100 Free Video Editing Software

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This free editing software is a professional free video editing software for YouTube that you can use to work on any YouTube files. It's non-linear and has support for resolutions amounting to 4K. It works well with videos on both HD and SD formats. Overview: Filmora is a Mac-, Windows-, iOS- and Android-based video editing software. Free trial with Filmora watermark; Paid option. 1 year license for $39.99; Lifetime license for $59.99; Unlimited plan for $99.87 per year, including new effects every month and unlimited downloads from the Filmstocks Standards Library. VideoPad/NCH Software. Another video editing software program for both Windows and Mac is VideoPad, from NCH Software. It's 100 percent free for non-commercial use. It supports drag-and-drop, effects, transitions, 3D video editing, text and caption overlay, video stabilization, easy narration, free built-in sound effects, and color control.

This is an era of sharing. Lots of followers or even celebrities we followed in Facebook, Twitter or Instagram updated their status with polished selfies and beautified short videos. We have to admit a rendered video or polished image arouses people’s interest in interaction easier than a text type of updates. There are a great number of free mobile apps available to beautify pictures. But when it comes to free video editors, we search in Google and find many free apps there. They are actually free but when you save the video you spent hours editing to PC, you’re shocked to see they are watermarked with brand names. Will you post them to your Facebook or abandon it and employ a new editor to make a new video? For getting you rid of dilemma, here comes free video editing software without watermark I believe you’ll like to use.

The Best Free Video Editors Without Watermark

Video Grabber

Video Grabber should be one of your primary choices if you don’t want to leave a watermark into your video. As a free video editor app running on the web, it can polish videos on both Windows and Mac.
We can do cut, trim, split, crop, rotate, flip, add filter, add your own watermark to videos, increase volume, adjust video to slow motion, etc. The steps are very easy as well. After you install the launcher (this is a necessary step for first-time users), you can upload as more videos as you want to the web for editing, forward to “Advanced Settings” window to edit the video, click “OK” when you think it is good looking, press “Convert” and a new file without watermark will be created to your PC.
Other Features are:

  • Supports to download films from 1000+ sites free.
  • Allows importing files from local disk to convert to other codecs.
  • Records video and audio in high fidelity and quality.
  • Provides search engine to dig out hot videos from the internet.

Windows Movie Maker

Most of us are familiar with this program and it is probably the most popular video editing software without watermark across the globe. As a default video editor that can be found on all computers running Windows OS, whatever your skill set or what you are trying to accomplish with your videos, Movie Maker is an option packed with enough features you’ll be satisfied with.
The program’s user-friendly interface implies you won’t have to waste time shuffling through its Manual documents. Upon this tool, after you load videos or pictures, a timeline will show in the right panel. You can simply cut, split, merge, and rotate video. Captions, visual effects, transitions, and music are also permitted to enrich the video.
Main downsides are:

  • Only supports and outputs windows friendly video formats.
  • Doesn’t allow for audio editing.
  • Hangs and crashes more often.

YouTube Editor

YouTube is a very popular video sharing site, and its YouTube video editor can be used as a free video editor without watermark. Especially for those who have their own channels on YouTube if they are not content with the own created video, this is a must have tool before they upload videos to YouTube right away.
Open YouTube video editor, drag a video to the timeline for video, it will show in the player window immediately. In the right editing section, we can set the brightness, contrast, change the video speed, add filters, insert captions and so on. Even though the options for editing are limited, it is enough for basically fine tune video.
Main Downsides are:

  • No available download button for save edited file directly to PC.
  • Limited options for editing a file.

Shareware to edit video without watermark

BeeCut

Another program for editing videos without watermark is BeeCut. It has five editing modes (16:9, 9:16, 1:1, 3:4 and 4:3) for people’s choices based on the raw video aspect ratio.

