Introduction
Whether you’re a video creator just starting out or a professional looking to upgrade your editing software, choosing the right video editing program can be an overwhelming task. There are so many options on the market across different price points and intended use cases. In this article, we evaluate and compare 15 of the top video editing software programs based on key factors like features, ease of use, pricing, platform support and popularity to help you identify the best fit for your needs.
Methods of Evaluation
To determine the top 15 video editing programs, we evaluated each one based on the following conventional factors: features, ease of use, pricing, platform support, popularity and reviews. In addition, we also factored in modern metrics like number of backlinks, organic traffic and keyword search trends over the last year to better ascertain real-world demand and usage.
1. Apple Final Cut Pro
Apple Final Cut Pro is a professional non-linear video editing software application developed by Apple Inc. for macOS. It is a complete video editing suite that allows users to log and transcribe video, edit multimedia clips, add transitions, titles, and effects, and output to a wide variety of formats.
Pros: Some key advantages of Apple Final Cut Pro include: It is only video editing software designed specifically for macOS which allows seamless integration with other Mac and iOS devices. It has an intuitive interface that is optimized for macOS and Apple hardware. It includes powerful tracking and masking tools for advanced color correction and compositing. Users can easily export projects in popular formats for all platforms.
Cons: A potential disadvantage of Apple Final Cut Pro is that it is only available on macOS which limits its platform availability compared to options that are cross-platform.
Pricing: Apple Final Cut Pro retails for $299.99 but is also available through a free 30-day trial. Annual updates are sold separately for $99.99 to access the latest features and upgrades.
Some key stats about Apple Final Cut Pro include: It has been the most popular video editing software for macOS for over 10 years. Over 500,000 creative professionals rely on Final Cut Pro worldwide. It ranks as the #1 video editing software by market share according to numerous industry reports.
2. Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is a video editing software developed and marketed by Adobe Inc. It is considered the industry standard for professional video editing. With over 25 years in the market, Premiere Pro allows users to import, edit and composite media for video, film, DVD, the web and mobile devices.
Pros: Some key advantages of Adobe Premiere Pro include:
– Considered the industry standard video editing software
– Extensive feature set for professional video editing
– Supports 360-degree and VR video editing
– Advanced color correction and grading tools
– Works seamlessly with other Adobe apps like After Effects and Photoshop
Cons: One potential disadvantage is the monthly subscription cost as part of Adobe Creative Cloud which may not be suitable for all budgets.
Pricing: Adobe Premiere Pro is available through a monthly or annual subscription as part of Adobe Creative Cloud. Pricing starts from $20.99/month or $239.88/year for the Individual Plan.
Some key stats about Adobe Premiere Pro include:
– Used by Hollywood studios and filmmakers for major motion pictures
– Has over 15 million users worldwide
– Part of the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription
– Constantly updated with new features and enhancements
3. Avidemux
Avidemux is a free and open source video editor developed by the Free Software Foundation. It has been available since 2002 and works on Windows, Linux, and macOS. While more basic than paid video editing software, Avidemux provides essential trimming, cutting, and filtering tools for free.
Pros: Advantages of using Avidemux include:
– Free and open source software with no subscription fees
– Works across Windows, Linux, and macOS
– Basic trimming, filtering, and effects tools
– Batch encoding for bulk file conversion
– Active developer community provides regular updates
Cons: The main disadvantage of Avidemux is that it provides only basic editing functionality. More advanced features like multi-track timelines, animation, and advanced effects are not available.
Pricing: Avidemux is completely free to download and use with no subscription or licensing fees required. Additional donations are accepted to help support ongoing development.
Some key facts and stats about Avidemux include:
– Used by over 20 million users worldwide
– Available in over 30 language translations
– Non-linear timeline editing allows cutting and moving clips freely
4. Blender
Blender is a free and open-source 3D creation suite used for modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking video editing. It supports the entirety of the digital content creation process.
Pros: Some key advantages of Blender include:
– Free to use which saves on software costs
– Open source making it highly customizable and modifiable
– Full-fledged 3D modeling, animation and rendering tool
– Integrated video editor for motion tracking, compositing and color grading
– Active development community ensuring frequent updates and support
Cons: One potential disadvantage of Blender is the steeper learning curve compared to some paid alternatives. As an open source tool, it doesn’t have the same level of handholding and guidance that commercial products provide through tutorials and documentation.
