The following list of the best video editing software is desktop based, and offered for free. Desktop applications typically have more editing power than mobile apps. Use these video editors when you need to produce longer-form content for YouTube or your website. All of these video editors are either entirely free to use or have an excellent free version. This video software ranges from basic to advance.
DaVinci
Resolve is arguably the most advanced video editor on the list. While it has
many professional video features, its interfaces remain intuitive. Alongside
video slicing and trimming you can master audio and correct color. You can also
use it to add 2D and 3D titles to your video. If you just want to trim and
upload your videos, the rich feature set of DaVinci Resolve may be too
extensive. However, if your video project is a little more advanced, the free
version of this software is hard to beat.
Features
included:
- Advanced trimming
- Multicam editing
- Colour correction
- Audio mastering
Pros: Intuitive interfaces and incredible colour
correction.
Cons: Its wide array of features make it a little
overwhelming, and not all tutorials are free.
Best
for: More advanced projects where you
need to correct colours.
DaVinci
Resolve Reviews: Check out
DaVinci Resolve user reviews
2. Avidemux
Avidemux
is one of the best video editing software for beginners as the interface is
very simple to use. This program can help you to perform basic tasks including:
- Simple cutting
- Encoding
- Filtering
If
you are completely new to video editing, this might be a good place to start.
Pros: Very simple software; no need to read technical
docs.
Cons: Not as many features as other video editors.
Best
for: Basic editing tasks for
beginners.
Avidemux
Reviews: Check out
Avidemux user reviews
HitFilm
Express is one of the more professional video editors to make the list. It
contains all the features you would expect from a basic editor (splicing,
trimming, and audio editing) plus much more. While some users may find HitFilm
a little advanced, it’s certainly one of the best all round free video editors
out there. The free package includes over 180 special effects.
The
tutorials are mainly based on well-known Hollywood movies like Star Wars, but
these are very interactive and engaging.
Before
you can download this software, Hitfilm asks you to share a status update on
social media. However, this is a very small price to pay for such advanced
software. Finally, Hitfilm includes a store where you can purchase add-ons, but
this is beyond the scope of most users, as the free feature set should be more
than enough.
Features
included:
- Advanced cutting tools
- Keying for green screen effects
- Audio and video filters
- Compositing tools
- Layers and masking
- 3D video support
Pros: Truly professional video editor without the price
tag.
Cons: May take some time to learn the interface.
Best
for: YouTuber Vlogs – YouTube
uploading is built in.
HitFilm
Express Reviews: Check out
HitFilm Express user reviews
4. InVideo
This
slick video editing tool is great for marketers, publishers, individuals and
agencies alike. With support for video stabilization, team collaboration, and
much more this software is best in class for many different reasons. Users
praise this video editing software for it’s amazing customer service, UX, value
for money, and of course it’s features.
With
new high-quality video templates added most months, this tool is good for
beginner and seasoned video editors. It is deceptive simple to use, and has
amazing flexibility.
Features
include:
- Audio Tools
- Brand/Text Overlay
- Collaboration
- Speed Adjustment
- Split / Merge
- Supports HD Resolution
- Video Stabilization
Pros: Awesome to easily make quick presentation
videos.
Cons: It is not an all-in-one video editor, as you
cannot add more than one audio file, etc.
Best
for: Creating marketing videos or
listicles for your blog.
InVideo
Reviews: Check out
InVideo user reviews
5. iMovie
Good
old iMovie comes baked into Mac OS. Like most native Mac apps, this video
editor is very intuitive to use. It features a drag and drop interface. Mac
users can use iMovie as a playground for learning the basics of video editing.
Once you are up to speed, you may find that alternative video editing software
in this list may better suit your needs.
Features
included:
- Library of pre-made transitions
- Video trimming
- Audio editing
- Split screen
- 4K resolution support
Pros: Easy to learn.
Cons: Advanced users may find features a little
limited; import and render times can be a little slow.
Best
for: Mac users getting started with
video editing.
iMovie
Reviews: Check out iMovie user reviews
6. Blender
Blender,
one of the best free video editing software on the market, is available for
Windows, Mac, and Linux.
Blender
is an open source program that is entirely free to use. Blender was actually
designed as a 3D animation suite, but it does come with a very useful video
editor. Blender’s video editor should be enough for most of your video needs.
The
editor allows you to perform basic actions like video cuts and splicing. It
also allows you to carry out more complex tasks like video masking. This makes
it a very flexible video editor and caters to both beginner and advanced users.
The
Blender Video Editor includes the following features:
- Live preview, luma waveform, chroma
vectorscope, and histogram displays.
- Audio mixing, syncing, scrubbing, and waveform
visualization.
- Up to 32 slots for adding video, images,
audio, and effects.
- Speed control, adjustment layers, transitions,
keyframes, filters, and more.
Pros: Perfect for advanced users who are not put
off by all the features.
Cons: The sheer array of features make the learning
curve a little steeper. Most of the tutorials are focused on the 3D
animation/modeling side. The resources to help you with the video editor are
very limited.
Best
for: More advanced projects that may
involve 3D animation.
Blender
Reviews: Check out
Blender user reviews
7. Lightworks
Lightworks
is another great free video editing software, available on Windows, Mac, and
Linux.
Lightworks
is one of the more powerful video editors on the list. It’s absolutely packed
with useful features. The free version should be more than enough for most
users. The pro version costs around $25 a month.
This
video editor includes the following in the free version:
- High precision video trimming.
- Multicam support.
- Export to 720p for YouTube.
- A wide range of video formats supported.
While
most features are included, 4K video support for YouTube and Vimeo is only
included in the paid version of the software. Compared to Blender, for example,
Lightworks has many great video tutorials which can make it quicker to get up
and running. Check out this feature comparison to
make sure the free version has what you need.
Pros: Very powerful video editor with many advanced
features.
Cons: 4K video support only in paid version. Some users
may find Lightworks too advanced.
Best
for: All round desktop video
editing.
Lightworks
Reviews: Check out Lightworks user reviews
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