With the growing buzz around video content on social media, the need for video editing software has increased. But with so many options available, how do you find the best tools without breaking the bank?
In this comprehensive guide on the best free video editing software in 2024, we have curated some top choices for free video editors fitting different user requirements. From feature-packed suites to intuitive editors perfect for beginners, there’s something here for everyone.
Best Free Video Editing Software for PC
A free video editing software for PC enables precision and enhances creativity without imposing cost barriers. Listed below are some of the best free video editors for your device:
1. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a free video editing software for PCs that offers a comprehensive suite of tools for editing, colour correction, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio post-production. While the paid version of the software provides more advanced capabilities, its free version offers a generous list of features for professional-grade video editing.
DaVinci Resolve
Starting Price
₹ 28980.00 excl. GST
Davinci Resolve Features
Listed below are the features that make DaVinci the best free video editing software for PCs:
- Professional-grade features: Color correction, visual effects, and audio editing capabilities all in one place.
- Cross-Platform Support: Compatible with macOS, Windows, and Linux OS for flexibility in workflow
- Storage and Collaboration: Blackmagic Cloud, Dropbox and Google Drive integration for storing and sharing files and Blackmagic Cloud collaboration for real-time collaboration on a timeline.
DaVinci Resolve Pros and Cons
Pros
- Packed with features for professional-looking edits.
- Free version handles most common video formats and resolutions.
- Collaborative editing allows for streamlined teamwork.
Cons
- Steeper learning curve compared to beginner-friendly editors.
- Resource-intensive software, requiring a powerful PC for smooth performance.
- The free version lacks some advanced video editing features found in the paid version.
2. HitFilm
HitFilm offers a free version (HitFilm Express) alongside a paid pro version, making it a compelling choice for PC users looking to add a touch of Hollywood magic to their video projects.
HitFilm
Starting Price
$ 12.99
HitFilm Key Features
- Visual Effects: Create stunning VFX with a large library of compositing tools, particles, and green screen editing capabilities.
- All-in-one Suite: Edit, add effects, and composite within the same program, streamlining your workflow.
- Beginner Friendly: The free HitFilm Express offers a surprising amount of features, making it a great starting point for aspiring VFX artists.
HitFilm Pros and Cons
Pros
- Excellent free option for learning and creating basic VFX.
- Intuitive interface compared to professional VFX software.
- All-in-one workflow streamlines editing and effects creation.
Cons
- Lacks some advanced editing tools.
- The free version has limitations on exports and project complexity.
- Can be resource-intensive, requiring a powerful PC for smooth performance with VFX.
3. Shotcut
Shotcut is a powerful free video editing software for PC users who value customization and advanced features. This open-source video editing software enables multi-format support for video, audio, and image, as well as cross-platform support for Linux, macOS and Windows.
Shotcut
Starting Price
Price on Request
Shotcut Features
- Open-Source: Free and constantly evolving thanks to its open-source development model.
- Highly Customizable Interface: Tailor the workspace to your preferences with a dockable and undockable panel system.
- Format Flexibility: Supports a wide range of video and audio formats, including 4K and 8K resolutions.
Shotcut Pros and Cons
Pros
- Completely free and open-source.
- Highly customizable interface for a personalized workflow.
- Supports a vast array of video and audio formats.
- Offers advanced editing features for creative control.
Cons
- Difficult to use.
- Can be frustrating at times due to frequent lags.
4. Lightworks
Lightworks is a popular choice for PC users looking for a free editor with professional-grade capabilities. The free version of the software offers a surprising array of features to fit professional video editing needs.
Lightworks
Starting Price
$ 9.99
Lightworks Key Features
- Professional-Grade Editing: Powerful tools for trimming, splicing, colour correction, and audio mixing for professional video editing.
- Trim Path Editing: Non-linear editing system offering a fast and efficient workflow for experienced editors.
- Legacy of Quality: Trusted by professionals for decades, Lightworks offers a taste of Hollywood-caliber editing for free.
Lightworks Pros and Cons
Pros
- Powerful free tier encompassing basic video editing features.
- Full-screen, real-time SD, HD, and 4K preview on single or secondary display
- YouTube and Vimeo integration in the free version.
Cons
- Interface might feel dated compared to more modern editing software.
- Free version exports are limited to 720p resolution.
5. OpenShot
OpenShot Video Editor is a free and open-source video editor for PC that prioritizes user-friendliness, making it a perfect fit for beginners venturing into the world of video editing.
OpenShot Video Editor
Starting Price
Price on Request
OpenShot Key Features
- Simple and Intuitive Interface: Straightforward layout designed for ease of use, allowing you to quickly grasp the editing process.
- Drag-and-Drop Editing: Effortlessly add, arrange, and trim video clips, images, and audio files on the timeline.
- Free and Open-Source: No ongoing costs and a community constantly contributing to improvements.
OpenShot Pros and Cons
Pros
- Completely free and open-source.
- User-friendly interface with a gentle learning curve.
- Offers enough features for creating basic to intermediate videos.
Cons
- Lacks some advanced editing features found in professional software like colour grading or motion tracking.
- May not be ideal for complex video projects.
- Interface might feel less customizable compared to some editors.
Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac
For macOS users, finding free video editing software that supports integration with the Apple ecosystem can be tricky. Listed below are the top choices for free video editing software that are compatible with MacOS:
6. iMovie
iMovie is a free video editing software pre-installed on all Macs, iPhones, and iPads. It’s a great choice for beginners and Apple users who want a simple and intuitive way to edit their videos.
iMovie
Starting Price
Price on Request
Features of iMovie
- Easy-to-use Interface: Straightforward layout with drag-and-drop functionality for effortless editing.
- Built-in Templates and Effects: Pre-made options to jumpstart your project and add polish with minimal effort.
- Seamless Integration with Apple Ecosystem: Works flawlessly with other Apple products like Photos and GarageBand.
iMovie Pros and Cons
Pros
- Completely free and pre-installed on Apple devices.
- User-friendly interface with a gentle learning curve.
- Integrates well with other Apple products and iCloud storage.
Cons
- Lacks advanced editing features found in professional software.
- Limited to Apple devices; not available for Windows or Android.
7. VideoPad
VideoPad is a great free alternative to iMovie for Mac users who want more advanced editing capabilities. It provides a good balance of user-friendliness and editing power, making it the best free video editing tool for Mac users.
VideoPad
Starting Price
$ 70.00
VideoPad Key Features
- Multi-Track Editing: Layer video clips, images, and audio tracks for a richer editing experience.
- Transitions and Effects: A variety of transitions and effects are included in the free version.
- Green Screen Editing: Layer video clips on top of custom backgrounds for creative effects.
VideoPad Pros and Cons
Pros
- Free and readily available for Mac users.
- Offers more features than basic editing software like iMovie.
- Includes multi-track editing, transitions, effects, and green screen editing.
Cons
- The free version has limitations compared to the paid version.
- Interface might feel less intuitive compared to iMovie.
Best Free Video Editing Software for Windows
Windows users can benefit from a diverse range of free video editing platforms offering an extensive list of features. Some of the top choices for free Windows video editing software include:
8. Clipchamp
Clipchamp is an easy-to-use video editor that comes with all the essential editing tools you need to work on video projects. Features like trimming, cutting, rotating, cropping and speed control are available in the software. You can also add audio tracks, text, and images, adjust colours and apply filters.
Clipchamp
Starting Price
₹ 899.00 excl. GST
Clipchamp Features
- Cloud-Based: Edit from any computer with a web browser, no downloads are needed for Windows PCs.
- Perfect for Beginners: The user-friendly interface makes it easy to jump into video editing.
- Collaboration Tools: Work with your team on projects in real-time, perfect for remote editing workflows.
Clipchamp Pros and Cons
Pros
- Different media assets to produce videos or use your footage as well.
- In-built video converter and compressor, and an in-browser webcam recorder to record your videos.
- Reduce video file sizes, and convert video clips into different formats such as MP4.
Cons
- Limited offline editing capabilities (requires internet connection).
- The free version has export limitations (resolution, watermark).
- Some advanced editing features require a paid subscription.
9. VSDC Free Video Editor
VSDC free video editor can be used to create and edit different types of videos. It supports most video and audio formats, and you can include videos from DVD and GoPro as well. Preinstalled profiles are useful in creating videos for different mobile devices.
VSDC Video Editor
Starting Price
₹ 2504.52 excl. GST
VSDC Features
- Colour Correction and Effects: Enhance your footage with colour grading tools and a variety of video and audio effects.
- Scene Transitions and Filters: Add polish to your videos with smooth transitions and creative filters.
- Object Filters and Masking: Apply effects and masks to specific objects within your video frames.
VSDC Pros and Cons
Pros
- It offers text and audio overlay, an array of charts and a slideshow maker.
- Hardware acceleration, multi-colour chroma key and adjustable parameters settings.
- Enhanced resolution in real-time to create HD videos easily
Cons
- Interface can be cluttered and overwhelming for beginners.
- Steeper learning curve compared to some user-friendly free editors.
10. PowerDirector
PowerDirector offers a free version alongside its paid plans for Windows users seeking a feature-rich video editing experience free of cost. PowerDirector’s free version is a great alternative to DaVinci Resolve in terms of features and advanced editing capabilities.
PowerDirector 365
Starting Price
₹ 4559.00 excl. GST
Features of PowerDirector
- Feature-Rich Free Editing: Offers more editing capabilities than some basic free software options.
- Intuitive Interface: Streamlined workspace for a user-friendly editing experience.
- Motion Graphics and Titles: Add a professional touch with built-in motion graphics and title creation tools.
PowerDirector Pros and Cons
Pros
- The free version offers a surprising amount of editing features.
- User-friendly interface simplifies the editing process.
- Motion graphics and title creation tools elevate video productions (free version).
Cons
- The free version has limitations on export resolution and formats.
- Lacks some advanced features found in the paid version.
- May require a more powerful PC for smooth performance.
Best Free Video Editing Software for Linux
Linux users may find it challenging to find free video editing software that supports their existing operating system. Listed below are the best video editing software for Linux:
11. Kdenlive
Kdenlive software is a powerful free and open-source video editor specifically designed for Linux users. It offers a comprehensive feature for advanced video editing, making it a compelling choice for creators on Linux.
Kdenlive
Starting Price
Price on Request
Kdenlive Features
- Multi-track Editing: Layer video clips, images, and audio tracks for a flexible and professional editing workflow.
- Proxy Editing: Edit smoothly even on less powerful machines by working with lower-resolution proxy files.
- Customizable Interface: Tailor the workspace to your preferences with a dockable and undockable panel system.
Kdenlive Pros and Cons
Pros
- Completely free and open-source software.
- Powerful editing features for professional-looking creations.
- Proxy editing allows smooth editing on less powerful Linux machines.
- Customizable interface for a personalized workflow.
Cons
- Steeper learning curve compared to beginner-friendly editors.
- Interface might feel overwhelming for new users.
12. Flowblade
Flowblade video editor is a free and open-source video editor specifically designed for Linux users. It prioritizes a user-friendly interface and streamlined workflow, making it a good choice for both beginners and experienced editors on Linux.
Features of Flowblade
- Fast and Precise Editing: Designed for efficient video editing with tools for trimming clips and adding cuts.
- Basic Effects and Transitions: Library of basic effects and transitions (more can be added through plugins).
Flowblade Pros and Cons
Pros
- User-friendly interface.
- Efficient editing tools for precise cuts and trimming.
- Multi-track editing allows for layering of video, images, and audio.
Cons
- Limited text and title creation options compared to some free editors.
13. Pitivi
Pitivi is a free and open-source video editor for Linux users. Developed by the GNOME project, it prioritizes integration with the GNOME desktop environment and offers a unique approach to video editing.
Pitivi Features
- GNOME Integration: Designed to seamlessly integrate with the GNOME desktop environment for a familiar look and feel on Linux.
- Non-Linear Editing: Arrange and edit video clips, images, and audio on a timeline for flexible project creation.
- Supports Various Formats: Accepts a wide range of video and audio formats through the GStreamer multimedia framework.
Pitivi Pros and Cons
Pros
- Completely free and open-source software.
- Integrates seamlessly with the GNOME desktop environment.
- Offers a non-linear editing workflow with ripple and roll editing.
Cons
- Fewer advanced editing features compared to professional software.
Conclusion: There are various free video editing options available across different operating systems, catering to different needs and skill levels. OpenShot and DaVinci Resolve are some of the top choices for free video editing tools, offering a range of features and extending cross-platform compatibility. Ultimately, the best free video editor will depend on individual preferences and requirements. Hence, it is important to understand your needs and find the software that best suits your needs
FAQ
Is there a free video editor for Apple?
Yes, iMovie is a free video editor available for Apple devices, including Mac and iOS.
Is the video editor free on Mac?
Yes, Mac device comes with iMovie pre-installed, which is a free video editor with a range of useful features.
Which is the best free app for video editing?
The best free video editing app can depend on your needs, but some popular and highly rated free options include DaVinci Resolve, HitFilm Express, and OpenShot.
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Written by Riya Malhotra
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