The Best Free/Paid Video Editing Software:
A good free/paid video editing software showcases the product or service through visual representation. In a world dominated by visual storytelling, a captivating video can enhance a brand’s awareness. Besides good video-capturing skills, creating an attractive video requires good editing software. It also helps in creating videos for social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, etc.
Quality video content can engage the audience effectively while allowing them to make a purchase for a product or service shown in it.
Some of the best video editing softwares usually carry an expensive price tag. However, you can avail of some really good options absolutely free of cost.
There is a wide selection of free video editing softwares which not only comes with the most basic tools but also features a variety of high-end tools.
Finding the best free as well as paid video editing tool can be a tedious task. This is why we have compiled a list of the top 20 video editing softwares that you can use in 2021.
- Lightworks
Lightworks is one of the best free video editing softwares that you can use for creating videos like a pro. With a simple and intuitive user interface, Lightworks offers a selection of video tutorials through which you can easily learn how to use it as a beginner.
Lightworks
The software can be downloaded for free, however, if you wish to upgrade to Lightworks Pro, it will cost you an amount of money.
The software is packed with powerful features that you would usually expect in an expensive package like Final Cut Pro. It also comes with original videos as well as music clips which can be used in any video clip you edit on it. This gives a more polished look to any video you create.
Let’s take a look at the features:
A non–linear editor supporting multitrack functionality which doesn’t lower the quality of the video while editing.
Allows simple trimming of videos for faster video editing
Allows multicam editing for synchronization of clips through multiple cameras
Supports a variety of video formats
Optimizes speed while allowing users to edit their videos while importing fresh content
You can render and import videos in the background while real-time previewing of effects
It also allows easy sharing of videos and quick export to platforms like Facebook, YouTube & Instagram
You can also drag different editing windows to create an unlimited number of layout variations while creating keyboard shortcuts that facilitate faster editing.
Pros
A robust video editor with powerful features
Offers customizable interface
Users can do multi-track editing
Cons
exports in just MPEG format
Available on: Mac, Windows & Linux
Price: $349 Lightworks Pro
- HitFilm Express
It is one of the most popular and best video editing software for Windows 10 that provides a professional video editing experience to its users. Though, it might take a little time to learn this software, especially if you are not so tech-savvy. You are required to create a social media post once you download this software, which is a nominal price to pay.
Hitfilm Express
Besides, there are a number of engaging and interactive video tutorials which help you to learn it better.
Let’s take a look at the features:
You can easily adjust colour balance, colour-pick, trim your clips while exporting them in multiple formats.
Composite shot enhancements that allow animation of two separate clippings to create a surreal effect
It allows users to create custom video masks and set green screen chroma keys while taking the quality of the video to another level through 3D compositional tools.
Create unlimited audio & video timeline-track
Tools for fine-tuning for superb sound quality in the videos
Auto-stabilizer for smoothening of shaky footage
There are a variety of transition options like push, zoom and dissolve
The adaptive trimmer allows trimming of clips once they are added to the timeline
Pros
Easy online tutorials
Powerful features
Can be extended with a fee
Cons
Only runs on a powerful processor
Available on: Windows & Mac
- Shotcut
The shortcut is another open-source video editing platform with a wide collection of video tutorials. Supporting a variety of formats, this software might be a little tricky to use until you get accustomed to its interface.
Shotcut
Shotcut is an ideal video editing software for audiophiles as it also provides an extensive range of audio-editing tools.
Let’s take a look at the features:
Offers a selection of audio tools that allows adjusting of bass & treble, add compression, create bandpass filters, etc
You can use a multi-format timeline for mixing & combining resolutions along with frame rates in a project
The users can directly import their files to the project with Native Timeline Editing
The software provides a wide collection of filters for both audio and video files. Later, these filters can be customized as per the user’s preference.
Pros
Facilitates easier importing of media
Wide variety of filters
Offers direct streaming
Cons
Cannot preview filters
Available on: Windows, Linux & Mac
- VideoPad
VideoPad is another great choice for anyone who is looking for good-quality free video editing software. You can create excellent videos with the powerful tools it offers. It is one of the best video editing software for beginners as it isn’t so complicated. However, advanced video editors may find its features too basic to use.
Videopad
Take a look at the features:
Offers 3D video editing along with sound effects library
Avail customizable transitions for pro-level videos
The software has a double built-in screen for simpler editing
It offers a vast selection of video transitions along with visual effects that can be used to customize video clippings
You can optimize videos through stabilization
Supports social media sharing along with publishing options which makes it easier to share videos online
Allows exporting presets to create videos for platforms like Facebook, YouTube, etc.
