Video content is one of the best ways to get visibility for your business or project. In fact, 54% of consumers who participated in a 2017 content trends survey by Hubspot indicated they want video content from brands they support. But if you've ever watched a poor quality video, you know the damage it can do to brand reputation. So, whether the purpose of your video is entertainment, business, sports, news, or personal, you want professional quality.
Did You Know?
Simply the best video editor that you don't need to learn. The biggest advantage of Movavi software is that it doesn't overwhelm you with complicated controls, uncountable menus and an ocean of small buttons. Movavi Video Editor Plus is an answer to anyone who thinks that video editing is hard. Want to make better video content for your business? Check out this list compiled by Oberlo of the best free video editing software for 2021. Whether Youtube, Instagram of standalone web videos, this list has you covered. Read the list to learn how to create stunning video content for your business.
85% of online videos are watched without sound. Order professional captions and subtitles for your videos.
The search for the best video editing software can be overwhelming whether you're new to editing videos or a professional video editor looking to upgrade.
What is the best video editing software?
Adobe Premiere Pro is no doubt the best video editing software overall. Most professional video editors can agree on that fact. And yet, not every professional video editor uses Adobe Premiere Pro. How can this be?
Part of the reason is that 'best' is somewhat subjective. The technology of video editing has advanced quickly, especially since switching from linear to non-linear editing (NLE). This means many professional video editing programs all have similar basic editing features such as:
- Media Management
- User Interface
- File Import Formats
- File Export/Production
- Special Effects
The most notable differences in video editing programs are in advanced capabilities. This contributes to the confusion surrounding the comparison of video editing software.
The best video editing software for you may be different than the best video editing software for someone else. It depends on what you need for your project and what your skill level with video editing is. Not only now, but as your projects evolve.
Keep in mind that with today's dependence on mobile devices, watching a video without sound is common. The ability to add captions and subtitles to video quickly and easily means your viewers retain more of your messaging.
So, in your search for the best video editing software, you should be asking yourself the following questions:
What software do professional video editors use in my industry?
Do some research among the professional video editors in your industry. If the professionals in your industry are overwhelmingly using a specific video editing program, start your testing there. Most professional video editing software programs offer a free trial so you can try before you buy.
Did You Know?
85% of online videos are watched without sound. Order professional captions and subtitles for your videos.
Below are the pros and cons of our software top picks used by professional video editors in various industries:
1. Avid Media Composer
The gold standard for editing blockbuster films and award-winning television shows. If you're going Hollywood, take Avid along for the ride.
Pros
- Natively edit HD media and high-resolution footage
- Script Integration
- Dynamic media folders
- Multi-camera editing
- Edit HDR
- Multi-user collaboration in real-time
Cons
- A higher learning curve, especially for beginners
- Not a finishing tool-need separate software
What's noteworthy?
- Avid created non-linear editing (NLE)
- The new release includes the ability to customize the interface by role
- Remote cloud access to files
2. Adobe Premiere Pro
A popular pick with professional YouTubers, especially those who favor PCs over Mac systems.
Pros
- Multi-cam angles are limitless
- Stellar stabilization
- Supports importing of up to 8K resolutions
- Can import raw file format from cameras, smartphones, and DSLRs
Cons
- Audio not as good
- No media keyword tagging
What's noteworthy?
- Infinite customization
- Creative Cloud makes it accessible from any online connected device
- New real-time collaboration features
3. Final Cut Pro X
The majority of Mac users still swear by Final Cut Pro X, though some loyal users switched programs due to a less than perfect workflow revamp.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Top-rated editing and media management
Cons
- Mac users only
- The recent change to the trackless timeline wasn't popular
- Only 64 camera angle
What's noteworthy?
What is the best video editing software?
Adobe Premiere Pro is no doubt the best video editing software overall. Most professional video editors can agree on that fact. And yet, not every professional video editor uses Adobe Premiere Pro. How can this be?
Part of the reason is that 'best' is somewhat subjective. The technology of video editing has advanced quickly, especially since switching from linear to non-linear editing (NLE). This means many professional video editing programs all have similar basic editing features such as:
- Media Management
- User Interface
- File Import Formats
- File Export/Production
- Special Effects
The most notable differences in video editing programs are in advanced capabilities. This contributes to the confusion surrounding the comparison of video editing software.
The best video editing software for you may be different than the best video editing software for someone else. It depends on what you need for your project and what your skill level with video editing is. Not only now, but as your projects evolve.
Keep in mind that with today's dependence on mobile devices, watching a video without sound is common. The ability to add captions and subtitles to video quickly and easily means your viewers retain more of your messaging.
So, in your search for the best video editing software, you should be asking yourself the following questions:
What software do professional video editors use in my industry?
Do some research among the professional video editors in your industry. If the professionals in your industry are overwhelmingly using a specific video editing program, start your testing there. Most professional video editing software programs offer a free trial so you can try before you buy.
Did You Know?
85% of online videos are watched without sound. Order professional captions and subtitles for your videos.
Below are the pros and cons of our software top picks used by professional video editors in various industries:
1. Avid Media Composer
The gold standard for editing blockbuster films and award-winning television shows. If you're going Hollywood, take Avid along for the ride.
Pros
- Natively edit HD media and high-resolution footage
- Script Integration
- Dynamic media folders
- Multi-camera editing
- Edit HDR
- Multi-user collaboration in real-time
Cons
- A higher learning curve, especially for beginners
- Not a finishing tool-need separate software
What's noteworthy?