Pricing: Blender is completely free to use with no costs. The software itself as well as all add-ons, asset libraries and extensions are free for both personal and commercial use.
Some key stats about Blender include:
– Over 2 million registered users worldwide
– Open source and free to use and distribute
– Used in numerous films, TV shows and video games
– Constant development and updates with new features added regularly
– Cross-platform compatibility with Windows, macOS and Linux
BlenderThe Freedom to Createblender.org
5. Camtasia
Camtasia is a popular screen recording and video editing software developed by TechSmith. It allows users to record their computer screen and webcam and capture audio to create tutorials, lessons, training videos and more. Camtasia has been the go-to tool for video creators and educators for over 20 years.
Pros: Some key advantages of Camtasia include:
– Screen recording and editing tool
– Easy to use interface for beginners
– Built-in tools for creating tutorials
– Offers templates and customizable themes
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that Camtasia is a more robust and complex software compared to simpler screen recording tools. It may have a steeper learning curve for newcomers to video editing.
Pricing: Camtasia is available with different pricing plans depending on need. A 1-year subscription for the Standard version is $249 while the Technician version is $349. Discounts are available for educational customers and volume licensing is also possible for businesses and enterprises.
Some key stats about Camtasia include:
– Used by over 20 million educators, businesses and creators worldwide
– Compatible with Windows and Mac
– Allow users to record up to 8 hours of HD video
6. FilmoraPro
FilmoraPro is a professional video editing software developed by Wondershare. It provides advanced tools for editing, compositing, color correcting and enhancing videos. Some key features include support for 360 and 4K footage, motion tracking, masking, keyframing, multi-layer compositing and advanced color correction panels.
Pros: Some key advantages of FilmoraPro include:
– Feature-rich tool for advanced video editing
– Support for 360 and 4K footage
– Motion tracking, masking and keyframing capabilities
– Multi-layer video compositing
– Advanced color correction panels for professional color grading
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that as a professional video editing software, FilmoraPro has a higher learning curve compared to basic video editors. It may take some time for new users to learn how to utilize all the advanced features.
Pricing: FilmoraPro offers different pricing plans including a perpetual license and subscription plans starting at $79.99 per year. Educational discounts are also available. A free trial version can also be downloaded from the Wondershare website.
Some key stats and facts about FilmoraPro include:
– Used by over 100 million users worldwide
– Supports over 800 advanced video formats for import and export
– Has a library of thousands of royalty-free audio, video clips and images
– Available for Windows and MacOS
7. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
Corel VideoStudio Ultimate is a popular consumer-level video editing software designed for PC. It provides basic yet useful tools to help users create and edit home videos, YouTube videos, presentations and other creative projects.
Pros: Some key advantages of Corel VideoStudio Ultimate include:
– Beginner friendly nonlinear editing
– Basic color correction and effects
– Title creation and motion graphics
– Multi-camera editing
– Good support community
Cons: A key disadvantage is that it lacks some advanced features found in professional video editing software such as advanced color grading, masking, keyframing and effects.
Pricing: Corel VideoStudio Ultimate retails for $99.99 for a single license. Discounts are available when purchasing as part of a bundle or through special offers on Corel’s website.
Some key stats about Corel VideoStudio Ultimate include:
– Available for Windows only
– Beginner-friendly nonlinear editing interface
– Over 300 special effects, transitions and titles
– Support for 360 video editing
– Real-time color correction and adjustments
– Basic motion tracking capabilities
8. Avid Media Composer
Avid Media Composer is a professional video editing software developed and marketed by Avid Technology. For over 30 years, Avid has been the editing software of choice for Hollywood productions. It provides advanced tools and workflows for professional video editing.
Pros: The key advantages of Avid Media Composer include:
– Used in Hollywood productions
– Advanced tools for professional use such as multi-layer timeline editing
– Exports to industry-standard formats like H.264, ProRes, and DPX
– Integrates with other creative tools like Adobe Premiere
Cons: The main disadvantage is the higher learning curve and cost compared to consumer video editing software. As a professional tool, there is a steeper initial investment of time and money required to learn how to use Avid Media Composer effectively.
Pricing: Avid Media Composer pricing starts at $49.99/month for an individual license. Other subscription plans are available for small workgroups and multiple seats. Perpetual licenses can also be purchased starting around $2,500.
