Best Video Editing Software
Video editing software is used to digitally create, edit, and modify video files. Users can manipulate and arrange video files to create new work. They also provide tools for video correction and effects, audio editing and effects, color correction, motion tracking, and graphics. Some also offer premade assets, such as avatars, music, and sound effects, allowing users to create original video content.
Content and marketing departments use video editing tools in correlation with video effects software to produce quality promotional videos and other movie files. These programs are also standard in the film and TV industry.
Unlike AI video generators, which primarily create video content from text or AI-driven inputs, traditional video editing software focuses on manual or AI-assisted manipulation of uploaded or captured video files, giving users precise control over editing, arrangement, and output.
To qualify for inclusion in the Video Editing category, a product must:
Featured Video Editing Software At A Glance
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Dropbox is the one place to keep life organized and keep work moving. With more than 700 million registered users across approximately 180 countries, we're on a mission to design a more enlightened wa
3,293,925 Twitter followers
VEED is an AI-powered video creation and editing platform that helps creators, marketers, teams and enterprises generate and edit video content at scale. The platform combines advanced AI video genera
VEED is a video editing and production tool that offers features such as AI-powered functions, auto script writing, voice modulation, and automatic subtitle generation. Reviewers like the ease of use, the ability to multitask effectively without slowing down their computers, and the AI's ability to caption and create transcripts, which significantly cuts down editing time and improves content quality. Users reported that deleting a clip takes a long time to fix and clear out the space, and the platform can sometimes feel laggy or not render quickly.
21,425 Twitter followers
Adobe Premiere Pro is a professional video editing software developed by Adobe Systems, designed for creating high-quality videos across various industries. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools fo
957,057 Twitter followers
Riverside is an all-in-one podcast and video studio for businesses and content creators who demand professional quality without technical complexity. Podcasters, video creators, and businesses across
10,388 Twitter followers
Movavi Video Editor for Mac is a user-friendly yet powerful video editing software designed to help users create professional-quality videos with ease. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced edit
4,271 Twitter followers
Synthesia is the best AI video generation platform for business. By turning text into professional AI-generated videos in minutes, Synthesia replaces static documents and slide decks with dynamic,
Synthesia is a software tool designed to create professional and personalized videos for various purposes such as training, marketing, and content creation. Reviewers like the ease of use, the variety of avatars, the ability to translate content into multiple languages, and the time-saving aspect of creating videos with Synthesia. Reviewers noted issues with the accuracy of the AI's pronunciation and voice inflection, the high cost of the service, the limited control over avatar movements, and the inconsistency in the appearance of avatars.
28,118 Twitter followers
The Camtasia Product Suite is a powerful AI-powered ecosystem for video creation and screen recording. The Camtasia Suite offers a range of plans designed to meet your video creation needs, making
29,591 Twitter followers
Quickly and easily make standout content from thousands of beautiful templates with the all-new Adobe Express. Simply choose a template, add images and text, and quickly resize your creations to fit y
957,057 Twitter followers
iMovie is a user-friendly video editing application developed by Apple, designed to help users create professional-quality movies and trailers with ease. Available on Mac, iPhone, and iPad, iMovie off
9,943,943 Twitter followers
Final Cut Pro X is a professional video editing software developed by Apple, designed to provide filmmakers, video editors, and content creators with a comprehensive suite of tools for crafting high-q
9,943,943 Twitter followers
AKOOL is a complete AI Video Generation Suite, transforming how professional video content is created. Our multimodal platform combines cutting-edge generation tools with enterprise-grade production i
AKOOL is a tool that generates marketing assets, including videos, images, and logos, from text prompts and allows for the creation of AI avatars and personalized content. Users frequently mention the ease of use, the ability to create high-quality marketing assets quickly, and the benefit of AI avatars for presenting content without the need for live filming. Users mentioned issues with the user interface not being very friendly, the quality of output being inconsistent, and the need for manual edits and adjustments in certain features.
