Top 11 Video Editing Programmes in 2023

To edit videos, you need the correct program, regardless of whether you're vlogging on YouTube, uploading to TikTok, or working for a movie studio. Based on features, functionality, and cost, we compare the best video editing programs. There is nothing like moving pictures and sound to produce a lasting impact. Digital video is becoming increasingly significant online for news websites, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, among other platforms. The need for purchasing robust video editing software becomes obvious when this trend is combined with the growing number of high-resolution video recording devices (such as smartphones, GoPros, DSLRs, and mirrorless cameras) available today. Both pros and amateurs can use the greatest video editing software. Additionally, it supports resolutions up to 4K and keeps up with the latest formats.

As software becomes more advanced, features filter down to the consumer market. Motion tracking, improved color grading, and multicam editing have all advanced. Because the software created for them makes processes that are complicated in professional-level apps simple, this trend is beneficial to hobbyist movie editors and vloggers. Another benefit for amateurs is that they frequently receive access to tools that are restricted to distinct programs in the professional industry, such as motion graphics, encoding, and color grading. The top video editing software choices are listed below. The product summaries are followed by our buying guide, which will help you select the best video editing program for your requirements.

Cyber Link Powe Director 365

Cyber Link Powe Director 365

Why It Was Selected

In terms of speed, support for new video formats, and effects, CyberLink has long been the industry leader. It is also a PCMag Editors' Choice winner for video editors. The program interface is simple and not as scary as completely professional-level software, despite its extensive feature set. Everything from the simplest clip combining and trimming to VR, multicam, and keyframed effects is possible with it. You have the option of buying it once or signing up for a subscription.

Who It's For

Power Director is best suited for YouTubers and serious video aficionados who want to get the most out of their videos without needing a film degree. Even experts could discover that it contains all they require.

PROS

  • Quick project rendering,
  • An intuitive user interface,
  • A tonne of effects and AI capabilities,
  • Multicamera motion tracking,
  • And screen recording;

CONS

  • Include an occasionally bewildering amount of options.

Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro

Why It Was Selected

Since Premiere Pro was developed by Adobe, the market leader in creative design software, it has become the de facto standard for professional video editing software. Any professional could use the effects, color tools, collaborative features, and output possibilities that Premiere offers. Unlike some other software, it runs on both macOS and Windows, so you are not limited to one desktop platform or the other. Since Premiere Pro is only available via subscription, the cost is initially cheap but increases over time.

Who It Is For

Premiere Pro is a program for professional video editors, as its name implies. Nevertheless, a lot of committed amateurs use and favor it. It's particularly effective for those who must collaborate with others and teams who make use of Adobe's Creative Cloud software.

PROS

  • A user-friendly interface
  • A variety of tools for collaboration and organization
  • Excellent stabilization tool; 
  • Quick rendering; 
  • Responsive speed; 
  • Unlimited multicam angles.

CONS

  • Some techniques require other software,
  • Such as After Effects or Media Encoder, and the interface is intimidating for non-professionals.
  • Additionally, there are no sound effect samples included.

Apple Final Cut Pro

Apple Final Cut Pro

Why We Selected

A "trackless" timeline and a redesigned, contemporary interface are features of Final Cut Pro. After using this interface for a while, an editor will grow to appreciate its adaptability and realize that it offers the same comprehensive collection of tools and functionalities as any software with a more conventional interface. Final Cut Pro only runs on Apple machines, which are the preferred platform for many video editors, unlike Premiere Pro.

Who It Is For

Final Cut Pro is a terrific fit for pros, as proven by the sheer volume of top Hollywood films and television shows that have been produced using it, but due to its usability, it is also a great option for amateur enthusiasts, especially those looking to upgrade from Apple iMovie.

