In the fast-paced world of content creation, video editing has become an essential skill. Whether you’re a professional videographer or an aspiring YouTuber, having the right video editing tools can make all the difference in the quality and impact of your content. From simple trimming and transitions to advanced effects and color grading, these tools offer a wide range of features to help you bring your vision to life. This blog will explore some of the top video editing tools available, their unique features, and how they can elevate your editing workflow. With these powerful and user-friendly video editing tools, get ready to take your videos to the next level.
How to Choose a Video Editor Tool?
Many desktop-based editing tools are available for businesses looking to create promotional videos. The biggest advantage of free video editing software for desktops is that they have more features than most mobile video editing apps. For a comprehensive editing experience, consider a tool with an AI photo editor feature. This can enhance your editing capabilities, allowing for professional-level results with ease.
Whether you’re editing videos for YouTube or TikTok, here are some considerations to keep in mind:
User experience:
Are you seeking software that offers express editing modes, enabling you to quickly edit videos in your preferred style? Look no further!
Additionally, having templates is a bonus. Quality editing software should also provide tutorials to familiarize yourself with the features and excel in your editing endeavors.
Editing features:
Ensure the software offers robust video editing tools that will leave a lasting impression on your viewers. If you work with drone footage, it’s essential to have an editing software that can enhance and apply effects to your videos. You may require features like chroma key editing, color grading, or even more advanced capabilities like 360-degree editing.
Hidden costs:
While certain video editors claim to be “free,” they often require additional payment to unlock superior features. Completely free editing software might have limitations such as limited file format support, subpar performance, or other restrictions. It is crucial to select software that fulfills all your basic editing requirements without any added fees.
Support:
Reliable customer support is invaluable, especially when you’re new to video editing. It’s reassuring to have a dedicated platform where you can seek answers to your questions about various features. Ensure that the software offers support services such as email/phone assistance, comprehensive FAQs, or active community forums where real people can provide guidance and help.
Export options:
Consider where you intend to publish your videos. It is essential to ensure that your video editing software can produce high-quality videos in popular formats. This will enable you to effortlessly upload your videos to your social media channels without any hassle.
Requirements:
Remember that certain programs are designed exclusively for specific computer types. For instance, not all software on the list may be compatible with Google Chromebook. Before investing time in a particular software, ensure it is compatible with your desktop platform. This will save you from any potential compatibility issues down the line.
Best Video Editing Tools List
Vmaker AI
Vmaker AI is an online AI video editor that converts your raw videos into publish-ready wow videos in just minutes. All you have to do is upload your raw footage, and Vmaker AI intelligently adds b-rolls, background music, transitions, effects, subtitles, intro, outro, and more, making your videos publish-ready with a click.
Additionally, Vmaker AI transforms long-form videos into short-form content and also creates highlights and teasers from your videos.
But what sets Vmaker AI apart is that it comes with a feature-packed, full-fledged editing suite that lets professionals craft their videos to perfection.
Features include:
- Highlights/Short-form Videos: Vmaker AI analyzes and understands the pulse and automatically picks the highlights of your video. It also turns your long-form videos into short-form videos to fit perfectly as Reels, Shorts, and TikToks.
- AI Subtitles: Vmaker AI generates subtitles in 35+ languages and translates them into 100+ languages. You can also change the color, font, size, and style of the subtitles the way you want.
- AI Video Background Remover: You do not have to worry about the aesthetics of your background or get a green screen to shoot your videos. Regardless of what’s in the background, Vmaker AI removes it without any pieces of the visuals missing!
- Viral Styles Library: It also has an open library of Viral Styles inspired by the world’s top digital creators. You can pick any style you like and edit your videos.