Pros
Allows editing of videos with special effects, transitions & overlays
Supports 3D video editing
Cons
Too simple for advanced editors
Available on: Windows & Mac
Price: Free
- Adobe Premiere Rush
This is one of the best video editing software for mobile phone users. If you wish to edit a video clip on your mobile device, this comes in handy. It allows users to add music, transitions, etc in the simplest way possible.
Adobe Premiere Rush
Let’s take a look at features:
Auto-correct the colour of your video, add transitions or music to make your video more captivating.
Offers two modes – Automatic & Freeform which allows users to take editing control or you let the software select transitions and trim your video automatically
Nevertheless, this platform allows easy synchronization with other applications like Lightroom
Pros
Easy interface
Offers Adobe Creative Cloud support
Cons
Users cannot rotate clips
Available on: Android & iOS
Price: Free
- Blender
Blender is a professional video editing tool and one of the best video editing software for Mac. It offers a 3D creation suite with tools that help in rendering and modeling 3D animations. The video editor is quite an apt choice for anyone who wishes to use software with basic tools.
Blender
It is collaboratively developed by hundreds of contributors from across the globe. Not only this, the vast community of its users offers a variety of tools to the software.
Let’s take a look at the features:
Offers features such as video masking which makes this software a flexible one for both new and experienced editors
Use its advanced high-end character animation tools for more realistic effects
The path-tracer engine that facilitates realistic rendering of animations
You can code game logic in the software for developing video games
Vast selection of vignettes and visual effects
Offers high-quality rendering to facilitate exporting and saving of your entire file
Pros
Facilitates video masking
3D animation suite
Video cutting & Video slicing
Cons
Steeper learning curve due to highly advanced features
Available on: Mac, Windows & Linux
Price: Free
- DaVinci Resolve
One of the most advanced video editing softwares available out there, DaVinci Resolve works just like any other professional editing tool. It is a combination of various features like 8K editing, visual effects, color correction, as well as audio post-production. This is why it is extensively used by professionals who are responsible for editing TV commercials, shows, and films.
Davinci Resolve
With this software, you can edit both online or offline, while its playback engine helps save time during trimming and editing video files. Therefore, the free version of this software is ideal even for advanced editing.
Take a look at the features:
You can add 2D or 3D titles to the video
Offers a dual timeline for faster navigation, cutting or trimming
There are various built-in tools like retiming, picture-in-picture effects, dynamic zoom, stabilization, audio, text, etc
A trimming feature that allows editing even minutely
Facial recognition
- Openshot
Openshot is the best video editing software for beginners as it has an intuitive interface with a simple design. It is a good choice for basic video editing as it offers features like slimming, resizing, trimming, scaling, clip-rotation, snapping, etc.
Openshot
The open-source software looks like iMovie due to its drag-and-drop functionality with a collection of several other features. It also allows real-time previewing while creating transitions between different clippings.
Let’s take a look at the features:
Offers infinite video tracks/layers in a timeline
Customizable title templates as well as video effects
Unlimited layers of audio tracks, background videos and watermarks
Visualize your audio with different waveforms
Keyframe animation features for creating powerful animated videos
It also offers credit scrolling, time-mapping, frame-stepping along with real-time previewing
Pros
Offers unlimited layers
Allows adding more videos & audio clips
Open-source
Cons
Limited video tutorials
Available on: Windows, Mac & Linux
Price: Free
- InVideo
InVideo is an ideal video editing tool for marketing agencies, publishers, and individuals. It is one of the best video editing software for desktops as it comes with many features including automated voice-overs, intelligent frames, etc.
In video
InVideo is popular among its users due to its excellent customer service and powerful tools. Therefore, we assure you that you won’t be disappointed if you wish to use it for editing your video clippings.
Let’s take a look at the features:
High-quality video templates are regularly added every month for better performance
The interface is flexible and quite simple to use
It offers a variety of audio tools which makes the audio more realistic
You can create amazing videos with more than 3,500 templates that cover different industries
Brand/text Overlay, speed adjustment, video stabilization, split/merge are some of the other features
Allows converting of text into an engaging video in a single click with its text-to-video tool.
You can export and upload your videos to different social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram
Supports HD resolution
The drag-and-drop feature allows users to easily upload videos or add music and text to it
Pros
Offers control & flexibility
Over 3,500 readymade templates
Great for creating presentation videos
Cons
You cannot add more than one audio file
Available on: Windows & Mac
Price: Free
- VSDC Free Video Editor
This free/paid video editing software is a perfect choice for editors who use Windows operating systems. Even the free version is packed with high-end features like color correction, color blending, as well as a wide selection of filters, transition effects, overlays, etc.