Some key stats about Avid Media Composer include:
– Used on over 90% of Hollywood feature films
– Integrates seamlessly with other professional video and audio tools
– Multi-layer timeline allows complex editing of multi-camera footage
9. Clipchamp
Clipchamp is a free online and desktop video editing software from Anthropic, PBC. Founded in 2014, Clipchamp allows users to easily create and edit videos directly from their web browser or with its Windows desktop app. Some key features include a simple and intuitive interface, basic timeline and trimming tools, unlimited storage and sharing capabilities.
Pros: Some key advantages of Clipchamp include:
– Minimalistic and simple interface that is intuitive for beginners
– Basic trimming, splitting and timeline arrangements tools
– Unlimited cloud storage for all project files and exports
– Built-in collaboration tools like comments on timeline
Cons: One potential disadvantage is the lack of advanced editing tools found in other paid video editors. Clipchamp is best suited for basic trimming, arranging and light edits rather than complex multi-track compositions.
Pricing: Clipchamp offers all of its features for free with no watermarks or export limitations. There are no paid tiers or subscriptions required to use Clipchamp.
Some key stats about Clipchamp include:
– Used by over 5 million users worldwide
– Available as a free online editor in any web browser
– Downloadable Windows app available in addition to online editor
– Unlimited storage and export of videos up to 4K resolution
10. Pinnacle Studio
Pinnacle Studio is an advanced yet easy to use video editing software developed by Pinnacle Systems. Available for Windows, Pinnacle Studio offers powerful and precise video editing tools that inspire limitless creative opportunities for advanced moviemaking.
Pros: Some key advantages of Pinnacle Studio include:
– Easy to use interface suitable for beginners yet offers advanced features
– Includes a wide range of effects and transitions for creative projects
– Robust color correction and color grading tools
– Powerful green screen keying and overlay tools
– Support for advanced multi-camera editing workflows
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that the software is Windows only, so it cannot be used on Mac or Linux systems.
Pricing: Pinnacle Studio pricing starts at $79.95 for the Standard edition and $99.95 for the Ultimate edition. Both come with a free 30-day trial. Educational discounts and volume licensing is also available for businesses and organizations.
Some key stats and facts about Pinnacle Studio include:
– Has been in the video editing software market for over 25 years
– Used by both amateur users and professionals worldwide
– Supports up to 8 video and audio tracks
– Allows multi-camera editing with up to 32 cameras
11. WeVideo
WeVideo is a free online video editing tool that allows users to create professional looking videos without having to download any software. Founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, WeVideo is one of the most popular online video editors, with over 30 million users worldwide.
Pros: Some key advantages of WeVideo include:
– Online collaborative editing – Multiple users can work on a project simultaneously from any browser
– Intuitive timeline interface – Drag and drop clips onto a timeline for easy arranging and trimming
– Overlay images, text, clips – Add captions, logos, pictures, and more directly onto your video
– Export presets – Export video and images in various sizes and formats for sharing on YouTube, Vimeo, social media and more
Cons: One potential disadvantage of WeVideo is that it only offers a free basic plan, so advanced features like project file size over 2GB or commercial use would require an upgraded paid plan. It also lacks some advanced editing tools found in paid desktop video editing software.
Pricing: WeVideo offers a free basic plan that supports projects up to 2GB in size with watermarks. Paid plans start at $13/month and remove watermarks while increasing project size limits and adding advanced features.
Some key stats about WeVideo include:
– Over 30 million users globally
– Used by over 80,000 schools and businesses
– Supports over 1000 video, image, and audio file formats
– Projects can be up to 2GB in size
12. Luminar
Luminar is a photo editing software developed by Skylum that offers both photo and basic video editing capabilities. In addition to photo editing tools, Luminar also provides some basic features for editing home videos. Key components include one-click filters and looks, AI features like sky and portrait enhancements, and basic tools for splicing video clips together.
Pros: Some key advantages of Luminar include:
– Intuitive and easy to use interface for beginners.
– Powerful one-click filters and looks save time spent editing.
– AI features automate tasks like sky and portrait enhancements.
– Basic video editing functions allow editing home movies.
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that Luminar’s video editing capabilities are limited compared to dedicated video editing software. Advanced editing functions like transitions, titles, chroma keying etc are not supported.
