Introduction
Whether you’re just getting started with video or are a seasoned professional, finding the right free video editing software is important. In this post, we reviewed 15 of the top free video editors available in 2023 based on features, ease of use, and overall value. We focused on tools that provide powerful functionality without the cost.
Methods of Evaluation
To determine the top free video editing software, we evaluated each tool based on the following criteria: features and tools available, ease of use, format and codec support, community feedback and reviews, number of monthly active users, backlinks from relevant industry sites, website traffic and search trends. Key factors like number of download/installs, engagement on social channels were also considered when possible to understand the overall popularity and adoption of each tool.
1. Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro is a professional video editing software developed by Apple Inc. for macOS. It is considered to be one of the top NLE choices for both professional and independent filmmakers. Final Cut Pro enables editing of multi-camera projects including support for 4K, HDR, and VR workflows.
Pros: Some key advantages of Final Cut Pro include:
– Intuitive and streamlined interface optimized for macOS.
– Powerful editing tools for color, audio, effects and 360 workflows.
– Free 90 day trial of the professional version for new users.
– Ready library of HD and 4K stock media, titles and templates.
– Tight integration with other Apple software like Motion and Compressor.
– Active developer community and third party plugins.
Cons: The main disadvantages of Final Cut Pro are:
– Only available on Apple’s macOS which limits platform options.
– No support for editing native Windows/PC file formats like AVI/MP4.
– Purchase required after trial period versus perpetual free options.
– Expensive compared to free open source video editors.
– Steep learning curve for complex features.
Pricing: Final Cut Pro retails for $299.99 on the Mac App Store. An upgrade from older versions is available for $99.99. Annual subscriptions are also available starting at $49.99 per year.
Some key stats about Final Cut Pro:
– Used in the editing of major Hollywood films, TV shows and commercials.
– Supported on modern Mac systems with support for 4K, HDR, and 360 video formats.
– Available as a free 90 day trial for the professional version.
– Robust toolset including color correction, titling, effects and 360 VR editing.
– Advanced plugins available for additional functionality.
2. LosslessCut
LosslessCut is a free, open source video editor for Windows, Mac and Linux. It allows users to trim videos without re-encoding, ensuring video quality is preserved. The software was created by Anthropic to be an easy to use video cutting tool.
Pros: Some key advantages of LosslessCut include:
– Allows cutting of videos without re-encoding, which preserves quality
– Very simple to use interface focused only on trimming
– Free to use which makes it appealing for basic, non-commercial video editing
– Supports many video formats out of the box
– Open source so users can contribute to ongoing development
Cons: A potential disadvantage of LosslessCut is that as it only focuses on trimming, it lacks other professional video editing features like adding title screens, transitions, audio mixing etc. For more advanced editing, a more full-featured paid video editor would be required.
Pricing: LosslessCut is completely free and open source. There is no monthly or annual subscription, and no in-app purchases. Users can download the software from the official GitHub page and use it without any limitations.
Some key stats about LosslessCut include:
– Open source and free to use
– Support for common video formats like MP4, MOV, AVI, MKV
– Available for Windows, Mac and Linux
– Simple interface focused only on trimming videos
3. Adobe Premiere Clip
Adobe Premiere Clip is a free video editing app available for both iOS and Android devices. It allows users to quickly and easily edit video footage on their phones or tablets. Some key features include a simple drag-and-drop interface, adding music, filters and transitions, and exporting directly to social media platforms. Overall, it is a great option for doing light, on-the-go video editing without any upfront costs.
Pros: Some of the main advantages of Adobe Premiere Clip include:
– It’s completely free to use with no hidden fees or subscriptions required.
– Simple and intuitive interface that makes video editing accessible even for beginners.
– Ability to add clips, music, filters, and transitions to easily enhance video footage.
– Direct sharing to social media platforms allows one-click publishing.
Cons: As a free mobile app, Adobe Premiere Clip does have some limitations compared to full-featured desktop video editors:
– Limited set of editing tools and effects compared to Premiere Pro.
– Export resolutions are capped at 1080p for social sharing.
– No option to save project files – all work must be done in a single editing session.
– Can be hard to do complex edits or color corrections on a small mobile screen.
Pricing: Adobe Premiere Clip is free to download from the App Store and Google Play. There are no monthly or annual subscription fees required to use the basic features of the app indefinitely.
As a free mobile app, Adobe Premiere Clip is available to download from both the App Store and Google Play Store. It has over 10 million downloads to date. Some other key stats about the app include:
– Easy to use interface optimized for touchscreens
– Supports commonly used video formats including MP4
– Exports to social networks like YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram
4. Avidemux
Avidemux is an open source, cross-platform video editor developed by the Free Foundation. It has been available since 2003 and is free to both personal and commercial users. Avidemux allows basic video editing and post-production tasks through its simple interface.
