The following list of the best video editing software is desktop based, and offered for free. Desktop applications typically have more editing power than mobile apps. Use these video editors when you need to produce longer-form content for YouTube or your website
All of these video editors are either entirely free to use or have an excellent free version. This video software ranges from basic to advanced.
1. BLENDER
Blender, one of the best free video editing software on the market, is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Blender is an open source program that is entirely free to use. Blender was actually designed as a 3D animation suite, but it does come with a very useful video editor. Blender’s video editor should be enough for most of your video needs.
The editor allows you to perform basic actions like video cuts and splicing. It also allows you to carry out more complex tasks like video masking. This makes it a very flexible video editor and caters to both beginner and advanced users.
The Blender Video Editor includes the following features:
Live preview, luma waveform, chrome vector scope, and histogram displays.
Audio mixing, syncing, scrubbing, and waveform visualisation.
Up to 32 slots for adding video, images, audio, and effects.
Speed control, adjustment layers, transitions, key frames, filters, and more.
Pros: Perfect for advanced users who are not put off by all the features.
Cons: The sheer array of features make the learning curve a little steeper. Most of the tutorials are focused on the 3D animation / modelling side. The resources to help you with the video editor are very limited.
Best for: More advanced projects that may involve 3D animation.
2. LIGHTWORKS
Lightworks is another great free video editing software, available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Lightworks is one of the more powerful video editors on the list. Considerably absolutely packed with useful features. The free version should be more than enough for most users. The pro version costs around $ 25 a month.
This video editor includes the following in the free version:
High precision video trimming.
Multi-cam support.
Export to 720p for YouTube.
A wide range of video formats supported.
While most features are included, 4K video support for YouTube and Vimeo is only included in the paid version of the software. Compared to Blender, for example, Light works has many great video tutorials which can make it quicker to get up and running. Check out this feature comparison to make sure the free version has what you need.
Pros: Very powerful video editor with many advanced features.
Cons: 4K video support only in paid version. Some users may find Lightworks too advanced.
Best for: All round desktop video editing.
3. SHOTCUT
Shotcut is one of the best free video editing software programs available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Shotcut, like Blender, is a fully open source program. This means that after downloading it, you get access to all the features without the need for a paid upgrade.
This video editor supports a wide range of video formats and boasts a great collection of tutorial videos. While this video editing software has great features, some users may find the interface a little quirky. This software was originally designed for Linux and it definitely shows. But, under the hood, it's still a quality video editor.
Two of the most striking features are 4K HD resolution support and its timeline editing. Not many free versions of the software include 4K resolution support. Shotcut also affects require you to import your video into the editor: this can be a time saver if you are dealing with large video files.
Pros: Native timeline editing and 4K resolution support.
Cons: Quirky interface may be off-putting for some users.
Best for: 4K, HD video projects.
4. DAVIBNCI
DaVinci Resolve is arguably the most advanced video editor on the list. While it has many professional video features, its interfaces remain intuitive. Alongside video slicing and trimming you can master audio and correct color. You can also use it to add 2D and 3D titles to your video. If you just want to trim and upload your videos, the rich feature set of DaVinci Resolve may be too extensive. However, if your video project is a little more advanced, the free version of this software is hard to beat.
Features included:
Advanced trimming
Multicam editing
Color correction
Audio mastering
Pros: Intuitive interfaces and incredible colour correction.
Cons: Its wide array of features make it a little overwhelming, and not all tutorials are free.
Best for: More advanced projects where you need to correct colours.
5. OPENSHOT
Openshot is entirely open source, which makes it one of the best video editing software that is accessible. It may remind some Mac users a little of iMovie with its easy to use drag and drop interface. However, Openshot packs more features than iMovie, including unlimited layers and audio mixing. This free editor strikes a nice balance between advanced features and a simple interface. It also allows real-time previews when you create transitions between clips.
Features included:
Unlimited tracks / layers
Clip resizing, scaling, trimming, snapping, rotation, and cutting video transitions with real-time previews
Compositing, image overlays, watermarks
Title templates, title creation, subtitles 3D animated titles (and effects)
Advanced Timeline (including drag & drop, scrolling, panning, zooming, and snapping)
Pros: Open source, unlimited layers.
Cons: Not that many video tutorials.
Best for: Great for users just starting out with video editing.
6. AVIDEMUX
Avidemux is one of the best video editing software for beginners as the interface is very simple to use. This program can help you to perform basic tasks including:
Simple cutting
Encoding
Filtering
If you are completely new to video editing, this might be a good place to start.
Pros: Very simple software; no need to read technical docs.
Cons: Not as many features as other video editors.
Best for: Basic editing tasks for beginners.
7. HIT FILM EXPRESS
HitFilm Express is one of the more professional video editors to make the list. It contains all the features you would expect from a basic editor (splicing, trimming, and audio editing) plus much more. While some users may find HitFilm a little advanced, it's certainly one of the best all round free video editors out there. The free package includes over 180 special effects.
