The best video editing software for 2024 varies by skill level, with Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve for pros, and Filmora and iMovie for beginners.
In this article, we’ll cover the best video editing software of 2024, breaking down each program’s features, pricing, and which type of user it suits best.
Adobe Premiere Pro: The Industry Standard
Adobe Premiere Pro is often considered the gold standard of video editing software. It’s widely used by professionals in various industries, from YouTube creators to Hollywood filmmakers. Premiere Pro offers a robust set of features, perfect for both beginners and experienced editors.
Key Features:
- Advanced editing tools with frame-by-frame control, multi-cam editing, and support for nearly every video format.
- Seamless integration with other Adobe software like After Effects, Photoshop, and Audition.
- Available for both Windows and macOS with cloud storage options.
- AI tools like Auto Reframe and scene editing powered by Adobe Sensei.
Best For:
- Professionals and advanced users who require an extensive set of features and integration with other Adobe tools.
- Content creators who need high-quality editing tools for YouTube, vlogs, or short films.
Pricing:
- Monthly Subscription: $20.99/month (Individual Plan).
- Annual Plan: Discounts are available for the annual plan, which includes access to the Creative Cloud suite.
Final Cut Pro: The Mac Exclusive Powerhouse
Final Cut Pro is Apple’s flagship video editing software and is favored by many professionals and enthusiasts in the creative world. It’s optimized for macOS and provides excellent performance on both Intel and Apple Silicon chips (M1 and M2).
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Key Features:
- Magnetic Timeline that automatically adjusts clips to avoid overlapping, ensuring smooth editing.
- Optimized for Mac, with full support for M1/M2 chips, offering fast performance.
- Professional-grade color grading tools, including HDR support.
- Support for 360-degree video editing and immersive video formats.
Best For:
- Mac users who want a professional-grade tool optimized for macOS.
- Film professionals or those working on high-end projects like documentaries or feature films.
Pricing:
- One-time payment: $299.99 (no subscription required).
DaVinci Resolve: The Best Free Option
DaVinci Resolve has earned a stellar reputation for its professional-grade color grading and powerful video editing capabilities. While its free version offers a lot of features, the paid version unlocks even more advanced tools, making it a popular choice among both hobbyists and professionals.
Key Features:
- Known for its unrivaled color grading suite, DaVinci Resolve is ideal for colorists and professionals.
- Offers visual effects and motion graphics tools via the Fusion module.
- Includes Fairlight, a professional audio post-production suite.
- Collaboration tools allow multiple users to work on the same project.
Best For:
- Those on a budget: DaVinci Resolve is free to download and use, making it perfect for beginners.
- Colorists and professionals working on complex video projects that require detailed color grading and high-end visual effects.
Pricing:
- Free Version: Available at no cost with most features.
- DaVinci Resolve Studio: $295 (one-time payment).
Filmora: Easy Editing with Powerful Tools
Filmora by Wondershare strikes a balance between simplicity and advanced features, making it perfect for beginners, YouTubers, and social media influencers who need to produce quality videos without a steep learning curve.
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Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop interface that makes it easy to get started with video editing, even for absolute beginners.
- Thousands of customizable effects, transitions, and elements to add creativity to your videos.
- Built-in royalty-free music, sound effects, and background tracks.
- Supports 4K video editing and includes advanced features like motion tracking and keyframing.
Best For:
- Beginners and hobbyists looking for an easy-to-use but powerful editing tool.
- Social media influencers or YouTubers who need to create high-quality videos quickly.
Pricing:
- Monthly Subscription: $19.99/month.
- Annual Subscription: $49.99/year.
- Lifetime Plan: $69.99 (one-time payment).
HitFilm Express: A Great Free Alternative with Pro Features
HitFilm Express is a free video editing software that offers advanced features typically found in professional tools, including 3D compositing, visual effects, and more. With a bit of a learning curve, it’s an excellent choice for those who want pro-level features without spending money.
Key Features:
- Extensive collection of visual effects and compositing tools, including 3D editing.
