Best 21 Free Video Editing Software in 2024

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  • Edit and enhance videos easily

  • Add stylish transitions, titles, and filters

  • Stabilize and reverse video, equalize sound, and more

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Edited by EJ Tech
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Video editing software can be really useful for cropping, trimming, merging, and editing your video files. This guide will look at the best free video editing software.

Quick summary

  1. For editing and adjusting videos with ease: Movavi Video Editor

    Really easy to use and with lots of great editing features, it's perfect for beginners and advanced users alike who want to trim, cut, join, and enhance their clips with countless effects like titles, filters, transitions, and chroma key.

  2. For video editing your screencasts and recordings: ActivePresenter

    A screen recorder and video editor applicable for making screencast videos, manuals, presentations, documentation, and interactive training demonstrations.

  3. The perfect online software to edit your clips in your browser: Video Grabber

    You can utilize this tool to crop, trim, add watermark to your videos, alter the volume and play speed, and trigger video effects.

Note that some free video editors hide advanced features behind a paywall. While they may allow watermark-free exports, they often restrict access to advanced editing tools. It's important to check the full feature list before committing to software.

If you want a different take on what’s the best video-editing software, check out the article by our friends at Shotkit. Here’s the top-10 apps they recommend:

Best video editing software tools for movie making by Shotkit

Disclaimer: The apps with #CommissionsEarned in the description have affiliate links. When you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, we receive commissions. If you want to support our portal, you can use the links. Otherwise, you can find the recommended programs using a search engine.

Special pick: Movavi Video Editor

Compatibility: Windows, Mac

PCMag rating: 4/5 stars

Price: 7-day trial period with a watermark added to videos, $79.95 for the full version

Best for: Users who want to be able to edit and adjust videos with ease

Our special pick for this guide is Movavi Video Editor. Really easy to use and with lots of great editing features, it's perfect for beginners and advanced users alike who want to trim, cut, join, and enhance their clips with countless effects like titles, filters, transitions, and chroma key.

Movavi Video Editor has a free trial so you can try it for free or pay a fee to get lifetime access to this advanced video editor and all of its features. It's easy to use and fast too, able to create finished videos in a matter of minutes and making the entire video-editing process fun for all. This program can also act as a video montage maker.

Key features

  • Clean, simple interface

  • Accessible (supports 14 languages, plus all major operating systems, devices, and input/output file formats)

  • Background rendering

  • Chroma Key

Movavi is more than capable of delivering pro-level content. Features like motion tracking and AI background removal will keep professional video editors happy, as will the impressive rendering speed and significant lack of lag.

Pros

  • Transitions with sound

  • Motion tracking and picture-in-picture tools

  • Lots of different filters, transitions, and effects to choose from, plus built-in soundtracks, stickers, backgrounds, and videos

  • Affordable license fee

Cons

  • Lacks advanced trim modes and clip pre-trimming

  • The trial version has functional limitations and is available for 7 days only

disclaimer_person

Here’s what Movavi’s team does to provide you with verified information:

  • When selecting products to include in our reviews, we research both demand and popularity.

  • All products mentioned in this article have been tested by Movavi Content Team.

  • When testing, we aim to highlight the best features of a product and what it’s best suited for.

  • We study user reviews from popular review platforms and make use of this information when writing our product reviews.

  • We collect feedback from our users and analyze their opinions of Movavi software as well as products from other companies.

ActivePresenter
Video Grabber
4/5

Before choosing a video editor, it is important to check its requirements. Some editors can be very resource intensive and if your computer does not have the necessary processing power, the editing process will be slow at best. Opt for an editor that is lightweight but efficient.

Top 21 best free video editors

You can get several free video editing programs in the market. However, many of them stain your video with watermarks. Nonetheless, there are some of the best free video editing software that you can work with; they are not the regular ‘no trial’ versions. However, getting the most value of software may require you to purchase the full version, which is always better than the freeware.

Program

Best for

Download

Users who want to be able to edit and adjust videos with ease

Users who are looking for a full-featured yet cheap video editor

Quick screen recordings

There are many video-editing software available, when I was first learning video editing I quickly found out how important a good editing software is. You need to choose a software that works for you, your projects and allows you to develop your skills. With that said, here are the best options!

