2024 Approved 13 Windows Movie Maker Alternatives You Need to Try

2024 Approved 13 Windows Movie Maker Alternatives You Need to Try

Giselle Lv12

13 Windows Movie Maker Alternatives You Need to Try

Windows Movie Maker has been a cornerstone tool for video editors for quite a while. There are a lot of amateurs who’ve made use of the free program and have done wonders with it. As it is discontinued, many Windows Movie Maker alternatives claim to offer ‘just the right video editing tool for you,’ few can live up to their promises—and most are very expensive.

We have ten other programs that can be used to create videos that include everything from Apple iMovie to other basic alternatives.

So whether you’re a beginner who wants to learn how to make a movie, a pro looking for an excellent alternative to Windows Movie Maker, or someone who wants to make a simple slide presentation or online video, you’re bound to find a video creation program here.

  1. Wondershare Filmora
  2. Avidemux Video Editor
  3. VirtualDub
  4. Sony Vegas Movie Studio
  5. WeVideo
  6. Lightworks
  7. ShotCut
  8. OpenShot
  9. Movavi Video Editor Plus
  10. VSDC Free Video Editor
  11. VideoPad Video Editor
  12. HitFilm
  13. Magix Movie Studio

Free Download

Free Download

Part 1: Top 3 Picks for Windows Movie Maker Alternatives

The world’s best video editing software is about to change. We look at three of the most popular and valuable alternatives to Windows Movie Maker.

You will need to consider these alternatives to ensure they meet your expectations and needs.

1. Wondershare Filmora - Best Overall

wondershare filmora

Filmora is the best Windows Movie Maker Alternative designed according to your convenience.

Download now on Windows Mac

Ratings: 4.4 Stars out 5

Starting from $49.99

2. Magix Movie Studio - Best for Collages

magix movie studio

This alternative offers a variety of tools and plugins for anyone who wants to create professional-level videos in under a minute.

Download on Windows

Ratings: 4 stars out of 5

30-day free trials, then starts from $69.99 all the way to $129

3. Avidemux Video Editor - Best Open-Source Editor

avidemux video editor

An open-source editor that supports a wide range of formats is free! Avidemux has an interface similar to Windows Movie Maker, which makes it a perfect alternative.

Download on Windows

Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5

Free Trial

Part 2: Ultimate Overview on 13 Best Alternatives to Windows Movie Maker

We live in visual culture, and we constantly see, capture, upload, and share videos on our smartphones, tablets, and laptops. So, it is only natural that more people seek ways to edit their videos. Windows Movie Maker was one of the most popular video editing apps. So it’s time to dig into the best Windows Movie Maker alternatives, which are arguably better and feature-rich.

Software OS Media Resources AI editing Easy to Use Free Trial
Wondershare Filmora WindowsMacMobile Yes Yes Yes Yes
Avidemux WindowsOS XLinuxBSD Yes No Yes Yes
Virtual Dub Windows No No Yes Yes
Vegas Movie Studio Windows Yes Yes No No
WeVideo Online Yes No Yes Yes
Lightworks LinuxOS X Windows Yes Yes No No
ShotCut WindowsMacLinuxBSD Yes No No Yes
OpenShot WindowsMacLinuxChrome OS Yes No Yes Yes
Movavi Plus WindowsMac Yes No Yes Yes
VSDC Windows Yes No Yes Yes
VideoPad WindowsMaciPad/iPhone Yes No Yes Yes
HitFilm WindowsMac Yes Yes Yes Yes
Magix Movie Studio Windows Yes Yes No Yes

Part 3: 13 Best Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Windows

As we all know, Windows Movie Maker is the most used and trusted tool for creating videos in Windows. With its unique features and user-friendly interface, people often use this software to develop short and entertaining videos.

However, the fact is that Windows Movie Maker is not the current best video editing software for creating complex video projects. For this reason, we compiled a list of the 12 best alternatives to offer you a better option for Windows Movie Maker.

1. Wondershare Filmora

Filmora 11 is a powerful, easy-to-use video editor specially designed to streamline your workflow and save you hours weekly. It supports everything from Windows, Mac, and IOS to Android. The latest update to the flagship app includes several key enhancements that result in a much more efficient video creation workflow and one that’s easier to use than its rivals.

filmora interface

Key features

  • Preset Templates
  • Instant Mode
  • Motion Tracking
  • AI Editing Effects
  • Auto Synchronization
  • Plug-ins

Price

  • Annual Plan: $49.99
  • Perpetual Plan: $79.99

Pros

  • Seamless interface for beginners
  • Great customer support
  • Plenty of effects and preset templates
  • 4K video output options

Cons

  • Rendering requires too much time
  • The mobile app requires separate subscription

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , iOS , Android , iPad

G2 Ratings: 4.4 stars out of 5

Summary

Filmora’s intuitive interface allows experienced and brand-new users to create incredible videos with flawless special effects. Its high ratings and multiple supported formats make it quite popular among users.

2. Avidemux Video Editor

If you are a beginner and want to use a free, open-source software program for basic video editing, then Avidemux is a good choice. The interface is not as fancy as it could be, but there are some presets that’ll save you a lot of time. Avidemux is a cross-platform video editor that allows you to create custom videos, but it doesn’t feature the ability to share the edited footage to social media directly,

avidemux ui

Key features

  • Video and Audio Filters
  • Support Popular Formats
  • Convert Video For Archiving or Publishing

Price: Free

Pros

  • It can convert Video To A Smaller Size
  • Easy cut, trim, split video

Cons

  • Out-dated UI
  • Lacks sharing option

Supported OS: Windows , OS X , Linux , BSD

Uptodown Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5

Summary

An open-source video editor that supports most formats. Due to its obsolete UI and lack of sharing features, Avidemux has average ratings.

3. VirtualDub

This open-source software is user-friendly and allows users with little experience to navigate the software without much trouble. It supports 3rd party apps and also offers batch-processing, which means working on multiple videos simultaneously makes it possible.

virtual dub interface

Key features

  • Integrated volume and histogram meter
  • Optimized disk
  • Noise reduction
  • Fractional frame rates

Price: Free

Pros

  • Clean interface, easy to use
  • Keyboard and mouse shortcuts for faster operation
  • Free to use

Cons

  • Not suitable for 4K editing
  • Lack learning material
  • Obsolete Interface

Supported OS: Windows

Compare Camp Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5

Summary

Virtual Dub supports multitasking, and its features are pretty helpful. However, it lacks 4k editing and a friendly interface. Overall Virtual Dub is a good choice.

4. Sony Vegas Movie Studio

This video editing software makes it easy to create professional-looking videos in minimum time and effort. Vegas Movie Studio software is best for video editing professionals who have been doing it for some time and are looking for something a little more sophisticated than free alternatives. Not only does it has a high retail price, but its internal elements can be too complex for those just beginning.

sony vegas pro picture-in-picture

Key features

  • Color correction
  • HDV and AVCHD-editing
  • DV batch capture
  • Wide variety of file formats and codecs

Price: Starting from $7.99 USD per month

Pros

  • Customizable interface
  • Multicam editing
  • Lots of effects and transitions, with plug-in capability
  • Good slow motion and warp flow transition tools

Cons

  • Less intuitive interface than competitors
  • Import from camcorder not ideal
  • Some tools are complex

Supported OS: Windows

G2 Ratings: 4.4 out of 5

Summary

Vegas Movie Studio is the choice of professionals. It does all the work without taking up a lot of resources, and like most programs, there is a learning curve. It’s not always intuitive for beginners, but its professional and powerful features score decent in most reviews.

5. WeVideo

This cloud-based application is a simple-to-use video editing and sharing suite. WeVideo is a full-featured video editing application that uses JumpStart technology to create amazing videos. It’s an innovative app that offers a seamless editing experience as it supports multiple formats of video, images, audio, and graphics.

wevideo editing window

Key features

  • WeVideo JumpStart
  • Cloud storage
  • Built-in graphics
  • Customizable environment
  • Advanced text editing
  • Multi-track editing and storyboard

Price

  • Free trial
  • Power Plan: $9.99/month
  • Unlimited Plan: $15.99/month
  • Professional Plan: $39.99/month
  • Business Plan: $73.99/month

Pros

  • Constantly improving features
  • Ease of use
  • Storage is cloud-based

Cons

  • Old fashion transition
  • Leaves a watermark on free trial

Supported OS: Online

Trustpilot Ratings: 4 stars out of 5

Summary

WeVideo is a straightforward yet robust video editor. It offers a variety of features and supports multiple formats, plus its comprehensive pricing plan makes it useful for everyone.

6. Lightworks

Lightworks is the most powerful video editor in its class and an excellent tool for professionals who want to make amazing videos quickly. Lightworks is very fast and straightforward to use, and it has some great features you won’t find in any other video editor. It is available on all popular OS.

lightworks straightforward editing

Key features

  • Audio and Video Effect Plugin Support
  • Cloud Connected
  • Motion Graphics
  • Advanced Metadata
  • Proxy Workflows
  • Apple ProRes decoding

Price

  • Monthly Plan: $9.99/user
  • Yearly Plan: $9.99/user
  • Perpetual: $154.99

Pros

  • High-resolution timeline rendering
  • It has social media export templates
  • Interfaces for multiple OS are consistent
  • Instant autosave

Cons

  • Commands are not always intuitive
  • A bit pricey as compared to its competitors

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

Techradar Pro Ratings: 4 stars out of 5

Summary

Lightworks is not any other video editing tool available on the market of video editing tools. This video editing tool provides amateurs with the most sophisticated features in an optimized platform. Its scores are the highest on almost every review site.

7. ShotCut

Shotcut is a multiplatform video editor that lets you work with various formats for audio, video, image files, etc. This video editor makes it easy to mix and match the resolution and frame rates in a video file. All the changes you make in the editor can be undone and redone often. Shotcut is the best choice for video editing, without question.

shotcut interfaces

Key features

  • Webcam capture
  • Audio scopes and filters
  • Deinterlacing
  • Eyedropper tool
  • Video wipe transitions
  • Keyframes for filter parameters

Price: Free

Pros

  • Support for 4K resolutions
  • Free

Cons

  • Less intuitive than commercial apps
  • Lacks built-in sharing to popular sites

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

GetApp Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Summary

Shotcut is an open-source video editor for creative professionals and is available on mac, Windows, and Linux. The free version of Shotcut has many excellent features, but it doesn’t have the slick interface or advanced techniques of the top paid editors.

8. OpenShot

An award-winning open-source video editor that creates stunning videos. OpenShot is a fast, easy-to-use, and surprisingly powerful video editor. OpenShot Video Editor allows you to work with many different types of tracks so that your edits will seem natural. OpenShot Video Editor allows you to add your custom animations or titles. The options are endless, so it all depends on your time and interest. It is available in more than 70 languages, making it ideal for all types of users.

openshot interface

Key features

  • 3D animations
  • Animation and keyframes
  • Multiple languages and formats
  • Cross-platform
  • Video-effects

Price: Free

Pros

  • It is a non-linear editor with infinite tracks
  • 100% free without watermark
  • Frequent updates

Cons

  • Obsolete interface
  • Unstable performance
  • Lacks some editing features

Supported OS: Window , Mac , Linux , Chrome OS

Getapp Ratings: 4.2 stars out of 5

Summary

Another open-source video-editor in the list is named OpenShot. It’s a multi-lingual and multi-supported app with unique features. Despite its unstable performance, OpenShot is still an ideal choice for many users.

9. Movavi Video Editor Plus

Movavi Video Editor Plus is the perfect tool to bring your creative ideas to life. It has special effects, ready-made intros, and keyframe animation. Using chroma keying, you can change the background of your video clips to any color or pattern that suits your need. Movavi has now redesigned its user interface to make it easy to use.

movavi editing window

Key features

  • Effects and transitions
  • Built-in media pack
  • Fast processing of 4K videos
  • Keyframe animation
  • Automatic video creation
  • Cutting, trimming, joining

Price

  • Free version: 7 days
  • Video Editor Plus 1 year /1 PC: $49.95
  • Video Editor Plus Lifetime /1 PC: $69.95
  • Video Suite Lifetime /1 PC: $89.95

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
  • Slow rendering

Supported OS: Window , Mac

PCMag Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5

Summary

If you want to edit your videos with a minimal learning curve, try Movavi. You get PiP, chroma-keying, titling, basic keying, and motion tracking. The program is simple to use but doesn’t have all the features and stands four stars.

10. VSDC Free Video Editor

VSDC Free Video Editor is an online tool that lets you edit audio and video files to make your creations like movies, YouTube tutorial videos, and more. The audio and video files supported are extensive, and the software includes a codec manager. The Pro version isn’t necessary if you’re using the free edition of the software; it’s more than enough to get the job done.

vsdc project

Key features

  • Dark theme
  • Subpixel Accuracy
  • Powerful Chroma Key tool
  • Trendy video effects, filters, and transitions
  • Color Blending And Filters
  • Built-In DVD Burning Tool

Price: Free

Pros

  • Non-linear
  • Video effects library
  • Video stabilization
  • Masking

Cons

  • Outdated interface
  • Lack keyboard shortcuts
  • Only available on Windows

Supported OS: Windows

Capterra Ratings: 4.5 stars out 5

Summary

VSDC is a non-linear editor with extensive format support. It includes all the essential features an editor requires but with an obsolete UI. It is also ideal for many who need a powerful yet free video editor.

11. VideoPad Video Editor

VideoPad is a free video editor that can create stunning videos and perform basic editing tasks. A good video editor can help you to create videos for different social media platforms. You can make your videos look professional and polished with a few clicks and some simple editing skills. There’s nothing particularly exciting or advanced about this app; it’s simple enough for anyone new to video editing or even for seasoned editors. But the simple and easy-to-use interface makes the entire process very exciting.

videopad video editor interface

Key features

  • Text snippets
  • Range of transitional effects
  • Plug-ins Library
  • Burn finished videos to Blu-Ray, DVD, etc.
  • Color correction and light balance.

Price: Free

Pros

  • Simple and clean interface
  • Supports multiple file formats
  • Includes video effects
  • Lightweight on system resources

Cons

  • Lack of advanced features

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , iPad/iPhone

Tom’s guide Ratings: 3.5 stars out of 5

Summary

Video pad is a free video editor designed for beginners that is lightweight and simple. VideoPad is also great for creating quick videos for social media purposes like Youtube and Facebook. The software has a high rating, as shown above, and it’s available on Windows.

