Nowadays, there are countless video editors with prices and features that can vary. Therefore, for many filmmakers , it is not easy to make a decision on which video editing software to choose. Obviously, there is no universal answer to this question, but we want to share a Top 10 of what we consider to be the best video editing programs.
Free Video Editing Software
Before we go into detail about the programs, it’s important to remember that, today, there are endless possibilities. Most video editors are software that you must install on your computer, but there are also some online options.
In terms of prices, the quantities also vary greatly. You can find free video editing software that offers basic functionality. However, if you are looking for a professional video editor, we recommend opting for paid software as it will usually offer you a wider range of editing and export possibilities.
That is why, in today’s post, we are going to recommend some paid options but, if you are looking for free video editors, we recommend you check out our previous post in which we shared 5 free alternatives to Premiere Pro.
Best Video Editors
Now, let’s go with what we consider to be the 10 best video editing software.
1. Adobe Premiere Pro
Without a doubt, Adobe Premiere Pro is the best-known video editing software, both for beginners and professionals, and it really offers very good features. Its most important advantages are that it allows you to operate on sequences of any format, add color effects and looks or lower the volume of the audios. In addition, although it requires a certain period of learning, as you master it you will discover its infinite possibilities.
If you want to discover more aspects about its use, you can check out our previous post about Premiere in which we told you how to use this well-known video editor.
Price: $22.99/month
Platform: Windows and Mac
2. Adobe Premiere Elements
Adobe Premiere Elements is much more accessible to beginners than its big brother, Premiere Pro. The main advantages of this video editing program is that it has face detection and audio effects and tracks. If you are looking for a program to edit videos easily, it will be your best option.
Price: $99.99
Platform: Windows and Mac
3. Adobe After Effects
Adobe After Effects is an add-on for Adobe Premiere Pro that requires a slightly more advanced level. Therefore, it is an ideal tool to achieve totally professional video effects. It allows you to manipulate scenes, remove and paste objects, create animations, 3D graphics with movement… In short, it is an ideal tool to make any effect or surprising graphics.
Price: $22.99/month
Platform: Windows and Mac
4. Final Cut Pro X
If you’re a Mac user, Final Cut Pro will also be a very good alternative. It is a program very similar to Adobe Premiere Pro and represents a somewhat more advanced version of iMovie, since it offers many options that Apple’s program does not contemplate.
This program allows the editing of 360º video, audio and animated graphics, including recording of a wide range of colors and titles in 2 and 3D.
Price: $299.99
Platform: Mac
5. Vegas Pro
Vegas started out as just an audio editor and, probably for this reason, you can see the special care he takes in this aspect. It is true that, compared to other video editing programs, it has some imperfections. The advantage is that it is updated regularly, offering innovations that make it more and more interesting.
Price: $19.99/month
Platform: Windows
6. Avid Media Composer
Avid Media Composer was one of the first professional solutions to be introduced in TV channel rooms and movie studios. To this day, it is still very common in the professional sector due to its dynamic workflow in high-resolution projects. Another point in its favor is that it offers a free version in case you want to try it before making the purchase decision.
Price: $39.99/month
Platform: Windows and Mac
7. Lightworks
Lightworks is one of the most powerful professional video editors on the market and one of the most famous in the film scene. It has well-known features and resources, and it can also boast of being one of the fastest editing tools on the market.
It is also interesting to know that it has a free version that offers many possibilities, but only allows you to export in 720p quality. Depending on where the video is to be shown, it may be enough, but for YouTube or Vimeo, it will be clearly insufficient.
Price: $27.99/month
Platform: Windows, Mac and Linux
8. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
Corel VideoStudio Ultimate is another very good option among the most advanced programs due to its large number of effects and functionalities. One of the main advantages at the interface level is that it is very practical and easy to use.
This video editor allows you to work in multi-camera editing, with 4K files and 360-degree virtual reality support. It also offers a library with various music options and a wide variety of visual effects.
Price: $59,99
Platform: Windows
9. Pinnacle Studio
Pinnacle Studio is ideal whether you’re taking on your first video edit or have some experience, as it allows you to customise the interface to suit a beginner or a more professional profile. The main advantage of this video editing program is that it offers a huge variety of titles, effects, and templates. In addition, its price is also very competitive…
Price: 59,95€
Platform: Windows
10. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is especially known by colorists, as the strong point of this video editing program is the color correction capability. It offers a free version with some limitations and the good thing about its paid license is that you only pay once and not month by month, like other platforms we have seen above.
Price: $295
Platform: Windows, Mac and Linux
Ready to start editing your videos?
In short, as you will have seen throughout the post, the range of possibilities is very wide. As always, deciding on one option or the other will obviously depend on the budget, but we also recommend that you take into account the needs of the project.