- 10m+ stock assets (videos, photos, and music)
- Integrations with Giphy, Getty Library, and other Animaker products
- Reverse, playback speed, color correction, and more
- Cut, Trim, Merge, Resize, and other timeline-based editing features
G2 rating:
- 4.7 out of 5
Available for
- Web app
Price
- Free
- Starter: $24/ month
- Team: $39/ month
Watermark:
- Yes
HitFilm Express
If you’re relatively new to video editing, HitFilm may seem a bit advanced initially. It is primarily used for producing Hollywood-style films, but the learning curve is worth it, as it is one of the top all-in-one free video editors available. (Remember that HitFilm requests a social media status update when you download the software, but that’s a minor requirement.)
One of the standout features of HitFilm is its animation tools, which allow you to create and edit audio and video transitions without the need for composite shots. This feature is a tremendous time-saver during the editing process. Additionally, HitFilm offers impressive 3D effects for films, music videos, and even YouTube videos. Moreover, it includes features commonly found in paid video editing software, such as support for 4K video, 360-degree editing, and a library of special effects.
Features include
- With motion tracking, color pickers, and cropping tools, professional video editing
- Enhancements for composite photos that let you combine two different shots to create bizarre video effects
- An automatic stabilizer to make the jerky video appear smooth
- Unlimited development of audio and video timeline tracks
- a re-trimming tool that adapts to your needs once you’ve added your clips to the timeline
- the capacity to immediately apply a group of qualities from one clip to another or an entire project.
- Using an audio mixer to fine-tune the output for professional quality
- Options for transitions include push, zoom, and dissolve.
G2 rating:
n/a
Available for
Mac and Windows
Price:
Free; $12.99 monthly for the Pro version
Watermark:
No
Lightworks
Lightworks features a user-friendly and intuitive interface, making it easy to grasp for beginners. It stands out as one of the more accessible Linux video editing software options on this list. Lightworks provides a comprehensive collection of detailed video tutorials to facilitate learning.
One notable advantage of Lightworks is its inclusion of a suite of original stock videos and music clips licensed for use in any videos you edit using the program. This feature lets you enhance your marketing videos’ visual and auditory aspects, giving them a polished and professional look.
Features include
- High-quality, straightforward trim tools for quick, accurate video editing
- Speed optimization enables you to continue editing while adding fresh content. Multicam editing allows you to sync clips from several cameras
- Real-time collaboration on projects with complete control over who has editing access
- Simple video sharing with quick export to Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Vimeo
- wide-ranging video format support
G2 rating:
3.5/5
Available for
Windows, Mac, and Linux
Price:
Free; $23.99 per month for the Pro version
Watermark:
No
iMovie
iMovie, a widely recognized and reliable choice, is conveniently bundled with Mac OS. Similar to other native Apple apps, iMovie boasts a straightforward and user-friendly interface, allowing you to effortlessly drag and drop files from your drive to your workstation. This simplicity makes it an excellent tool for creating impactful videos to enhance your YouTube marketing endeavors.
One significant advantage of iMovie is its integration with Apple’s cloud storage. This means your project files are securely saved on the cloud, enabling you to seamlessly work on your projects across multiple Apple devices such as iPhones, iPads, or Macs. Additionally, iMovie consistently receives updates, ensuring you can anticipate new features and improvements to enhance your video editing experience.
Features include
- Support for 4K resolution, enabling users to produce movies with a cinematic quality
- Working on the same project from your iPad, iPhone, and Mac thanks to cloud storage
- Numerous studio-quality title animations for credits that look professional
- Stylish, modern video filters have been created for specific movie genres like Westerns and science fiction.
- Built-in audio recording for voiceovers, sound effects, and music ensures that your sound and image editing is always consolidated.
- You can adjust the speed of fast-paced action scenes and slow the speed of sports highlights.
G2 rating:
4.3/5
Available for
Mac
Price:
Free
Watermark:
No
VideoPad
VideoPad is an excellent choice for individuals seeking to create high-quality videos without spending money. With VideoPad, you’ll discover a wide range of simple and user-friendly features, including 3D video editing and a sound effects library, allowing you to experiment with different video compositions and styles easily.