12. HitFilm

HitFilm is a helpful video editing software that makes editing easier for users. In addition to basic features, the program also provides advanced-level functions that make edited videos pop. Hitfilm Express Download has more than 400 features to help casual video editors save time. Features like: visual effects, cinematic elements, and compositing tools preset help unleash your creativity.

hitfilm homepage

Key features

  • Color Grading and correction
  • Smart search
  • Commentator recorder
  • Lightning and lens flares
  • 3D camera tracker

Price

  • Free trial
  • Creator: $7.50
  • Pro: $12.50
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing

Pros

  • Intuitive interface
  • It offers free tutorials and masterclasses
  • Works on both Windows and Mac

Cons

  • It requires heavy system requirements

Supported OS: Windows , Mac

TechRadar Ratings: 4.5 stars out of 5

Summary

HitFilm Express 15 is a powerful free video editing program that enables you to create high-quality videos in minutes with an intuitive interface. It offers advanced editing features such as advanced video trimming, 3D editing, and more.

13. Magix Movie Studio

Magix is the world’s leading professional audiovisual media software, with Sequoia being its industry-standard audio editing software. This movie editor is an enthusiast-level video editing software that competes with software from Adobe and CyberLink, and it even boasts support for 4K content and 360 degrees. There are many reasons to upgrade. This year’s update includes stabilization, 8K editing, motion tracking, and an in-app plug-in store.

magix video-editing interface

Key features

  • NewBlue effects
  • Fly-in animation
  • New filter view
  • Stabilization
  • Motion tracking
  • 8k support

Price

  • Movie Studio 2024: $69.99 (30-day free trial)
  • Movie Studio 2024 Platinum: $99.99 (30-day free trial)
  • Movie Studio 2024 Suite: $129.00 (30-day free trial)

Pros

  • Lots of video effects
  • Responsive editing interface
  • Multicam
  • Trailer-like movie templates
  • Solid audio editing

Cons

  • Slower project rendering than others
  • Lacks import and organization tools

Supported OS: Windows

PCMag Ratings: 3 stars out of 5

Summary

Magix movie studio is a powerful all-around video editing tool with many features that professional users have come to expect. It’s also relatively simple to use. But usability and performance are poor compared to other software programs like Filmora .

Part 4: How To Edit a Video With a Windows Movie Maker Alternative

Windows Movie Maker was great for editing a video, but it’s no match for some of the best video editing software. We’re talking about software capable of creating a cinematic experience in seconds, all on your computer.

When you need to edit a video with simple, quick edits, like adding a special effect or changing the background, try Filmora . Filmora is an easy-to-use application that allows you to create a movie using simple tools that don’t require additional training. You can’t beat this option if you want to create a professional-quality video for your blog or website.

Let’s dive into a quick tutorial on editing videos in Filmora:

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Step1 Open Wondershare Filmora on your PC or Mac

You can start a new project by clicking on ‘New Project’. And you can also change the ‘Aspect Ratio’ according to your project demand.

create project

Step2 Import Videos

You can import your file by clicking the import tab on the upper-left side or clicking the import icon on the main window.

filmora interface

Step3 Drag and drop your footage to the timeline

After importing all the files, click and hold each individual video and drag and drop it to the timeline area according to your ideal sequence.

drag and drop files

Step4 Add Audio

Go to the ‘Audio’ tab and select the audio file from the audio library. Once selected, drag and drop the audio file into the music timeline.

add audio to music timeline

Step5 Add Titles

In your video intro, you can insert some title text. Go to the ‘Titles’ tab and select the one you like, and drag and drop it on top of the timeline. Double-click and edit the text and state your ideal statements. You can customize your text fonts and color too.

add text

Step6 Add Transitions

You can add transition effects to ensure a smooth transition from one scene to another. The overall will get more professional look.

add transition effects

Step7 Add Effects

Next; you can get special effects to your video to make them more attractive and engaging to watch. Simple drag down the effect to your video and watch the effect take place in your selective scene.

add effects

Step8 Export your work

Once all the changes have been made, hit ‘export’ from the top tab. A window will appear where you can change the settings, resolution, frame rate, bit rate, etc. Next, click the ‘export’ button down on that window, and then you can save the file in your drive.

export settings

Part 5: Hot FAQs on Windows Movie Maker Alternatives

1. Why is Windows Movie Maker discontinued?

Microsoft’s video editing program, Windows Movie Maker, did not become a big hit with the public because it failed to do well on the market. Microsoft couldn’t get the support they were looking for from the program’s users. As a result, Microsoft had to cease its support of the program.

2. Is there a free version of Windows Movie Maker?

Microsoft Windows Movie maker was always accessible and pre-installed every windows product. Microsoft has discontinued support for Movie Maker and warns about free downloads of Movie Maker provided by third parties that might contain malware, viruses, or other issues.

3. What are the best free Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Mac?

After switching to a Mac, you’ll find that the Windows Movie Maker alternatives offer much more than just a simple video editor. They provide advanced features, easy transitions, and less technical know-how to create pro-quality results. You should try using these platforms on your Mac if you have a video to edit.

Final Words

Windows Movie Maker is an excellent Windows video editor application for Windows users. But in recent years, it has become outdated due to the continuous development of new technologies. There are many alternatives for Windows Movie Maker, and here we listed some of the best ones. Most of them are free and featured packs. Each program has its unique set of features and capabilities, and each one excels in different areas. Check them out and see what you think.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Free Download

Free Download

Part 1: Top 3 Picks for Windows Movie Maker Alternatives

The world’s best video editing software is about to change. We look at three of the most popular and valuable alternatives to Windows Movie Maker.

You will need to consider these alternatives to ensure they meet your expectations and needs.

1. Wondershare Filmora - Best Overall

wondershare filmora

Filmora is the best Windows Movie Maker Alternative designed according to your convenience.

Download now on Windows Mac

Ratings: 4.4 Stars out 5

Starting from $49.99

2. Magix Movie Studio - Best for Collages

magix movie studio

This alternative offers a variety of tools and plugins for anyone who wants to create professional-level videos in under a minute.

Download on Windows

Ratings: 4 stars out of 5

30-day free trials, then starts from $69.99 all the way to $129

3. Avidemux Video Editor - Best Open-Source Editor

avidemux video editor

An open-source editor that supports a wide range of formats is free! Avidemux has an interface similar to Windows Movie Maker, which makes it a perfect alternative.

Download on Windows

Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5

Free Trial

Part 2: Ultimate Overview on 13 Best Alternatives to Windows Movie Maker

We live in visual culture, and we constantly see, capture, upload, and share videos on our smartphones, tablets, and laptops. So, it is only natural that more people seek ways to edit their videos. Windows Movie Maker was one of the most popular video editing apps. So it’s time to dig into the best Windows Movie Maker alternatives, which are arguably better and feature-rich.

Software OS Media Resources AI editing Easy to Use Free Trial
Wondershare Filmora WindowsMacMobile Yes Yes Yes Yes
Avidemux WindowsOS XLinuxBSD Yes No Yes Yes
Virtual Dub Windows No No Yes Yes
Vegas Movie Studio Windows Yes Yes No No
WeVideo Online Yes No Yes Yes
Lightworks LinuxOS X Windows Yes Yes No No
ShotCut WindowsMacLinuxBSD Yes No No Yes
OpenShot WindowsMacLinuxChrome OS Yes No Yes Yes
Movavi Plus WindowsMac Yes No Yes Yes
VSDC Windows Yes No Yes Yes
VideoPad WindowsMaciPad/iPhone Yes No Yes Yes
HitFilm WindowsMac Yes Yes Yes Yes
Magix Movie Studio Windows Yes Yes No Yes

Part 3: 13 Best Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Windows

As we all know, Windows Movie Maker is the most used and trusted tool for creating videos in Windows. With its unique features and user-friendly interface, people often use this software to develop short and entertaining videos.

However, the fact is that Windows Movie Maker is not the current best video editing software for creating complex video projects. For this reason, we compiled a list of the 12 best alternatives to offer you a better option for Windows Movie Maker.

1. Wondershare Filmora

Filmora 11 is a powerful, easy-to-use video editor specially designed to streamline your workflow and save you hours weekly. It supports everything from Windows, Mac, and IOS to Android. The latest update to the flagship app includes several key enhancements that result in a much more efficient video creation workflow and one that’s easier to use than its rivals.

filmora interface

Key features

  • Preset Templates
  • Instant Mode
  • Motion Tracking
  • AI Editing Effects
  • Auto Synchronization
  • Plug-ins

Price

  • Annual Plan: $49.99
  • Perpetual Plan: $79.99

Pros

  • Seamless interface for beginners
  • Great customer support
  • Plenty of effects and preset templates
  • 4K video output options

Cons

  • Rendering requires too much time
  • The mobile app requires separate subscription

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , iOS , Android , iPad

G2 Ratings: 4.4 stars out of 5

Summary

Filmora’s intuitive interface allows experienced and brand-new users to create incredible videos with flawless special effects. Its high ratings and multiple supported formats make it quite popular among users.

2. Avidemux Video Editor

If you are a beginner and want to use a free, open-source software program for basic video editing, then Avidemux is a good choice. The interface is not as fancy as it could be, but there are some presets that’ll save you a lot of time. Avidemux is a cross-platform video editor that allows you to create custom videos, but it doesn’t feature the ability to share the edited footage to social media directly,

avidemux ui

Key features

  • Video and Audio Filters
  • Support Popular Formats
  • Convert Video For Archiving or Publishing

Price: Free

Pros

  • It can convert Video To A Smaller Size
  • Easy cut, trim, split video

Cons

  • Out-dated UI
  • Lacks sharing option

Supported OS: Windows , OS X , Linux , BSD

Uptodown Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5

Summary

An open-source video editor that supports most formats. Due to its obsolete UI and lack of sharing features, Avidemux has average ratings.

3. VirtualDub

This open-source software is user-friendly and allows users with little experience to navigate the software without much trouble. It supports 3rd party apps and also offers batch-processing, which means working on multiple videos simultaneously makes it possible.

virtual dub interface

Key features

  • Integrated volume and histogram meter
  • Optimized disk
  • Noise reduction
  • Fractional frame rates

Price: Free

Pros

  • Clean interface, easy to use
  • Keyboard and mouse shortcuts for faster operation
  • Free to use

Cons

  • Not suitable for 4K editing
  • Lack learning material
  • Obsolete Interface

Supported OS: Windows

Compare Camp Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5

Summary

Virtual Dub supports multitasking, and its features are pretty helpful. However, it lacks 4k editing and a friendly interface. Overall Virtual Dub is a good choice.

4. Sony Vegas Movie Studio

This video editing software makes it easy to create professional-looking videos in minimum time and effort. Vegas Movie Studio software is best for video editing professionals who have been doing it for some time and are looking for something a little more sophisticated than free alternatives. Not only does it has a high retail price, but its internal elements can be too complex for those just beginning.

sony vegas pro picture-in-picture

Key features

  • Color correction
  • HDV and AVCHD-editing
  • DV batch capture
  • Wide variety of file formats and codecs

Price: Starting from $7.99 USD per month

Pros

  • Customizable interface
  • Multicam editing
  • Lots of effects and transitions, with plug-in capability
  • Good slow motion and warp flow transition tools

Cons

  • Less intuitive interface than competitors
  • Import from camcorder not ideal
  • Some tools are complex

Supported OS: Windows

G2 Ratings: 4.4 out of 5

Summary

Vegas Movie Studio is the choice of professionals. It does all the work without taking up a lot of resources, and like most programs, there is a learning curve. It’s not always intuitive for beginners, but its professional and powerful features score decent in most reviews.

5. WeVideo

This cloud-based application is a simple-to-use video editing and sharing suite. WeVideo is a full-featured video editing application that uses JumpStart technology to create amazing videos. It’s an innovative app that offers a seamless editing experience as it supports multiple formats of video, images, audio, and graphics.

wevideo editing window

Key features

  • WeVideo JumpStart
  • Cloud storage
  • Built-in graphics
  • Customizable environment
  • Advanced text editing
  • Multi-track editing and storyboard

Price

  • Free trial
  • Power Plan: $9.99/month
  • Unlimited Plan: $15.99/month
  • Professional Plan: $39.99/month
  • Business Plan: $73.99/month

Pros

  • Constantly improving features
  • Ease of use
  • Storage is cloud-based

Cons

  • Old fashion transition
  • Leaves a watermark on free trial

Supported OS: Online

Trustpilot Ratings: 4 stars out of 5

Summary

WeVideo is a straightforward yet robust video editor. It offers a variety of features and supports multiple formats, plus its comprehensive pricing plan makes it useful for everyone.

6. Lightworks

Lightworks is the most powerful video editor in its class and an excellent tool for professionals who want to make amazing videos quickly. Lightworks is very fast and straightforward to use, and it has some great features you won’t find in any other video editor. It is available on all popular OS.

lightworks straightforward editing

Key features

  • Audio and Video Effect Plugin Support
  • Cloud Connected
  • Motion Graphics
  • Advanced Metadata
  • Proxy Workflows
  • Apple ProRes decoding

Price

  • Monthly Plan: $9.99/user
  • Yearly Plan: $9.99/user
  • Perpetual: $154.99

Pros

  • High-resolution timeline rendering
  • It has social media export templates
  • Interfaces for multiple OS are consistent
  • Instant autosave

Cons

  • Commands are not always intuitive
  • A bit pricey as compared to its competitors

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

Techradar Pro Ratings: 4 stars out of 5

Summary

Lightworks is not any other video editing tool available on the market of video editing tools. This video editing tool provides amateurs with the most sophisticated features in an optimized platform. Its scores are the highest on almost every review site.

7. ShotCut

Shotcut is a multiplatform video editor that lets you work with various formats for audio, video, image files, etc. This video editor makes it easy to mix and match the resolution and frame rates in a video file. All the changes you make in the editor can be undone and redone often. Shotcut is the best choice for video editing, without question.

shotcut interfaces

Key features

  • Webcam capture
  • Audio scopes and filters
  • Deinterlacing
  • Eyedropper tool
  • Video wipe transitions
  • Keyframes for filter parameters

Price: Free

Pros

  • Support for 4K resolutions
  • Free

Cons

  • Less intuitive than commercial apps
  • Lacks built-in sharing to popular sites

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux

GetApp Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Summary

Shotcut is an open-source video editor for creative professionals and is available on mac, Windows, and Linux. The free version of Shotcut has many excellent features, but it doesn’t have the slick interface or advanced techniques of the top paid editors.

8. OpenShot

An award-winning open-source video editor that creates stunning videos. OpenShot is a fast, easy-to-use, and surprisingly powerful video editor. OpenShot Video Editor allows you to work with many different types of tracks so that your edits will seem natural. OpenShot Video Editor allows you to add your custom animations or titles. The options are endless, so it all depends on your time and interest. It is available in more than 70 languages, making it ideal for all types of users.

openshot interface

Key features

  • 3D animations
  • Animation and keyframes
  • Multiple languages and formats
  • Cross-platform
  • Video-effects

Price: Free

Pros

  • It is a non-linear editor with infinite tracks
  • 100% free without watermark
  • Frequent updates

Cons

  • Obsolete interface
  • Unstable performance
  • Lacks some editing features

Supported OS: Window , Mac , Linux , Chrome OS

Getapp Ratings: 4.2 stars out of 5

Summary

Another open-source video-editor in the list is named OpenShot. It’s a multi-lingual and multi-supported app with unique features. Despite its unstable performance, OpenShot is still an ideal choice for many users.