- Multi-layer editing for complex timelines and effects integration.
- Free tutorials that help beginners understand advanced tools.
- Supports high-resolution video, including 4K and 3D formats.
Best For:
- Advanced users who want to experiment with visual effects and 3D compositing.
- Aspiring filmmakers and hobbyists who are looking to level up their editing without investing in costly software.
Pricing:
- Free Version: Available with essential features.
- Add-on Packs: You can purchase add-ons for more advanced tools, ranging from $10 to $50 per pack.
CyberLink PowerDirector: Fast and Feature-Rich Editing
CyberLink PowerDirector is known for its easy-to-use interface and quick editing workflow, making it ideal for those who want to get projects done fast while maintaining high-quality output. PowerDirector strikes a perfect balance between consumer-grade simplicity and professional-level features.
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Key Features:
- Drag-and-drop timeline for quick and easy project creation.
- Thousands of motion graphics templates, transitions, and effects to enhance your video.
- 4K and 360-degree video editing support for modern video production needs.
- AI-powered tools like motion tracking, denoising, and object detection.
Best For:
- Hobbyists and YouTubers looking for fast, quality editing with minimal effort.
- Users who need quick turnaround for video content creation, such as tutorials or vlogs.
Pricing:
- Subscription: $19.99/month or $51.99/year.
- One-time Purchase: $99.99 for the Ultra version.
Lightworks: Professional Editing with a Free Option
Lightworks is another professional-grade video editing software that has both a free and paid version. It is known for its powerful editing tools and its ability to handle high-resolution footage, including 4K video editing.
Key Features:
- Multi-track editing and multi-camera support for complex projects.
- Real-time video effects and high-quality export options for HD and 4K content.
- User-friendly interface designed for both beginners and professionals.
- Collaborative workflow to allow team-based video editing.
Best For:
- Film editors and professionals who need a free option with robust capabilities.
- Users who need access to high-end features without committing to a subscription plan.
Pricing:
- Free Version: Available with limited export options.
- Lightworks Pro: $24.99/month or $174.99 for a one-time license.
iMovie: Apple’s Free Editing Solution
iMovie is Apple’s default video editing software, designed for beginners and casual users. While it doesn’t have the depth of professional software, it provides more than enough tools for home users, YouTubers, and vloggers.
Key Features:
- Simple drag-and-drop interface that makes video editing accessible to everyone.
- Built-in templates and themes to speed up the editing process.
- 4K resolution editing for high-quality production.
- Syncs across all Apple devices via iCloud, allowing for editing on any Apple device.
Best For:
- Mac users who need a simple, free solution for basic video editing.
- Beginners who want to get into video editing without learning complex software.
Pricing:
- Free with macOS: No cost for macOS users.
FAQ’s
1. What is the best video editing software for beginners?
Filmora and iMovie are both great for beginners due to their simple interfaces and ease of use. Filmora offers more customization, while iMovie is ideal for Mac users.
2. What video editing programs do experts use?
Professionals typically use Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve for their advanced features and flexibility.
3. Is DaVinci Resolve really free?
Yes, DaVinci Resolve offers a powerful free version with most core features. The paid version, DaVinci Resolve Studio, unlocks more advanced tools.
4. What’s the best video editing software for YouTube creators?
Filmora is ideal for YouTubers because of its easy-to-use interface and abundant features. Adobe Premiere Pro is also a top choice for more advanced creators.
5. Is Final Cut Pro worth the price?
If you’re a Mac user, Final Cut Pro is worth the investment for its professional-grade features and performance, especially with the M1/M2 chips.
Conclusion
Choosing the perfect video editing software is determined by your needs, skill level, and available budget. experience level, and budget. Whether you’re using Adobe Premiere Pro for professional work, Filmora for simplicity, or DaVinci Resolve for powerful color grading, there’s a tool for everyone. With the right software, you can create polished, high-quality content with ease and efficiency, bringing your creative vision to life.
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