VSDC Video Editor Pro

Inexpensive video editor
  • Compatibility

    Windows 7,8,10,11

  • PCMag rating
  • Price

    Free trial version, $19.99‬ for the full version

  • Best for

    Users who are looking for a full-featured yet cheap video editor

Key features

  • Motion tracking and text animation

  • AI-powered art filters

  • Layout and workflow are far from standard

#CommissionsEarned

If you are savvy in video making and don't mind if the program has a less intuitive interface, VSDC Video Editor Pro can offer a wide variety of tools to change your videos. The most noticeable features are: picture-in-picture, transparency, and the effect filters. You can export edited videos in a variety of formats, with pre-made profiles for popular devices. VSDC can also burn your project onto DVD if you wish to do so.

Pros

  • Low price

  • Powerful features: chroma key, 4K, color wheel, 360 VR, and PiP

  • Non-linear editing

Cons

  • Interface lacks polish

  • Most of the functions are hidden in submenus

  • The program lacks full-screen video preview

ActivePresenter

A reliable video editor suite for screencasts and recordings
  • Compatibility

    Windows, Mac

  • Capterra rating
  • Price

    Free version adds a watermark to output videos, paid version costs $199

  • Best for

    Quick screen recordings

Key features

  • Designed with eLearning in mind

  • Built-in screen recording and webcam recording

  • Edit audio and video

  • Intuitive and easy-to-use software

  • Advanced features like green screen effects and text animations

ActivePresenter is a screen recorder and video editor. It is applicable for making screencast videos, manuals, presentations, documentation, and interactive training demonstrations. With the full-featured editor, the software permits you to edit audio and video, modify the look and feel of content, and decide the branched scenarios basically and adequately. The content created with ActivePresenter can be offered for all intents and purposes to any device and platform because it supports HTML5 and can integrate with Learning Management Systems.

Download ActivePresenter

Pros

  • The app can support numerous file formats

  • Built-in screen recording to make videos directly from your device

  • Great for educational content like lectures and presentations

  • Well-suited to intermediate and advanced users

Cons

  • Average users may not find the application easy to understand and utilize

A great tip when using free video editing software is to take advantage of the built-in templates or preset effects. These can help you quickly add transitions, filters, or even title sequences without spending too much time on customization. This way, it’s easier to produce polished content in less time.

Shotcut

Free video editing software for high-resolution videos
  • Compatibility

    Windows, Mac, Linux

  • TechRadar rating
  • Price

    Free

  • Best for

    Users working with HD, 60 FPS videos

Key features

  • Support for the latest audio and video formats

  • Works with 4K videos

  • Native timeline editing with no imports needed

  • Webcam capture and audio capture

  • Multi-format timeline for mix and match projects

Shotcut video editor is an open-source, cross-platform editor with a brilliantly smooth and intuitive interface. It provides you with various panels that can be docked and undocked as you deem fit. Viewable information includes details about media properties, an encoding panel, filter panel, and a jobs’ queue. You can likewise see recent files, see playlists with a thumbnail view and see recent search history. It has the 'drag-and-drop' function from your file manager.

Shotcut supports several audio and video formats and codecs, thanks to FFmpeg. Working with Shotcut is very easy; you have all the information, tools, and functions needed to create quality materials. It supports native editing of media files and has multi-format timelines.

Download Shotcut

Pros

  • The interface is intuitive and easy to use

  • Allows the exportation of videos in all formats with up to 60fps and full HD quality

  • Works across all three major platforms

  • Lots of useful UI features that will appeal to beginners and advanced users alike

Cons

  • The specifications are high for a computer system

  • It may seem too technical for first-timers. For example, there are no ready-made profiles for exporting.

Choosing a perfect video editor depends on your experience and needs. If you're a beginner, look for an intuitive interface and a set of built-in effects and presets that will speed up the editing process. If you're an experienced user, check whether software offers advanced features such as chroma key, motion tracking, 3D editing, and more.