PROS

  • 360-degree video capability
  • Wide color spaces
  • Multicam compatibility
  • Magnetic, trackless timeline
  • Superior organization tools, including libraries, ratings, labeling, and auto analysis for faces and situations

CONS

  • Long-time video producers may not be interested in non-traditional timeline editing,
  • And the import and export capabilities of Premiere Pro fall short.

Apple's iMovie

Apple's iMovie

Why We Selected It

Simplicity joins a vast range of video editing capabilities in Apple's default program. We appreciate the new Storyboards tools because they allow people to create captivating digital movies without our help. You also get some more advanced capabilities like chroma-keying, picture-in-picture, and audio filters. Also possible is a smooth switch from iMovie to Final Cut Pro.

For Whom What

Amateur users who want to make a movie about their family vacation or their kid's soccer game can utilize iMovie. But its Storyboard feature makes it a great place to start for individuals who are interested in filmmaking. Of course, it's only for Apple product customers, like with the majority of best Apple products.

PROS                                                                                                                                          

  • Superior movie templates,
  • A stunningly simple user interface, 
  • Colour matching for consistent movie looks, 
  • Attractive themes, 
  • A wonderful chroma-keying tool, 
  • And a variety of audio capabilities

CONS

  • In the interest of simplicity, several functional controls are missing.
  • Has only two video tracks, 
  • Does not enable tagging, 
  • Does not have multicamera or motion tracking capabilities, 
  • And does not support 360-degree video editing.

Ultimate Corel VideoStudio

Ultimate Corel VideoStudio

Why It Was Selected

As the first company in this group to offer potent motion-tracking technologies, Corel originally caught our eye with its fantastic stop-motion tool. It keeps introducing helpful new tools and offers quick performance and simplicity of use.

Who It's For

VideoStudio is specifically designed for aspiring YouTubers, TikTokers, and amateur videographers. A value play with a fair one-time license fee is VideoStudio.

PROS

  • Countless cool effects
  • Quick rendering Support for 3D,
  • 4K Ultra HD,
  • And 360-degree VR
  • Multipoint motion tracking
  • Colour grading
  • Cool stop-motion tool

CONS

  • Lacklustre support for high-DPI monitors
  • Limited audio editing capabilities compared to video

  • Too many easy-edit tools

DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve

Why We Selected

Professionals and amateurs alike will find Davinci Resolve to be interesting because it includes a full-featured free version despite not being the easiest to use. Keyframing, color grading, and audio capabilities are abundant in the software, and the node-based editing workflow provides the utmost in effects control. If you choose hardware GPU encoding, it generates video projects more quickly than the competition, and the maker of the software also creates cameras, consoles, and other hardware that works well with it.

What It's For

Avatar, Dune, and Snakes in a Plane are just a few of the top-tier Hollywood projects that have employed Resolve, a professional video editing tool that is aimed at professionals. But that doesn't mean an enthusiastic novice can't make use of its generous free edition and explore its toolkit to their heart's content.

PROS

  • Include a large selection of editing tools for fine control,
  • A user-friendly interface,
  • Motion graphics and audio editing,
  • And quick rendering efficiency.

CONS

  • Complex software requires time to understand and uses a lot of system resources.

Movavi Video Editor

Why We Selected

Although Movavi is not a well-known brand of video editing software, it has an incredibly attractive user interface and all the tools that YouTubers and amateur video editors are likely to need. A variety of soundtrack music is also offered, along with attractive effects and transitions. Exporting is one of the easiest methods, and you may post immediately to Vimeo or YouTube. Additionally, there are both one-time and recurring payment choices, and the cost is fair. Versions are offered for both Windows and macOS.

Who It's For

Newcomers to video editing will value Movavi's easy-to-use interface and attractive collection of tools for both video and audio. Everyone will value its quick rendering and integrated uploading. Additionally, it's beneficial for folks who don't want to shell out a tonne of cash on video editing software.