56,925 Twitter followers
In Descript you can make any video you want, any way you want. All you need is an idea; it helps if you know how to type. With the world’s first only AI co-editor, Underlord, you can make a video j
Descript is a software that allows users to edit audio and video content by manipulating the associated text transcript. Reviewers frequently mention the intuitive interface, the speed and efficiency of the software, and the helpful AI features such as removing filler words and generating transcripts. Users reported issues with the software being resource-heavy and slowing down or crashing on some laptops, a steep learning curve, confusing subscription plans, and poor customer service.
Vizard is an AI video generator designed to transform a single video into over ten engaging short clips suitable for platforms like TikTok, YouTube Shorts, Instagram Reels, and more. This innovative s
349 Twitter followers
Wistia is a complete video marketing platform that helps teams create, host, market, and measure their videos and webinars—all in one place. With Wistia, you can easily create professional videos, hos
28,714 Twitter followers
Learn More About Video Editing Software
What is video editing software?
Video editing software handles post-production editing of content after video production has been completed. Filmmakers rely on these solutions to edit their video footage in a nonlinear format, meaning they can arrange clips in whichever format they need for their final product. Video editing tools support raw footage, and most solutions can work with a variety of file types as long as they are in a digital format. Users then convert the format of the video if required.
When a video has been completely uploaded to the platform, editors begin the post-production process by dragging audio and video files onto the editing tool’s timeline. Video editing programs then help trim excess footage. Most solutions give users the option to edit video and audio files in one bundle or separately. They let creators insert transitions between clips so videos seamlessly transition from scene to scene. Users can make copies of video files, which allows them to alter footage without losing the original. Potential modifications available are trimming video clips, editing audio, adding video effects and graphics, color grading, and editing multi-camera shots. Editing software allows users to export video as well.
Users can usually upload a product created with editing software to any major video hosting platform like YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram. Some video editing tools are optimized for specific operating systems, such as MacOS, Linux, and Windows for computers or Android and iOS for mobile phones.
- Best free professional video editor for Windows and Mac: Adobe Premiere Pro
- Best free video editor for Windows and Mac: DaVinci Resolve
- Best video editing software for beginners: Wondershare Filmora
- Other options for Apple users: Final Cut Pro and iMovie
- Best mid-range video editing software for Windows: Luxea Pro
What are the common features of video editing software?
While some video editors provide basic editing assistance, other products maintain an arsenal of features for making the perfect video for user needs.
The features highlighted below can be found in video editing solutions. However, buyers should be advised that not all of these features are guaranteed in each product. Before purchasing a solution, buyers must contact a vendor to ensure the solution has the required features.
- Video clip editing: These solutions should allow users to trim footage and arrange clips with drag-and-drop functionality. Users can make cuts to those clips and add transitions so the video flows from one clip to the next. The software can make copies of clips so as not to distort the original; all versions of the clips are stored within the platform.
- Audio editing tools: Background noise can drown out audio during production. Video editors include audio editing tools to manipulate the audio level so it’s perfectly clear to the audience. These solutions should come with the option to either edit video and audio files together as a bundle or as two separate items. Video editing software also includes a library of sound effects.
- Video templates: Templates are customizable frameworks that creators can use as a foundation for their projects. Users who aren't video editing pros benefit from the time- and cost-saving convenience they offer.
- Presets: Presets are similar to templates in that they both allow users to skip some of the manual video editing steps. A set of pre-made visual adjustments that users can apply to their videos. Presets give videos a high-quality finish.
- Color correction: Light doesn’t always cooperate during video productions. Creators use software to adjust lighting and colors within a frame until they’re right. These tools should allow users to maintain the color across a string of clips. Color grading features let users alter elements such as shading and highlights with these platforms.
- Closed captioning: Some solutions give you the ability to add captions to the video. Users can edit captions in a variety of formats and styles from the platform and save them as a part of the video or as a completely different file.
- Overlays: Overlaying means that creators can place videos, pictures, or words on top of the main video and play them simultaneously. Overlays create more interesting and complex videos.
What types of video editing software exist?
All video editing software products have the same endgame, which is to help users create the perfect video that looks and sounds exactly how they want it. That’s why there aren’t many subcategories. Different solutions might have different sets of features, but they all aim to get users the same result. The tools may, however, differ slightly in each product’s individual focus.