9. Movavi Video Editor Plus

Movavi Video Editor Plus is the perfect tool to bring your creative ideas to life. It has special effects, ready-made intros, and keyframe animation. Using chroma keying, you can change the background of your video clips to any color or pattern that suits your need. Movavi has now redesigned its user interface to make it easy to use.

movavi editing window

Key features

  • Effects and transitions
  • Built-in media pack
  • Fast processing of 4K videos
  • Keyframe animation
  • Automatic video creation
  • Cutting, trimming, joining

Price

  • Free version: 7 days
  • Video Editor Plus 1 year /1 PC: $49.95
  • Video Editor Plus Lifetime /1 PC: $69.95
  • Video Suite Lifetime /1 PC: $89.95

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
  • Slow rendering

Supported OS: Window , Mac

PCMag Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5

Summary

If you want to edit your videos with a minimal learning curve, try Movavi. You get PiP, chroma-keying, titling, basic keying, and motion tracking. The program is simple to use but doesn’t have all the features and stands four stars.

10. VSDC Free Video Editor

VSDC Free Video Editor is an online tool that lets you edit audio and video files to make your creations like movies, YouTube tutorial videos, and more. The audio and video files supported are extensive, and the software includes a codec manager. The Pro version isn’t necessary if you’re using the free edition of the software; it’s more than enough to get the job done.

vsdc project

Key features

  • Dark theme
  • Subpixel Accuracy
  • Powerful Chroma Key tool
  • Trendy video effects, filters, and transitions
  • Color Blending And Filters
  • Built-In DVD Burning Tool

Price: Free

Pros

  • Non-linear
  • Video effects library
  • Video stabilization
  • Masking

Cons

  • Outdated interface
  • Lack keyboard shortcuts
  • Only available on Windows

Supported OS: Windows

Capterra Ratings: 4.5 stars out 5

Summary

VSDC is a non-linear editor with extensive format support. It includes all the essential features an editor requires but with an obsolete UI. It is also ideal for many who need a powerful yet free video editor.

11. VideoPad Video Editor

VideoPad is a free video editor that can create stunning videos and perform basic editing tasks. A good video editor can help you to create videos for different social media platforms. You can make your videos look professional and polished with a few clicks and some simple editing skills. There’s nothing particularly exciting or advanced about this app; it’s simple enough for anyone new to video editing or even for seasoned editors. But the simple and easy-to-use interface makes the entire process very exciting.

videopad video editor interface

Key features

  • Text snippets
  • Range of transitional effects
  • Plug-ins Library
  • Burn finished videos to Blu-Ray, DVD, etc.
  • Color correction and light balance.

Price: Free

Pros

  • Simple and clean interface
  • Supports multiple file formats
  • Includes video effects
  • Lightweight on system resources

Cons

  • Lack of advanced features

Supported OS: Windows , Mac , iPad/iPhone

Tom’s guide Ratings: 3.5 stars out of 5

Summary

Video pad is a free video editor designed for beginners that is lightweight and simple. VideoPad is also great for creating quick videos for social media purposes like Youtube and Facebook. The software has a high rating, as shown above, and it’s available on Windows.

12. HitFilm

HitFilm is a helpful video editing software that makes editing easier for users. In addition to basic features, the program also provides advanced-level functions that make edited videos pop. Hitfilm Express Download has more than 400 features to help casual video editors save time. Features like: visual effects, cinematic elements, and compositing tools preset help unleash your creativity.

hitfilm homepage

Key features

  • Color Grading and correction
  • Smart search
  • Commentator recorder
  • Lightning and lens flares
  • 3D camera tracker

Price

  • Free trial
  • Creator: $7.50
  • Pro: $12.50
  • Enterprise: Custom pricing

Pros

  • Intuitive interface
  • It offers free tutorials and masterclasses
  • Works on both Windows and Mac

Cons

  • It requires heavy system requirements

Supported OS: Windows , Mac

TechRadar Ratings: 4.5 stars out of 5

Summary

HitFilm Express 15 is a powerful free video editing program that enables you to create high-quality videos in minutes with an intuitive interface. It offers advanced editing features such as advanced video trimming, 3D editing, and more.

13. Magix Movie Studio

Magix is the world’s leading professional audiovisual media software, with Sequoia being its industry-standard audio editing software. This movie editor is an enthusiast-level video editing software that competes with software from Adobe and CyberLink, and it even boasts support for 4K content and 360 degrees. There are many reasons to upgrade. This year’s update includes stabilization, 8K editing, motion tracking, and an in-app plug-in store.

magix video-editing interface

Key features

  • NewBlue effects
  • Fly-in animation
  • New filter view
  • Stabilization
  • Motion tracking
  • 8k support

Price

  • Movie Studio 2024: $69.99 (30-day free trial)
  • Movie Studio 2024 Platinum: $99.99 (30-day free trial)
  • Movie Studio 2024 Suite: $129.00 (30-day free trial)

Pros

  • Lots of video effects
  • Responsive editing interface
  • Multicam
  • Trailer-like movie templates
  • Solid audio editing

Cons

  • Slower project rendering than others
  • Lacks import and organization tools

Supported OS: Windows

PCMag Ratings: 3 stars out of 5

Summary

Magix movie studio is a powerful all-around video editing tool with many features that professional users have come to expect. It’s also relatively simple to use. But usability and performance are poor compared to other software programs like Filmora .

Part 4: How To Edit a Video With a Windows Movie Maker Alternative

Windows Movie Maker was great for editing a video, but it’s no match for some of the best video editing software. We’re talking about software capable of creating a cinematic experience in seconds, all on your computer.

When you need to edit a video with simple, quick edits, like adding a special effect or changing the background, try Filmora . Filmora is an easy-to-use application that allows you to create a movie using simple tools that don’t require additional training. You can’t beat this option if you want to create a professional-quality video for your blog or website.

Let’s dive into a quick tutorial on editing videos in Filmora:

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Step1 Open Wondershare Filmora on your PC or Mac

You can start a new project by clicking on ‘New Project’. And you can also change the ‘Aspect Ratio’ according to your project demand.

create project

Step2 Import Videos

You can import your file by clicking the import tab on the upper-left side or clicking the import icon on the main window.

filmora interface

Step3 Drag and drop your footage to the timeline

After importing all the files, click and hold each individual video and drag and drop it to the timeline area according to your ideal sequence.

drag and drop files

Step4 Add Audio

Go to the ‘Audio’ tab and select the audio file from the audio library. Once selected, drag and drop the audio file into the music timeline.

add audio to music timeline

Step5 Add Titles

In your video intro, you can insert some title text. Go to the ‘Titles’ tab and select the one you like, and drag and drop it on top of the timeline. Double-click and edit the text and state your ideal statements. You can customize your text fonts and color too.

add text

Step6 Add Transitions

You can add transition effects to ensure a smooth transition from one scene to another. The overall will get more professional look.

add transition effects

Step7 Add Effects

Next; you can get special effects to your video to make them more attractive and engaging to watch. Simple drag down the effect to your video and watch the effect take place in your selective scene.

add effects

Step8 Export your work

Once all the changes have been made, hit ‘export’ from the top tab. A window will appear where you can change the settings, resolution, frame rate, bit rate, etc. Next, click the ‘export’ button down on that window, and then you can save the file in your drive.

export settings

Part 5: Hot FAQs on Windows Movie Maker Alternatives

1. Why is Windows Movie Maker discontinued?

Microsoft’s video editing program, Windows Movie Maker, did not become a big hit with the public because it failed to do well on the market. Microsoft couldn’t get the support they were looking for from the program’s users. As a result, Microsoft had to cease its support of the program.

2. Is there a free version of Windows Movie Maker?

Microsoft Windows Movie maker was always accessible and pre-installed every windows product. Microsoft has discontinued support for Movie Maker and warns about free downloads of Movie Maker provided by third parties that might contain malware, viruses, or other issues.

3. What are the best free Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Mac?

After switching to a Mac, you’ll find that the Windows Movie Maker alternatives offer much more than just a simple video editor. They provide advanced features, easy transitions, and less technical know-how to create pro-quality results. You should try using these platforms on your Mac if you have a video to edit.

Final Words

Windows Movie Maker is an excellent Windows video editor application for Windows users. But in recent years, it has become outdated due to the continuous development of new technologies. There are many alternatives for Windows Movie Maker, and here we listed some of the best ones. Most of them are free and featured packs. Each program has its unique set of features and capabilities, and each one excels in different areas. Check them out and see what you think.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

The Ultimate Guide to VSDC Video Editor Alternatives on Mac

VSDC Free Video Editor for Mac: Get Best Alternatives

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

VSDC is one of the most popular freeware software among beginners and intermediate-level video editors. But it is limited only to Windows users. Even after multiple requests from the users and tech-critics, VSDC isn’t likely to release a VSDC Mac version soon. So, it is best to look for VSDC alternatives for Mac.

Scroll down to find the best alternatives to VSDC for a Mac.

Although not completely free, Wondershare Filmora is one of the most suitable video-editing tool for Mac users. Not only is it superior to the VSDC, but it is also considered one of the most powerful utilities in the video-editing realm by critics and users. Why? Well…

Download Filmora9 Win Version Download Filmora9 Mac Version

Download Filmora9 Mac Version

  • Starting with the simple interface that includes an array of features to distinguish as a sophisticated video editing tool for Mac.
  • The regular addition of new features like Auto Reframe to smartly crop your video and integration of the cloud-based stock library are what make this software powerful and superior
  • Plus, you can choose the presets and edit up to 4K videos at 60fps. The drag-and-drop feature allows you to add media files, and the preview section lets you see the edited video in real-time.
  • The timeline is simple yet powerful, and the customizable settings allow you to use the combination of mouse, keyboard, and icons controls and make the video-editing process seamless.

So, it is not tough to discern why Filmora is considered as one of the most authoritative video editor for Mac users. Moreover, as mentioned, the software is not absolutely free. Still, you can use most of its features in free version.

Part 2: Top 3 VSDC Video Editor for Mac Alternatives

After reviewing hundreds of freeware software, we have come up with the three best VSDC alternatives.

1. ShotCut

A simple, free, and open-source software that makes the video-making process straightforward. Filled with interesting ideas and powerful features, the greatest thing about ShotCut is that besides being free — it is regularly updated and maintained by the vendor. The interface has a three-panel view and adding media files is as simple as dragging and dropping.

The software also includes rich features like keyframing, color correction, transition and lets you edit up to 4K resolution video with ease. But unlike VSDC, ShotCut does not have multiple preset transition effects and includes only 24 basic wipe-in or out effects. Still, the software has sophisticated features like Chroma Key and allows you to utilize third-party addons for text and titles as the application does not have many of them.

shortcut

Pros:

  • Lightweight for a sophisticated video-editor
  • The interface is simple and convenient and allows you to customize the toggles as per your preference
  • Numerous output options — supports major formats and offers you to export the footage in any format
  • Completely free platforms plus cross-platform support

Cons:

  • The app does not allow you to create layers automatically.
  • It could be tough for a newbie to work on ShotCut.
  • The application takes too long to show the applied effects; even simple transition effects suffer from latency.

2. OpenShot

Another free and open-source program, OpenShot, has the ability to give you high-quality output with minimal effort. The software includes all the basic functions like resizing, scaling, trimming, and audio mixing with real-time previews. Plus, it also incorporates features for animated-based keyframing and creating 2D animation with image sequencing.

Moreover, like the VSDC, there are also presets to give 3D effects like snowfall, text, and lens flares, and other effects to the video. Nonetheless, if you want to take these into your hand and need more flexibility over transition, effects, filters, and more then you will have to look elsewhere. Because although great, OpenShot does have gaps and excludes critical features, meaning if you want to give artistic effects and personalize the video as much as possible, OpenShot is not suitable for you.

openshot

Pros:

  • OpenShot user-friendly, intuitive interface enables users to utilize all the editing functions effortlessly.
  • The dedicated preview-video section allows you to view the edited video in real-time and see if everything is done perfectly or not.
  • Includes some basic 2D and 3D transition, plus it also includes filters and effects.
  • Audio equalizer lets you work on every aspect of the audio and tune the music finely.

Cons:

  • Many users have criticized the OpenShot video editor for lagging and crashing issues while editing high-resolution videos
  • Even after multiple requests from the users, OpenShot does not support GPU acceleration for encoding and decoding the video files.
  • Some critical features are missing.

3. Avidemux

Like VSDC, Avidemux is also a freeware that includes all the basic options to edit the video and is much suitable for beginner-level users. However, if you are intermediate or expert in video editing, Avidemux is not the one you need. The reason: Avidemux does have basic options like cutting, trimming, splitting, and more. Still, when it comes to sophisticated features like creative effects, transition, Avidemux does not have dedicated functions for that. Moreover, as usual for the video editors, the Timeline feature is also missing from the software.

Of course, in comparison to VSDC, Avidemux falls short. Because all it can do is the basic video editing, encoding, and de-noising. Other than that, it cannot boast about anything. Still, given the simple interface, Avidemux is perfect for newbies who do not have much experience with video editing. Be that as it may, if you are serious regarding video-editing, you should get a more powerful video editor on Mac.

avidemux

Pros:

  • The simple interface allows even the naivest users to use the application to the fullest
  • The application has all the basic video-editing features like cutting, splitting, trimming
  • Avidemux is excellent for encoding options; one of the industry’s finest, in fact.
  • Sharpening and de-noising filters to give fine details to the video

Cons:

  • Avidemux does not have advanced video-editing options like effects and transition
  • Lack the much important timeline feature

Part 3: Final Words

VSDC is a powerful and unique tool. The above-listed freeware like ShotCut, OpenShot, and Avidemux are good alternatives to it. But after reviewing several video editors — this is the closest we came to finding something similar to VSDC. And understanding that Mac users will need all the powerful functions that VSDC incorporates, Filmora for Mac that includes everything that VSDC has and more! The Filmora for Mac is also free to utilize, so you can simply download the software and edit videos like professionals.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

VSDC is one of the most popular freeware software among beginners and intermediate-level video editors. But it is limited only to Windows users. Even after multiple requests from the users and tech-critics, VSDC isn’t likely to release a VSDC Mac version soon. So, it is best to look for VSDC alternatives for Mac.

Scroll down to find the best alternatives to VSDC for a Mac.