OpenShot

A high-powered video editor for pro-grade content creation

Key features

  • Cross-platform video editing on Windows, Mac, and Linux

  • Supports most video and audio formats

  • Keyframe animations

  • Essential editing features like cut, resize, trim, snap, and rotate

  • Transitions, titles, animations, and more

OpenShot is a free and flexible software, which will enable you to make and edit videos. The software allows you to make professional-looking movies from your photographs, videos, and music files. You can also easily add subtitles, special effects, and transitions. The created movies can be exported to DVD, Xbox 360, Vimeo, YouTube, and other numerous formats.

A collection of incredible features accompanies OpenShot, for example, sorting and trimming videos, transition effects between video files, adjusting audio levels, chroma key or green-screen effects, and some more. The program likewise supports the most common codecs and formats.

OpenShot features a spotless, easy, and simple to utilize interface, which makes video creation and editing quick and straightforward. Also, the application enables you to create 3D animated title sequences that will impress the viewers.

Download OpenShot

Pros

  • 100% free, open-source software

  • The program gets regular updates

  • Export to many devices or straight to DVD

  • Lots of advanced features like chroma key, transitions, and more

Cons

  • Some users claim that the editor is buggy

  • The program isn’t as fast as some of the competitors

While many free video editors don't include a watermark, some might impose limitations like reduced export quality or fewer file format options. Be sure to check for any restrictions on output quality or compatibility before committing to a particular free tool. It’s especially important while working on professional projects.

Canva

Features of Canva Video Editor:

  • Real-time collaboration

  • Pre-licensed audio tracks

  • Self-recording and screen recording

  • Content planner and publisher

  • Brand kit and colors

Canva, one of the best and most popular graphic design tools we use now, has a user-friendly video editor compatible with any platform and device. You can enjoy plenty of templates and tailor them to suit your ideas. Whether you are a video newbie or a pro, you can create amazing videos for any platform you wish such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels and Facebook Stories.

Download Canva

Pros:

  • Intuitive interface

  • Rich selection of templates

  • Available team access

Cons:

  • Limited output format options

Riverside

Professional-grade recording and editing for creators

  • Compatibility

    Windows, Mac

  • G2 rating

  • Price

    Free plan available; paid plans starting at $15/month

  • Best for

    Recording and editing professional-quality videos in less time

Key features

  • Text-based editing, where you can trim videos by editing the text in your recording transcript.
  • Music, text, and image overlays to quickly enhance and brand your content.
  • Multitrack recording and editing for more precise post production.
  • AI tools for captions, transcriptions, and audio fix-ups, such as filler word and silence removal.
  • High-quality 4K recording.

Riverside is the editor for anyone who wants to save time editing but still create professional videos. You can record in up to 4K resolution, then dive straight into editing with ease

Trim your video as easily as deleting text in your recording transcript. Or, use our seamless multitrack timeline video editor. Everything is color-coded, and we’ll create automatic chapters so you can stay organized while editing. 

Add the finishing touches with captions and text, image, or music overlays.Choose media library or upload your own. You can even add your own logo.

Try Riverside video editor for free

Pros:

  • Save time with AI-powered editing tools

  • Easy trimming and cutting with text-based editing

  • Organized color-coded editing timeline with automatic chapters

  • Recording and editing, all on one platform

  • Quick repurposing with automatic video clips and transcriptions

Cons:

  • Watermark included on videos created with the free version

DaVinci Resolve

The best free video editing software for professional users
  • Compatibility

    Windows, Mac, Linux

  • PCMag rating
  • Price

    Free version, $295.00 for the paid version with extra tools

  • Best for

    Advanced users with lots of experience

Key features

  • Professional and advanced editing features like 3D audio workflows and smart reframing

  • Customizable user interface

  • Custom effects, titles, and transitions

  • Basic features like cut, trim, copy, etc.

  • Advanced color corrector

DaVinci Resolve is a program that mixes an advanced color corrector with professional multi-track editing ability. It enables you to correct color, edit, finish, and distribute from a single system. The application is resolution independent and scalable, being perfect for use on set or in a little studio. DaVinci Resolve offers increased compatibility, a collection of creative tools, high speed, and extraordinary picture quality you will ever need.

DaVinci Resolve is also ready to sync sound, edit metadata, and sort out the footage for color-grading editing or visual effects. By utilizing this application, you will be able to manage media files on your local drive or over the network. The program supports every camera and video format. All of the above is the reason why this program also made it into our list of top video editors for YouTube.

