Top 10 Video Editing Software
1. Adobe Premiere Pro
When you have multi-angle shots, the automatic sync works like a charm, and it’s difficult to fault the fine-tuning tools that make your video stand out from the crowd. Customizable keyboard shortcuts and excellent collaboration tools were the cherries on top.
Trimming and editing tools provide a high degree of precision and control, and the software supports 4K, 8K, and VR formats. You can work on an unlimited number of video tracks (we tested four 4K videos), which can be imported from virtually any source. Premiere Pro, like all Creative Cloud software, is constantly updated, and subscribers receive all updates for free. The most recent update (version 22.5), released in June 2022, adds new vertical video workspaces, the ability to add gradients to strokes and shadows for titles and graphics, and support for the RED V-RAPTOR camera.
2. CyberLink PowerDirector 365
CyberLink PowerDirector 365 is the best video editing software for non-professionals with some experience. While the interface’s apparent complexity may put beginners off, those who have used any type of video editing tool before will find it fairly simple to pick up and run with. We found it to be one of the most straightforward, well-designed, and appealing video editing interfaces we’ve seen. We discovered many intuitive controls that help speed up the process, such as automatic gap filling and an overlay channel that sits beneath the primary video on the timeline. We were particularly impressed by Shutterstock’s free, unlimited access to an extensive, royalty-free library of content. When it came to exporting our test piece, we appreciated how simple it was to click the “Produce” button.
3. Adobe Premiere Elements
It’s less expensive and easier to use, but it still includes a slew of useful high-end features such as face detection, audio effects, and bundled soundtracks. It has an easy-to-use interface and all of the video effects you need, such as transitions, chroma-keying, and opacity. The most recent version, which was released in October, contains a slew of exciting new features. Video can now be edited and exported in suitable formats for social media. A new auto-reframing tool allows you to select a subject and then focus on it throughout your video; a new slider-based video compression feature; and the ability to view animated GIFs within the interface are also included.
4. Pinnacle Studio
The most significant advantage is provided by Pinnacle Studio’s more sophisticated audio tools and the use of masks to overlay effects, shapes, and text in specific areas of your video. Other advanced features include 8K import, keyframe groups, and advanced blend modes, though if you’re a total newbie, you’ll probably need some practice to use them. The 1,500+ effects, titles, and templates available were also appealing, as were the six-track HD video editing, good color correction tools, stop motion feature, and time remapping tool. On the negative side, we occasionally experienced lags and crashes, slowing our overall workflow. Pinnacle Studio is reasonably priced, and if you like it, you can always upgrade to one of the more feature-rich packages, Pinnacle Studio Plus or Pinnacle Studio Ultimate.
5. Final Cut Pro
Along with Premiere Pro, Apple’s Final Cut Pro is an industry-standard in the television and film industries. One of the primary reasons for preferring it over Premiere Pro is that it is subscription-free: you pay once and only once. You will, however, need a Mac because there is no Windows version. We loved the Magnetic Timeline in Final Cut Pro (which was known as Final Cut Pro X until the X was dropped in 2020), but it can be intimidating if you’re used to other editing software. If you’re having trouble, there are plenty of resources available to help newcomers get up to speed. For more information, see our guide to the best Final Cut Pro tutorials. The grouping tools, the wide range of effects, and the nuanced audio tools are all very strong organizational features. There are numerous other high-end features available, such as 360° video, HDR, and advanced color correction tools.
6. Adobe Premiere Rush
Premiere Rush, which is available for iOS and Android, is a simplified version of the Premiere Pro interface with large icons and panels that are easier to click on a small touchscreen. This means there are fewer features, but you still get the essentials, such as dragging and dropping videos onto the timeline and mixing in music. We discovered that the simpler interface made our workflow in Premiere Rush refreshingly quick. That was especially true when it came to making quick edits for social media, with export options optimized for Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and Vimeo working smoothly and efficiently. Premiere Rush also works well with Premiere Pro.
7. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
For beginners and casual users, this is a good Windows-based video editing software option. We found its interface to be clean and intuitive during our review, and we’d recommend it to any beginner looking to get started with video editing. Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you can progress to more advanced features like motion tracking, 4K support, 360-degree VR video support, a music library, multi-cam support, 3D text editing, and thousands of effects. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate is not suitable for everyone. The way it handles layers differs from competitors such as Adobe Premiere Elements and Pinnacle Studio, which we found jarring. It may not be an issue if you are unfamiliar with other video editing software, but if you are, it can be difficult to adjust.
8. Filmora
If you’re new to video editing or only need to edit videos occasionally, Wondershare Filmora provides excellent value at a low price.
When we tested it, we found the interface to be more intuitive and user-friendly than Premiere Elements or Pinnacle Studio. On the other hand, you have less leeway in fine-tuning your edits. If precision is your top priority, you may prefer these competitors. If you need something quickly, Filmora is probably your best bet. Filmora includes a plethora of useful built-in titles, effects, and filters geared toward YouTubers and social media users. There’s a library of royalty-free sound effects and music to add impact to your videos, and you can record your media directly within the tool.
9. Vimeo Create
Vimeo provides a paid service that allows you to do it quickly and easily in your web browser without any special skills. Vimeo Create includes several pre-made templates, so you simply drag and drop your clips into them and then tweak them with simple tools. You can get free access to millions of stock video clips, photos, and commercially licensed music tracks if you don’t have your content.
10. Nero Video
As far as video editing software for beginners goes, you can’t do much worse. You should probably avoid it if you’re going to spend money learning how to edit videos. Nero simply lacks the speed and functionality of some of the other products on this list, and if its value proposition is its price, $50 is still not cheap.