The timeline design simplifies the process of making edits of videos. After the media are added to the track, you can preview and basically edit the video frame by frame. For example, you can cut the video into pieces, crop video size, modify its visual effects, adjust the sound volume and add mosaic to video. In addition to these basic editing features, this free video editor without watermark can let you add text, filters, overlays and transitions to the video as well.

Video Converter Studio

Compared to the first four video editors without watermark on the list, Video Converter Studio produces professional-looking videos. It supports nearly every video format and offers more advanced functions except the basic editing features, which includes capabilities to edit audios, correct colors, modify sound volume, add captions, dub videos with your own voice. Or if you want to protect your works from being abused, you can mark the video with your self-made watermarks.
Other Features are:

  • Supports to output videos to any format as it has a powerful video converter inside.
  • Allows users to download video from almost all video sites.
  • Records videos and audios in different modes.
  • Makes videos with pictures, music and preset transition templets.
  • Creates animated GIF images with videos.

Bottom Line

You know of other great video editors without watermark that are not on this list? Do not hesitate to let us know by leaving your comments in section below. We’ll consider correcting the list. Or if you think these programs are useful to you, tell us about it.

Do you want to learn how to edit videos but aren’t sure where to start? You're in luck.

As difficult as learning a new skill often is, the financial cost of video editing software is typically even more of an impediment. If you are not sure where to spend your money — or if you even want to spend money — consider free video editing software to get started.

What are the best free video editors in 2019?

  1. Lightworks
  2. VSDC Free Video Editor
  3. DaVinci Resolve
  4. Filmora
  5. Avidemux
  6. iMovie
  7. Clipchamp
  8. Shotcut
  9. HitFilm Express
  10. Blender
  11. Media 100
  12. Hippo Video
  13. Adobe Premiere Clip
  14. Media Composer
  15. OpenShot Video Editor
  16. WeVideo
  17. VideoPad Video Editor
  18. Kapwing
  19. Machete
  20. Loopster
  21. InVideo

Contents of This Article:

Video content is an important part of any B2C or B2B marketing strategy. Fortunately for marketers around the world, video editing tools make it easy for users to digitally edit video and audio files to create promotional materials, educational guides, and feature length films, to name a few. Free video editing software for Mac, Windows, iOS and Android can provide the tools users need, on any device.

Without video editing tools, we wouldn’t have my favorite short-length video format: the music video. Topping the list of the 25 most-viewed music videos of all time, is “Despacito” by Luis Fonsi featuring Daddy Yankee. Uploaded on Jan. 12, 2017, “Despacito” received 5.14 million views within its first 24 hours, and has been viewed 6.1 billion times as of April 3, 2019.

Directed by Carlos Perez and produced by Joanna Egozcue and Roxy Quiñones, the music video was filmed in La Perla neighborhood and a popular bar in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The video editor deftly cuts between Fonsi and Yankee performing the song, and Zuleyka Rivera wandering through La Perla and dancing at a club. The video editor transforms the long shots of film into, arguably, the music compelling music video of all time.

Using video editing software for a YouTube channel? Learn the basic of updating your YouTube banner size.

These products alone have nearly 1,000 validated user reviews on G2 as of October 1, 2019 and only represent a small portion of the 110-plus video editing software offerings listed on our platform.

For each product we provide:

  • An overview
  • Highlighted features
  • Free and paid options details

The list we’ve outlined here includes any video editing software with an available free offering. Some products provide limited free options while others are completely free without restrictions.

It should be noted that this list does include products that are only free on a temporary basis, such as limited trial versions for new users. These solutions may only support one user or one project and scaling often requires full investment. We also highlight the paid options so there are no surprises — if you test a free video editor application, like it and want to upgrade, you will understand the cost to do so.

Without further ado, let’s talk free video editing software for beginners and get you on your way to video editing mastery.