Pricing: Luminar is available in the following pricing tiers:
– Luminar Neo (basic) – $89 for new licenses.
– Luminar AI (advanced features) – $79 annually or $89 for lifetime license.
Both licenses support for both Mac and Windows operating systems.
Some key stats and facts about Luminar include:
– Available on both Windows and Mac operating systems.
– Over 30+ one-click AI filters and looks to enhance photos and videos.
– ML-powered sky replacement, portrait enhancer and other AI-driven tools.
– Basic video trimming, splitting and arranging capabilities.
13. Kdenlive
Kdenlive is a free and open source cross-platform video editing software developed by the KDE community. It has been designed to meet the needs of advanced amateur and professional video producers. Kdenlive can be used on Linux, Windows and macOS operating systems.
Pros: Some key advantages of Kdenlive include:
– Free to use with no watermarks or export limitations
– Open source software with active developer community
– Powerful and flexible multi-track timeline editing
– Wide range of professional transitions, effects and color correction tools
– Optimized proxy and preset workflows for efficient editing
Cons: One potential disadvantage is that Kdenlive’s interface may have a relatively steep learning curve for beginners compared to more simplified video editors.
Pricing: Kdenlive is completely free to download and use. There are no subscription or purchase fees.
Some key stats about Kdenlive include:
– Over 1.5 million downloads annually
– Available in over 40 languages
– Used in professional video studios and film productions
– Actively developed since its launch in 2002
14. Lightworks
Lightworks is a non-linear video editing software developed by EditShare. Originally launched in 1989, Lightworks has been used to edit numerous Hollywood blockbusters such as Pulp Fiction, The Wolf of Wall Street, and The King’s Speech. It is considered one of the most versatile and powerful video editing software available.
Pros: Some key advantages of Lightworks include:
– Free and paid versions available allowing users to experience the software before purchasing
– Hardware accelerated real-time editing allows for smooth playback of high resolution footage
– Multicam clip editing and compositing allows assembly of scenes shot with multiple cameras
– Exports to popular formats like H.264, ProRes, and DNxHD suitable for digital distribution
Cons: A potential disadvantage is that the free version has some export limitations compared to the paid Pro version. Advanced features like stereoscopic 3D editing are only available in the paid versions as well.
Pricing: Lightworks is available in both free and paid versions. The free version offers a full-featured editor but with export limitations. The paid Pro version starts at $49.95/month or $299/year and unlocks all export formats and resolution along with premium support.
Some key stats and facts about Lightworks include:
– Used professionally to edit major Hollywood films for over 25 years
– Available in both free and paid versions
– Features hardware accelerated editing for smooth playback of 4K and higher resolution footage
– Allows multicam clip editing with synchronized playback of up to 24 video and audio tracks
– Offers advanced color correction and compositing tools
15. Lumen5
Lumen5 is an AI-powered video creation platform that enables anyone to easily create engaging video content without any video editing experience. Using their proprietary AI technologies, Lumen5 can automatically turn text, images or slide decks into high-quality videos within minutes.
Pros: Some key advantages of Lumen5 include:
– AI video editing made easy with their no-code drag and drop interface
– Generates videos directly from text, images or slide decks without any video editing know-how
– Style transfer and voice dubbing capabilities for further customization
– Free plan available with a watermark that can be removed with an affordable paid plan
Cons: One potential disadvantage is the inability to do advanced video editing like trimming clips, dynamic video effects, detailed animation etc. However, for basic video creation needs their no-code interface works well.
Pricing: Lumen5 offers both free and paid plans. The free plan watermarks the final video. Paid plans start at $29/month and remove the watermark. Additional customizations like voiceovers and music tracks are available as in-app purchases.
Some key stats about Lumen5 include:
– Used by over 500,000 creators globally
– Created over 5 million videos since launch
– Export videos to over 15 different formats including YouTube, Facebook, LinkedIn and more
– Integrates with tools like Google Slides, Canva and Unsplash for sourcing visual assets
Conclusion
Whether you’re a beginner just getting started with video editing or a professional looking for a powerful tool to take your production to the next level, this comprehensive evaluation of the top 15 video editing software options will help you choose the right one. While there are many factors to consider like intended use case, budget and platform preference, we hope this guide provides a good starting point for selecting video editing software that best suits your specific needs and workflow.