Download DaVinci Resolve

This is software that many TV and movie studios use on their productions. That’s how good it is.

Pros

  • The software provides advanced color correction capabilities

  • The program has a rich editing interface

  • Perfect for advanced users and professional editors

  • Supports all camera and video formats for total compatibility

Cons

  • The software does not support multi-camera editing

  • The program has a steep learning curve

Video Grabber

The ideal online free video editing software for edits in your browser
  • Compatibility

    Any browser (works online)

  • Price

    Free

  • Best for

    Online video editing

Key features

  • Runs in the browser

  • Works with most popular video formats, such as AVI and MP4

  • Can grab online videos from URLs

  • Can be used for converting videos

  • Built-in screen recorder

Video Grabber is an across-the-board online service that enables you to convert videos, edit them, do screen recording, and grab online videos. You can utilize it to crop, trim, add watermark to your videos, alter the volume and play speed, and trigger video effects. Also, it offers you the capacity to modify video resolutions, frame rates, and audio channels. It is effortless to utilize and can give video outputs in several formats.

Go to Video Grabber

Pros

  • The interface is easy to use

  • The software outputs videos in AVI, WMV, MP4, VOB, WEBM, FLV, etc.

  • It offers diverse essential video editing functions

  • Works online in your browser

  • Runs on any platform with no limitations for any OS

Cons

  • It does not support timeline editing

  • No real-time video effect preview

iMovie

The essential free video editing software for Apple users
  • Compatibility

    Mac, iOS

  • PCMag rating
  • Price

    Free

  • Best for

    Apple device users

Key features

  • Cross-platform editing across Apple devices

  • Filters, themes, transitions, etc.

  • Supports 4K editing

  • Plenty of essential editing features like trimming and rotating

  • 100+ smart soundtracks for custom audio

This free video editing program with specifics for Mac and iOS clients. With it, you can undoubtedly make Hollywood-style trailers and dazzling films in 4K resolutions. You can begin video editing on your hand-held device and complete the editing on your Mac PC.

Download iMovie

Pros

  • The software supports clips with 4K quality and MOV format

  • It provides vast options for filters, themes, and credits

  • Works across the Mac family of devices

  • Create Hollywood-grade movies with ease on your own home computer

Cons

  • It is difficult to use the color correction function for clips

  • There’s no version for Windows 10, 7, etc., or Android

KineMaster (iOS & Android)

Easy and free video editing software for on-the-go alterations
  • Compatibility

    Android, iOS

  • TechRadar rating
  • Price

    Free version, $3.99/month for the full version

  • Best for

    Mobile device users

Key features

  • Designed for mobile devices

  • Basic editing tools like text, rotations, and trimming

  • Built-in recorder

  • Add effects and transitions

  • Offers instant upload to social media sites and YouTube

KineMaster is a video-editing kit with a well-designed interface with incredible user experience and a broad scope of robust features. You can make the videos you need in your manner of choice.

Utilizing KineMaster is very simple: You simply have to pick the contents you need to add to your video in the order that you need them and add a title to the final composition. After this, you can pick a general subject for your video, which will likewise include an introduction. Be that as it may; obviously, you can also edit your content in greater depth if you want to.

When you complete the editing process, KineMaster gives you a chance to save your project directly to your device in various qualities. What's more? It provides you with the option to transfer the video directly to your Facebook or YouTube accounts.

Download KineMaster for Android

Download KineMaster for iOS

KineMaster balances an impressive range of features with an intuitive interface. Though not as in-depth as some desktop software, it achieves impressive results for a mobile app.

Pros

  • 4K video editing

  • The app has a stock of music, fonts, stickers, etc

  • Simple user interface for beginners

  • Direct upload to social media and YouTube

Cons

  • You need to get a premium account to get rid of the watermark

  • Users say that not every update brings positive changes: occasionally, updates make the app harder to use

Blender

The best free video editing software for 3D video files
  • Compatibility

    Windows, Mac, Linux

  • Price

    Free

  • Best for

    3D video editing

Key features

  • Rendering, modeling, and sculpting functionality

  • 3D animation development and editing

  • Many VFX

  • Customizable interface

  • Basic and advanced editing features

Blender is a 3D video editor that’s totally free. If you were going to try your hand in 3D modeling, this is the right app for you. Sure, it has some video-editing features like cutting and trimming, but it’s much more suitable for VFX, digital sculpting, and animation.