- Avid created non-linear editing (NLE)
- The new release includes the ability to customize the interface by role
- Remote cloud access to files
2. Adobe Premiere Pro
A popular pick with professional YouTubers, especially those who favor PCs over Mac systems.
Pros
- Multi-cam angles are limitless
- Stellar stabilization
- Supports importing of up to 8K resolutions
- Can import raw file format from cameras, smartphones, and DSLRs
Cons
- Audio not as good
- No media keyword tagging
What's noteworthy?
- Infinite customization
- Creative Cloud makes it accessible from any online connected device
- New real-time collaboration features
3. Final Cut Pro X
The majority of Mac users still swear by Final Cut Pro X, though some loyal users switched programs due to a less than perfect workflow revamp.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Top-rated editing and media management
Cons
- Mac users only
- The recent change to the trackless timeline wasn't popular
- Only 64 camera angle
What's noteworthy?
- the trackless timeline switch integrates with more powerful Mac features
- faster processing, connected clips, and auditions make editors' jobs easier
4. Sony Vegas Pro
A really great option if you're in the gaming or sports industries, or editing reaction videos. It's good for those who need a video editor that is easy to learn or one which works well on any PC or laptop.
Video Playback Pro Software
Pros
- Best timeline
- Drag & drop files directly
- Easy to learn
- Ideal for audio editing
Cons
- Windows users only
- Picture in picture and motion tracking can be difficult
Video Editing Software
What's noteworthy?
- Dynamic storyboard editor
- Video stabilization
5. DaVinci Resolve Studio 16
Used by large collaborative teams for post-production and finishing in the Entertainment industry. Davinci Resolve Studio is designed to allow live collaboration by multiple users at the same time.
Pros
- Full 3D workspace with over 250 tools
- 32-bit float processing
- Multicam editing for up to 16 cameras
- Legendary color tools
- High Dynamic Range Grading
- Stereoscopic 3D Grading
Cons
- Resource intensive computer requirements
What's noteworthy?
- Fairlight audio for 3D audio
- Collaborative workflow
- DaVinci Neural Engine for speed warp, facial recognition, and more
- Amazing post-production and finishing tools
6. Edius Pro 8
Fuwell
The favorite video editing software pick for those in the news industry or event videography. It's ideal for basic editing and great for everyday video projects.
Pros
- Compatible with all import formats
- Edits and renders faster than leading competitors
- Multi-camera support
- Easy to use clean customizable interface
Cons
- Higher learning curve
- Lower video processing (10 bit)
- Slow image sequence support
- Not ideal for large productions
- Windows users only
Video Editor Software Pro Free
What's noteworthy?
- Excels at scaling, cropping, and sizing
- Superior 4K workflow
- Quote based pricing
7. Lightworks
Has been around for more than two decades and has been used to edit major films including The Wolf of Wall Street and Pulp Fiction. It's used by professional video editors wanting advanced capabilities for film editing and ease of uploading to social sites.
Pros
- Compatible with most popular formats and files
- Preset profiles for export formats make video sharing easy
- All tools accessed via timeline
- Runs on Linux, Mac, and Windows
Cons
- Atypical workflow takes getting used to
- Lacks a smart content analyzer
- Maximum output resolution 720p MP4 format
What's noteworthy?
- Access to royalty-free music and stock video
- Lightweight-requires only 200 MB of storage space and 3GB RAM
- Ability to share and collaborate on projects in real-time
8. HitFilm 4 Pro
Macbook Pro Video Editing Software
Ideal for those who want a compositor and editing in one program. Similar to what you'd get if Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects were combined. If your project involves combining elements from different sources seamlessly into a single image, consider HitFilm 4 Pro.
Pros
- Easy to learn and use even for beginners
- Low cost
- All-in-One Color grading
- Particle engine enables 2D simulations and full 3D effects including gunfire effects and cool hyperdrive effect
- Apply animation directly from the editor
- Built-in tools for rigging and animation
Cons
- Limited file format compatibility
- The annual fee for updates
- Somewhat limited text editor
What's noteworthy?
- Compositor and Editor in one program
- ProSkin Retouch feature
- 3D Object Importing
- Animation tools
9. Pinnacle Studio 23 Ultimate
A great choice for anyone who wants total creative control and for the special effects and filter junkie. You'll find over 2000 effects and filters as well as enhanced color grading tools.
Pros
- Enhanced color grading tools with more than 30 LUTS
- Overhauled video masking, including shape and panel masks, now integrated with the timeline
- Export video clips with transparent backgrounds
- All the pro features including fast rendering, 360-degree VR editing, and Multicam support
- Batch processing without the need for extra software
Cons
- Motion tracking can be unreliable
- Implementation of 360-degree VR uneven
- Occasional crashing reported
What's noteworthy?
- Selective Vectorscope for precision color corrections
- Clip Nesting great for intro and outro creation
- Color LUT presets to produce motion picture feel
10. CyberLink PowerDirector
Pros
- Lightening speed rendering
- Very extensive effects package
- Easy to learn interface
- Available by subscription or a one-time purchase
- Project Nesting for intros and outros
Cons
- Taiwan product
- Trimming unavailable in the source panel
- Number of editing options can be overwhelming for beginners
What's noteworthy?
- Pioneer in 4K and 360-degree VR footage
- Automatic updates behind the scenes in the subscription version
- Storyboard or Timeline modes
For more details on pricing, captions and subtitles, file format compatibility, and our best pick categories, see the chart below:
Professional Video Editing Software Comparison Chart