Pros: Some key advantages of Avidemux include:
– Open source and free to use
– Simple cuts and joins of video clips
– Built-in filters for transcoding, resizing and improving video quality
– Support for a wide range of video formats
– Lightweight and low system requirements
Cons: A potential disadvantage of Avidemux is that it only supports basic video editing tasks. More advanced features like special effects, layers, transitions are not available compared to paid professional video editing software.
Pricing: Avidemux is completely free to both personal and commercial users. There are no hidden fees or costs. Being open source also means there are no subscriptions required to access new versions and updates.
Some key stats and facts about Avidemux include:
– Used by over 1 million users globally each month
– Available for Windows, Linux and macOS operating systems
– Translated into over 20 languages
– Actively maintained and updated by a community of developers
5. Blender
Blender is a free and open-source 3D computer graphics software toolset used for creating animated films, visual effects, art, 3D printed models, motion graphics, interactive 3D applications, virtual reality, and computer games. Blender’s features include 3D modeling, UV unwrapping, texturing, raster graphics editing, rigging and skinning, fluid and smoke simulation, particle simulation, soft body simulation, sculpting, animating, matching, lighting, rendering, video editing and compositing pipeline.
Pros: Some of the key advantages of Blender include:
– It is completely free and open source, saving on software costs
– Includes advanced video editing tools not found in many free alternatives
– Integrated VFX and motion graphics capabilities allow for special effects creation directly in Blender
– Used by major studios and independently certified as production-ready software
– Runs natively on Windows, Linux and macOS
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that Blender has a very steep learning curve due to its vast array of tools and controls. It will take significant time for new users to become proficient.
Pricing: Blender is completely free to use with no subscription or licensing fees. Anyone can download it from blender.org and use it for personal, commercial, or production purposes at no cost.
Some key stats about Blender include:
– Used in numerous major motion pictures like Spider-Man 2, Goosebumps, and Terminator 2
– Popular with independent studios and individual creators due to being free to use
– Active community of over 280,000 users on its online support forums
– Foundation implements donations to continue developing and supporting Blender
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6. FilmoraGo
FilmoraGo is a free mobile video editor app developed by Wondershare. It allows users to easily edit and enhance video content on their Android and iOS devices. Some key features include basic video editing tools, adding titles, music, effects and filters. Finished videos can then be shared directly to social media platforms.
Pros: Some key advantages of FilmoraGo include:
– Free to use with no watermarks on output videos.
– Intuitive touch interface for quick and easy video edits on mobile.
– Basic yet useful tools like trim, merge, add music and filters.
– Share finished videos directly to platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Snapchat and more.
Cons: The free version of FilmoraGo has some limitations compared to paid video editors for mobile. Advanced features like green screen, advanced trimming tools and customized theme previews are not available.
Pricing: FilmoraGo is free to download and use on iOS and Android devices without any hidden costs or watermarks. There are no in-app purchases required to unlock further features.
FilmoraGo is one of the most popular free video editing apps for mobile devices with over 50 million downloads worldwide. It supports editing of both photos and videos on Android and iOS devices.
7. Media.io
Media.io is a free online video, audio and image editing platform that leverages the power of artificial intelligence (AI). Founded in 2020, Media.io has created a suite of AI-powered media processing tools to help content creators easily enhance their videos, audio and images. With tools like a video editor, object remover, noise reducer and more, Media.io offers advanced features normally found in paid software completely free of charge.
Pros: Some of the key advantages of using Media.io include:
– It’s completely free to use with no watermarks or time limits.
– Easy to use interface that requires no design skills. Templates are available to quickly create slideshows, social videos etc.
– Powerful AI tools like automatic video creation from input text that saves a lot of time for content creators.
– Wide range of editing features from basic trimming and adding text/music to advanced noise reduction and object removal.
– Export finished projects in all major formats for any platform like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram etc.
Cons: One potential disadvantage is the lack of offline desktop apps. Since Media.io is browser-based, internet connectivity is required to access and use its tools. Some users may prefer dedicated desktop video editing software.
Pricing: Media.io offers all of its tools completely free of charge. There are no restrictions, hidden fees or time limits on the free plan. This makes it an extremely cost effective option for personal, educational or commercial use.
Some key stats about Media.io include:
– Over 500,000 registered users globally.
– Processed over 5 million projects to date using its AI tools.
– Available in 11 different languages including English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese, Italian and more.