Download Blender

Pros

  • One of the top apps for digital 3D animation

  • To trial, no demo version – you’re getting the full version for free

  • Basic video editing tools like trimming and cutting

  • Advanced animation effects for designers and developers

Cons

  • It is free professional software. So, if you’re not an expert, you may struggle with the features and the interface.

A lot of free video editors offer an extensive set of templates. It's easy to go overboard with them, especially when you're a beginner, so keep in mind that you should apply them sparingly. Overusing transitions or effects can make your video look cluttered, so it's best to keep it simple and focus on clean cuts and smooth flow between scenes.

VideoProc

An all-in-one video editor, converter, and screen recorder
  • Compatibility

    Windows, Mac

  • TechRadar rating
  • Price

    Trial version with restricted functionality, $37.95 for the full version

  • Best for

    Video conversions

Key features

  • Can be used for editing, recording, and converting

  • Hardware acceleration

  • Basic editing tools to cut, trim, copy, etc.

  • Convert into many formats

  • Record screen video and device audio

The VideoProc software includes not only a video editor but also a built-in converter and screen recorder. It prides itself on full hardware acceleration that allows VideoProc to not compromise quality. The app has support for Windows 7, which is rare for advanced video editors.

Download VideoProc

Pros

  • Good-quality video thanks to full hardware acceleration

  • Plenty of video-editing options, even in the free trial version

  • Built-in video converter for easy conversions into different formats

  • Screen recording functionality

Cons

  • The trial version has a 5-minute time limit

Icecream Video Editor

A simple, lightweight editor for low-end computers
  • Compatibility

    Windows

  • G2 rating
  • Price

    Free version with limited timeline scenes and a watermark, $29.95 for the Pro version

  • Best for

    Users on low-end devices

Key features

  • Lightweight and doesn't use many system resources

  • Various effects, filters, and transitions

  • Beginner-friendly UI

  • Cut, trim, rotate, blur, etc.

  • Supports most popular video and image formats like MP4, MOV, and AVI

The Icecream studio is well-known for its apps: from PDF-managing software to a screen recorder. All of the programs are free to download and easy to work with for beginners. Icecream Video Editor is no exception. If you’re looking for free video editing software for Windows 10, with which you can make clips with effects, filters, and transitions without much effort, this should be an excellent pick.

Download Icecream Video Editor

Pros

  • The program is suitable for laptops and weak computers

  • The website has a lot of tutorials

  • Special effects, filters, and transitions to customize your clips

  • Beginner-friendly interface

Cons

  • If you want the resulting video to be longer than 10 minutes, you’ll have to get the PRO version.

Lightworks

Hollywood-grade editing in the comfort of your home
  • Compatibility

    Windows, Mac, Linux

  • G2 rating
  • Price

    Free version with less tools and features, from $9.99 per month for the paid version

  • Best for

    Amateur or professional filmmakers and content creators

Key features

  • Drag and drop interface

  • Effects, transitions, chroma key, etc.

  • Basing editing like trimming and cutting

  • Support for almost all file types

  • Local back-up and archiving

Lightworks is one of the best free video editing software options you can choose if you want to make and edit films on an amateur or professional level. It works well for aspiring filmmakers, YouTubers, and content creators, offering Hollywood-level editing and effects and being trusted by professionals throughout the film industry.

There's a lot you can do with this free video editing software, without having to hand over your credit card details or sign up for recurring payments. It offers ready-made titles and transitions, cloud storage, an advanced editing timeline, and support for a huge range of formats.

Download Lightworks

The software has a strong heritage in filmmaking, with Pulp Fiction, Jerry Maguire and The Wolf of Wall Street just a few of the many movies that have been edited on it. But don't go thinking that long list of award-winning film credits means it's for professionals only: the free version of Lightworks is generally consumer friendly and will be more than enough for most basic editing tasks.

