Best 20 Free Video Editing Software in 2024
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Edit and enhance videos easily
Add stylish transitions, titles, and filters
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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
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.
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
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.
Top 20 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.
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
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
Windows, Mac
Free version adds a watermark to output videos, paid version costs $199
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.
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
Shotcut
Windows, Mac, Linux
Free
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.
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.
OpenShot
Windows, Mac, Linux
Free
Making professional-grade movies
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.
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
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.
Pros:
Intuitive interface
Rich selection of templates
Available team access
Cons:
Limited output format options
DaVinci Resolve
Windows, Mac, Linux
Free version, $295.00 for the paid version with extra tools
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
VideoProc
Windows, Mac
Trial version with restricted functionality, $37.95 for the full version
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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