VSDC
The software supports different formats which makes it possible for even beginners to create smooth and highly creative videos. Being a non-linear tool, it allows the placing of video clips in the timeline.
Let’s take a look at the features:
Instagram-like filters help in saving time while editing
Allows users to create different shaped masks for hiding, blurring or showcasing a particular element in the video
Chroma key feature facilitates green-screen video effects
Allows editing 4K and HD videos
Its built-in video converter allows the conversion of one format to another
The paid version offers more tools such as video stabilization, 3D diagram templates, slideshow, as well as social media sharing
Pros
User-friendly interface for beginners
Offers a collection of robust tools
Cons
Doesn’t provide free technical support
Available on: Windows
Price: Both free & paid version
- Kdenlive
Another versatile open-source video editor is Kdenlive. It is full of features that suit both entry-level as well as professional editors. It first became popular on Linux, but later it was one of the most used editing softwares on Windows too.
Kdenlive
One downside of this software is that it lacks a proper customer support team.
Take a look at the features:
Supports multi-track video editing where various video tracks can be arranged, muted or locked at your convenience
You can create 2D titles for your videos
Some of its basic features include zoom, rotate, templates, align, Unicode Decoder, etc.
There are a variety of effects available ranging from audio adjustment to colour correction.
With tools like Audiometer, Histogram, Waveform, etc, editors can easily monitor the audio level or colour scopes in order to make sure everything is balanced
Arrange or adjust the interface according to your working preference by creating a custom interface layout.
You can also arrange the keyboard shortcuts as per your needs
Automatically backups your entire project once in every few minutes
Pros
You can extend your capabilities using free add-on features
Offers a multi-track timeline
Cons
Doesn’t provide any technical support
Available on: Linux & Windows
Price: Free
- iMovie
We are all aware of iMovie and this is one of the best video editing software for Youtube. The interface of this software is quite simple with a drag and drop feature that allows you to easily move files from the drive to your workstation.
iMovie
It is one of the most popular video editors used for creating stunning and engaging videos on YouTube with the aim to attract an audience. It is an excellent platform for Mac users who wish to learn video editing.
Let’s take a look at the features:
The most important advantage of this software is that the files are stored on Apple’s cloud which allows users to work interchangeably on their iPhone, iPad or Macbook.
It has built-in sound effects as well as voiceover recording which consolidates both the sound and video editing
Edit high-quality videos in 4K resolution
The software is full of studio-like animations which provide professional-looking credits
The speed controls let you create faster action sequences and slower sports highlights
Specific & stylish filters created specifically for Western & Sci-Fi genres
A library of pre-designed transitions
Pros:
Easy to use interface
Better for Mac users who wish to learn to edit
The software is regularly updated
Cons:
Limited features for advanced users
Available on: Mac
Price: Free
- Movie Maker 10
One of the best free video editing software for Windows 10 is Movie Maker 10. It is an ideal choice for anyone who aims to play with the basic editing tools. The software comes in handy if you wish to edit a short video clipping in the fastest way possible.
Movie Maker 10
The free version of this software provides a collection of video and image editing tools. You can even add captions with the fonts and colors of your choice.
Let’s take a look at the features:
The animation tab allows adding of music, titles or credits
It has an auto-preview tool for creating effects and edits
You can create customizable clips for your video clips through Auto-movie
Offers around 30 professional transition effects for pictures and videos
Additionally, it offers a variety of image filters and stylish fonts to make the content more attractive
Pros
The interface is easy & quick to learn
Perfect for editing short videos
Cons
Not ideal for professional video editing
Available on: Windows 10
Price: Free
- Filmora Go
Filmora Go is another video editing platform mainly used for mobile phone users. It doesn’t come with paid subscription or watermarks. Besides a mobile version, a paid desktop version can be availed if you wish to use it on your PC or laptop.
Filmora Go
Let’s take a look at the features:
The software lets you add text, themes, overlays as well as titles to the videos
Add transitions and music while trimming your videos in the app itself
The software also offers video tutorials to help users learn it more efficiently
Pros
Ideal for basic editing on the mobile phone
Video tutorials
Cons
Not as great as the desktop version
Available on: iOS & Android
Price: Free on mobile
- WeVideo
A cloud-based free\paid video editing software, WeVideo is an apt choice for students, teachers, and businesses. The best part about using this editing tool is that it is stored on the secure cloud which makes it accessible from any device and location. You can edit, share or view your videos in just a few minutes.
Wevideo
If you go for the business plan, you will be offered a whole suite of stock media, including images, audio, and video. Besides, the free version can be used on mobile and web and this also includes unlimited storage.