Open-source video editing software
An open-source software solution means that any user can modify the code of that particular solution. If the changes one user makes happen to be popular with the community, they can elect to adopt those changes officially into the solution. Many users consider open-source video editing software to be more stable and secure than alternatives. They’re often free of charge, making them ideal options for small businesses or users who are just beginning to learn.
Closed-source video editing software
Closed-source video editing software, also known as proprietary video editing software, is the opposite of an open-source solution. Simply put, that means users cannot make changes to its code. These solutions often include improved software functionality, advanced features, and increased user-friendliness and support. While open-source software is constantly being updated, those updates typically cannot keep up with the quality of closed-source video editors. And while closed-source video editing programs are not guaranteed to be free of charge, some are low-cost or offer a free trial.
Neither one of these types of video editors is superior to the other. It depends on what you need from a particular solution. For example, if you want a professional video on a tight budget, an open-source solution may be the way to go. If customer support and user-friendliness are more important, then closed-source video editing software is your best option.
What are the benefits of video editing software?
It can be tempting to send clips off to a professional videographer to put together a final product. However, it can easily be done in-house with a good video editing solution too. And, there are various benefits to using editing software. The following are some of the benefits a business will reap from using video editors.
- Cost savings: Hiring a company to edit a video can be quite costly. Plus, bringing on professional services in order to get a high-quality video isn’t the only way. Some video editors on the market are even available for free. Plenty of these solutions offer tutorials as well, so you can edit on your own.
- Convenience: Along with being more cost-efficient, editing software allows users to work on their videos at their own convenience. Users can edit videos in the comfort of their own homes or at the office or anywhere in between because many of these solutions are cloud-based.
- Quick publishing: Editing videos in-house gives your business greater control. The team can decide what needs to be cut, edited, or added and how many rounds of edits the video needs to go through. There is no need to rely on an outside company’s timeline.
- Collaboration: Cloud-based or online video editing apps also offer a level of boosted collaboration to the editing process. They let editors send files back and forth with all members of the team. That ensures everyone who needs to have eyes on the project will do so before the final product goes live.
- Organization: Video editing is messy. Editing software takes a cluttered collection of video clips and keeps it organized.
Who uses video editing software?
Video editors are popular across many different fields. The following are a few examples of common use cases.
- Marketing professionals: Marketing teams are always looking for new ways to expand their audience. A brief and well-edited video is a great way to do just that. Marketing teams commonly put this practice to use on their social media channels. Users can create advertisements with video software and share them on different channels to increase brand recognition. As video editing platforms have become more affordable and user-friendly, more and more teams have adopted videos as part of their marketing strategy. Because of this, a basic understanding of video editing software is quickly becoming a requirement for marketing professionals.
- Content teams: Content teams often work together with marketing teams to make sure content stays on target. Video is an easily digestible type of content that can help elevate a company’s brand. This type of content is a great way to establish a company’s voice while informing and maybe entertaining the target demographic. It’s a little more eye-catching than the typical written word, and editing software makes sure the company’s video content stands out from the crowd. Videos are also a great way to break up a longer blog post or article.
- Video production companies: A video production company is obviously constantly working with videos day in and day out. Editing software ensures they can deliver the best product possible to their clients. Production companies collaborate with a variety of clientele who require different kinds of content. The videos can range from something simple, like a wedding montage to a major motion picture.
Video editing software pricing
Users can expect to pay between $50-$200 for video editing software. Some sellers offer their products at a monthly or yearly cost, while others have a one-off fee. There are free products or those that offer free versions. However, you’ll experience tradeoffs in functionality and quality with the free options. Videos created on some free versions may have a watermark, for example. Some sellers use tiered pricing, with different features and functions offered at different pricing levels.
Challenges with video editing software
Editing software is absolutely vital to any company that creates videos, but that doesn’t mean the software is without its issues.
- Customer support: If users select free video editing software, the odds are that they will not have access to any type of customer support. Sure, many of these solutions offer forums where users can share tips and advice with one another, but it doesn’t compare to having the support of the software vendors themselves. And while paid solutions offer customer support, they can end up being pricey.