Although not completely free, Wondershare Filmora is one of the most suitable video-editing tool for Mac users. Not only is it superior to the VSDC, but it is also considered one of the most powerful utilities in the video-editing realm by critics and users. Why? Well…

Download Filmora9 Win Version Download Filmora9 Mac Version

Download Filmora9 Mac Version

  • Starting with the simple interface that includes an array of features to distinguish as a sophisticated video editing tool for Mac.
  • The regular addition of new features like Auto Reframe to smartly crop your video and integration of the cloud-based stock library are what make this software powerful and superior
  • Plus, you can choose the presets and edit up to 4K videos at 60fps. The drag-and-drop feature allows you to add media files, and the preview section lets you see the edited video in real-time.
  • The timeline is simple yet powerful, and the customizable settings allow you to use the combination of mouse, keyboard, and icons controls and make the video-editing process seamless.

So, it is not tough to discern why Filmora is considered as one of the most authoritative video editor for Mac users. Moreover, as mentioned, the software is not absolutely free. Still, you can use most of its features in free version.

Part 2: Top 3 VSDC Video Editor for Mac Alternatives

After reviewing hundreds of freeware software, we have come up with the three best VSDC alternatives.

1. ShotCut

A simple, free, and open-source software that makes the video-making process straightforward. Filled with interesting ideas and powerful features, the greatest thing about ShotCut is that besides being free — it is regularly updated and maintained by the vendor. The interface has a three-panel view and adding media files is as simple as dragging and dropping.

The software also includes rich features like keyframing, color correction, transition and lets you edit up to 4K resolution video with ease. But unlike VSDC, ShotCut does not have multiple preset transition effects and includes only 24 basic wipe-in or out effects. Still, the software has sophisticated features like Chroma Key and allows you to utilize third-party addons for text and titles as the application does not have many of them.

shortcut

Pros:

  • Lightweight for a sophisticated video-editor
  • The interface is simple and convenient and allows you to customize the toggles as per your preference
  • Numerous output options — supports major formats and offers you to export the footage in any format
  • Completely free platforms plus cross-platform support

Cons:

  • The app does not allow you to create layers automatically.
  • It could be tough for a newbie to work on ShotCut.
  • The application takes too long to show the applied effects; even simple transition effects suffer from latency.

2. OpenShot

Another free and open-source program, OpenShot, has the ability to give you high-quality output with minimal effort. The software includes all the basic functions like resizing, scaling, trimming, and audio mixing with real-time previews. Plus, it also incorporates features for animated-based keyframing and creating 2D animation with image sequencing.

Moreover, like the VSDC, there are also presets to give 3D effects like snowfall, text, and lens flares, and other effects to the video. Nonetheless, if you want to take these into your hand and need more flexibility over transition, effects, filters, and more then you will have to look elsewhere. Because although great, OpenShot does have gaps and excludes critical features, meaning if you want to give artistic effects and personalize the video as much as possible, OpenShot is not suitable for you.

openshot

Pros:

  • OpenShot user-friendly, intuitive interface enables users to utilize all the editing functions effortlessly.
  • The dedicated preview-video section allows you to view the edited video in real-time and see if everything is done perfectly or not.
  • Includes some basic 2D and 3D transition, plus it also includes filters and effects.
  • Audio equalizer lets you work on every aspect of the audio and tune the music finely.

Cons:

  • Many users have criticized the OpenShot video editor for lagging and crashing issues while editing high-resolution videos
  • Even after multiple requests from the users, OpenShot does not support GPU acceleration for encoding and decoding the video files.
  • Some critical features are missing.

3. Avidemux

Like VSDC, Avidemux is also a freeware that includes all the basic options to edit the video and is much suitable for beginner-level users. However, if you are intermediate or expert in video editing, Avidemux is not the one you need. The reason: Avidemux does have basic options like cutting, trimming, splitting, and more. Still, when it comes to sophisticated features like creative effects, transition, Avidemux does not have dedicated functions for that. Moreover, as usual for the video editors, the Timeline feature is also missing from the software.

Of course, in comparison to VSDC, Avidemux falls short. Because all it can do is the basic video editing, encoding, and de-noising. Other than that, it cannot boast about anything. Still, given the simple interface, Avidemux is perfect for newbies who do not have much experience with video editing. Be that as it may, if you are serious regarding video-editing, you should get a more powerful video editor on Mac.

avidemux

Pros:

  • The simple interface allows even the naivest users to use the application to the fullest
  • The application has all the basic video-editing features like cutting, splitting, trimming
  • Avidemux is excellent for encoding options; one of the industry’s finest, in fact.
  • Sharpening and de-noising filters to give fine details to the video

Cons:

  • Avidemux does not have advanced video-editing options like effects and transition
  • Lack the much important timeline feature

Part 3: Final Words

VSDC is a powerful and unique tool. The above-listed freeware like ShotCut, OpenShot, and Avidemux are good alternatives to it. But after reviewing several video editors — this is the closest we came to finding something similar to VSDC. And understanding that Mac users will need all the powerful functions that VSDC incorporates, Filmora for Mac that includes everything that VSDC has and more! The Filmora for Mac is also free to utilize, so you can simply download the software and edit videos like professionals.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

VSDC is one of the most popular freeware software among beginners and intermediate-level video editors. But it is limited only to Windows users. Even after multiple requests from the users and tech-critics, VSDC isn’t likely to release a VSDC Mac version soon. So, it is best to look for VSDC alternatives for Mac.

Scroll down to find the best alternatives to VSDC for a Mac.

Although not completely free, Wondershare Filmora is one of the most suitable video-editing tool for Mac users. Not only is it superior to the VSDC, but it is also considered one of the most powerful utilities in the video-editing realm by critics and users. Why? Well…

Download Filmora9 Win Version Download Filmora9 Mac Version

Download Filmora9 Mac Version

  • Starting with the simple interface that includes an array of features to distinguish as a sophisticated video editing tool for Mac.
  • The regular addition of new features like Auto Reframe to smartly crop your video and integration of the cloud-based stock library are what make this software powerful and superior
  • Plus, you can choose the presets and edit up to 4K videos at 60fps. The drag-and-drop feature allows you to add media files, and the preview section lets you see the edited video in real-time.
  • The timeline is simple yet powerful, and the customizable settings allow you to use the combination of mouse, keyboard, and icons controls and make the video-editing process seamless.

So, it is not tough to discern why Filmora is considered as one of the most authoritative video editor for Mac users. Moreover, as mentioned, the software is not absolutely free. Still, you can use most of its features in free version.

Part 2: Top 3 VSDC Video Editor for Mac Alternatives

After reviewing hundreds of freeware software, we have come up with the three best VSDC alternatives.

1. ShotCut

A simple, free, and open-source software that makes the video-making process straightforward. Filled with interesting ideas and powerful features, the greatest thing about ShotCut is that besides being free — it is regularly updated and maintained by the vendor. The interface has a three-panel view and adding media files is as simple as dragging and dropping.

The software also includes rich features like keyframing, color correction, transition and lets you edit up to 4K resolution video with ease. But unlike VSDC, ShotCut does not have multiple preset transition effects and includes only 24 basic wipe-in or out effects. Still, the software has sophisticated features like Chroma Key and allows you to utilize third-party addons for text and titles as the application does not have many of them.

shortcut

Pros:

  • Lightweight for a sophisticated video-editor
  • The interface is simple and convenient and allows you to customize the toggles as per your preference
  • Numerous output options — supports major formats and offers you to export the footage in any format
  • Completely free platforms plus cross-platform support

Cons:

  • The app does not allow you to create layers automatically.
  • It could be tough for a newbie to work on ShotCut.
  • The application takes too long to show the applied effects; even simple transition effects suffer from latency.

2. OpenShot

Another free and open-source program, OpenShot, has the ability to give you high-quality output with minimal effort. The software includes all the basic functions like resizing, scaling, trimming, and audio mixing with real-time previews. Plus, it also incorporates features for animated-based keyframing and creating 2D animation with image sequencing.

Moreover, like the VSDC, there are also presets to give 3D effects like snowfall, text, and lens flares, and other effects to the video. Nonetheless, if you want to take these into your hand and need more flexibility over transition, effects, filters, and more then you will have to look elsewhere. Because although great, OpenShot does have gaps and excludes critical features, meaning if you want to give artistic effects and personalize the video as much as possible, OpenShot is not suitable for you.

openshot

Pros:

  • OpenShot user-friendly, intuitive interface enables users to utilize all the editing functions effortlessly.
  • The dedicated preview-video section allows you to view the edited video in real-time and see if everything is done perfectly or not.
  • Includes some basic 2D and 3D transition, plus it also includes filters and effects.
  • Audio equalizer lets you work on every aspect of the audio and tune the music finely.

Cons:

  • Many users have criticized the OpenShot video editor for lagging and crashing issues while editing high-resolution videos
  • Even after multiple requests from the users, OpenShot does not support GPU acceleration for encoding and decoding the video files.
  • Some critical features are missing.

3. Avidemux

Like VSDC, Avidemux is also a freeware that includes all the basic options to edit the video and is much suitable for beginner-level users. However, if you are intermediate or expert in video editing, Avidemux is not the one you need. The reason: Avidemux does have basic options like cutting, trimming, splitting, and more. Still, when it comes to sophisticated features like creative effects, transition, Avidemux does not have dedicated functions for that. Moreover, as usual for the video editors, the Timeline feature is also missing from the software.

Of course, in comparison to VSDC, Avidemux falls short. Because all it can do is the basic video editing, encoding, and de-noising. Other than that, it cannot boast about anything. Still, given the simple interface, Avidemux is perfect for newbies who do not have much experience with video editing. Be that as it may, if you are serious regarding video-editing, you should get a more powerful video editor on Mac.

avidemux

Pros:

  • The simple interface allows even the naivest users to use the application to the fullest
  • The application has all the basic video-editing features like cutting, splitting, trimming
  • Avidemux is excellent for encoding options; one of the industry’s finest, in fact.
  • Sharpening and de-noising filters to give fine details to the video

Cons:

  • Avidemux does not have advanced video-editing options like effects and transition
  • Lack the much important timeline feature

Part 3: Final Words

VSDC is a powerful and unique tool. The above-listed freeware like ShotCut, OpenShot, and Avidemux are good alternatives to it. But after reviewing several video editors — this is the closest we came to finding something similar to VSDC. And understanding that Mac users will need all the powerful functions that VSDC incorporates, Filmora for Mac that includes everything that VSDC has and more! The Filmora for Mac is also free to utilize, so you can simply download the software and edit videos like professionals.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

VSDC is one of the most popular freeware software among beginners and intermediate-level video editors. But it is limited only to Windows users. Even after multiple requests from the users and tech-critics, VSDC isn’t likely to release a VSDC Mac version soon. So, it is best to look for VSDC alternatives for Mac.

Scroll down to find the best alternatives to VSDC for a Mac.

Although not completely free, Wondershare Filmora is one of the most suitable video-editing tool for Mac users. Not only is it superior to the VSDC, but it is also considered one of the most powerful utilities in the video-editing realm by critics and users. Why? Well…

Download Filmora9 Win Version Download Filmora9 Mac Version

Download Filmora9 Mac Version

  • Starting with the simple interface that includes an array of features to distinguish as a sophisticated video editing tool for Mac.
  • The regular addition of new features like Auto Reframe to smartly crop your video and integration of the cloud-based stock library are what make this software powerful and superior
  • Plus, you can choose the presets and edit up to 4K videos at 60fps. The drag-and-drop feature allows you to add media files, and the preview section lets you see the edited video in real-time.
  • The timeline is simple yet powerful, and the customizable settings allow you to use the combination of mouse, keyboard, and icons controls and make the video-editing process seamless.

So, it is not tough to discern why Filmora is considered as one of the most authoritative video editor for Mac users. Moreover, as mentioned, the software is not absolutely free. Still, you can use most of its features in free version.

Part 2: Top 3 VSDC Video Editor for Mac Alternatives

After reviewing hundreds of freeware software, we have come up with the three best VSDC alternatives.

1. ShotCut

A simple, free, and open-source software that makes the video-making process straightforward. Filled with interesting ideas and powerful features, the greatest thing about ShotCut is that besides being free — it is regularly updated and maintained by the vendor. The interface has a three-panel view and adding media files is as simple as dragging and dropping.

The software also includes rich features like keyframing, color correction, transition and lets you edit up to 4K resolution video with ease. But unlike VSDC, ShotCut does not have multiple preset transition effects and includes only 24 basic wipe-in or out effects. Still, the software has sophisticated features like Chroma Key and allows you to utilize third-party addons for text and titles as the application does not have many of them.

shortcut

Pros:

  • Lightweight for a sophisticated video-editor
  • The interface is simple and convenient and allows you to customize the toggles as per your preference
  • Numerous output options — supports major formats and offers you to export the footage in any format
  • Completely free platforms plus cross-platform support

Cons:

  • The app does not allow you to create layers automatically.
  • It could be tough for a newbie to work on ShotCut.
  • The application takes too long to show the applied effects; even simple transition effects suffer from latency.

2. OpenShot

Another free and open-source program, OpenShot, has the ability to give you high-quality output with minimal effort. The software includes all the basic functions like resizing, scaling, trimming, and audio mixing with real-time previews. Plus, it also incorporates features for animated-based keyframing and creating 2D animation with image sequencing.

Moreover, like the VSDC, there are also presets to give 3D effects like snowfall, text, and lens flares, and other effects to the video. Nonetheless, if you want to take these into your hand and need more flexibility over transition, effects, filters, and more then you will have to look elsewhere. Because although great, OpenShot does have gaps and excludes critical features, meaning if you want to give artistic effects and personalize the video as much as possible, OpenShot is not suitable for you.

openshot

Pros:

  • OpenShot user-friendly, intuitive interface enables users to utilize all the editing functions effortlessly.
  • The dedicated preview-video section allows you to view the edited video in real-time and see if everything is done perfectly or not.
  • Includes some basic 2D and 3D transition, plus it also includes filters and effects.
  • Audio equalizer lets you work on every aspect of the audio and tune the music finely.

Cons:

  • Many users have criticized the OpenShot video editor for lagging and crashing issues while editing high-resolution videos
  • Even after multiple requests from the users, OpenShot does not support GPU acceleration for encoding and decoding the video files.
  • Some critical features are missing.

3. Avidemux

Like VSDC, Avidemux is also a freeware that includes all the basic options to edit the video and is much suitable for beginner-level users. However, if you are intermediate or expert in video editing, Avidemux is not the one you need. The reason: Avidemux does have basic options like cutting, trimming, splitting, and more. Still, when it comes to sophisticated features like creative effects, transition, Avidemux does not have dedicated functions for that. Moreover, as usual for the video editors, the Timeline feature is also missing from the software.

