Choosing the right video editing software depends on various factors: your technical skills, your budget, and the complexity of your projects. The market is flooded with excellent options, from beginner-friendly tools to professional-grade software, each with unique strengths. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned pro, here’s a detailed look at the best video editing software available in 2024.

The Best Video Editing Software

1. Adobe Premiere Pro

Best Professional Video Editor Overall

Pros:

• Highly powerful with a comprehensive feature set
• Includes AI-powered tools like color matching and audio enhancement
• Seamlessly integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps

Cons:

• Expensive with a subscription-based model
• Steep learning curve for beginners

Adobe Premiere Pro is the industry standard for professional video editing. It’s designed for those who need a versatile tool capable of handling everything from basic edits to advanced tasks like color grading and object tracking. Premiere Pro’s clean and uncluttered interface makes simple edits relatively easy, but mastering its more complex functions requires dedication and time. Fortunately, a wealth of tutorials and community support is available to help you learn.

2. DaVinci Resolve

Best Free Video Editor on Windows and Mac

Pros:

• Professional-level features without a price tag
• Comprehensive editing, color grading, audio mastering, and visual effects tools
• Upgrade path for more advanced features

Cons:

• Unique workflow can be a learning curve
• Some features are particularly complex

DaVinci Resolve offers an incredible suite of professional tools for free. It includes dedicated workspaces for different aspects of post-production, such as color grading and audio mastering, making it a one-stop solution for many video editing needs. The editor is split into “Cut” and “Edit” workflows, catering to both beginners and those needing more traditional editing tools. With extensive online resources, learning DaVinci Resolve is very accessible, making it a fantastic option for budget-conscious creators.

3. Final Cut Pro

Best for Mac Users Needing a Professional Toolset

Pros:

• Highly optimized for Apple hardware
• Minimalist interface that emphasizes content

Cons:

• Expensive with additional costs for visual effects and video encoding tools
• Limited to Mac users

Final Cut Pro is Apple’s flagship video editing software, offering a powerful yet intuitive interface optimized for Mac hardware. It includes professional features such as chroma keying, object detection, and color grading. The integration with Apple’s ecosystem is seamless, providing an efficient workflow for iPhone videographers and Mac users. With a generous 90-day trial, users have ample time to evaluate its capabilities.

4. Clipchamp

Best for Quick Web-Based Edits

Pros:

• Web-based editor accessible from any platform
• Simple interface with speedy performance
• Includes templates and stock footage

Cons:

• Requires a fast internet connection
• Free tier limited to 1080p exports

Clipchamp, a Microsoft-owned web-based video editor, performs impressively well for a browser-based tool. It offers a user-friendly drag-and-drop timeline, templates for social media content, and direct exports to platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Its web-based nature means you can access your projects from any device with a Chromium-based browser, making it a versatile tool for quick and simple edits.

5. Adobe Premiere Rush

Best for Near-Instant Results on Desktop and Mobile

Pros:

• Quickly edits clips and makes adjustments
• Direct sharing to social platforms

Cons:

• Subscription required for full features
• Limited advanced editing tools

Adobe Premiere Rush is designed for quick, on-the-go video editing. It’s perfect for users who need to produce content rapidly, whether on desktop or mobile. The intuitive interface allows for easy clip trimming, adding effects, and immediate sharing to social media. While it lacks some advanced features, its speed and simplicity make it a great choice for quick edits.

6. Luxea Pro

Best Mid-Range Option for Windows Users

Pros:

• User-friendly interface with mid-range features
• Includes advanced effects like chroma keying
• One-time purchase option available

Cons:

• Lacks high-end features
• Some included graphics and effects are basic

Luxea Pro offers a balanced mix of ease of use and mid-range features, making it ideal for beginners and intermediate users on Windows. The modern interface and straightforward tools allow for quick edits, while more advanced options like chroma keying provide additional functionality. The ability to purchase a lifetime license is an attractive option for those who prefer not to deal with subscriptions.

7. Wondershare Filmora

Best for Easy-to-Use Effects and Extras

Pros:

• Packed with built-in effects and templates
• One-time purchase option

Cons:

• Heavy focus on templates and social media content
• Lifetime license has limited AI features

Wondershare Filmora is a feature-rich video editing tool that’s easy to use, making it ideal for beginners and those who love using templates and effects. It includes a wide range of transitions, titles, stickers, and video effects, with intuitive drag-and-drop functionality. Filmora also provides AI-powered tools and direct uploads to social media platforms, making it a great choice for social media content creators.

8. iMovie

Best Free Editor for Apple Users

Pros:

• Optimized for Apple hardware with deep ecosystem integration
• Simple and easy to use

Cons:

• Lacks support for vertical video editing
• Basic compared to professional tools

iMovie is a free video editing app for Mac, iPhone, and iPad users, offering a simple and intuitive interface. It integrates seamlessly with iCloud, making it easy to access media across Apple devices. Despite its simplicity, iMovie includes advanced features like chroma keying and video stabilization, making it a robust tool for quick and easy video projects.

What Makes the Best Video Editing Software?

1. Basic Editing: A good video editor should have a simple, easy-to-use interface for basic edits like splicing and adjusting clips. It should allow easy importing of content and quick access to essential tools.
2. Advanced Editing: For more complex projects, advanced features like chroma keying, video stabilization, multi-camera editing, and color correction are crucial. These tools help create professional-quality videos.
3. Efficiency: Video editing can be resource-intensive, so performance is key. Options like proxy editing and adjustable preview quality help manage resources efficiently. Easy export options and platform integration are also important.
4. Tutorials and Assistance: Comprehensive help content, tutorials, and a supportive community can significantly enhance the learning curve for more advanced tools and features.
5. Extras: Additional features like stock video and music integration, downloadable templates, and tools for audio mastering and motion graphics can add significant value to a video editing tool.

What About AI Video Editors?

While AI video editors are becoming increasingly popular, they often focus on generating content from scratch rather than providing comprehensive editing tools. This article focuses on traditional video editors that may include some AI features but are designed for in-depth editing.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to video editing software. Your choice will depend on your needs, budget, and the complexity of your projects. For professional-grade editing, Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve are top contenders. Final Cut Pro is ideal for Mac users, while tools like Clipchamp and Adobe Premiere Rush offer quick, on-the-go editing solutions. Mid-range options like Luxea Pro and Wondershare Filmora provide a balance of features and ease of use, and iMovie is an excellent free option for Apple users. With so many great choices available, there’s a perfect video editor out there for everyone in 2024.