Pros

  • Beginner-friendly drag and drop

  • Professional-level results with a simple interface

  • Works with almost any kind of video file

  • Trusted by film professionals

Cons

  • Only supports 720p exports

  • Needs to be re-activated every 90 days

VideoPad Video Editor

Pro-level editing for users of all ability levels
  • Compatibility

    Windows

  • TechRadar rating
  • Price

    Free for non-commercial use

  • Best for

    Beginners who want to get used to video editing

Key features

  • 50+ effects and transitions

  • Support for 60+ formats

  • 3D and 360 video editing

  • Burn to disc or export to device

  • Built-in audio editing

VideoPad Video Editor is an example of well-made free video editing software that almost anyone can download, install, and start using. You don't need years of technical experience or advanced understanding of video editing programs to use this best free video editing software, as it has been built from the ground up to be highly accessible and beginner-friendly.

Supporting more than 60 video formats and also working with 3D and 360 videos, too, VideoPad Video Editor is highly versatile and comes with more than 50 different effects and transitions to enhance your videos. You can export your edited clips to your device or straight to disc, and the program also features impressive audio editing tools, as well, placing it among the best free video editing software in terms of all-around usefulness.

Download VideoPad Video Editor

Pros

  • Rapid processing times

  • Beginner-friendly interface

  • Lots of useful tools and effects

  • Works with most video formats

Cons

  • Lacking in terms of advanced features

HitFilm Express

Free video editing software for students and creatives
  • Compatibility

    Windows

  • G2 rating
  • Price

    Free, with paid add-ons

  • Best for

    Students or content creators looking for a budget-friendly film editor

Key features

  • Huge VFX toolkit

  • Support for 4K videos and many formats

  • Pro-level editing tools and animation features

  • 100+ hours of tutorials

If you're a young student or content creator on a budget, in need of the best free video editing software to help you break into video editing, HitFilm Express is a good option to choose. Completely free and available on a "pay what you want basis", this software offers pro-grade tools and effects for making impressive videos without the same price tag as more advanced free video editing software options.

HitFilm Express can boast of some impressive features, including the biggest free VFX toolkit on the market, support for 4K exports, a really intuitive user interface, and impressive animation tools. It also comes with 100+ hours of tutorials and classes to get you up to speed, making it one of the best free video editing software options for people who want to build up their editing skills.

Download HitFilm Express

Pros

  • Easy to learn and fun to master

  • Made with young users in mind

  • Lots of effects and transitions

  • Beginner-friendly UI

Cons

  • Add-ons are not free

  • Many features locked behind add-ons

When choosing a video-editing program, look for essential features like drag-and-drop functionality, basic transitions, and effects to streamline your workflow. Check for compatibility with various file formats and the ability to export in different resolutions, especially if you plan to share your work online. Additionally, consider the availability of tutorials and community support, which can greatly enhance your learning experience.

Clips

Free and fun editing on iOS

Key features

  • Camera effects

  • Filters and animations

  • Add emojis and stickers

  • Import photos and videos from your library in one tap

Sometimes, you just want to make some fun and silly videos on your phone to share on social media sites like Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter. If so, Clips is one of the best free video editing software applications you can choose.

It runs on iOS devices like the iPhone 13 and gives you a bunch of fun effects and colorful stickers to add to your videos. You can add videos from your phone library with a single tap and make changes and alterations in mere seconds.

Download Clips

Pros

  • Very easy to use

  • One of the best free video editing software for social media content

  • Fun for younger users

  • Lots of enjoyable effects

Cons

  • Not the best free video editing software for advanced editing

Movavi Clips (iOS & Android)

The easy-to-use video-editing mobile app
  • Compatibility:

    Android and iOS

  • Google Play rating
  • Price

    Free version watermarks videos, premium subscription costs $1.99/month

  • Best for

    Editing videos on your phone or tablet

Key features

  • For iOS and Android

  • No ads

  • Trim, cut, rotate, etc.

  • Filters and transitions

If you're looking for the best free video editing software for phones and tablets, Movavi Clips is the app for you. Made for the mobile market, this app runs on both Android and iOS, and it's one of the best free video editing software options you can choose on the smaller screen. It lets you do all sorts of editing: cut, merge, crop, and add music to videos.

You can also use this free video editing software to add filters and transitions, with no pesky ads or other obstacles to get in the way.