Of course, in comparison to VSDC, Avidemux falls short. Because all it can do is the basic video editing, encoding, and de-noising. Other than that, it cannot boast about anything. Still, given the simple interface, Avidemux is perfect for newbies who do not have much experience with video editing. Be that as it may, if you are serious regarding video-editing, you should get a more powerful video editor on Mac.

avidemux

Pros:

  • The simple interface allows even the naivest users to use the application to the fullest
  • The application has all the basic video-editing features like cutting, splitting, trimming
  • Avidemux is excellent for encoding options; one of the industry’s finest, in fact.
  • Sharpening and de-noising filters to give fine details to the video

Cons:

  • Avidemux does not have advanced video-editing options like effects and transition
  • Lack the much important timeline feature

Part 3: Final Words

VSDC is a powerful and unique tool. The above-listed freeware like ShotCut, OpenShot, and Avidemux are good alternatives to it. But after reviewing several video editors — this is the closest we came to finding something similar to VSDC. And understanding that Mac users will need all the powerful functions that VSDC incorporates, Filmora for Mac that includes everything that VSDC has and more! The Filmora for Mac is also free to utilize, so you can simply download the software and edit videos like professionals.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version

author avatar

Richard Bennett

Richard Bennett is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Richard Bennett

Edit Like a Pro: 64-Bit Video Editor for Windows 8 and Up

Get a Powerful 64-bit Video Editor (Windows 8&10 Included)

author avatar

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Want to find a high-quality video editing tool for your 64 bit operating system? You’ve come to the right place. Here a powerful video editing application- Wondershare Filmora - is recommended for you. It’s an easy and user-friendly 64 bit video editing tool that allows everyone or even beginners to edit their videos, whether it be for YouTube or creating personal DVD presentations for the family. Here let’s take a look at some key features of this video editor.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

1.Simple yet stylish interface

As the interface image shown below, Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor) provides a beautifully organized workspace that allows for video, text and audio layering. The easy drag-n-drop feature enables you to take a file directly from a folder and simply add it into the work area. You can also choose and apply any effect by dragging the effect directly onto any file.

64 bit video editor

2. Useful video editing tools

Besides the all the common video editing tools such as crop, rotate, effect, split, merge, trim, etc, this 64 bit video also has an array of visual effects and enhancement tools. All of them can be easily accessed and bring your video to the next level instantly.

  • Dynamic transitions: Here a wide selection of energetic transitions such as vertical shutter, grid zoom, skew right split and much more are provided.
  • Filtering effects: Choose from 70+ creative and classic visual filters to decorate your video.
  • Special video effects: Easily add special effects like Face off, Tilt Shift, Picture-in-picture, Jump Cut to set the right mood to your video.
  • Unique text effects: The dynamic text motions and effects allow you to feature different text titles across your scenes.
  • Impressive sound effects: Freely choose from various fantastic sound effects for you film including thunder, wind and gunfire.

64 bit video editor

3. Various video output options

Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor) provides various video output options for you to share the creation with the word. When the editing is done, you can:

  • Save to different output formats: choose to save your videos into over a dozen of different formats and still have the original quality intact.
  • Transfer onto portable devices: Easily save and transfer your videos onto iPhone, iPod, iPad, Samsung and HTC mobiles, PSP as well as other supported device.
  • Online upload: Directly upload your videos onto YouTube with no hassle.
  • Burn it onto a DVD: Turn your videos into a keepsake on a DVD with just one click.

64 bit video editor

Now download this 64 bit video editor to try it out!

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Want to find a high-quality video editing tool for your 64 bit operating system? You’ve come to the right place. Here a powerful video editing application- Wondershare Filmora - is recommended for you. It’s an easy and user-friendly 64 bit video editing tool that allows everyone or even beginners to edit their videos, whether it be for YouTube or creating personal DVD presentations for the family. Here let’s take a look at some key features of this video editor.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

1.Simple yet stylish interface

As the interface image shown below, Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor) provides a beautifully organized workspace that allows for video, text and audio layering. The easy drag-n-drop feature enables you to take a file directly from a folder and simply add it into the work area. You can also choose and apply any effect by dragging the effect directly onto any file.

64 bit video editor

2. Useful video editing tools

Besides the all the common video editing tools such as crop, rotate, effect, split, merge, trim, etc, this 64 bit video also has an array of visual effects and enhancement tools. All of them can be easily accessed and bring your video to the next level instantly.

  • Dynamic transitions: Here a wide selection of energetic transitions such as vertical shutter, grid zoom, skew right split and much more are provided.
  • Filtering effects: Choose from 70+ creative and classic visual filters to decorate your video.
  • Special video effects: Easily add special effects like Face off, Tilt Shift, Picture-in-picture, Jump Cut to set the right mood to your video.
  • Unique text effects: The dynamic text motions and effects allow you to feature different text titles across your scenes.
  • Impressive sound effects: Freely choose from various fantastic sound effects for you film including thunder, wind and gunfire.

64 bit video editor

3. Various video output options

Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor) provides various video output options for you to share the creation with the word. When the editing is done, you can:

  • Save to different output formats: choose to save your videos into over a dozen of different formats and still have the original quality intact.
  • Transfer onto portable devices: Easily save and transfer your videos onto iPhone, iPod, iPad, Samsung and HTC mobiles, PSP as well as other supported device.
  • Online upload: Directly upload your videos onto YouTube with no hassle.
  • Burn it onto a DVD: Turn your videos into a keepsake on a DVD with just one click.

64 bit video editor

Now download this 64 bit video editor to try it out!

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Want to find a high-quality video editing tool for your 64 bit operating system? You’ve come to the right place. Here a powerful video editing application- Wondershare Filmora - is recommended for you. It’s an easy and user-friendly 64 bit video editing tool that allows everyone or even beginners to edit their videos, whether it be for YouTube or creating personal DVD presentations for the family. Here let’s take a look at some key features of this video editor.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

1.Simple yet stylish interface

As the interface image shown below, Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor) provides a beautifully organized workspace that allows for video, text and audio layering. The easy drag-n-drop feature enables you to take a file directly from a folder and simply add it into the work area. You can also choose and apply any effect by dragging the effect directly onto any file.

64 bit video editor

2. Useful video editing tools

Besides the all the common video editing tools such as crop, rotate, effect, split, merge, trim, etc, this 64 bit video also has an array of visual effects and enhancement tools. All of them can be easily accessed and bring your video to the next level instantly.

  • Dynamic transitions: Here a wide selection of energetic transitions such as vertical shutter, grid zoom, skew right split and much more are provided.
  • Filtering effects: Choose from 70+ creative and classic visual filters to decorate your video.
  • Special video effects: Easily add special effects like Face off, Tilt Shift, Picture-in-picture, Jump Cut to set the right mood to your video.
  • Unique text effects: The dynamic text motions and effects allow you to feature different text titles across your scenes.
  • Impressive sound effects: Freely choose from various fantastic sound effects for you film including thunder, wind and gunfire.

64 bit video editor

3. Various video output options

Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor) provides various video output options for you to share the creation with the word. When the editing is done, you can:

  • Save to different output formats: choose to save your videos into over a dozen of different formats and still have the original quality intact.
  • Transfer onto portable devices: Easily save and transfer your videos onto iPhone, iPod, iPad, Samsung and HTC mobiles, PSP as well as other supported device.
  • Online upload: Directly upload your videos onto YouTube with no hassle.
  • Burn it onto a DVD: Turn your videos into a keepsake on a DVD with just one click.

64 bit video editor

Now download this 64 bit video editor to try it out!

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Liza Brown

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

Want to find a high-quality video editing tool for your 64 bit operating system? You’ve come to the right place. Here a powerful video editing application- Wondershare Filmora - is recommended for you. It’s an easy and user-friendly 64 bit video editing tool that allows everyone or even beginners to edit their videos, whether it be for YouTube or creating personal DVD presentations for the family. Here let’s take a look at some key features of this video editor.

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

1.Simple yet stylish interface

As the interface image shown below, Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor) provides a beautifully organized workspace that allows for video, text and audio layering. The easy drag-n-drop feature enables you to take a file directly from a folder and simply add it into the work area. You can also choose and apply any effect by dragging the effect directly onto any file.

64 bit video editor

2. Useful video editing tools

Besides the all the common video editing tools such as crop, rotate, effect, split, merge, trim, etc, this 64 bit video also has an array of visual effects and enhancement tools. All of them can be easily accessed and bring your video to the next level instantly.

  • Dynamic transitions: Here a wide selection of energetic transitions such as vertical shutter, grid zoom, skew right split and much more are provided.
  • Filtering effects: Choose from 70+ creative and classic visual filters to decorate your video.
  • Special video effects: Easily add special effects like Face off, Tilt Shift, Picture-in-picture, Jump Cut to set the right mood to your video.
  • Unique text effects: The dynamic text motions and effects allow you to feature different text titles across your scenes.
  • Impressive sound effects: Freely choose from various fantastic sound effects for you film including thunder, wind and gunfire.

64 bit video editor

3. Various video output options

Wondershare Filmora (originally Wondershare Video Editor) provides various video output options for you to share the creation with the word. When the editing is done, you can:

  • Save to different output formats: choose to save your videos into over a dozen of different formats and still have the original quality intact.
  • Transfer onto portable devices: Easily save and transfer your videos onto iPhone, iPod, iPad, Samsung and HTC mobiles, PSP as well as other supported device.
  • Online upload: Directly upload your videos onto YouTube with no hassle.
  • Burn it onto a DVD: Turn your videos into a keepsake on a DVD with just one click.

64 bit video editor

Now download this 64 bit video editor to try it out!

Download Win VersionDownload Mac Version ](https://tools.techidaily.com/wondershare/filmora/download/ )

author avatar

Liza Brown

Liza Brown is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Liza Brown

Best 10 Software for Video Editors

Top 10 Professional Video Editing Software [Free Download]

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

The advent of digital video technology has opened an unprecedented opportunity for novice and professional filmmakers alike. Professional video editing software is an essential tool to create high-quality productions and visuals with accuracy, speed, and flexibility.

Whether you are a filmmaker looking to create content for the big screen or a commercial director trying to make your mark in the industry, a professional video editing program can give you the tools needed to produce highly polished visuals. Today’s advanced editors come with preloaded templates and effects that enable filmmakers to save time without sacrificing quality.

We’ve done some extensive research on what some consider to be the 10 best professional video editing software currently on the market, and we’re here to present what we’ve managed to find.

Part 1: Top 10 Professional Video Editing Software Free Download

Here is the 10 best professional video editing software for you to free download.

1 - Filmora 2 - EDIUS
3 - Autodesk Smoke 4 - Avid Media Composer
5 - Adobe Premiere Pro CC 6 - Final Cut Pro
7 - HitFilm Pr 8 - Lightworks
9 - Blender 10 - Magix Video Pro X

1. Filmora

Price: $79.99 Customers can add $36.96/month for effects and plugins, $49.99 Customers can add $18.99/month for effects and plugins

Pros: The best value on the list, covers everything a pro video editor should have, Easy-to-use.

Download Filmora9 Win Version Download Filmora9 Mac Version

The newly released professional video editor app from Wondershare is specially designed for pros looking for a quick way to edit videos in a professional way.

The Filmora video editing software makes professional video editing easy. You can add unlimited video and audio tracks and control the panels at your hand.

You can also use customizable animations to establish your style and use high-quality presets to get a detailed color correction.

2. EDIUS

Price: $499, One-Time Purchase

Pros: Genderless video editing, 4K HDR workflow, flexible user interface, real-time conversion rates, support for a wide variety of video formats, fast AVCHD editing, motion tracking, 3-way color correction.

Cons: Relatively broadcast-oriented.

EDIUS is a free download video editing software that evolved out of what was originally a number of Adobe Premiere Plus plugins.

Ever since its release, EDIUS has gained a loyal following that appreciates both its business model and the operations that the program can perform.

More than a handful of broadcasters worldwide use EDIUS as their program of choice, both due to its flexibility when dealing with various video formats and because it’s quite easy to use when compared to some of its competitors.

Why do so many people swear by EDIUS? Well, according to its fanbase, EDIUS tends to be quite fast when processing, importing, editing, and exporting videos - couple that with the fact that EDIUS doesn’t require a subscription, and you’ve got yourself a thoroughly solid video editing software that can go toe to toe with its rivals.

3. Autodesk Smoke

Price: $190, Monthly Subscription, 1505$, Yearly Subscription

Pros: Timeline-based creative workflow, node-based compositing, ability to flawlessly make use of 3D animations and modeling, a high degree of stability (no crashes!).

Cons: Can only be used on a single monitor. Furthermore, Autodesk Smoke is exclusively for Mac users.

video editor for professional autodesk smoke

Autodesk is a video editing software that is favored by many people to due to its node-based compositing.

To put it as simple as possible, the video editor achieves a higher level of complexity than other popular software.

Smoke’s real strength lies in editorial and finishing functions. While the professional video editing software that is free to download doesn’t necessarily offer anything that its competitors don’t, this video editing software comes out on top when it comes to 3D effects.

4. Avid Media Composer

Price: $199.99 for a Year’s Subscription, or $24.99 Monthly

Pros: Free download, Advanced color-correction, built-in metadata and effect tools, HDR support, Multicam editing, FrameFlex, keyboard mapping, background rendering, real-time editing, a very high degree of stability, and serves as a great starting point for budding video editors.

Cons: Steep learning curve and outdated interface. However, learning how to use Avid Media Composer will enable you to jump right into other video editing software with ease.

avid media composer video editor

Check the detailed tutorial about How to Edit Videos with avidemux

Most people interested in the business have heard of Avid Media Composer because it’s what most professional video editors use for big blockbuster Hollywood movies.

Avid Media Composer is, arguably, the video editing industry’s preferred software you can download freely - and it’s easy to see why, since it pretty much has everything you might ever need, all rolled up into one neat package.

While some complain that it’s hard to use and the interface looks very outdated, many insist that this allows you to build a solid foundation from which your video editing career can skyrocket.

As a matter of fact, its popularity only serves to show that people prefer it for a reason: and that’s because Avid Media Composer is stunningly robust.

filmora box

Wondershare Filmora Video Editor

Filmora - Best Professional Video Editor Ever

• Easily to create and edit videos with plenty of pro effects and filters

• Automatically convert audio to text for adding subtitiles and captions

• Cross-platform supported - (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)

Try Pro Video Editor Try Pro Video Editor Try Pro Video Editor Learn More >

5. Adobe Premiere Pro CC

Price: $31.49 Monthly Subscription, $239.88 Yearly Subscription

Pros: Highly customizable and streamlined interface, easy to use for people with past experience in Adobe products but no previous video editing experience, a large variety of tools such as color matching and multi-camera rendering, and a fast rendering speed.