This software enables you to edit your videos by incorporating special effects, overlays, texts, and transitions while providing options for color adjustment and sound effects. Once you have completed your editing process, you can conveniently export your finished video to platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, Google Drive, and various mobile devices.
VideoPad needs to be more basic for advanced video editors. It may offer fewer advanced features than some other free video editing software on this list. However, with the ability to add light effects, fine-tune colors, and overlay text and images, VideoPad provides enough functionality to make it a practical choice for a free download.
Features include
- Double built-in screen for simple editing (one to see selected clips, one to preview entire sequences).
- Customizable transitions that are already made for a polished appearance
- Exporting presets enables users to quickly make video files that are optimized for a variety of networks, including Facebook and YouTube, and upload them online without leaving the program
- Online publishing and sharing solutions for social media that allow for quick video sharing
- a sizable collection of graphic effects and video transitions for customizing videos
- Tools for optimizing videos, such as stabilization
G2 rating:
4/5
Available for
Mac, Windows
Price:
Free
Watermark:
No
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a comprehensive production tool that combines professional 8K editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production into a single software. It has gained popularity as the preferred choice for many professional editors working on films, television shows, and commercials.
One notable feature of DaVinci Resolve is its offline and online editing capability. Its high-performance playback engine ensures efficient editing and trimming, even with processor-intensive file formats like H.264 and RAW. While the extensive features of DaVinci Resolve may be overwhelming for some users, its free version is particularly well-suited for advanced projects, making it a powerful tool in the hands of skilled editors.
Features include
- Dual timeline for quick cutting, trimming, and navigation
- An exclusive trim interface that allows for precise editing Intelligent auto-editing that automatically syncs your audio and video clips
- Picture-in-picture effects, retiming, stabilization, dynamic zoom, text, and audio are all included as built-in tools.
- Face detection in your videos that automatically generates bins based on the subjects of each shot
- High-quality frame rate conversions and speed modifications for realistically and easily speeding up or slowing down clips
G2 rating:
4.7/5
Available for
Windows, Mac, and Linux
Price:
Free; $295 for the full Studio version
Watermark:
No
Also read : 7 Best Customer Video Feedback Software Must Try
VSDC Free Video Editor
VSDC offers desktop video editing software in free and paid versions. While the free version has limited features, it still includes VSDC’s complete video editing suite, which encompasses essential tools like a mask tool and chroma key functionality for creating green-screen video effects. VSDC is well-regarded as popular editing software, particularly for editing GoPro footage.
The toolkit dramatically grows for those who can purchase the complete version. The full version provides additional features such as video stabilization, a wide range of post-production effects, slideshow/presentation capabilities, 3D diagram templates, and the ability to publish your videos to social media platforms directly. These added functionalities make the full version of VSDC a compelling choice for users seeking more advanced editing capabilities.
Features include
- Tools for color correcting for a more professional appearance
- a comprehensive set of transitional effects
- image filters that are simple to use and resemble those on Instagram
- Masking tools for obscuring, distorting, or emphasizing certain parts
- Social media sharing links for videos on Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, Twitter, and Vimeo HEVC/H.265 (a sophisticated video-compression standard) is required for processing 4K and HD files since it maintains the highest quality at the smallest file size.
G2 rating:
4/5
Available for
Windows
Price:
Free; $19.99 for the Pro version
Watermark:
No
OpenShot
OpenShot is a video editing program that stands out for its user-friendly interface, making it an excellent choice for intermediate editors. While other more complex tools may offer a broader range of editing components, OpenShot’s intuitive interface and minimalist design are particularly well-suited for straightforward editing tasks.
OpenShot is an efficient option for small businesses, especially regarding clip resizing, scaling, trimming, snapping, and rotation. Additionally, it offers features such as credit scrolling, frame stepping, time mapping, audio editing, and real-time preview, enhancing the editing experience and providing flexibility in creating engaging videos.
Features include
- There are infinite layers for audio, video, and watermarks.
- customizable templates for title cards
- Drag-and-drop capabilities make music, video, or image files simple.