The tutorials are mainly based on well-known Hollywood movies like Star Wars, but these are very interactive and engaging.
Before you can download this software, Hitfilm asks you to share a status update on social media. However, this is a very small price to pay for such advanced software. Finally, Hitfilm includes a store where you can purchase add-ons, but this is beyond the scope of most users, as the free feature should be more than enough.
Features included:
Advanced cutting tools
Keying for green screen effects
Audio and video filters
Compositing tools
Layers and masking
3D video support
Pros: Truly professional video editor without the price tag.
Cons: May take some time to learn the interface.
Best for: YouTube Vlogs - YouTube uploading is built in.
8. VIDEO PAD
VideoPad is one of the best video editing tools to take your first steps into the world of multimedia video editing with. Believed perfect for anyone starting to play around with video compositions as it is simple and easy to use. Advanced video editors may find it too basic though.
Features included:
Library of pre-made transitions
Export Movies In Multiple Resolutions
3D Video Editing
Reduce Camera Shakes
Sound effects library
Pros: Robust features for directly exporting to YouTube and other social platforms.
Cons: Too simple for more advanced users.
Best for: Beginners getting started with video editing.
VideoPad Reviews: Check out VideoPad user reviews
9. INVIDEO
This slick video editing tool is great for marketers, publishers, individuals and agencies alike. With support for video stabilisation, team collaboration, and much more this software is best in class for many different reasons. Users praise this video editing software for it's amazing customer service, UX, value for money, and of course it's features.
With new high-quality video templates added most months, this tool is good for beginner and seasoned video editors. It is deceptive simple to use, and has amazing flexibility.
Features include:
Audio Tools
Brand / Text Overlay
Connect
Speed Adjustment
Split / Merge
Supports HD Resolution
Video stabilisation
Pros: Awesome to easily make quick presentation videos.
Cons: It is not an all-in-one video editor, as you cannot add more than one audio file, etc.
Best for: Creating marketing videos for your blog.
InVideo Reviews: Check out InVideo user reviews
10. VSDC
The best free video editing software only available on Windows is VSDC. The free version has a powerful set of features including colour correction and audio editing.
The pro version costs $ 19.99 and includes image stabilisation, voice over support, and visual waveform. If you choose not to update to the pro version, then technical support costs $ 9.99 for one month, or $ 14.99 for a year.
Pros: Relatively straightforward to learn with many powerful features.
Cons: Technical support is not free; Windows only.
Best for: Windows-based editing projects
All of these video editors are either entirely free to use or have an excellent free version. This video software ranges from basic to advanced.
1. BLENDER
Blender, one of the best free video editing software on the market, is available for Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Blender is an open source program that is entirely free to use. Blender was actually designed as a 3D animation suite, but it does come with a very useful video editor. Blender’s video editor should be enough for most of your video needs.
The editor allows you to perform basic actions like video cuts and splicing. It also allows you to carry out more complex tasks like video masking. This makes it a very flexible video editor and caters to both beginner and advanced users.
The Blender Video Editor includes the following features:
Live preview, luma waveform, chrome vector scope, and histogram displays.
Audio mixing, syncing, scrubbing, and waveform visualisation.
Up to 32 slots for adding video, images, audio, and effects.
Speed control, adjustment layers, transitions, key frames, filters, and more.
Pros: Perfect for advanced users who are not put off by all the features.
Cons: The sheer array of features make the learning curve a little steeper. Most of the tutorials are focused on the 3D animation / modelling side. The resources to help you with the video editor are very limited.
Best for: More advanced projects that may involve 3D animation.
2. LIGHTWORKS
Lightworks is another great free video editing software, available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Lightworks is one of the more powerful video editors on the list. Considerably absolutely packed with useful features. The free version should be more than enough for most users. The pro version costs around $ 25 a month.
This video editor includes the following in the free version:
High precision video trimming.
Multi-cam support.
Export to 720p for YouTube.
A wide range of video formats supported.
While most features are included, 4K video support for YouTube and Vimeo is only included in the paid version of the software. Compared to Blender, for example, Light works has many great video tutorials which can make it quicker to get up and running. Check out this feature comparison to make sure the free version has what you need.
Pros: Very powerful video editor with many advanced features.
Cons: 4K video support only in paid version. Some users may find Lightworks too advanced.
Best for: All round desktop video editing.
3. SHOTCUT
Shotcut is one of the best free video editing software programs available on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Shotcut, like Blender, is a fully open source program. This means that after downloading it, you get access to all the features without the need for a paid upgrade.
This video editor supports a wide range of video formats and boasts a great collection of tutorial videos. While this video editing software has great features, some users may find the interface a little quirky. This software was originally designed for Linux and it definitely shows. But, under the hood, it's still a quality video editor.