Cons: New updates might have a couple of bugs, so you should be a bit patient before you update if you want to keep it on the safe side. Mac users also report that it runs a bit slow on their systems.

premiere pro cc video editor

You may also like: Best Transition Plugins for Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro CC is one of the best choices an amateur video editor could make when choosing his apparatus.

Both affordable and intuitive, this software has been at the top of the market for more than a couple of years, and now shows no sign of stopping, since it is constantly being supplied with new updates with free downloading.

If you’re looking to achieve a professional level of video editing with little to no previous experience, then look no further, as Adobe Premiere Pro CC might just be the perfect tool for you. With that being said, professional video editors should not shy away from this Adobe video editing software.

6. Final Cut Pro

Price: $299, One-Time Purchase

Pros: Support for 360-degree VR, HDR, multi-camera editing, fast rendering speed, a large variety of interesting tools, expansive library of plugins, and easy-to-use color correction, grading, and adjustment tools. Final Cut Pro has also been designed and optimized for Mac operating systems.

Cons: Only for Mac users. Large project files can also be slow.

final cut pro video editor

You may also like: How to Edit YouTube Videos in FCP

Final Cut Pro is Apple’s response to video editing software. The UI design is sleek and modern, the workflow is intuitive and easy to work with, and the program is impressively fast, even when working with 4K resolutions.

For many Mac users, Final Cut Pro is the definitive answer to their search for a strong video editing software that has been created with macOS in mind (free download).

7. HitFilm Pro

Price: $341.01, One-Time Purchase, $0 for Hitfilm Express (Free)

Pros: Color grading, familiar workflow, a large variety of video effects and presets, automatic audio syncing, impressive 3D graphics.

Cons: Complex for beginners. Effects oriented.

free download hitfilm pro

HitFilm Pro is an NLE that puts a heavy focus on the graphical aspect of such free download software. Additions like the automatic audio syncing is highly valued as a convenient quality of life tool. Multiple plugins can be added, though they cost a fee.

The program features several video tutorials that are targeted towards amateur video editors, as well.

filmora box

Filmora Video Editor

Create AI-Generated Video with Filmora

Filmora video editor offers a ChatGPT plug-in and AI tools to enhance your creative vision. Make your idea into reality. Combine AI with this professional video editing software!

Edit Video with AI Edit Video with AI Edit Video with AI Learn More >

8. Lightworks

Price: $24.99 monthly for Lightworks Pro, $0 (Free)

Pros: Simplified video editing process, extensive format and codec support, a large number of effects and tools, photo slideshows, 4K support, audio mixing, and 60 fps rendering.

Cons: Outdated UI, learning curve.

lightworks

You may also like: Best Plugins for Lightworks

Lightworks is a flexible video editing software that has gained a good position on the mark due to its consistent design structure.

The workspace is customizable, and while the UI can feel outdated at first, those with experience in video editing should not find it too much of a hassle.

Lightworks is the type of software that is robust all-around - and there’s also a free version out there, so amateurs can get to know what they’re getting into.

9. Blender

Price: $0 (Free)

Pros: Easy to use, with a good variety of tools and the ability to quickly add text and effects to produced animations. Compositing is very impressive.

Cons: No audio editing. Lacks complexity when compared to a couple of its competitors.

blender

While Blender is mostly known for being a software whose main focus is animation, it also features a built-in video editor that is by no means lackluster. Blender has the bonus of being able to work on 3D animations and take care of the video editing process at the same time.

10. Magix Video Pro X

Price: $399, One-Time Purchase

Pros: Supports free download, Wide format support, multi-cam editing, lookup table handling, 3-way color correction, 360 degree video support, many available effects, strong performance.

Cons: Does not work with Mac operating systems. No import tools.

magix video pro x

Learn some Magix Movie Edit Pro Video Editing Tips for Beginners

Magix Video Pro X is an NLE that has recently been making a name for itself due to its consistency and welcoming attitude towards amateur video editors. This tool is versatile and can deal with a wide range of situations head-on with no issue whatsoever.

While this isn’t the easiest program to start using, if you don’t quite know what you’re doing, you’ll be happy to know that Magix Video Pro X features a basic mode that has been designed to ease newcomers into the industry.

Try Filmora to Make Professional Videos!

Filmora Video Editor is an expert in creating and editing videos, you can follow the easy-to-use interface to make videos like a pro! It can also capture any area of the PC screen and webcam, and add different effects and filters to upgrade your video to an upper level! Worth to have a try!

Start Video Recording Start Video Recording Start Video Recording Learn More >

Part 2: Tips for Choosing Professional Video Editing Software

1. Check your computer specification and performance before purchasing

Professional video editing software may use lots of resources. It is recommended that you check computer specification and the system requirements of the professional editing software that you want to purchase.

To get the full experience of professional video editing, your computer would be better to equipped higher than meeting the mini requirements.

2. How to master the professional video editing software

If you have limited video editing experience and want to become a professional video editor, it is recommended to spend time in editing and take some training or course to master it.

You can find many tutorials about Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, and Final Cut Pro X on YouTube. Or, you can attain online courses on Udemy or Lynda. If you want to convince people that you are a professional video editor, it is recommended to take some certifications.

As you may know that Adobe and Apple both provide official certification exams. A certification will be more convincing when people doubt your editing skills.

3. What should I consider before going for a Pro video editor

If you are reading this line, you can ask yourself a question ‘what intrigues me to choose a pro video editor? It is because you see other professional YouTuber using them? Do I have the time to learn these professional video editors?;’ If it is the case, you should consider the price you’re paying and whether those high-end features and functions are the things you’ll need.

With its extremely low-learning-curve and user-friendly interface, Filmora can deal with 95% of your video editing needs with just $49.99 per year. With Filmora, you don’t have to spend time on a boring guide and you can do video editing right away since everything is designed for this purpose.

filmora logo

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

filmora-02

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

  • 100 Million+ Users
  • 150+ Countries and Regions
  • 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
  • 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

Try It Free Try It Free

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* Secure Download

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Part 3: FAQ about Professional Video Editing Software

What software do professional video editors use?

Many people ask what software professional video editors use. The truth is for professional editors use various tools to improve video editing efficiency. For audio editing, they use Adobe Audition. For color grading, many people choose Final Cut Pro. For video editing workflow, they also use Premiere Pro and Lightworks. For semi-pros, they use Filmora to accelerate the video editing process.

What do most YouTubers use to edit their videos?

Most YouTubers, they like easy to use a video editor to make YouTube videos. They choose Filmora to add more than 300 built-in effects, intros, text, and transitions. A group of YouTubers with advanced video editing skills, tend to use Premiere Pro.

What is the best video editing software for beginners?

For beginners, the most important criteria you need to consider are simplicity and price. They like to use Filmora, Movavi, Powerdirector, and iMovie on their PC. For mobile video editing, they like to use LumaFusion, KineMaster, and Apple Clips.

Is Adobe Premiere Pro free?

No, it is not free. Adobe Premiere Pro includes 3 different price plans. Annual plan, paid monthly at $20.99/month. Annual plan, prepaid $239.98/year. A monthly plan, $31.48/month.

Conclusion

We hope this list will have guided you toward making the right choice when it comes to investing in professional video editing software. While this was by no means an extensive list, we aimed to summarize professional video editing software information to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your tool of the trade.

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

The advent of digital video technology has opened an unprecedented opportunity for novice and professional filmmakers alike. Professional video editing software is an essential tool to create high-quality productions and visuals with accuracy, speed, and flexibility.

Whether you are a filmmaker looking to create content for the big screen or a commercial director trying to make your mark in the industry, a professional video editing program can give you the tools needed to produce highly polished visuals. Today’s advanced editors come with preloaded templates and effects that enable filmmakers to save time without sacrificing quality.

We’ve done some extensive research on what some consider to be the 10 best professional video editing software currently on the market, and we’re here to present what we’ve managed to find.

Part 1: Top 10 Professional Video Editing Software Free Download

Here is the 10 best professional video editing software for you to free download.

1 - Filmora 2 - EDIUS
3 - Autodesk Smoke 4 - Avid Media Composer
5 - Adobe Premiere Pro CC 6 - Final Cut Pro
7 - HitFilm Pr 8 - Lightworks
9 - Blender 10 - Magix Video Pro X

1. Filmora

Price: $79.99 Customers can add $36.96/month for effects and plugins, $49.99 Customers can add $18.99/month for effects and plugins

Pros: The best value on the list, covers everything a pro video editor should have, Easy-to-use.

Download Filmora9 Win Version Download Filmora9 Mac Version

The newly released professional video editor app from Wondershare is specially designed for pros looking for a quick way to edit videos in a professional way.

The Filmora video editing software makes professional video editing easy. You can add unlimited video and audio tracks and control the panels at your hand.

You can also use customizable animations to establish your style and use high-quality presets to get a detailed color correction.

2. EDIUS

Price: $499, One-Time Purchase

Pros: Genderless video editing, 4K HDR workflow, flexible user interface, real-time conversion rates, support for a wide variety of video formats, fast AVCHD editing, motion tracking, 3-way color correction.

Cons: Relatively broadcast-oriented.

EDIUS is a free download video editing software that evolved out of what was originally a number of Adobe Premiere Plus plugins.

Ever since its release, EDIUS has gained a loyal following that appreciates both its business model and the operations that the program can perform.

More than a handful of broadcasters worldwide use EDIUS as their program of choice, both due to its flexibility when dealing with various video formats and because it’s quite easy to use when compared to some of its competitors.

Why do so many people swear by EDIUS? Well, according to its fanbase, EDIUS tends to be quite fast when processing, importing, editing, and exporting videos - couple that with the fact that EDIUS doesn’t require a subscription, and you’ve got yourself a thoroughly solid video editing software that can go toe to toe with its rivals.

3. Autodesk Smoke

Price: $190, Monthly Subscription, 1505$, Yearly Subscription

Pros: Timeline-based creative workflow, node-based compositing, ability to flawlessly make use of 3D animations and modeling, a high degree of stability (no crashes!).

Cons: Can only be used on a single monitor. Furthermore, Autodesk Smoke is exclusively for Mac users.

video editor for professional autodesk smoke

Autodesk is a video editing software that is favored by many people to due to its node-based compositing.

To put it as simple as possible, the video editor achieves a higher level of complexity than other popular software.

Smoke’s real strength lies in editorial and finishing functions. While the professional video editing software that is free to download doesn’t necessarily offer anything that its competitors don’t, this video editing software comes out on top when it comes to 3D effects.

4. Avid Media Composer

Price: $199.99 for a Year’s Subscription, or $24.99 Monthly

Pros: Free download, Advanced color-correction, built-in metadata and effect tools, HDR support, Multicam editing, FrameFlex, keyboard mapping, background rendering, real-time editing, a very high degree of stability, and serves as a great starting point for budding video editors.

Cons: Steep learning curve and outdated interface. However, learning how to use Avid Media Composer will enable you to jump right into other video editing software with ease.

avid media composer video editor

Check the detailed tutorial about How to Edit Videos with avidemux

Most people interested in the business have heard of Avid Media Composer because it’s what most professional video editors use for big blockbuster Hollywood movies.

Avid Media Composer is, arguably, the video editing industry’s preferred software you can download freely - and it’s easy to see why, since it pretty much has everything you might ever need, all rolled up into one neat package.

While some complain that it’s hard to use and the interface looks very outdated, many insist that this allows you to build a solid foundation from which your video editing career can skyrocket.

As a matter of fact, its popularity only serves to show that people prefer it for a reason: and that’s because Avid Media Composer is stunningly robust.

filmora box

Wondershare Filmora Video Editor

Filmora - Best Professional Video Editor Ever

• Easily to create and edit videos with plenty of pro effects and filters

• Automatically convert audio to text for adding subtitiles and captions

• Cross-platform supported - (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)

Try Pro Video Editor Try Pro Video Editor Try Pro Video Editor Learn More >

5. Adobe Premiere Pro CC

Price: $31.49 Monthly Subscription, $239.88 Yearly Subscription

Pros: Highly customizable and streamlined interface, easy to use for people with past experience in Adobe products but no previous video editing experience, a large variety of tools such as color matching and multi-camera rendering, and a fast rendering speed.

Cons: New updates might have a couple of bugs, so you should be a bit patient before you update if you want to keep it on the safe side. Mac users also report that it runs a bit slow on their systems.

premiere pro cc video editor

You may also like: Best Transition Plugins for Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro CC is one of the best choices an amateur video editor could make when choosing his apparatus.

Both affordable and intuitive, this software has been at the top of the market for more than a couple of years, and now shows no sign of stopping, since it is constantly being supplied with new updates with free downloading.

If you’re looking to achieve a professional level of video editing with little to no previous experience, then look no further, as Adobe Premiere Pro CC might just be the perfect tool for you. With that being said, professional video editors should not shy away from this Adobe video editing software.

6. Final Cut Pro

Price: $299, One-Time Purchase

Pros: Support for 360-degree VR, HDR, multi-camera editing, fast rendering speed, a large variety of interesting tools, expansive library of plugins, and easy-to-use color correction, grading, and adjustment tools. Final Cut Pro has also been designed and optimized for Mac operating systems.

Cons: Only for Mac users. Large project files can also be slow.

final cut pro video editor

You may also like: How to Edit YouTube Videos in FCP

Final Cut Pro is Apple’s response to video editing software. The UI design is sleek and modern, the workflow is intuitive and easy to work with, and the program is impressively fast, even when working with 4K resolutions.

For many Mac users, Final Cut Pro is the definitive answer to their search for a strong video editing software that has been created with macOS in mind (free download).

7. HitFilm Pro

Price: $341.01, One-Time Purchase, $0 for Hitfilm Express (Free)

Pros: Color grading, familiar workflow, a large variety of video effects and presets, automatic audio syncing, impressive 3D graphics.

Cons: Complex for beginners. Effects oriented.

free download hitfilm pro

HitFilm Pro is an NLE that puts a heavy focus on the graphical aspect of such free download software. Additions like the automatic audio syncing is highly valued as a convenient quality of life tool. Multiple plugins can be added, though they cost a fee.

The program features several video tutorials that are targeted towards amateur video editors, as well.

filmora box

Filmora Video Editor

Create AI-Generated Video with Filmora

Filmora video editor offers a ChatGPT plug-in and AI tools to enhance your creative vision. Make your idea into reality. Combine AI with this professional video editing software!

Edit Video with AI Edit Video with AI Edit Video with AI Learn More >

8. Lightworks

Price: $24.99 monthly for Lightworks Pro, $0 (Free)

Pros: Simplified video editing process, extensive format and codec support, a large number of effects and tools, photo slideshows, 4K support, audio mixing, and 60 fps rendering.