- Brightness, gamma, hue, greyscale, and chroma key compositing for digital video effects, such as green-screen, affect
- the ability to create animated videos with powerful key-frame animation.
G2 rating:
4.4/5
Available for
Windows, Mac, and Linux
Price:
Free
Watermark:
No
Shotcut
Shotcut is an impressive open-source video editor compatible with multiple operating systems. It offers a wide array of tutorial videos, making it easier for users to learn and master its features. Shotcut supports various formats, including FFmpeg, 4K, ProRes, and DNxHD, ensuring versatility in video editing.
It’s important to note that Shotcut was initially designed for Linux, which may result in a slightly unconventional interface for some users. However, despite this quirkiness, Shotcut remains a top-notch video editor appreciated by many.
One notable strength of Shotcut is its extensive audio editing capabilities, making it an excellent choice for audiophiles. Users can access a range of fine-tuning audio tools, make precise adjustments to bass and treble, create bandpass filters, modify gain levels, apply dynamic compression, and much more. This robust audio editing functionality enhances the overall editing experience and provides greater control over the audio aspects of your videos.
Features include
- Native timeline editing, which enables users to integrate video files directly into their project file rather than a media library, provides support for the newest audio and video formats via FFmpeg, the industry-leading multimedia framework.
- A project can change between resolutions and frame rates using a multiformat timeline.
- Compressor, balance, bass, treble, bandpass filters, and other advanced audio filters
- assist with AV1 encoding and decoding.
G2 rating:
4.2/5
Available for
Windows, Mac, and Linux
Price:
Free
Watermark:
No
Windows Video Editor
Windows Video Editor, Microsoft’s built-in editor, is a convenient software option for individuals seeking an easy video editing experience. It proves to be particularly useful when you need to make quick edits to short video clips that require immediate readiness.
While Windows Video Editor leans more towards being a photo editor, it still provides essential editing tools such as cropping, trimming, and the ability to include text or audio in your videos. As it comes bundled with Windows 10 and newer versions, Video Editor is free and suitable for basic video enhancement needs.
Features include
- Tool for automatic previewing modifications and effects
- Auto-movie features for cutting your video clips into bespoke lengths
- Adding music, titles, and credits is simple with the animation tab.
- a portion of 3D effects with little customization
- simple to use for newbie Windows users
G2 rating:
n/a
Available for
Windows
Price:
Free
Watermark:
No
Vimeo Create
Vimeo Create is free editing software that seamlessly integrates with your Shopify store, enabling you to effortlessly transform your existing product images and text into professional e-commerce videos. The best part is that no prior video editing experience is required.
Using Vimeo Create is a straightforward process. Answer questions about your product, upload your footage, and choose from various styles. Within minutes, the AI-powered software automatically edits your video. However, if you prefer, you can also select your styles or start from suggestions. The AI suggests colors, themes, music, and fonts.
This software is particularly beneficial for creating videos at scale, making it ideal for businesses that want to establish a YouTube channel and streamline their video creation process. Vimeo is a popular video software solution trusted by over 200 million users. As an all-in-one solution, Vimeo allows you to manage, host, and distribute all your videos from a single platform, simplifying your workflow and enhancing efficiency.
Features include
- More than 1,000 templates available for selection
- Ability to share films across marketing channels with facial recognition, filters, effects, and automatic cropping
- Unlimited premium photos with iStock integration
- a collection of music with commercial licenses is available.
G2 rating:
4.2/5
Available for
iOS and Android
Price:
Free; Plus subscriptions start at $7 per month
Watermark:
No
Also read : Tips to Create An Effective Video Marketing Strategy
KineMaster
If you’re a video editor who needs to work on the go, KineMaster is an excellent choice for your editing needs. This powerful video editing app is free, with an optional subscription model for additional features, and it is specifically designed for mobile devices. With KineMaster, you can conveniently shoot footage, edit it, and upload the final product directly from your phone or tablet.
