VSDC Video Editor Pro
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- 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
Best 21 Free Video Editing Software in 2025
Try Movavi Video Editor!
Edit and enhance videos easily
Add stylish transitions, titles, and filters
Stabilize and reverse video, equalize sound, and more
By clicking the download button, you're downloading a free version of the program.*
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
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
Windows 7,8,10,11
Free trial version, $19.99 for the full version
Users who are looking for a full-featured yet cheap video editor
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
Windows, Mac
Free version adds a watermark to output videos, paid version costs $199
Quick screen recordings
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
Windows, Mac, Linux
Free
Users working with HD, 60 FPS videos
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
Windows, Mac, Linux
Free
Making professional-grade movies
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
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
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
Windows, Mac, Linux
Free version, $295.00 for the paid version with extra tools
Advanced users with lots of experience
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
Any browser (works online)
Free
Online video editing
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
Mac, iOS
Free
Apple device users
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)
Android, iOS
Free version, $3.99/month for the full version
Mobile device users
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
Windows, Mac, Linux
Free
3D video editing
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
Windows, Mac
Trial version with restricted functionality, $37.95 for the full version
Video conversions
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
Windows
Free version with limited timeline scenes and a watermark, $29.95 for the Pro version
Users on low-end devices
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
Windows, Mac, Linux
Free version with less tools and features, from $9.99 per month for the paid version
Amateur or professional filmmakers and content creators
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
Windows
Free for non-commercial use
Beginners who want to get used to video editing
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
Windows
Free, with paid add-ons
Students or content creators looking for a budget-friendly film editor
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
iOS
Free
Making short social media clips on your phone
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)
Android and iOS
Free version watermarks videos, premium subscription costs $1.99/month
Editing videos on your phone or tablet
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
Windows, macOS, Android, iOS
Free version with 2GB cloud storage limit, $9.99/month for the full version
Feature-rich mobile video editing
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
Windows 8, 10, 11
Free
Basic video editing for free
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.
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.
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
*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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free video-editing software for beginners?
Here is an article that reviews top video-editing programs – have a look at it and choose the software you like best.
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:
For more top picks, read the article linked below:
What free video editing software would you recommend?
The software you choose depends on your needs. If you're a beginner, start with iMovie on a Mac, and VideoPad is your go-to editor for Windows. For more pro-level work, we recommend DaVinci Resolve. Making videos on your phone? Try KineMaster or Movavi App. And for quick social media content, Canva's free editor has great features.
What is good free video editing software for a beginner?
There's no need to get overwhelmed with complex tools when you're just starting out. If you're on a Mac, try iMovie. For Windows users, VideoPad is a great option. Movavi Video Editor, available for both platforms, offers a free version with some limitations. All three tools are intuitive and provide the basic features you need to start creating videos right away.
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:
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