Cons: Outdated UI, learning curve.

lightworks

You may also like: Best Plugins for Lightworks

Lightworks is a flexible video editing software that has gained a good position on the mark due to its consistent design structure.

The workspace is customizable, and while the UI can feel outdated at first, those with experience in video editing should not find it too much of a hassle.

Lightworks is the type of software that is robust all-around - and there’s also a free version out there, so amateurs can get to know what they’re getting into.

9. Blender

Price: $0 (Free)

Pros: Easy to use, with a good variety of tools and the ability to quickly add text and effects to produced animations. Compositing is very impressive.

Cons: No audio editing. Lacks complexity when compared to a couple of its competitors.

blender

While Blender is mostly known for being a software whose main focus is animation, it also features a built-in video editor that is by no means lackluster. Blender has the bonus of being able to work on 3D animations and take care of the video editing process at the same time.

10. Magix Video Pro X

Price: $399, One-Time Purchase

Pros: Supports free download, Wide format support, multi-cam editing, lookup table handling, 3-way color correction, 360 degree video support, many available effects, strong performance.

Cons: Does not work with Mac operating systems. No import tools.

magix video pro x

Learn some Magix Movie Edit Pro Video Editing Tips for Beginners

Magix Video Pro X is an NLE that has recently been making a name for itself due to its consistency and welcoming attitude towards amateur video editors. This tool is versatile and can deal with a wide range of situations head-on with no issue whatsoever.

While this isn’t the easiest program to start using, if you don’t quite know what you’re doing, you’ll be happy to know that Magix Video Pro X features a basic mode that has been designed to ease newcomers into the industry.

Try Filmora to Make Professional Videos!

Filmora Video Editor is an expert in creating and editing videos, you can follow the easy-to-use interface to make videos like a pro! It can also capture any area of the PC screen and webcam, and add different effects and filters to upgrade your video to an upper level! Worth to have a try!

Start Video Recording Start Video Recording Start Video Recording Learn More >

Part 2: Tips for Choosing Professional Video Editing Software

1. Check your computer specification and performance before purchasing

Professional video editing software may use lots of resources. It is recommended that you check computer specification and the system requirements of the professional editing software that you want to purchase.

To get the full experience of professional video editing, your computer would be better to equipped higher than meeting the mini requirements.

2. How to master the professional video editing software

If you have limited video editing experience and want to become a professional video editor, it is recommended to spend time in editing and take some training or course to master it.

You can find many tutorials about Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, and Final Cut Pro X on YouTube. Or, you can attain online courses on Udemy or Lynda. If you want to convince people that you are a professional video editor, it is recommended to take some certifications.

As you may know that Adobe and Apple both provide official certification exams. A certification will be more convincing when people doubt your editing skills.

3. What should I consider before going for a Pro video editor

If you are reading this line, you can ask yourself a question ‘what intrigues me to choose a pro video editor? It is because you see other professional YouTuber using them? Do I have the time to learn these professional video editors?;’ If it is the case, you should consider the price you’re paying and whether those high-end features and functions are the things you’ll need.

With its extremely low-learning-curve and user-friendly interface, Filmora can deal with 95% of your video editing needs with just $49.99 per year. With Filmora, you don’t have to spend time on a boring guide and you can do video editing right away since everything is designed for this purpose.

filmora logo

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

filmora-02

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

  • 100 Million+ Users
  • 150+ Countries and Regions
  • 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
  • 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

Try It Free

* Secure Download

filmora12

Part 3: FAQ about Professional Video Editing Software

What software do professional video editors use?

Many people ask what software professional video editors use. The truth is for professional editors use various tools to improve video editing efficiency. For audio editing, they use Adobe Audition. For color grading, many people choose Final Cut Pro. For video editing workflow, they also use Premiere Pro and Lightworks. For semi-pros, they use Filmora to accelerate the video editing process.

What do most YouTubers use to edit their videos?

Most YouTubers, they like easy to use a video editor to make YouTube videos. They choose Filmora to add more than 300 built-in effects, intros, text, and transitions. A group of YouTubers with advanced video editing skills, tend to use Premiere Pro.

What is the best video editing software for beginners?

For beginners, the most important criteria you need to consider are simplicity and price. They like to use Filmora, Movavi, Powerdirector, and iMovie on their PC. For mobile video editing, they like to use LumaFusion, KineMaster, and Apple Clips.

Is Adobe Premiere Pro free?

No, it is not free. Adobe Premiere Pro includes 3 different price plans. Annual plan, paid monthly at $20.99/month. Annual plan, prepaid $239.98/year. A monthly plan, $31.48/month.

Conclusion

We hope this list will have guided you toward making the right choice when it comes to investing in professional video editing software. While this was by no means an extensive list, we aimed to summarize professional video editing software information to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your tool of the trade.

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

The advent of digital video technology has opened an unprecedented opportunity for novice and professional filmmakers alike. Professional video editing software is an essential tool to create high-quality productions and visuals with accuracy, speed, and flexibility.

Whether you are a filmmaker looking to create content for the big screen or a commercial director trying to make your mark in the industry, a professional video editing program can give you the tools needed to produce highly polished visuals. Today’s advanced editors come with preloaded templates and effects that enable filmmakers to save time without sacrificing quality.

We’ve done some extensive research on what some consider to be the 10 best professional video editing software currently on the market, and we’re here to present what we’ve managed to find.

Part 1: Top 10 Professional Video Editing Software Free Download

Here is the 10 best professional video editing software for you to free download.

1 - Filmora 2 - EDIUS
3 - Autodesk Smoke 4 - Avid Media Composer
5 - Adobe Premiere Pro CC 6 - Final Cut Pro
7 - HitFilm Pr 8 - Lightworks
9 - Blender 10 - Magix Video Pro X

1. Filmora

Price: $79.99 Customers can add $36.96/month for effects and plugins, $49.99 Customers can add $18.99/month for effects and plugins

Pros: The best value on the list, covers everything a pro video editor should have, Easy-to-use.

Download Filmora9 Win Version Download Filmora9 Mac Version

The newly released professional video editor app from Wondershare is specially designed for pros looking for a quick way to edit videos in a professional way.

The Filmora video editing software makes professional video editing easy. You can add unlimited video and audio tracks and control the panels at your hand.

You can also use customizable animations to establish your style and use high-quality presets to get a detailed color correction.

2. EDIUS

Price: $499, One-Time Purchase

Pros: Genderless video editing, 4K HDR workflow, flexible user interface, real-time conversion rates, support for a wide variety of video formats, fast AVCHD editing, motion tracking, 3-way color correction.

Cons: Relatively broadcast-oriented.

EDIUS is a free download video editing software that evolved out of what was originally a number of Adobe Premiere Plus plugins.

Ever since its release, EDIUS has gained a loyal following that appreciates both its business model and the operations that the program can perform.

More than a handful of broadcasters worldwide use EDIUS as their program of choice, both due to its flexibility when dealing with various video formats and because it’s quite easy to use when compared to some of its competitors.

Why do so many people swear by EDIUS? Well, according to its fanbase, EDIUS tends to be quite fast when processing, importing, editing, and exporting videos - couple that with the fact that EDIUS doesn’t require a subscription, and you’ve got yourself a thoroughly solid video editing software that can go toe to toe with its rivals.

3. Autodesk Smoke

Price: $190, Monthly Subscription, 1505$, Yearly Subscription

Pros: Timeline-based creative workflow, node-based compositing, ability to flawlessly make use of 3D animations and modeling, a high degree of stability (no crashes!).

Cons: Can only be used on a single monitor. Furthermore, Autodesk Smoke is exclusively for Mac users.

video editor for professional autodesk smoke

Autodesk is a video editing software that is favored by many people to due to its node-based compositing.

To put it as simple as possible, the video editor achieves a higher level of complexity than other popular software.

Smoke’s real strength lies in editorial and finishing functions. While the professional video editing software that is free to download doesn’t necessarily offer anything that its competitors don’t, this video editing software comes out on top when it comes to 3D effects.

4. Avid Media Composer

Price: $199.99 for a Year’s Subscription, or $24.99 Monthly

Pros: Free download, Advanced color-correction, built-in metadata and effect tools, HDR support, Multicam editing, FrameFlex, keyboard mapping, background rendering, real-time editing, a very high degree of stability, and serves as a great starting point for budding video editors.

Cons: Steep learning curve and outdated interface. However, learning how to use Avid Media Composer will enable you to jump right into other video editing software with ease.

avid media composer video editor

Check the detailed tutorial about How to Edit Videos with avidemux

Most people interested in the business have heard of Avid Media Composer because it’s what most professional video editors use for big blockbuster Hollywood movies.

Avid Media Composer is, arguably, the video editing industry’s preferred software you can download freely - and it’s easy to see why, since it pretty much has everything you might ever need, all rolled up into one neat package.

While some complain that it’s hard to use and the interface looks very outdated, many insist that this allows you to build a solid foundation from which your video editing career can skyrocket.

As a matter of fact, its popularity only serves to show that people prefer it for a reason: and that’s because Avid Media Composer is stunningly robust.

filmora box

Wondershare Filmora Video Editor

Filmora - Best Professional Video Editor Ever

• Easily to create and edit videos with plenty of pro effects and filters

• Automatically convert audio to text for adding subtitiles and captions

• Cross-platform supported - (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)

Try Pro Video Editor Try Pro Video Editor Try Pro Video Editor Learn More >

5. Adobe Premiere Pro CC

Price: $31.49 Monthly Subscription, $239.88 Yearly Subscription

Pros: Highly customizable and streamlined interface, easy to use for people with past experience in Adobe products but no previous video editing experience, a large variety of tools such as color matching and multi-camera rendering, and a fast rendering speed.

Cons: New updates might have a couple of bugs, so you should be a bit patient before you update if you want to keep it on the safe side. Mac users also report that it runs a bit slow on their systems.

premiere pro cc video editor

You may also like: Best Transition Plugins for Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro CC is one of the best choices an amateur video editor could make when choosing his apparatus.

Both affordable and intuitive, this software has been at the top of the market for more than a couple of years, and now shows no sign of stopping, since it is constantly being supplied with new updates with free downloading.

If you’re looking to achieve a professional level of video editing with little to no previous experience, then look no further, as Adobe Premiere Pro CC might just be the perfect tool for you. With that being said, professional video editors should not shy away from this Adobe video editing software.

6. Final Cut Pro

Price: $299, One-Time Purchase

Pros: Support for 360-degree VR, HDR, multi-camera editing, fast rendering speed, a large variety of interesting tools, expansive library of plugins, and easy-to-use color correction, grading, and adjustment tools. Final Cut Pro has also been designed and optimized for Mac operating systems.

Cons: Only for Mac users. Large project files can also be slow.

final cut pro video editor

You may also like: How to Edit YouTube Videos in FCP

Final Cut Pro is Apple’s response to video editing software. The UI design is sleek and modern, the workflow is intuitive and easy to work with, and the program is impressively fast, even when working with 4K resolutions.

For many Mac users, Final Cut Pro is the definitive answer to their search for a strong video editing software that has been created with macOS in mind (free download).

7. HitFilm Pro

Price: $341.01, One-Time Purchase, $0 for Hitfilm Express (Free)

Pros: Color grading, familiar workflow, a large variety of video effects and presets, automatic audio syncing, impressive 3D graphics.

Cons: Complex for beginners. Effects oriented.

free download hitfilm pro

HitFilm Pro is an NLE that puts a heavy focus on the graphical aspect of such free download software. Additions like the automatic audio syncing is highly valued as a convenient quality of life tool. Multiple plugins can be added, though they cost a fee.

The program features several video tutorials that are targeted towards amateur video editors, as well.

filmora box

Filmora Video Editor

Create AI-Generated Video with Filmora

Filmora video editor offers a ChatGPT plug-in and AI tools to enhance your creative vision. Make your idea into reality. Combine AI with this professional video editing software!

Edit Video with AI Edit Video with AI Edit Video with AI Learn More >

8. Lightworks

Price: $24.99 monthly for Lightworks Pro, $0 (Free)

Pros: Simplified video editing process, extensive format and codec support, a large number of effects and tools, photo slideshows, 4K support, audio mixing, and 60 fps rendering.

Cons: Outdated UI, learning curve.

lightworks

You may also like: Best Plugins for Lightworks

Lightworks is a flexible video editing software that has gained a good position on the mark due to its consistent design structure.

The workspace is customizable, and while the UI can feel outdated at first, those with experience in video editing should not find it too much of a hassle.

Lightworks is the type of software that is robust all-around - and there’s also a free version out there, so amateurs can get to know what they’re getting into.

9. Blender

Price: $0 (Free)

Pros: Easy to use, with a good variety of tools and the ability to quickly add text and effects to produced animations. Compositing is very impressive.

Cons: No audio editing. Lacks complexity when compared to a couple of its competitors.

blender

While Blender is mostly known for being a software whose main focus is animation, it also features a built-in video editor that is by no means lackluster. Blender has the bonus of being able to work on 3D animations and take care of the video editing process at the same time.

10. Magix Video Pro X

Price: $399, One-Time Purchase

Pros: Supports free download, Wide format support, multi-cam editing, lookup table handling, 3-way color correction, 360 degree video support, many available effects, strong performance.

Cons: Does not work with Mac operating systems. No import tools.

magix video pro x

Learn some Magix Movie Edit Pro Video Editing Tips for Beginners

Magix Video Pro X is an NLE that has recently been making a name for itself due to its consistency and welcoming attitude towards amateur video editors. This tool is versatile and can deal with a wide range of situations head-on with no issue whatsoever.

While this isn’t the easiest program to start using, if you don’t quite know what you’re doing, you’ll be happy to know that Magix Video Pro X features a basic mode that has been designed to ease newcomers into the industry.

Try Filmora to Make Professional Videos!

Filmora Video Editor is an expert in creating and editing videos, you can follow the easy-to-use interface to make videos like a pro! It can also capture any area of the PC screen and webcam, and add different effects and filters to upgrade your video to an upper level! Worth to have a try!

Start Video Recording Start Video Recording Start Video Recording Learn More >

Part 2: Tips for Choosing Professional Video Editing Software

1. Check your computer specification and performance before purchasing

Professional video editing software may use lots of resources. It is recommended that you check computer specification and the system requirements of the professional editing software that you want to purchase.

To get the full experience of professional video editing, your computer would be better to equipped higher than meeting the mini requirements.

2. How to master the professional video editing software

If you have limited video editing experience and want to become a professional video editor, it is recommended to spend time in editing and take some training or course to master it.

You can find many tutorials about Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, and Final Cut Pro X on YouTube. Or, you can attain online courses on Udemy or Lynda. If you want to convince people that you are a professional video editor, it is recommended to take some certifications.

As you may know that Adobe and Apple both provide official certification exams. A certification will be more convincing when people doubt your editing skills.