Unlike many other mobile editing apps that sacrifice advanced tools for simplicity, KineMaster offers many powerful features. You can easily cut, splice, crop, and combine videos; over 2,500 transitions and effects are available for download. KineMaster also provides color filters and adjustments to correct and enhance your videos, helping them stand out with visually appealing visuals. Once your editing is complete, you can quickly share your videos to popular platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Reels, Stories, and more.
KineMaster is a reliable and feature-rich option for mobile video editing, allowing you to create professional-looking videos on the go without compromising on advanced editing capabilities.
Features include
- Download effects, music, stickers, typefaces, and other resources from the asset store.
- Ability to backup and share videos to keep them safe
- Eight options for combining to produce artistic video effects
- Focus shifts, in-camera transitions, and other adjustments can be made using the reverse tool. easy
- 60 fps editing and exporting for 4K videos
G2 rating:
n/a
Available for
iOS, Android, and Chromebook
Price:
Free; $3.99/month for a paid plan
Watermark:
Yes
Movie Maker Online
Movie Maker Online stands out as a top browser-based video editor available today. It offers a cost-effective solution for individuals who want to create videos, although there are a few drawbacks. One notable drawback is that the tool is supported by ads, which means you will need to navigate around them while editing your videos. Additionally, a maximum duration of 10 minutes should suffice for most standard free users.
The interface of Movie Maker Online has its unique quirks. Unlike traditional video editors with horizontal timelines, this tool positions the video and audio timelines vertically, which may take some getting used to initially. However, the advantage is that it is easily accessible across multiple devices since it is entirely browser-based.
Movie Maker Online provides all the essential features you need to create videos for free. Furthermore, it offers a valuable bonus of access to free music, videos, and photos, which can enhance your video creation process. Despite its minor limitations, Movie Maker Online remains a reliable option for basic video editing tasks, especially for those seeking a browser-based solution.
Features include
- Free, web-based video editor with no-cost images, music, and sound effects
- Ideal for mixing, cutting, and modifying videos rapidly
- built-in assistance
G2 rating:
n/a
Available for
Browser
Price:
Free
Watermark:
No
Movavi Video Editor
You may create polished, expert videos with various dynamic elements using Movavi Video Editor. This software is excellent for novices thanks to its user-friendly design and intuitive functionality, but it also contains more sophisticated features that more seasoned editors will find useful.
You may work with almost any file format with the software. Another reason why Movavi Video Editor is a fantastic option for those looking to produce high-quality videos quickly is because of this.
Features include
- Automatically raises video quality with simply one click.
- A huge collection of graphic upgrades that raise the aesthetic quality of your project
- enables you to overlay your video on any background, which is perfect for creating green screen effects.
- It helps you accurately split your video and recognize changes in your clip.
- It aids in controlling and balancing the sound levels in your production, is perfect for telling stories
- enables complex editing with several video, audio, and effect layers.
- Allows you to save and share your project in various formats quickly.
G2 rating:
4/5
Available for
Windows and macOS
Price:
Free trial; paid plan starts at $79.95 per month
Watermark:
Yes
ActivePresenter
ActivePresenter, developed by Atomi Systems, is a comprehensive and versatile screen recording and video editing software. It provides a free and paid version, catering to various user needs. ActivePresenter has established itself as a go-to tool for video editing, particularly in instructional and e-learning videos.
With ActivePresenter, users can access various editing tools that cover everything from screen recording to more intricate video editing tasks. Its extensive feature suite enables users to create engaging and interactive video content. Whether you need to capture your screen activities, add annotations, incorporate multimedia elements, or apply advanced editing techniques, ActivePresenter offers the necessary tools and capabilities.
ActivePresenter’s emphasis on creating compelling video content, particularly for instructional and e-learning purposes, has contributed to its popularity among users seeking to deliver informative and engaging materials. The powerful capabilities of ActivePresenter complement your video editing efforts whether you choose the free or paid edition.
