9 Best Video Editing Software for Beginners and Pros
Video editing software has become an essential tool for creating engaging and dynamic video content, whether it is for personal or professional projects. All of those video editing programs have strengths and weaknesses.
Some of those programs are complicated to use with a steep learning curve, while others are designed for simplicity. So how you know which one to choose?
Best 9 video editing software of 2023
Among a sea of video editing software, it’s challenging to choose. So, we took our time to explore the popular ones that most professionals recommend.
Here are the top 9 video editing software for beginners and pros based on their features, performance, capabilities, and price.
Let’s have an overview of them.
1. Movavi Video Editor
Movavi Video Editor is a perfect choice for those who want to learn the ins and outs of how to edit videos. It offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of features, from basic cutting and cropping to more advanced tools like AI background removal and denoizer.
You can experiment with different editing techniques and use the software’s built-in library of sound effects, music, and animated titles to make your videos look more professional. The video editor also allows users to add subtitles to video, incorporate special effects, and use transitions and filters to enhance the video’s visual appeal.
Movavi Video Editor supports many popular video and audio formats like MP4, MOV, AVI, WMV, etc., and provides quick export to platforms like YouTube, Vimeo, TikTok, Telegram, and others.
Compatibility
- Apart from the desktop version, Movavi has apps for both IOS & android phones.
Features
- Fast video rendering and export times
- Chroma-key capabilities
- Exquisite filters, effects & transition
- Built-in uploading & speedy exporting
Pros
- Supports multiple formats
- Video management & stabilization
- Content watermarking
- Useful for both amateur and skilled video editors
Cons
- Lacking some most-sought features is reported
Price
Pricing starts at $49.95. Movavi also has a 7-day free trial. Download it here!
Apart from that, the video suite is priced into three categories.
- Video Editor
- Video Editor + Effect Packs
- Video Suite + Effect Packs (more apps included).
Read our special Movavi Video Editor Review here.
2. Adobe Premier Pro
Adobe Premiere is an industrial-grade video editor. Even so, it is a great choice for beginners who want to start editing videos with pre-made video templates. A simple interface makes it straightforward to learn the basics of video editing relatively quickly.
The software has a nonlinear interface, extensive toolkits, and unmatched import, processing, and export capabilities. It also provides many features for professional-level video edits, such as color correction, audio editing, and special effects.
One of the best things about Adobe Premiere Elements is that it can handle a wide range of video formats and export 4K and 360-degree footage. However, the price might be expensive for some users, as it requires a subscription to access certain advanced tools.
Compatibility
- This featureful Adobe premiere pro integrates with Creative Cloud apps and works on Windows and macOS.
Features
- Supports 4K, 8K, and VR formats
- Supports diverse multi-cam angles
- Offers stabilization tool for videos
Pros
- Portable with other Adobe tools
- Segregated workspace for editing, audio, and effects
- Meets individual and collaborative needs of professional
Cons
- Requires a robust system to activate
Price
Adobe premiere pro offers a 7-day free trial. However, the premium versions have different pricing structures, starting at $20.99/month.
3. iMovie
iMovie is free video editing software that comes preinstalled on all Apple devices. The software provides an intuitive interface that’s easy for beginners to navigate, and it offers some basic editing features such as trimming, cropping, and adding transitions.
Unlike other video editing software, iMovie doesn’t offer many complex tools, but it’s great for quickly creating videos with titles and adding great effects. You can also export videos in HD, Full HD, or 4K and share them directly to YouTube and Facebook.
Compatibility
- It works only on Apple devices.
Features
- It has color matching for movie-like looks
- Offers quality movie templates and better video capabilities
- Has impressive tools for media organizing, color grading, soundtracks, and more.
Pros
- It has an intuitive interface
- Offers basic level editing
- Pre-built templates and themes
Cons
- Limited advanced editing features
Price
iMovie is free both on Mac and iOS.
4. Wondershare Filmora
Wondershare Filmora is also easy-to-use software available on the market. It continuously adopts new features with the latest versions, making it one of the competitive tool effects for video editors. The tool has a wide range of effective features and a really fast exporting speed.
The latest versions of Filmora have brought many advancements. For example, AI-powered tools like AI copywriting & AI smart cutout upgraded video effects and templates, real-time editing, and many more. As a result, it has become one of the smooth video software tools.
Compatibility
- The Filmora video editor is available for macOS and Windows.
Features
- Built-in effects, filters, titles
- Hundreds of presets stored
- Royalty-free music storage
- AI-supported features: Cutout, Stretch, Denoise, etc.
Pros
- Simple user interface
- Good for new learners
- Reasonable pricing
- Precise work might get interrupted
Price
It has a free version, but every video will have a watermark.
Filmora has segmented its pricing under different categories based on the purposes of Individuals: Teams & Businesses, Educational, and Bundles. You can choose your needs and will be charged according to that.
5. Lightworks
Lightworks is an incredibly powerful yet easy-to-use video editor. It includes many features, such as drag-and-drop editing, a multitrack timeline, and support for all popular video formats. It’s also packed with professional-level tools, such as chroma key compositing, advanced color correction, and audio mixing.
Lightworks is a great choice for new video editors who want to learn the ropes and get up to speed quickly. It has a straightforward workflow and a user-friendly interface, plus plenty of tutorials, and it also provides tutorials and step-by-step guides to help get you familiar with the software.
Compatibility
- Lightworks is compatible with Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
Features
- Allows importing any type of media file.
- Delivers videos direct to any social platform.
- Ensures seamless processing through proxy workflow, instant autosave, creative controls, etc.
Pros
- Easy to learn and use
- Export to various formats
- A library of royalty-free video and audio files
Cons
- Occasionally crashes for some users
- Slow render speed
Price
There is a free version available at Lightworks. Even so, there are 2 premium versions available at Lightworks Create ($9.99) and Lightworks Pro ($23.99).
6. Final Cut Pro X
Final Cut Pro is also an Apple software with a modern interface. It is packed with a wide range of high-level features and is definitely a worthy tool for professionals for TV, movies, etc.
The latest version of Final Cut Pro has incorporated a lot of intelligent motion tracks, voice solutions, duplicate clip detection, performance improvements, and many more.
Compatibility
- It works only on Apple computers.
Features
- Magnetic timeline
- Advanced level color balancing
- Fast performer in editing, rendering, motion graphics, and everything
Pros
- Supports 360-degree footage
- Offers resources for new learners
- Offers organizing features such as libraries, ratings, tagging, etc
Cons
- No Windows version is available
Price
Final Cut Pro has a free trial option applicable for 90 days. The premium version costs $299.99.
7. CyberLink PowerDirector
Both beginners and experienced users can find the necessary tools and features in CyberLink PowerDirector to support their video editing requirements. Although it’s powerful, the software features a simple and intuitive interface that lets users easily access functions and settings.
Customizable templates can be combined with video intros and outros and matched to any video theme and style. You can use smart presets to enhance videos with stunning special effects, and the software supports various formats and resolutions.
Compatibility
- This tool is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Features
- Has editing and formatting tools like mask & title designer, PiP designer, etc.
- Has an AI motion key and Chroma Key for artistic creation.
- Includes a large free library of stock media with over 8 million stock videos, photos, music, and more.
Pros
- Supports 4K resolution and 360-degree video editing
- Includes a large library of stock media
- Compatible with Windows and macOS
Cons
- Some advanced features require a subscription
- The free version has limited functionality and a watermark on videos
Price
It has both free and paid versions available. The paid version costs $43.33/month, and various pricing plans are available.
8. Davinci Resolve Studio
DaVinci Resolve is professional-level software with advanced editing features and video production tools. It includes astonishing features like extensive color grading tools, audio editing features, special effects, video collages, collaboration works on the same projects, and many more.
The software has excellent color grading tools to enhance the colors and contrast of videos to create a cinematic look. It features powerful audio editing to adjust the sound levels, add effects, and remove unwanted background noise.
DaVinci Resolve also has multi-camera editing capabilities, allowing editors to easily and quickly switch between shots and view them in the same timeline.
Compatibility
- It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, etc.
Features
- Node-based editing
- Excellent color grading tools
- Category-leading speed rendering
Pros
- Fast and easy to use
- Free version available
- Has motion graphics & numerous tools
Cons
- Might take some time to learn
Price
DaVinci Resolve has both free and paid versions. The paid version, DaVinci Resolve Studio 18, costs $295.
9. VSDC Video Editor
VSDC Video Editor is pretty basic but offers all the features to quickly and easily edit videos. It can handle multiple audio and video clips and non-linear editing and offers various 3D effects, text overlays, transitions, and more.
While the interface is outdated, the features are up-to-date and well-organized. The software also boasts enhanced features like masking and blending tools, slow-motion effects, color correction, and a green screen.
Compatibility
- It works on Windows.
Features
- Supports all formats and codecs of images, videos, and audio.
- Allows attaching elements to moving objects.
- The assistance of an AI generator for an artistic outlook.
- Has subpixel accuracy for animation, transformation, precise relative positioning, etc.
Pros
- Free to use
- A good set of features for beginners
- Supports Full HD and 4K videos
Cons
- Clunky user interface
- Rendering can take a while
Price
VSDC Video Editor is available in free and pro versions. The pro version costs $19.99.
Considerations
If you are interested in some other software than we mentioned, consider the following factors before going for it.
These will work to your advantage, making you understand how the tool functions and performs and if it suits your purpose.
Features
If you love to add some fascination to your videos, check the features of your software. Updation of new features with the latest versions is a given. Make a shortlist of the software to make your search easier.
Supported formats
As video editing tools evolve, many support drone, 360-camera, or action videos to ensure high-quality export. Ensure your preferred software has that support if you require that.
Ease of use
Though abundant software exists to edit videos, not each tool is for everyone. If you are a beginner, you should opt for beginner-oriented software; if you are a skilled editor, you might seek new advanced features.
Free trial
Most video editing tools have free trial options. So, make sure to check all the features of the latest version and find out how those works and if those are a good fit for your needs.
Pricing
There are many tools available for free. But the premium versions offer way more control and precision with the features. So, if you are willing to use the paid version, check the pricing to find one that matches your budget.
Reviews
Don’t forget to check the first-hand experience. Reviews are the best form you can learn about almost anything of software. So, do your fair share of research on users’ reviews.
Client support
Running new software might sometime make things incomprehensible for you, and the swift solution is to reach the client support section. Make sure to look at the client support section for any emergency.
Wrapping Up
This article provides some of the most user-friendly and affordable software options for new creators wondering how best to edit their videos.
Finding the best video editing software can depend on the kinds of videos you want to create and the features you need. Some content creators prefer Mac products, while others seek Windows-only options.
Advanced features and editing capabilities that come with professional video productions can often be expensive, so if you start with video editing, a more affordable solution may still provide all the tools and functionality needed.
*Photo by Sanjeev Nagaraj
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