8. Clipchamp
Clipchamp is a free online and desktop video editor. It allows users to create and edit videos directly from their web browser or by downloading the desktop app for Windows and macOS. Clipchamp offers both basic and advanced editing tools along with features like collaboration, customizable themes and templates.
Pros: Key advantages of using Clipchamp include:
– Free to use with no feature limitations
– Easy to use intuitive interface optimized for both beginners and advanced users
– Real-time video editing in your web browser or desktop app
– Collaboration features allow multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously
– Large library of royalty-free audio, video clips and templates to choose from
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that as a free software, it has fewer advanced customization options compared to paid video editing solutions.
Pricing: Clipchamp offers both a free Basic plan as well as paid Pro and Business plans with additional features. However, the free Basic plan contains enough features to meet the needs of most basic video editing projects.
Some key stats about Clipchamp include:
– Used by over 15 million creators worldwide
– Completely free to use with no watermarks or export limitations
– Can export videos up to 4K resolution
– Integrates directly with YouTube for easy sharing
9. Pinnacle Studio
Pinnacle Studio is an advanced non-linear video editing software for Windows developed by Corel. With over 25 years in the video editing industry, Pinnacle Studio offers powerful yet easy to use tools for creating professional quality home videos, movies, tutorials, presentations and more.
Pros: Some key advantages of Pinnacle Studio include:
– Intuitive easy to use interface optimized for beginners yet powerful enough for advanced editors.
– Free basic version (Pinnacle Studio 24 Free) available with upgrades to paid versions.
– Full set of professional video editing tools like transitions, titles, audio controls and color correction.
– Support for multi-track video editing and layering of clips.
– Regular ongoing updates and customer support.
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that the more advanced features and export options are limited in the free version, requiring an upgrade to the paid tiers for unlimited capabilities.
Pricing: Pinnacle Studio is available in three pricing tiers:
– Pinnacle Studio 24 Free: Free basic version with limited features.
– Pinnacle Studio 24 Plus: $79.99 with additional effects, support for 4K video, and more export options.
– Pinnacle Studio 24 Ultimate: $99.99 with the most features including 360 degree video editing and advanced color correction.
Some key stats about Pinnacle Studio include:
– Used by over 15 million users worldwide for both personal and commercial video editing projects.
– Supports over 500 video, audio, and still image formats without needing to transcode files.
– Includes over 10,000 royalty free images, titles, transitions, and effects.
– Flexible timeline interface that allows easy arranging and trimming of clips.
10. WeVideo
WeVideo is a free online video editor that allows users to create professional-looking multimedia projects without complicated software or lengthy downloads. With WeVideo, users get access to a full set of editing tools directly from any web browser.
Pros: Some key advantages of WeVideo include:
– Free to use with no downloads or software required
– Simple and intuitive web-based interface is easy for beginners to learn
– Powerful collaboration tools for remote and distributed teams
– Large library of stock media like music, images and video clips
– Fully-featured set of editing tools for transitions, titles, effects and more
Cons: One potential disadvantage is the lack of offline editing capability. Since all editing must be done through the online browser interface, internet access is required.
Pricing: WeVideo offers both free and premium paid plans. The free basic plan provides access to all core editing features. Paid Pro and Business plans unlock additional storage, features and support starting at $9/month.
Some key stats and facts about WeVideo include:
– Used by over 30 million users worldwide
– Available for free online with no downloads required
– Offers over 100 video themes and templates
– Supports team collaboration with private projects and permissions
– Exports to common video formats like MP4, MOV and YouTube
11. Virector
Virector is a free video editing software developed by Visual Paradigm. It provides basic tools to create and edit videos without spending a dime. Some key features of Virector include a simple drag-and-drop interface and basic timeline editing tools to rearrange clips, add transitions, overlay audio, and more.
Pros: Some key advantages of using Virector include: – Simple drag and drop interface that is easy for beginners to use. – Basic timeline editing tools to arrange and cut clips. – Ability to add transitions, titles, and overlays. – Free version covers essential video editing tasks.
Cons: The free version of Virector has some limitations. Videos can only be exported up to 360p resolution. More advanced features like chroma keying, multi-track editing and themes are only available in paid versions.
Pricing: Virector has both free and paid versions. The free version covers basic video editing needs. Upgrade options start from $39.95/year for Virector Pro which removes export limitations and adds more effects. Commercial use requires a $69.95/year Virector Business license.
Virector is used by over 500,000 users worldwide. It is one of the highest rated free video editors on the Google Play Store with a rating of 4.5/5 from over 10,000 reviews. The free version allows import of common video formats like MP4, MOV, and AVI up to 2GB in size.
12. Magisto
Magisto is an AI-powered online video editing software developed by Vimeo. It allows users to easily create professional looking videos without any design or editing experience. Magisto automatically analyzes uploaded photos and video clips and uses machine learning to create a video timeline with suggested layouts, transitions, music and captions.
Pros: Some key advantages of Magisto include:
– AI-powered automatic video creation saves a lot of time.
– User-friendly interface makes video editing simple for beginners.
– Free basic plan offers all core features like video trimming and filters.
– Large library of stock media included for easy customization.
– Publish videos directly to social platforms like Facebook and YouTube.
Cons: The main disadvantage of Magisto’s free plan is the watermark added to exported videos. To remove this, users need to upgrade to a paid premium plan.
Pricing: Magisto offers the following pricing plans:
– Free Plan: Allows creation of 3 videos per month up to 1 minute each with a watermark.
– Premium Plan: $8/month. Removes watermark and increases upload limits.
Some key stats about Magisto include:
– Over 300 million videos created on the platform.
– Used across 150 countries worldwide.
– Offers over 5000 stock videos, 500 songs and 50 filters and effects.
– Automatic video creation takes only 5 minutes on average.
13. Kdenlive
Kdenlive is a powerful free and open source cross-platform video editing program made by the KDE community. Feature rich and production ready, Kdenlive aims to provide both freedom and advanced video editing capabilities to all users.
Pros: Some key advantages of using Kdenlive include:
– Free and open source software, no subscription fees
– Timeline based nonlinear editing for assembling projects
– Support multiple formats and codecs without additional codecs to purchase
– Advanced features like masking, compositing and graphics capabilities
– Large collection of free plugins and presets available
Cons: Despite being a powerful free option, some disadvantages of Kdenlive include:
– Can be more difficult for beginners to learn compared to commercial software
– Lacks some high-end features of paid software like Adobe Premiere
Pricing: Kdenlive is completely free to download and use with no subscription or licensing fees required. All code is open source under the GPL license.
Some key stats about Kdenlive include:
– Used by both commercial studios and amateur filmmakers worldwide
– Over 20 years of active development
– Support for multiple formats and codecs out of the box
– Available for Windows, Linux and macOS
14. Lightworks
Lightworks is a professional non-linear video editing software available on Windows, Linux and Mac. It has been used to edit numerous Hollywood films like Pulp Fiction, The Wolf of Wall Street, District 9 and more. Lightworks offers a unique video editing journey for all levels – from complete beginners to experienced pros.
Pros: Some key advantages of using Lightworks:
– It offers professional level features like multi-track timeline, color correction tools etc. completely free of cost
– Advanced editing tools allow users to take their productions to the next level
– Flexible toolkit helps streamline video workflows for any project
– Actively developed software with regular updates and new features
Cons: The only key disadvantage is that it has a slightly steeper learning curve compared to basic video editors since it offers so many advanced tools and features.
Pricing: Lightworks offers a free Basic package that has all the essential editing tools. There are also Premium monthly and annual subscription plans that unlock additional capabilities starting at $24.95/month.
Some key stats about Lightworks:
– Been in the video editing industry for over 25 years
– Used on over 300 major motion pictures
– Available for Windows, Linux and Mac
– Supports advanced editing tools like 4K resolution, multi-cam editing etc.
15. Vyond
Vyond is a free 2D animation software that allows users to create professional animated videos without prior experience. Vyond is used by both individuals and businesses to create animated videos for training, marketing, tutorials and more.
Pros: Some key advantages of Vyond include:
– It is free to use with no limits on export
– No coding or technical skills required to create animated videos
– Large library of pre-made characters and scenes for quick video creation
– Intuitive drag-and-drop interface makes video creation simple
– Ability to export and embed videos for websites and social media
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that the free plan only allows watermarks on exported videos. For commercial use or unbranded videos, an upgraded paid plan is required.
Pricing: Vyond offers both free and paid plans. The free basic plan allows unlimited export but videos will contain a Vyond watermark. Starting from $49/month, paid plans remove watermarks and offer additional features like custom characters and branding options.
Some key stats about Vyond include:
– Used by over 5 million users worldwide
– Over 1 billion videos created on the platform
– Pre-made library of over 1,000 characters and scenes
– Export videos in multiple formats and sizes for sharing
Conclusion
Whether you need a simple editor for quick mobile edits or advanced features for professional productions, there is a great free video editing option for any budget or skill level. We hope this review of the top 15 free video editors helps you find the tool that best fits your needs and creative projects. Be sure to consider your workflow, format compatibility and features when choosing.