdenlive 24.12.3 (as of the latest release) |
Why Should You Use It?
- For Beginners – Easy-to-use interface with helpful tutorials.
- For Professionals – Advanced features like motion tracking, keyframes, and LUTs.
- For Content Creators – Perfect for YouTubers, vloggers, and filmmakers.
- For Open-Source Enthusiasts – No proprietary restrictions; fully customizable.
What Makes Kdenlive Stand Out?
- Multi-Track Editing – Edit multiple video/audio layers with precision.
- Proxy Editing – Smooth editing even on low-end hardware.
- Auto Backup & Crash Recovery – Prevents loss of work.
- Customizable UI & Workflow – Tailor the interface to suit your needs.
- Hardware Acceleration – Uses GPU for faster rendering.
- Frequent Updates – Continuous improvements and new features.
Conclusion
The best video editors software depends on your needs, skill level, and budget. For professionals, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve offer industry-leading tools, AI-powered features, and seamless workflows. If you’re a beginner or working on simpler projects, iMovie, OpenShot, and Kdenlive provide intuitive interfaces and solid editing capabilities without a steep learning curve.
For those looking for a balance between power and affordability, DaVinci Resolve stands out with its free version offering professional-grade tools. Meanwhile, open-source solutions like Kdenlive and OpenShot cater to users who want a customizable and cost-free experience.
Ultimately, the right software depends on your editing goals—whether you’re creating Hollywood-level productions, YouTube content, or personal projects. With so many options available, there’s a perfect editor for everyone.
FAQ
1. What is the best video editing software for beginners?
For beginners, iMovie (macOS) and OpenShot (Windows, macOS, Linux) are excellent choices due to their user-friendly interfaces and basic editing tools.
2. Which video editing software is best for professionals?
Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro (for macOS users), and DaVinci Resolve are widely used in professional video editing, offering advanced tools, AI-powered features, and industry-standard workflows.
3. Is there any free professional-grade video editing software?
Yes, DaVinci Resolve offers a free version with powerful features, including professional color grading, motion graphics, and AI-powered tools. Open-source options like Kdenlive and OpenShot are also good free alternatives.
4. Which software is best for YouTube content creation?
Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and DaVinci Resolve are popular among YouTubers for their flexibility, effects, and seamless integration with other tools. iMovie and OpenShot are great for beginners creating YouTube content.
5. Can I edit videos on a low-end PC or laptop?
Yes, lightweight editors like OpenShot and Kdenlive work well on low-end PCs. Using proxy editing in DaVinci Resolve or Kdenlive can also improve performance on weaker hardware.