- Learning curve: Mastering advanced video editing techniques takes time and patience. Many video editing tools feature intricate and non-intuitive interfaces with a multitude of options. It’s overwhelming for almost every beginner to figure out how to navigate and understand the tool.
- Exporting and rendering time: Creating high-quality videos is a time-consuming and challenging process, especially when working with large video files or intricate edits. Users may experience delays or lose edits while completing video projects.
How to choose the best video editing software
1. Requirements gathering (RFI/RFP) for video editing software
Professional video editing software isn’t as expensive as some other enterprise-level tools, and there are plenty of free video editors on the market, but it is still important to make sure the product of choice meets user needs. Several video editing software products are on the market, and while having options is good, the variety often makes it difficult to differentiate between sellers.
Video editing vendors are usually playing a game of catch up with each other to make certain they are keeping up with the trends and offering the most attractive features. While many components are the same, buyers need to look out for key differences when considering a purchase. Consider the following areas:
- User interface: Video editing software features are similar, but user interfaces differ, so it’s important to understand who will be using the software and their level of expertise. Intuitive and simple interfaces are better suited for beginners. On the other hand, experienced editors may prefer products with complex interfaces so they can produce more sophisticated work.
- Input formats: While most video editing programs offer compatibility with a wide range of video file formats, it’s important to check since there are so many kinds of recording devices available today. Users must be sure to know which video formats they will be using and then confirm the software can handle that type of input file.
- File outputs and distribution: Along with the number of video recording devices, there is also a vast amount of playback devices, especially with the growing popularity of video hosting services. Get a good idea of all the possible video file formats you want to produce and a plan for where you will publish them.
- Operating systems: Sometimes, the software is specifically made to run on certain operating systems, i.e., video editing software for Windows and video editing software for Mac.
- Software upgrades: Many products offer tiered pricing. If you’re not sure if you need a full-blown video editing product, it may be a good idea to start with the most basic offering. However, be sure to check which functionality the higher tiers offer and compare it with your video editing needs. It’s simpler to upgrade to the pro version of a product than to transition to a completely new product.
2. Compare video editing software products
- Create a long list: There are an extensive number of options when it comes to video editors, but most product websites have a “Features” page that provides a high-level picture of what the software comprises. G2.com is a good place to start.
- Create a short list: Next, research further into the long list of solutions to create a short list. A lot of research (articles and videos) online explains and reviews different products from different perspectives. Find research that caters to your industry. G2’s “Compare” feature gives you side-by-side comparisons of specific features, so you learn how real users rate them.
- Conduct demos: Demos are a great way to watch potential solutions in action. During the demo, you’ll be able to ask questions to determine which product is right for your organization. Demos aren’t common with video editor providers because this type of software isn’t as expensive or integrated as deeply with a company’s existing software ecosystem as other software is. However, video editing software providers usually offer a free trial, which allows buyers to test out solutions before purchasing.
3. Selection of video editing software
- Choose a selection team: Team members from content creation, marketing, or design are usually the ones using video editing software. The workers who are going to be using the software directly should select the product.
- Negotiation: Negotiations typically don’t occur for video editing software purchases. The prices are set.
- Final decision: The final decision depends on the teams or, more often, individuals who use the video editor the most.
Video editing software trends
As video editing software continues to evolve, new trends have been popping up in the space. Some may revolve around specific video editing techniques, while others are all about using editing to convey story and meaning. The following are a few other trends to look out for.
- Mobile video editing: Users can already shoot and edit videos on their smartphones. Video editing software sellers are focusing on extending beyond the basic editing functionalities and creating more powerful and feature-rich mobile video editing apps. The vision is to integrate advanced features like special effects, title card additions, and artificial intelligence integration to enhance the overall experience.
- Live video editing: Live videos are already popular, but those videos aren’t edited. Soon, that will change. There are already a few apps on the market that let users edit in real-time as they shoot. For example, users can change white balance or focus exposure on the go. We can expect live video editing to become more mainstream soon.
- Changing standard aspect ratios: Video editors used to have to work with an aspect ratio of around 4:3 or 16:9 in mind. But thanks to mobile phones and tablets, people watch videos on many kinds of screens. That means that standard aspect ratios need to keep up.
