Sony Vegas Pro’s Free and Paid Alternatives

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Edited by Sam P Dunn
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Sony Vegas Pro is a powerful piece of video editing and post-production software suitable for professionals and amateurs alike. Yet while this software can get the job done for many video editors, its high price tag and lack of a macOS version create the need for a Sony Vegas Pro alternative for Windows and Mac operating systems.

Whether you prefer to track down free, open-source software or would rather invest in a more robust video editing tool, we cover the three best Sony Vegas alternatives for Windows and macOS available online in 2021. Just note that we do not recommend searching for Sony Vegas Pro crack downloads because they’re not only illegal but could potentially harm your computer (plus, you can try Sony Vegas pro for free first anyways).

Sony Vegas Pro: Download a free alternative or stick to the original?

Sony Vegas Pro (SVP) is a frequently updated video editor (currently on version 18) that incorporates the newest technology into its range of features. For instance, it employs artificial intelligence to transform your videos by applying the styles of famous artists and makes predictive edits based on past editing work you’ve done.

If you want to try Sony Vegas Pro with a free download of the full version, you can experience the range of these features for 30 days before purchasing the product. Advanced color grading, audio mastering and editing (including video noise reduction), professional plug-ins, and some of the most powerful hardware acceleration in video editing software let you use Vegas Pro to edit content at a more precise level than many competitors.

However, its higher upfront costs mean that its user base has higher expectations, and Vegas Pro’s occasional crashing issues have been a cause for concern to some — notably the freezing and crashing errors while rendering videos.

Although Vegas editing software isn’t for everyone, it’s worth trying the free version and giving it a try before making your decision.

Wondering how to get Sony Vegas Pro for free? Check out this link for a Vegas Pro free download, or consider using a Sony Vegas alternative (free, for Windows, and for Mac) that we outline in the rest of this article.

Pros:

  • AI tools to make editing easier and more interesting

  • Powerful audio editing and mastering tool

  • Plug-in integrations

Cons:

  • Expensive

  • User-reported crashing issues

Comparison table

Before we dive into the specifications of our top three Vegas Pro edit alternatives, here’s a quick overview of each piece of software for you to consider:

Software

Main features

Download

Movavi Video Editor

  • Video filter library

  • Automatic video making

  • Video stabilization

  • Drag-and-drop interface

Download for Free
Download for Free
Download for Free
Download for Free

Sony Vegas Pro

  • AI-powered style transfer (art overlay)

  • SoundForge audio mastering

  • GPU acceleration (fast rendering + playback)

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DebugMode Wax

  • RotoMate (masking & paint-over effects)

  • 3D models & 3D text

  • Plugin Adapter (easy-to-use external plugins)

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Adobe® Premiere® Elements®

  • Quick Edit + Expert Edit modes

  • Improve grainy and hazy video

  • AI-powered “Smart Trim”

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Sony Vegas Pro provides a wide range of built-in effects and transitions that are easy to customize. It’s a good idea to look for a replacement that can offer the same, but for a lower price, such as Movavi Video Editor.

Joey Edits

Movavi Video Editor as a Sony Vegas alternative for Windows and Mac

Movavi Video Editor is a robust yet economical video editor that offers many of the same features included in full-version Vegas Pro download at a fraction of the cost. For instance, Movavi’s editor similarly provides powerful audio editing capabilities, 4K video support, as well as easy-to-use transitions, filters, and animations.

If you’re worried about the learning curve, Movavi’s video editor is also known for its clean and intuitive interface that makes it simple for beginners to grasp and fun for video-editing veterans to use to its full potential. It also provides support in 14 languages, making it more accessible than Sony Vegas.

While professionals in need of advanced Open Effects plugins may prefer Sony Vegas Pro’s plugin capabilities, Movavi Video Editor is a powerful tool at a price point that video editors of varying levels can appreciate if they’re not satisfied with their Sony Vegas Pro download free trial.

Pros:

  • UI is both attractive and easy to use

  • Lightweight program (can use on older computers)

  • Feature-rich for its cost (screen capturing, video overlay, object animation, etc.)

Cons:

  • Can’t import custom objects

Download for Free
Download for Free
Download for Free
Download for Free

DebugMode Wax as a Sony Vegas Pro free alternative

DebugMode Wax is an open-source video editing tool for Windows that can handle the fundamental needs of most video-editing beginners and experienced amateurs. And while it may lack some of the firepower apparent in paid alternatives, Wax can help you create and modify video content just as effectively.