Two of the most striking features are 4K HD resolution support and its timeline editing. Not many free versions of the software include 4K resolution support. Shotcut also affects require you to import your video into the editor: this can be a time saver if you are dealing with large video files.
Pros: Native timeline editing and 4K resolution support.
Cons: Quirky interface may be off-putting for some users.
Best for: 4K, HD video projects.
4. DAVIBNCI
DaVinci Resolve is arguably the most advanced video editor on the list. While it has many professional video features, its interfaces remain intuitive. Alongside video slicing and trimming you can master audio and correct color. You can also use it to add 2D and 3D titles to your video. If you just want to trim and upload your videos, the rich feature set of DaVinci Resolve may be too extensive. However, if your video project is a little more advanced, the free version of this software is hard to beat.
Features included:
Advanced trimming
Multicam editing
Color correction
Audio mastering
Pros: Intuitive interfaces and incredible colour correction.
Cons: Its wide array of features make it a little overwhelming, and not all tutorials are free.
Best for: More advanced projects where you need to correct colours.
5. OPENSHOT
Openshot is entirely open source, which makes it one of the best video editing software that is accessible. It may remind some Mac users a little of iMovie with its easy to use drag and drop interface. However, Openshot packs more features than iMovie, including unlimited layers and audio mixing. This free editor strikes a nice balance between advanced features and a simple interface. It also allows real-time previews when you create transitions between clips.
Features included:
Unlimited tracks / layers
Clip resizing, scaling, trimming, snapping, rotation, and cutting video transitions with real-time previews
Compositing, image overlays, watermarks
Title templates, title creation, subtitles 3D animated titles (and effects)
Advanced Timeline (including drag & drop, scrolling, panning, zooming, and snapping)
Pros: Open source, unlimited layers.
Cons: Not that many video tutorials.
Best for: Great for users just starting out with video editing.
6. AVIDEMUX
Avidemux is one of the best video editing software for beginners as the interface is very simple to use. This program can help you to perform basic tasks including:
Simple cutting
Encoding
Filtering
If you are completely new to video editing, this might be a good place to start.
Pros: Very simple software; no need to read technical docs.
Cons: Not as many features as other video editors.
Best for: Basic editing tasks for beginners.
7. HIT FILM EXPRESS
HitFilm Express is one of the more professional video editors to make the list. It contains all the features you would expect from a basic editor (splicing, trimming, and audio editing) plus much more. While some users may find HitFilm a little advanced, it's certainly one of the best all round free video editors out there. The free package includes over 180 special effects.
The tutorials are mainly based on well-known Hollywood movies like Star Wars, but these are very interactive and engaging.
Before you can download this software, Hitfilm asks you to share a status update on social media. However, this is a very small price to pay for such advanced software. Finally, Hitfilm includes a store where you can purchase add-ons, but this is beyond the scope of most users, as the free feature should be more than enough.
Features included:
Advanced cutting tools
Keying for green screen effects
Audio and video filters
Compositing tools
Layers and masking
3D video support
Pros: Truly professional video editor without the price tag.
Cons: May take some time to learn the interface.
Best for: YouTube Vlogs - YouTube uploading is built in.
8. VIDEO PAD
VideoPad is one of the best video editing tools to take your first steps into the world of multimedia video editing with. Believed perfect for anyone starting to play around with video compositions as it is simple and easy to use. Advanced video editors may find it too basic though.
Features included:
Library of pre-made transitions
Export Movies In Multiple Resolutions
3D Video Editing
Reduce Camera Shakes
Sound effects library
Pros: Robust features for directly exporting to YouTube and other social platforms.
Cons: Too simple for more advanced users.
Best for: Beginners getting started with video editing.
VideoPad Reviews: Check out VideoPad user reviews
9. INVIDEO
This slick video editing tool is great for marketers, publishers, individuals and agencies alike. With support for video stabilisation, team collaboration, and much more this software is best in class for many different reasons. Users praise this video editing software for it's amazing customer service, UX, value for money, and of course it's features.
With new high-quality video templates added most months, this tool is good for beginner and seasoned video editors. It is deceptive simple to use, and has amazing flexibility.
Features include:
Audio Tools
Brand / Text Overlay
Connect
Speed Adjustment
Split / Merge
Supports HD Resolution
Video stabilisation
Pros: Awesome to easily make quick presentation videos.
Cons: It is not an all-in-one video editor, as you cannot add more than one audio file, etc.
Best for: Creating marketing videos for your blog.
InVideo Reviews: Check out InVideo user reviews
10. VSDC
The best free video editing software only available on Windows is VSDC. The free version has a powerful set of features including colour correction and audio editing.
The pro version costs $ 19.99 and includes image stabilisation, voice over support, and visual waveform. If you choose not to update to the pro version, then technical support costs $ 9.99 for one month, or $ 14.99 for a year.
Pros: Relatively straightforward to learn with many powerful features.
Cons: Technical support is not free; Windows only.
Best for: Windows-based editing projects
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