For products with G2 verified user reviews, we have included:

  • G2 star rating
  • Reviews highlighting what users like and dislike
  • User recommendations for those considering the product

Product reviews and G2 star ratings were updated as of October 1, 2019

Best free video editing software for desktop

The following programs are the best free video editors for desktops. These apps are more powerful, loaded with more features, and are designed to be used to create professional-level videos. These video editors are perfect for beginners looking for a video editing software for YouTube or other personal or professional videos - in fact many of these programs are the video editing software that YouTubers use to make their videos.

Let's dive in.

1. Lightworks

Product Name: Lightworks
G2 Star Rating: 3.3 out of 5 stars


Overview: Lightworks, a professional video editing software that can produce video in SD and HD with up to 4K resolution. (Thelma Schoonmaker used it on “The Wolf of Wall Street.”)

Free option

  • Free license version limited to a 720p Vimeo/YouTube export
  • All import formats
  • No Blackmagic or AJA camera support
  • Limited exporting options

Paid option: Lightworks Pro license costs:

  • $24.99 per month
  • $174.99 per year
  • $437.99 outright

Features

  • Simple and intuitive user interface
  • Easy timeline editing and trimming
  • Upload directly to YouTube
  • Project/edit backup/archive
  • Video tutorials available via Lightworks YouTube channel

What users like: “Lightworks is a very powerful editing processor comparable to paid editing software, such as Adobe Premiere. Creating new projects is incredible intuitive. Once I select my folder of clips and click import, the software starts to analyze all of my clips instantly and all the videos assemble in an orderly fashion.” — Lightworks review by Jason R.

What users dislike: “I don't really get a sense of where my data is being stored — it's not intuitive. If you have an assistant editor who knows it well, it's a non-issue. If you're on your own, though, it may take you some time to get up to speed.” — Lightworks review by a user in the entertainment industry.

Recommendations for others considering the product: “I'd recommend starting with the trial and comparing it to other programs like Premiere, Final Cut, Vegas, Media Composer and Edius. The program is very unique but it can also be very powerful. The integration with things like Boris FX is very useful.” — Lightworks review by KC M.

2. VSDC Free Video Editor

Product Name: VSDC Free Video Editor
G2 Star Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars


Overview: VSDC is a Windows-based professional video editing software.

Free option

  • Download and use completely free without restrictions
  • No trial period, watermarks or ads

Paid option

  • Technical support prices start at $10 for free option
  • Video Editor Pro is available for $19.99

Features

  • Non-linear video editor
  • Visual and audio effects are split into five categories: color correction, object transformation, object filters, transition effects and special effects
  • Blending modes and Instagram-like filters
  • Create different shaped masks for hiding, blurring or highlighting certain elements in your video and apply special effects inside or outside the masked area
  • Easy export to social networks
  • Subpixel accuracy provides smooth animation, rotation, transformation and precise relative positioning

What users like: “For a free program, there is a ridiculous amount of stuff you can do with this! I first was drawn to it for the Chroma Key function that was not available in the other programs I was using. This allowed me to begin my jump into green screen work! The program is not simple, making it clear that there is more involved in it than meets the eye. I really enjoy the effects list, and the timeline editing for both video and audio! The masking tool allows for a ton of function that is often only found in expensive programs!” — VSDC Free Video Editor review by Ben P.

What users dislike: “Can´t find anything that I dislike in particular, motion tracking is missing, but they commented that it's on their roadmap.” — VSDC Free Video Editor review by Alfred G.

Recommendations for others considering the product: “Check tutorials available on the website and their YT channel before starting to edit your first video. The interface might look slightly confusing in comparison with Movie Maker or some other video editor you might have been using before.” — VSDC Free Video Editor review by consultant in marketing and advertising.

3. DaVinci Resolve

Product Name: DaVinci Resolve
G2 Star Rating: 4.6 out of 5 stars

Overview: DaVinci Resolve provides professional tools for video and audio editing in SD, HD and Ultra HD.

Free option

  • DaVinci Resolve 15 is free

Paid option

  • DaVinci Resolve 15 Studio is available for $299

Features

  • Professional editing, color correction and Fairlight audio tools for SD, HD and Ultra HD work at up to 60 frames per second
  • Includes virtually every imaginable editing and trimming tool available
  • Includes fully featured Fairlight audio in the same software you use for editing and color correction
  • Picture editors, colorists and sound editors can work in parallel
  • Runs on all major platforms: Mac, Windows and Linux
  • Video tutorials available on Blackmagic Design YouTube channel

What users like: “Resolve is so intuitive, so powerful and so incredibly funneled. You know exactly what you need to do and how to achieve it. If you're a new user, the sheer amount of options might seem a bit overwhelming, but every single second spent learning is an investment. Especially since Blackmagic offers something that makes this editing software unrivaled: a full-featured free version. Render times are amazing and coupled with the unparalleled color science from Blackmagic, Resolve is a powerhouse.” — DaVinci Resolve review by João D.

What users dislike: “I don't use it for every project and the learning curve is just steep enough that I often have to relearn how to use certain features. There are so many features that it can be overwhelming.” — DaVinci Resolve review by Brandon P.

Recommendations for others considering the product: “Download the free version and try a test project – you'll love it straight away, even if it takes a while to learn. You can customize the interface to look like your previous editor for easier transition. Even the paid studio version is much cheaper than the competition.” — DaVinci Resolve review by Marius S.

4. Filmora

Product Name: Filmora
G2 Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Overview: Filmora is a Mac-, Windows-, iOS- and Android-based video editing software.

Free option

  • Free trial with Filmora watermark

Paid option

  • 1 year license for $39.99
  • Lifetime license for $59.99
  • Unlimited plan for $99.87 per year, including new effects every month and unlimited downloads from the Filmstocks Standards Library
  • Business lifetime plan starting at $139.99

Features

  • 4K editing and GIF support
  • Up to 100 layers of media
  • Noise removal, reverse, color tuning and camera shake effects
  • YouTube/Vimeo export
  • Precision speed control
  • Creative filters and professional 3D LUTs
  • Green screen, split screen and screen recording
  • Video stabilization, tilt shift and audio separation
  • Video tutorials available on Filmora YouTube channel

What users like: “This is a no nonsense product with lots of built in features that a novice or experienced user can use. If I need to quickly put together a video with titles and some effects, I can do so without too much of a learning curve. It enables you to drag and drop media content and save it to many different formats. The best part of this software is the ease of use. I need to get my content out quickly; I am always on a strict deadline. I need solutions that are quick and effective and FIlmora fits that need.” — Filmora review by Alfredo K.

What users dislike: “I signed up for the free version to test it out, only to find out after spending three hours on my first video that it would have the company watermark prominently displayed throughout my video unless I purchased a license.” — Filmora review by Mary E.

Recommendations for others considering the product: “I feel like this is most useful for people who want to learn video editing and cannot afford the software as of yet. I'm certain that with knowledge of how all the features work, it would be an adequate program but at some point you will need to upgrade.” — Filmora review by Brittany B.

5. Avidemux

Product Name:Avidemux
G2 Star Rating: 3.9 out of 5 stars


Overview: Avidemux is a free video editor available for Mac, Windows, Linux and BSD.

Free option

  • Avidemux is a free download

Features

  • Simple cutting, filtering, and encoding
  • Supports many file types including AVI, MP4, ASF, and MPEG
  • Automated tasks using projects, job queue, and scripting capabilities

What users like: “Easy and fast to use. Friendly interface with the tools that I need.” — Avidemux review by an anonymous user.

6. iMovie

Product Name: iMovie
G2 Star Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars

Overview: iMovie provides Apple-based video editing software: you can start editing on an iPhone or iPad and then finish on your Mac.

Free option

  • Free for macOS and iOS

Features

  • Select from dozens of styles to add beautifully animated titles and credits
  • Add a broadcast feel to your school report with picture-in-picture and split-screen effects
  • Choose from 10 creative video filters that add a cinematic touch
  • Built-in music, sound effects, and voiceover
  • Publish directly to YouTube in 4K

What users like: “This video editor is easy to use! it is seriously one of the highest quality, yet simple to use products out there. It has enough features to let you do some real work, yet also is easy enough that your grandma can put a slideshow together of her trip to Branson!” — iMovie review by Ben P.

What users dislike: “Learning iMovie can be challenging. The layout is not 'beginning user-friendly.' I don't like the fact that the color correction for video clips isn't the easiest to use. In addition, I feel like they need to have more options when it comes overlapping pictures and a wider range of background choices.” — iMovie review by Elizabeth H.

Recommendations for others considering the product: “You cannot expect iMovie to be a pro video editing software because it is not. I would recommend it for students or small businesses that do not need a lot of effort in their videos. You can make a good video but not a professional one because its lack of features.' — iMovie review by Mariana I.

7. Clipchamp

Product Name:Clipchamp
G2 Star Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Overview: Clipchamp provides a private, browser-based webcam recorder and video editing software.

Free option

  • Basic is limited for personal use

Paid option

  • Business is $120 per year or $14 month to month
  • Enterprise is custom priced after sales team consultation

Features

  • Unlimited videos per month (watermarked)
  • 5 min per video webcam recordings
  • Customizable video templates
  • Extensive video and audio stock library
  • Unlimited maximum input video length
  • Unlimited maximum input video size
  • Video compression
  • Batch video processing
  • Plugins available forWordpress
  • Video tutorials and training available onClipchamp YouTube channel

What users like: “The platform offers an easy-to-use interface in which I can record and produce, without needing to be an expert to obtain excellent results. When I need only one segment of a video, with selecting the unwanted one and giving it to delete, already quickly and easily I have the desired segment” — Clipchamp review by Robert S.

8. Shotcut

Product Name:Shotcut
G2 Star Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars


Overview: Shotcut is a Windows-, Mac- and Linux-based free and open source, cross-platform video editor.

Free option

  • Free and open-source

Features

  • Support for a wide range of formats
  • Audio features
  • Video effects
  • Editing features
  • No import required meaning native timeline editing
  • Blackmagic Design support for input and preview monitoring
  • Resolution support to 4k
  • Tutorials available
  • Video tutorials and training available onShotcut YouTube channel

What users like: “I have been trying to find an open source video editor for a while. After many disappointments, I have been blown away by Shotcut. It took the odd format my screen capture software used. It allowed for audio filters. Splitting video was easy. I love this software.” —Shotcut reviewby Megan B.

What users dislike: “I admit, I did not know where to add my video segments at first. The playlist is a bit confusing and when the app first opens, You don't immediately get a timeline. But I figured it out in less than 10 min so I'm not bothered by it.” —Shotcut reviewby Megan B.

Recommendations for others considering the product: “Great for part-time editors.” —Shotcut reviewby Michael E.

9. HitFilm Express

Product Name: HitFilm Express
G2 Star Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Overview: HitFilm Express is a Mac- and Windows-based free editing and VFX software. It is the free version ofHitFilm Pro.

Free option

  • Free to download

Paid option

  • Add-ons are available for purchase starting at $9.99
  • HitFilm Pro is $299 for a lifetime 3-seat license

Features

  • 2D and 3D effects compositing
  • Compatible with Mac and Windows
  • Over 400 visual effects
  • Editor with transitions and unlimited tracks
  • Online community forum
  • Video tutorials and training available onHitFilm YouTube channel

What users like: “This is a great tool for photo and video editing. It's free of cost and easy to setup and use. Files can be exported easily. I recently created one short video song using this tool. It has all the features needed. I loved the filters and editing options. As I am new to video editing, this software is highly recommended for beginners according to my experience.” —HitFilm Express reviewby Prachi P.

What users dislike: “Loading time is really slow. