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Video editing software has become increasingly popular and accessible in recent years. Whether you’re a professional filmmaker or a hobbyist looking to create engaging videos for social media, there are plenty of options to choose from. In this article, we will provide recommendations for the best video editing software available, taking into account features, ease of use, and compatibility with different devices and formats.
Why Video Editing Software Matters
Video has become a crucial medium for online content, with platforms like YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, and news sites relying heavily on moving images with sound. Additionally, the growing availability of high-resolution video capture devices, such as smartphones, GoPros, DSLRs, and mirrorless cameras, has made video editing software essential for creating high-quality videos. The best video editing software should cater to both professionals and hobbyists, supporting newer formats and higher resolutions, such as 4K and beyond.
Our Top Tested Picks
To help you make an informed decision, we have tested and reviewed several video editing software options. Here are our top recommendations:
1. CyberLink PowerDirector 365
- Best for Tons of Tools and Ease of Use
- Rating: 5.0 Exemplary
CyberLink PowerDirector 365 is an industry leader in speed and support for new video formats and effects. It offers a wide range of features, including multicam editing, motion tracking, and keyframed effects. Despite its extensive feature set, the program interface is clear and user-friendly. PowerDirector is suitable for serious video enthusiasts, YouTubers, and even professionals who want to make the most of their clips without the need for advanced film knowledge.
Pros:
– Fast project rendering
– Clear, usable interface
– Loads of effects and AI tools
– Multicam and motion tracking
– Screen recording
Cons:
– Number of options can be overwhelming at times
2. Adobe Premiere Pro
- Best for Professional Video Editing
- Rating: 4.5 Outstanding
Adobe Premiere Pro is an industry standard among professional video editing applications. It offers a wide range of effects, color tools, collaboration features, and output options. Recent updates have added impressive auto-captioning and text-based video editing capabilities. Premiere Pro is available for both macOS and Windows and is ideal for professional video editors and teams who require advanced editing and collaboration features.
Pros:
– Clear, flexible interface
– Many organization and collaboration tools
– Responsive speed and fast rendering
– Excellent stabilization tool
– Unlimited multicam angles
Cons:
– Intimidating interface for nonprofessionals
– Some techniques require additional applications, such as After Effects or Media Encoder
– No sound effect samples included
3. Apple Final Cut Pro
- Best for Professional Editing on Macs
- Rating: 4.5 Outstanding
Apple Final Cut Pro offers a modern interface with a “trackless” timeline. It provides a deep set of tools and capabilities, making it a popular choice among professionals. Final Cut Pro also offers an iPad version of the app, which complements the desktop application nicely. New features include an AI-powered Scene Removal Mask tool that removes the background in videos without the need for a green screen. Final Cut Pro is suitable for both professionals and amateur enthusiasts looking to upgrade from Apple iMovie.
Pros:
– Magnetic, trackless timeline
– Superior organization tools
– Support for 360-degree footage and wide color spaces
– Multicam support
– Fast performance
Cons:
– Nontraditional timeline editing may be unfamiliar to some
– Import and export experiences are not as seamless as Premiere Pro
4. Apple iMovie
- Best for Easy Editing on Macs
- Rating: 4.5 Outstanding
Apple iMovie is a user-friendly video editing app that offers a generous set of tools for both video and audio editing. It features a beautifully simple interface and includes useful features like color matching, classy themes, and a great chroma-keying tool. iMovie is an excellent choice for nonprofessionals and those interested in filmmaking. However, it is only available for Apple users.
Pros:
– Beautifully simple interface
– Color matching for consistent movie looks
– Classy themes
– Great chroma-keying tool
– Lots of audio tools
– Excellent movie templates
Cons:
– Some useful controls are missing for the sake of simplicity
– Does not support tagging
– Lacks multicam or motion tracking capabilities
– Limited to two video tracks
– No 360-degree video editing
5. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
- Best for Stop Motion and Motion Tracking
- Rating: 4.0 Excellent
Corel VideoStudio Ultimate offers powerful motion tracking tools and an impressive stop-motion feature. It delivers fast performance and ease of use, making it a great choice for amateur videographers, YouTubers, and TikTokers. VideoStudio also supports 360-degree VR, 4K Ultra HD, and 3D media, making it a versatile option.
Pros:
– Loads of snazzy effects
– Extremely fast rendering
– Support for 360-degree VR, 4K Ultra HD, and 3D media
– Multipoint motion tracking
– Color grading
– Cool stop-motion tool
Cons:
– Audio editing capabilities are comparatively weaker than video
– Lackluster support for high-DPI monitors
– Too many easy-edit tools
6. DaVinci Resolve
- Best for a Powerful Free Version and Pro-Level Tools
- Rating: 4.0 Excellent
DaVinci Resolve is a top-end professional video editing program that offers a full-capability free version, making it appealing to both amateurs and pros. It provides extensive editing tools, including keyframing, color grading, and audio editing. DaVinci Resolve is known for its category-leading render performance and compatibility with other hardware, such as cameras and consoles.
Pros:
– Plenty of editing tools for precise control
– Clear, well-designed interface
– Includes motion graphics and audio editing
– Fast render performance
Cons:
– Requires a lot of system resources
– Complex software takes time to learn
7. Movavi Video Editor
- Best for Fast, Fun Video Editing
- Rating: 4.0 Excellent
Movavi Video Editor offers a user-friendly interface and a range of tools for video and audio editing. It features good-looking effects and transitions, as well as a selection of soundtrack music. Movavi Video Editor is known for its fast rendering and built-in uploading capabilities. It is reasonably priced and available for both macOS and Windows.
Pros:
– Easy-to-understand user interface
– Transitions with sound
– Motion tracking and picture-in-picture tools
– Chroma-key capability
– Quick movie creation tool
Cons:
– Lacks advanced trim modes and clip pre-trimming
– Not compatible with Apple Silicon M1
8. Pinnacle Studio Ultimate
- Best for Color Grading and Keyframe Editing
- Rating: 4.0 Excellent
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate offers a range of advanced tools, including color grading, keyframe editing, and powerful title editing. It features a clear interface and provides tons of effects and multicam editing capabilities. Pinnacle Studio Ultimate is a good choice for video editors who want more advanced tools than the consumer-friendly app Corel VideoStudio. It is available at a one-time license price.
Pros:
– Clear interface
– Tons of effects
– Multicam editing
– Powerful title editor
– Detailed masking tools
Cons:
– Limited motion tracking capabilities
– Uneven 360-degree VR implementation
9. Wondershare Filmora
- Best for Editing on a Budget
- Rating: 4.0 Excellent
Wondershare Filmora is a reasonably priced video editing app that offers a range of features and continues to receive new updates. It includes color matching, audio-syncing for limited multicam, motion tracking, and speech-to-text capabilities. Filmora is known for its blazing-fast render speed, pleasant interface, and affordable pricing options.
Pros:
– Blazing-fast render speed
– Pleasant interface
– Lots of effects and overlays
– Inexpensive
Cons:
– Some tools are less effective than those of competitors
– Weak video stabilizer feature
– No multicam editing or VR capabilities
– No DVD menu or chapter authoring
10. Adobe Premiere Elements
- Best for Digital Scrapbooking
- Rating: 3.5 Good
Adobe Premiere Elements offers a range of editing tools and features, making it easy to achieve complex effects. It includes guided edits that simplify basic and advanced projects, as well as ample video effects and solid text tools. Premiere Elements is ideal for those who want to preserve memories and create engaging videos to share with friends and family. It is available for both macOS and Windows.
Pros:
– Clear, simple interface
– Guided Edits ease basic and advanced projects
– Ample video effects
– Solid text tools
– Cross-platform support
Cons:
– Slow output rendering speed
– No 360-degree VR or 3D editing
– No multicam support
– No screen recording capability
– No DVD or Blu-ray burning
Buying Guide: The Best Video Editing Software for 2023
When choosing video editing software, several factors should be considered. Here is a buying guide to help you make the best decision:
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Features: Consider the specific features you need, such as multicam editing, motion tracking, color grading, and audio editing. Choose software that offers the tools you require for your projects.
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Ease of use: Look for software with a user-friendly interface and intuitive controls. Consider the learning curve and whether the software provides tutorials or guided editing features.
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Compatibility: Ensure the software is compatible with your operating system and devices. Check if it supports the formats and resolutions you work with, such as 4K and 8K.
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Performance: Consider the speed and stability of the software. Look for fast rendering times and smooth playback. Check if the software takes advantage of your computer’s hardware, such as GPU acceleration.
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Price: Consider your budget and whether the software offers a one-time purchase option or a subscription model. Compare the pricing plans and features to find the best value for your needs.
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Support and Updates: Look for software that offers reliable customer support and regular updates. Check if the software has an active user community or online resources for troubleshooting and learning.
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Free Options: If you’re on a tight budget, consider free video editing software options like DaVinci Resolve, iMovie, or Shotcut. These programs provide basic editing tools and can be a good starting point for beginners.
Remember to evaluate your specific needs and preferences when choosing video editing software. Consider the complexity of your projects, your level of expertise, and the resources available to you. With the right software, you can create professional-quality videos that captivate and engage your audience.
In conclusion, video editing software is essential for anyone looking to create high-quality videos. Whether you’re a professional filmmaker or a hobbyist, there are plenty of options available to suit your needs. Consider the features, ease of use, compatibility, performance, price, and support when choosing the best video editing software for your projects.