Let’s take a look at the features:
Offers branded templates for a unified look
A library full of more than a million pictures, videos and audio files
Unlimited cloud storage for creating an unlimited number of videos
You can export videos in 4K resolution
High-end editing tools include green screen, screen recording, text animation, etc
Shared video libraries facilitate collaboration among teams
Pros
Unlimited storage in the free version
Accessible from any part of the world
Cons
Privacy is at risk due to numerous sharing options
Available on: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Windows & Chrome
Price: Free & paid version
- Magisto
Magisto is one of the best free video editing software for Chrome users. It lets you edit a video in just a few minutes by selecting the editing option, adding footage, and then an audio file. The video editor is powered by AI for editing videos. The software also suggests different types of music and theme to suit your video.
Majisto
Magisto is quite beneficial for producing videos at scale. For instance, if anyone launches a YouTube channel for their business and wants to showcase the entire process of creation. It also features a built-in dashboard that tells the number of viewers.
Let’s take a look at the features:
A wide selection of themes and audio files
Unlimited movie downloads
iStock integration for good-quality pictures
Offers auto-editing tool for professional quality editing
You can share and distribute videos across various marketing channels
Other main features include facial recognition, auto-cropping along with a variety of filters
Pros
User-friendly interface
Great customer support
Videos can be optimized for social media
Cons:
Not available for desktop users
Available on: iOS, Android & Web
Price: Free Trial & Premium subscription is paid
- Vizmato
One of the most popular free/paid video editing software for mobile devices, Vizmato works great when it comes to creating videos or slide presentations. The application can be downloaded on your mobile phone where you can trim, edit or clip your videos. You can even record HD videos with a wide range of filters, themes and effects available on them.
Vizmato
The software is ideal for showing video stories or voice-overs as it makes use of a tool that changes the voice.
Let’s take a look at the features:
The built-in speed control lets you increase or decrease the speed of the effects you apply to your video
Another superb tool is the voice-changer which allows the user to modify the voice
Add text or stickers to your videos and insert custom background music while you edit
The app also allows users to share or post their videos to different social media networks like Facebook, Instagram in just a single tap
Pros
Recording in HD videos
Allows social media sharing of videos
Instant video effects
Cons
Slower in rendering videos
Available on: Android & iOS
Price: Free
- Avidemux
Avidemux is an easy-to-use free video editing software mainly for non-linear editing and transcoding media files. Its simple interface makes it quite popular among beginners.
Avidemux
With this software, you can perform basic editing tasks such as filtering, cutting, and encoding.
Let’s take a look at the features:
Offers a variety of filters
You can insert audio tracks in a video file
Pros
Simple user interface
Doesn’t require reading technical documents
Cons:
Not so packed with features like other video editing tools
Available on: Windows, Mac & Linux
Price: Free
- Freemake Video Converter
If you are looking for entry-level free/pad video editing software, Freemake might be the right choice for you. It allows editors to modify videos, extract audio from video files, change the format of videos while creating slideshows.
Freemake Video Converter
Let’s take a look at the features:
You can convert video clippings for playing on different mobile devices
Supports conversion of videos in more than 500 file formats
Multiple audio and image file formats can be used for creating slideshows & videos
You can cut, trim, rotate and join video clips
Allows converting movies with subtitles
Supports 4K resolution
Pros
Doesn’t require a lot of technical skills
You can easily create slideshows
Cons
Few features are locked for the first 3 days after installing
Available on: Windows
Price: Free
- Horizon
It is one of the best free video editing software specifically designed for mobile devices. What makes it interesting is the fact this app allows users to capture videos horizontally regardless of the position of their device.
Horizon
Sometimes we may forget to tilt our phones while we are in a hurry to shoot a video. Horizon solves this issue by capturing all the videos horizontally.
Let’s take a look at the features:
Its easy-to-use media library allows you to select multiple items in just one swipe
Offers 8 real-time filters to give your video more visually appealing
Allows recording slow-motion videos
Supports up to 2K resolution
Pros
Simple user interface
Always shoot horizontally
Cons
Android version isn’t so advanced like iOS version
Available on: Android & iOS
Price: Free
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best video editing software?
Some of the best free/paid video editing softwares include Blender, HitFilm Express, iMovie, Da Vinci Resolve, Lightworks, Openshot, and Shotcut.
What is the best free video editing software?
VideoPad, Adobe Premier Rush, Blender, Movie Maker 10, and Horizon are some of the best free/paid video editing softwares.
Conclusion
Now that you are familiar with the 20 best free/paid video editing softwares, you can try one of these as per your requirements and start with your video editing process. Each of the above-mentioned editing Softwares come with their own advantage or disadvantage so that you get a better understanding of which one will suit your business.