Where DebugMode Wax really shines is its 2D and 3D special effects features, providing users with a wide range of free effects to manipulate and customize their video files. Wax can even function as a plugin, so if you like its special effects, you can connect them to a more feature-rich video editor like Sony Vegas Pro or Adobe® Premiere® Elements®.

While a Sony Vegas pro free trial may lead you to believe Vegas Pro has more interesting and modern features, DebugMode Wax is worth a download if you want to test the waters of open-source software before pulling out your credit card.

Pros:

  • Basic editing features are simple for beginners to learn

  • Supports a range of file types

  • Plugins available to easily transfer data between applications

Cons:

  • The last update was in 2012

  • Outdated UI

Adobe® Premiere® Elements® as an Alternative to Sony Vegas Pro

Adobe® Premiere® Elements® side-by-side with Sony Vegas Pro meets many of the same video-editing qualifications. Both products can help you create broadcast-quality media, are updated regularly by their respective companies, and support all of the most popular file formats.

However, where Adobe’s software outshines free Sony Vegas and paid is its user-friendly interface, which makes it popular among hobbyists and beginners to video editing. Not to mention Adobe® Premiere® Elements® is also cheaper than both Sony Vegas Pro 17 and 18 and is available for Mac and Windows users, making it a more accessible alternative to Sony Vegas.

While Sony may offer a more robust suite of features, including a much stronger audio editing tool than Adobe, Adobe is still an effective video editor that addresses the needs present among various levels of video editors.

Pros:

  • Tutorials and easy interface make it ideal for beginners

  • VR video editing features

  • Make hazy / grainy videos clearer

Cons:

  • Audio editing is limited

  • Less control of edits than other professional editors

Editor's choice
Movavi Video Editor

Editor's rating

4.9/5
Download for Free
Download for Free
Download for Free
Download for Free
Adobe® Premiere® Elements®

Editor's rating

4.8/5
Read More
Read More
DebugMode Wax

Editor's rating

4.4/5
Read More
Read More

Geoffrey Scott

A prolific content creator and copy editor with 5+ years of experience writing blog posts, landing pages, product reviews, product copy, and more. Graduated from the University of Nevada with an MA in History in 2014 and got swept up into the world of digital marketing not long afterward. Geoff is a regular contributor on GoDaddy.com’s Garage Blog and has been quoted on major websites like Adobe, Monster, Recruiter, and GlassDoor.

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Frequently asked questions

What is Sony Vegas?

If you're looking for a powerful and versatile video editing software, Movavi Video Editor is a great alternative to Sony Vegas. It offers a user-friendly interface, a comprehensive range of editing tools, and a wide variety of effects and transitions. Movavi Video Editor is ideal for both beginners and experienced editors, looking to create professional-quality videos, whether for personal or business use.

Is Sony Vegas free?

While Sony Vegas offers a free trial, it is not a free software. If you're looking for a powerful yet affordable video editing software, Movavi Video Editor offers a wide range of plans to fit your budget and needs. Movavi Video Editor is perfect for individual users who need professional-grade tools without the high price tag.

What is the best version of Sony Vegas?

Movavi Video Editor doesn't have different versions, but it is constantly being updated with new features and improvements. Unlike Sony Vegas, Movavi Video Editor offers a single, comprehensive product that is regularly updated to ensure you have access to the latest tools and functionality. This makes it an excellent choice for anyone looking for a software that keeps pace with the latest technological advancements.

How much does Sony Vegas cost?

Movavi Video Editor offers flexible subscription plans starting at a very affordable price, making it a cost-effective alternative to Sony Vegas. You can choose a plan that fits your budget and access a powerful suite of editing tools without breaking the bank. This makes Movavi Video Editor a great choice for those who want to get started with video editing without overwhelming financial commitments.

Where can I download Sony Vegas?

Movavi Video Editor is readily available for download from the official website and trusted app stores. You can download and install the software quickly and easily, gaining access to a powerful video editing solution without having to search for third-party sources. This makes Movavi Video Editor a convenient and reliable option for those seeking a user-friendly and readily accessible video editing solution.

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