PROS

  • Motion tracking and picture-in-picture tools
  • Transitions with sound
  • Chroma-key capability
  • User interface that is simple to comprehend
  • Quick video creation tool

CONS

  • Does not have advanced trim modes or clip pre-trimming
  • Renders slowly
  • Is incompatible with Apple Silicon M1

Ultimate Pinnacle Studio

Why It Was Selected

In the world of video editing, Pinnacle is a reliable and seasoned competitor. Its reasonably simple user interface houses a sizable serving of features that are close to the professional level. Pinnacle delivers top-notch audio tools, titling, and mask motion tracking in addition to its other features. This quick video editing program is one of the best in terms of speed. Although it's not the cheapest choice, you don't have to pay a subscription either.

Who It Is For

For those who require more sophisticated capabilities than those offered by the company's user-friendly app Corel VideoStudio, Pinnacle Studio is a video editing program. It's a wonderful option for you if you need multicam, keyframing, and other features like those. Customers who don't wish to subscribe will value its one-time cost.

PROS

  • Simple interface
  • Countless effects
  • Multicam editing
  • Strong title editor
  • Extensive masking tools

CONS

  • Poor 360-degree VR implementation
  • Limited motion tracking

Wondershare Filmora

Why We Selected

An affordable and user-friendly video editing tool, Filmora, is constantly being updated with new capabilities. Color matching, limited multicam audio syncing, motion tracking, and voice-to-text are just a few of its useful features and skills. It also performs admirably in terms of export speed. Versions are accessible for Windows and macOS.

What It's For

Filmora is for amateurs who want to continuously learn new effects for their videos but don't want to become bogged down in the technical details of a Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve. Both a moderately priced perpetual license and an annual subscription are options.

PROS

  • Include a pleasant user interface
  • Lightning-fast render times
  • And a wealth of effects and overlays.

CONS

  • Weak video stabilizer feature
  • Lack of multicam editing
  • Lack of VR capabilities
  • Lack of DVD menu or chapter authoring
  • Some tools are less efficient than those of competitors.

Adobe Premiere Elements

Adobe Premiere Elements

Why We Selected

Many effects that would be difficult to accomplish in Premiere Pro can be easily accomplished with Premiere Elements. Many of the pro-level application's editing tools are included in the consumer-level program, but they are hidden behind Guided Edits and other user-friendly features. Premiere Elements is an excellent option if you want to have some fun with your video without taxing your mind with timecodes and keyframes.

Who It Is For

The "memory keepers"—those family members who want to save fun outings and events, spruce them up, and share them with friends and family—are described by Adobe as the target market for Premiere Pro. It's also for users who want a good variety of features but don't want to pay the monthly fee required by the majority of Adobe's other tools. The program is accessible on both Windows and macOS.

PROS

  • Guided Edits make complex
  • Simple tasks easier.
  • There are a lot of video effects.
  • There are good text tools.
  • There is cross-platform support.

CONS

  • Slow output rendering speed
  • Lack of 360-degree VR or 3D editing
  • Multicam compatibility
  • Inability to record the screen
  • And lack of DVD or Blu-ray burning are some of the drawbacks.

Microsoft Clipchamp

Why We Selected

Small businesses may easily create films for promotion with Clipchamp, a PWA (progressive web application) that is template-based. Moreover, it enables anyone to produce straightforward films with background music and transitions. The program can be upgraded for more templates, material, and 4K output at a cost.

Who It's For

Clipchamp aims firmly at the layperson; if you require sophisticated video capabilities, look elsewhere. The good news is that Windows 11 already comes with it and it's free. However, the software is cross-platform and has separate versions for Mac and mobile users.

PROS

  • Available with Windows 11
  • Slick UI
  • Wide variety of templates
  • Stylish effects and transitions
  • Good selections for text and soundtracks.

CONS

  • Templates typically are brief and don't specify shot kinds.
  • Limited control over effects.
  • No search for effects.
  • Slow export rendering.
  • Higher than HD resolution output.
  • Many templates and stock media require a subscription.