Download Movavi Clips for iOS

Download Movavi Clips for Android

Pros

  • Easy to use on any mobile device

  • Add custom sounds with ease

  • Stylish filters and transitions

  • Drag and drop timeline

Cons

  • Subscribe to Premium to remove watermarks

Adobe® Premiere® Rush

Easy video editing on the go
  • Compatibility

    Windows, macOS, Android, iOS

  • PCMag rating
  • Price

    Free version with 2GB cloud storage limit, $9.99/month for the full version

  • Best for

    Feature-rich mobile video editing

Key features

  • Changing video speed

  • Projects are compatible with Adobe® Premiere® Pro

  • Supports 4K XAVC-S format

Adobe® Premiere® Rush makes the video editing process fast, and there’s more than enough editing capabilities in the app. Numerous titles, transitions, and audio edits will help you to create a decent-looking video for a vlog. But for the majority of YouTubers needs more advanced capabilities which only a full-featured desktop video editor can offer. If you’re looking for professional level apps that most YouTubers use, try Adobe® Premiere® Pro or Apple Final Cut Pro.

Download Adobe® Premiere® Rush

Pros

  • The interface is clear and simple

  • Decent choice of titles and captions

  • Quick performance

Cons

  • Can’t choose the output format and codec

  • No chroma key and freeze frame

  • Few audio-editing tools

Microsoft Photos

The best video editor for free use
  • Compatibility

    Windows 8, 10, 11

  • PCMag rating
  • Price

    Free

  • Best for

    Basic video editing for free

Key features

  • Face and object detection

  • Automatic album creation

One of the best free video-editing apps, Microsoft Photos is an excellent option for viewing, simple editing, and sharing of digital photos and videos. Unlike professional video making programs that offer countless menus, panels, and features, Microsoft Photos is easy to use, clear, and has everything you need for basic viewing and fixes. For any casual user, Microsoft Photos is a fine choice for managing, editing, and sharing videos.

Download Microsoft Photos

Pros

  • Intuitive interface optimized for touch screen

  • Built-in software doesn’t require installation

  • Add text, transitions, and soundtracks

Cons

  • No before-and-after view

  • No panorama stitching or selective focus

When choosing a video editor, consider the export resolution options. Some free software may allow watermark-free exports but limit the resolution to 720p or lower. This can affect the quality of your video when shared on platforms like YouTube or Instagram.

Record and edit your videos with AnyMP4 Free Screen Recorder Online

If you want to record your screen and edit the recording, AnyMP4 Free Screen Recorder Online is at your service. This online tool allows you to edit your recording in real-time – you can add arrows and shapes, draw with a pencil, insert text and numbers. Simply install the launcher and open the recorder. Adjust the capture settings and hit REC. Click Edit to open the editing panel and make drawings on your video. When everything’s ready, stop the recording. Great! The video will be saved on your computer.

AnyMP4 Free Screen Recorder Online

Your final video editor of choice depends on your basic requirements. The twenty free video editors mentioned here are equipped with interactive features that can help you create any type of movies – from a birthday video to a commercial for video marketing purposes. You can get the tools free from the respective official websites. 

Want to explore more video-editing features? Download Movavi Video Editor for PC and Mac and have fun making astonishing videos!

Movavi Video Editor

Create awesome videos easily

*The free version of Movavi Video Editor may have the following restrictions depending on the build: watermark on exported clips, 60-second video or 1/2 audio length limit, and/or some advanced features unavailable when exporting videos.

Movavi Video Editor

Frequently asked questions

What is the best free video-editing software for beginners?

Here are two articles that review top video-editing programs – have a look at them and choose the software you like best.

Top 15 video-editing software for beginners

What do most YouTubers use to edit their videos?

It depends on many factors: the type of videos the YouTuber focuses on, personal taste in video editing apps, etc. Here's a part of the list we came up with:

  • Movavi Video Editor

  • AVS Video Editor

  • CyberLink PowerDirector

  • Nero Video

For more top picks, read the article linked below:

13 best YouTube video makers

Which video editors don’t have a trial version?

It's always frustrating to install what seems a truly free program and find out that it was just a free trial version. Here is a list of free video editors with no trial version:

  • iMovie

  • OpenShot

  • Blender

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If you can’t find the answer to your question, please feel free to contact our Support Team.

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