3. What should I consider before going for a Pro video editor

If you are reading this line, you can ask yourself a question ‘what intrigues me to choose a pro video editor? It is because you see other professional YouTuber using them? Do I have the time to learn these professional video editors?;’ If it is the case, you should consider the price you’re paying and whether those high-end features and functions are the things you’ll need.

With its extremely low-learning-curve and user-friendly interface, Filmora can deal with 95% of your video editing needs with just $49.99 per year. With Filmora, you don’t have to spend time on a boring guide and you can do video editing right away since everything is designed for this purpose.

filmora logo

A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

filmora-02

Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

  • 100 Million+ Users
  • 150+ Countries and Regions
  • 4 Million+ Social Media Followers
  • 5 Million+ Stock Media for Use

Try It Free Try It Free

Try It Free

Try It Free

* Secure Download

filmora12

Part 3: FAQ about Professional Video Editing Software

What software do professional video editors use?

Many people ask what software professional video editors use. The truth is for professional editors use various tools to improve video editing efficiency. For audio editing, they use Adobe Audition. For color grading, many people choose Final Cut Pro. For video editing workflow, they also use Premiere Pro and Lightworks. For semi-pros, they use Filmora to accelerate the video editing process.

What do most YouTubers use to edit their videos?

Most YouTubers, they like easy to use a video editor to make YouTube videos. They choose Filmora to add more than 300 built-in effects, intros, text, and transitions. A group of YouTubers with advanced video editing skills, tend to use Premiere Pro.

What is the best video editing software for beginners?

For beginners, the most important criteria you need to consider are simplicity and price. They like to use Filmora, Movavi, Powerdirector, and iMovie on their PC. For mobile video editing, they like to use LumaFusion, KineMaster, and Apple Clips.

Is Adobe Premiere Pro free?

No, it is not free. Adobe Premiere Pro includes 3 different price plans. Annual plan, paid monthly at $20.99/month. Annual plan, prepaid $239.98/year. A monthly plan, $31.48/month.

Conclusion

We hope this list will have guided you toward making the right choice when it comes to investing in professional video editing software. While this was by no means an extensive list, we aimed to summarize professional video editing software information to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your tool of the trade.

author avatar

Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

Follow @Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison

Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions

The advent of digital video technology has opened an unprecedented opportunity for novice and professional filmmakers alike. Professional video editing software is an essential tool to create high-quality productions and visuals with accuracy, speed, and flexibility.

Whether you are a filmmaker looking to create content for the big screen or a commercial director trying to make your mark in the industry, a professional video editing program can give you the tools needed to produce highly polished visuals. Today’s advanced editors come with preloaded templates and effects that enable filmmakers to save time without sacrificing quality.

We’ve done some extensive research on what some consider to be the 10 best professional video editing software currently on the market, and we’re here to present what we’ve managed to find.

Part 1: Top 10 Professional Video Editing Software Free Download

Here is the 10 best professional video editing software for you to free download.

1 - Filmora 2 - EDIUS
3 - Autodesk Smoke 4 - Avid Media Composer
5 - Adobe Premiere Pro CC 6 - Final Cut Pro
7 - HitFilm Pr 8 - Lightworks
9 - Blender 10 - Magix Video Pro X

1. Filmora

Price: $79.99 Customers can add $36.96/month for effects and plugins, $49.99 Customers can add $18.99/month for effects and plugins

Pros: The best value on the list, covers everything a pro video editor should have, Easy-to-use.

Download Filmora9 Win Version Download Filmora9 Mac Version

The newly released professional video editor app from Wondershare is specially designed for pros looking for a quick way to edit videos in a professional way.

The Filmora video editing software makes professional video editing easy. You can add unlimited video and audio tracks and control the panels at your hand.

You can also use customizable animations to establish your style and use high-quality presets to get a detailed color correction.

2. EDIUS

Price: $499, One-Time Purchase

Pros: Genderless video editing, 4K HDR workflow, flexible user interface, real-time conversion rates, support for a wide variety of video formats, fast AVCHD editing, motion tracking, 3-way color correction.

Cons: Relatively broadcast-oriented.

EDIUS is a free download video editing software that evolved out of what was originally a number of Adobe Premiere Plus plugins.

Ever since its release, EDIUS has gained a loyal following that appreciates both its business model and the operations that the program can perform.

More than a handful of broadcasters worldwide use EDIUS as their program of choice, both due to its flexibility when dealing with various video formats and because it’s quite easy to use when compared to some of its competitors.

Why do so many people swear by EDIUS? Well, according to its fanbase, EDIUS tends to be quite fast when processing, importing, editing, and exporting videos - couple that with the fact that EDIUS doesn’t require a subscription, and you’ve got yourself a thoroughly solid video editing software that can go toe to toe with its rivals.

3. Autodesk Smoke

Price: $190, Monthly Subscription, 1505$, Yearly Subscription

Pros: Timeline-based creative workflow, node-based compositing, ability to flawlessly make use of 3D animations and modeling, a high degree of stability (no crashes!).

Cons: Can only be used on a single monitor. Furthermore, Autodesk Smoke is exclusively for Mac users.

video editor for professional autodesk smoke

Autodesk is a video editing software that is favored by many people to due to its node-based compositing.

To put it as simple as possible, the video editor achieves a higher level of complexity than other popular software.

Smoke’s real strength lies in editorial and finishing functions. While the professional video editing software that is free to download doesn’t necessarily offer anything that its competitors don’t, this video editing software comes out on top when it comes to 3D effects.

4. Avid Media Composer

Price: $199.99 for a Year’s Subscription, or $24.99 Monthly

Pros: Free download, Advanced color-correction, built-in metadata and effect tools, HDR support, Multicam editing, FrameFlex, keyboard mapping, background rendering, real-time editing, a very high degree of stability, and serves as a great starting point for budding video editors.

Cons: Steep learning curve and outdated interface. However, learning how to use Avid Media Composer will enable you to jump right into other video editing software with ease.

avid media composer video editor

Check the detailed tutorial about How to Edit Videos with avidemux

Most people interested in the business have heard of Avid Media Composer because it’s what most professional video editors use for big blockbuster Hollywood movies.

Avid Media Composer is, arguably, the video editing industry’s preferred software you can download freely - and it’s easy to see why, since it pretty much has everything you might ever need, all rolled up into one neat package.

While some complain that it’s hard to use and the interface looks very outdated, many insist that this allows you to build a solid foundation from which your video editing career can skyrocket.

As a matter of fact, its popularity only serves to show that people prefer it for a reason: and that’s because Avid Media Composer is stunningly robust.

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Wondershare Filmora Video Editor

Filmora - Best Professional Video Editor Ever

• Easily to create and edit videos with plenty of pro effects and filters

• Automatically convert audio to text for adding subtitiles and captions

• Cross-platform supported - (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)

Try Pro Video Editor Try Pro Video Editor Try Pro Video Editor Learn More >

5. Adobe Premiere Pro CC

Price: $31.49 Monthly Subscription, $239.88 Yearly Subscription

Pros: Highly customizable and streamlined interface, easy to use for people with past experience in Adobe products but no previous video editing experience, a large variety of tools such as color matching and multi-camera rendering, and a fast rendering speed.

Cons: New updates might have a couple of bugs, so you should be a bit patient before you update if you want to keep it on the safe side. Mac users also report that it runs a bit slow on their systems.

premiere pro cc video editor

You may also like: Best Transition Plugins for Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro CC is one of the best choices an amateur video editor could make when choosing his apparatus.

Both affordable and intuitive, this software has been at the top of the market for more than a couple of years, and now shows no sign of stopping, since it is constantly being supplied with new updates with free downloading.

If you’re looking to achieve a professional level of video editing with little to no previous experience, then look no further, as Adobe Premiere Pro CC might just be the perfect tool for you. With that being said, professional video editors should not shy away from this Adobe video editing software.

6. Final Cut Pro

Price: $299, One-Time Purchase

Pros: Support for 360-degree VR, HDR, multi-camera editing, fast rendering speed, a large variety of interesting tools, expansive library of plugins, and easy-to-use color correction, grading, and adjustment tools. Final Cut Pro has also been designed and optimized for Mac operating systems.

Cons: Only for Mac users. Large project files can also be slow.

final cut pro video editor

You may also like: How to Edit YouTube Videos in FCP

Final Cut Pro is Apple’s response to video editing software. The UI design is sleek and modern, the workflow is intuitive and easy to work with, and the program is impressively fast, even when working with 4K resolutions.

For many Mac users, Final Cut Pro is the definitive answer to their search for a strong video editing software that has been created with macOS in mind (free download).

7. HitFilm Pro

Price: $341.01, One-Time Purchase, $0 for Hitfilm Express (Free)

Pros: Color grading, familiar workflow, a large variety of video effects and presets, automatic audio syncing, impressive 3D graphics.

Cons: Complex for beginners. Effects oriented.

free download hitfilm pro

HitFilm Pro is an NLE that puts a heavy focus on the graphical aspect of such free download software. Additions like the automatic audio syncing is highly valued as a convenient quality of life tool. Multiple plugins can be added, though they cost a fee.

The program features several video tutorials that are targeted towards amateur video editors, as well.

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Filmora Video Editor

Create AI-Generated Video with Filmora

Filmora video editor offers a ChatGPT plug-in and AI tools to enhance your creative vision. Make your idea into reality. Combine AI with this professional video editing software!

Edit Video with AI Edit Video with AI Edit Video with AI Learn More >

8. Lightworks

Price: $24.99 monthly for Lightworks Pro, $0 (Free)

Pros: Simplified video editing process, extensive format and codec support, a large number of effects and tools, photo slideshows, 4K support, audio mixing, and 60 fps rendering.

Cons: Outdated UI, learning curve.

lightworks

You may also like: Best Plugins for Lightworks

Lightworks is a flexible video editing software that has gained a good position on the mark due to its consistent design structure.

The workspace is customizable, and while the UI can feel outdated at first, those with experience in video editing should not find it too much of a hassle.

Lightworks is the type of software that is robust all-around - and there’s also a free version out there, so amateurs can get to know what they’re getting into.

9. Blender

Price: $0 (Free)

Pros: Easy to use, with a good variety of tools and the ability to quickly add text and effects to produced animations. Compositing is very impressive.

Cons: No audio editing. Lacks complexity when compared to a couple of its competitors.

blender

While Blender is mostly known for being a software whose main focus is animation, it also features a built-in video editor that is by no means lackluster. Blender has the bonus of being able to work on 3D animations and take care of the video editing process at the same time.

10. Magix Video Pro X

Price: $399, One-Time Purchase

Pros: Supports free download, Wide format support, multi-cam editing, lookup table handling, 3-way color correction, 360 degree video support, many available effects, strong performance.

Cons: Does not work with Mac operating systems. No import tools.

magix video pro x

Learn some Magix Movie Edit Pro Video Editing Tips for Beginners

Magix Video Pro X is an NLE that has recently been making a name for itself due to its consistency and welcoming attitude towards amateur video editors. This tool is versatile and can deal with a wide range of situations head-on with no issue whatsoever.

While this isn’t the easiest program to start using, if you don’t quite know what you’re doing, you’ll be happy to know that Magix Video Pro X features a basic mode that has been designed to ease newcomers into the industry.

Try Filmora to Make Professional Videos!

Filmora Video Editor is an expert in creating and editing videos, you can follow the easy-to-use interface to make videos like a pro! It can also capture any area of the PC screen and webcam, and add different effects and filters to upgrade your video to an upper level! Worth to have a try!

Start Video Recording Start Video Recording Start Video Recording Learn More >

Part 2: Tips for Choosing Professional Video Editing Software

1. Check your computer specification and performance before purchasing

Professional video editing software may use lots of resources. It is recommended that you check computer specification and the system requirements of the professional editing software that you want to purchase.

To get the full experience of professional video editing, your computer would be better to equipped higher than meeting the mini requirements.

2. How to master the professional video editing software

If you have limited video editing experience and want to become a professional video editor, it is recommended to spend time in editing and take some training or course to master it.

You can find many tutorials about Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe After Effects, and Final Cut Pro X on YouTube. Or, you can attain online courses on Udemy or Lynda. If you want to convince people that you are a professional video editor, it is recommended to take some certifications.

As you may know that Adobe and Apple both provide official certification exams. A certification will be more convincing when people doubt your editing skills.

3. What should I consider before going for a Pro video editor

If you are reading this line, you can ask yourself a question ‘what intrigues me to choose a pro video editor? It is because you see other professional YouTuber using them? Do I have the time to learn these professional video editors?;’ If it is the case, you should consider the price you’re paying and whether those high-end features and functions are the things you’ll need.

With its extremely low-learning-curve and user-friendly interface, Filmora can deal with 95% of your video editing needs with just $49.99 per year. With Filmora, you don’t have to spend time on a boring guide and you can do video editing right away since everything is designed for this purpose.

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A cross-platform for making videos anywhere for all creators

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Why your video editing isn’t good enough? How about some creative inspo?

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Part 3: FAQ about Professional Video Editing Software

What software do professional video editors use?

Many people ask what software professional video editors use. The truth is for professional editors use various tools to improve video editing efficiency. For audio editing, they use Adobe Audition. For color grading, many people choose Final Cut Pro. For video editing workflow, they also use Premiere Pro and Lightworks. For semi-pros, they use Filmora to accelerate the video editing process.

What do most YouTubers use to edit their videos?

Most YouTubers, they like easy to use a video editor to make YouTube videos. They choose Filmora to add more than 300 built-in effects, intros, text, and transitions. A group of YouTubers with advanced video editing skills, tend to use Premiere Pro.

What is the best video editing software for beginners?

For beginners, the most important criteria you need to consider are simplicity and price. They like to use Filmora, Movavi, Powerdirector, and iMovie on their PC. For mobile video editing, they like to use LumaFusion, KineMaster, and Apple Clips.

Is Adobe Premiere Pro free?

No, it is not free. Adobe Premiere Pro includes 3 different price plans. Annual plan, paid monthly at $20.99/month. Annual plan, prepaid $239.98/year. A monthly plan, $31.48/month.

Conclusion

We hope this list will have guided you toward making the right choice when it comes to investing in professional video editing software. While this was by no means an extensive list, we aimed to summarize professional video editing software information to help you make an informed decision when purchasing your tool of the trade.

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Ollie Mattison

Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.

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Also read:

  • Title: 2024 Approved 13 Windows Movie Maker Alternatives You Need to Try
  • Author: Giselle
  • Created at : 2024-05-19 07:45:25
  • Updated at : 2024-05-20 07:45:25
  • Link: https://ai-vdieo-software.techidaily.com/2024-approved-13-windows-movie-maker-alternatives-you-need-to-try/
  • License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
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2024 Approved 13 Windows Movie Maker Alternatives You Need to Try