Features include
- Recording in a window, full-screen, or locked application
- Use a single hotkey to take screenshots.
- Text-to-speech (TTS), picture-in-picture (PIP), and audio normalization
- Quizzes that are interactive and exported to the SCORM and xAPI standards
- JPEG, PNG for photos, and AVI, MP4, MKV, and WebM for video.
- Essential for developing interactive e-learning content Simple to use, appropriate for both beginners and experts
G2 rating:
4.5/5
Available for
Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
Price:
Free; paid version starts at $199
Watermark:
No
Video Grabber
Video Grabber is a robust online video editor and downloader that caters to the needs of a diverse range of users, including video hobbyists and professionals. Its powerful features and user-friendly interface make it an accessible tool for creating and editing videos.
One of the standout qualities of Video Grabber is its simplicity and intuitive design, allowing users to navigate the platform’s features easily. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced user, you can quickly grasp and utilize the functionalities to enhance your video editing experience.
Video Grabber goes beyond being a video downloader by offering additional capabilities such as video conversion, screen recording, and basic video editing. This versatility makes it a comprehensive tool for various video-related tasks. You can effortlessly download videos from different sources, convert them into different formats to suit your needs, record screen activities for tutorials or demonstrations, and perform basic editing functions to refine your videos.
By consolidating these features into a single platform, Video Grabber simplifies video creation and editing. Whether you’re looking to download, convert, record, or edit videos, Video Grabber provides a convenient and versatile solution for all your video-related requirements.
Features include
- being able to download videos from any website
- enables conversion between a variety of video and audio formats
- includes a setting-adjustable screen recording feature
- provides a simple-to-use video editing program for tasks like cropping, trimming, and effective addition.
- The ability to add subtitles to videos does away with the requirement for large installs and is usable on any device with internet access.
- Using batch processing, you can download or convert many videos at once.
G2 rating:
n/a
Available for
Browser
Price:
Free
Watermark:
No
Also read : 13+ Video Editing Software in 2024 To Use (Free & Paid)
Conclusion
In conclusion, video editing tools have become indispensable in content creation. The right tools can transform raw footage into polished, engaging videos that captivate your audience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced editor, a wide range of options are available to suit your needs and skill level. From intuitive interfaces to powerful features like special effects, color grading, and audio enhancements, these tools empower you to unleash your creativity and bring your video projects to life. So, explore the diverse world of video editing tools, experiment with different options, and find the ones that resonate with your unique style and objectives. Elevate your video editing game and make your content stand out with the help of these exceptional tools. Happy editing!
FAQs
What are some essential video editing tools for beginners?
Some essential video editing tools for beginners include Adobe Premiere Pro, iMovie (for Mac users), and Filmora. These tools offer user-friendly interfaces, basic editing features, and tutorials to help newcomers get started with video editing.
Which video editing tool is best for professional filmmakers?
Professional filmmakers often prefer industry-standard tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro X (for Mac users), and DaVinci Resolve. These tools offer advanced features, professional-grade effects, and precise control over every aspect of the editing process.
Can I edit videos on my mobile device?
Yes, you can edit videos on your mobile device. Several excellent video editing apps are available for both iOS and Android platforms. Some popular options include Adobe Premiere Rush, iMovie (for iOS), Kinemaster, and PowerDirector. These apps provide a range of editing features optimized for mobile devices.
Are there any free video editing tools available?
Yes, there are free video editing tools available that offer basic editing functionalities. Some popular free options include HitFilm Express, Shotcut, and OpenShot. These tools provide a good starting point for beginners or those on a tight budget.
Can I edit videos without prior experience or technical knowledge?
Many video editing tools cater to beginners and offer intuitive interfaces and simple-to-use features. Programs like iMovie, Windows Movie Maker, and Filmora have user-friendly interfaces and provide step-by-step guides, making editing videos without prior experience or technical knowledge possible. Additionally, many tools offer online tutorials and communities where you can learn and improve your editing skills.
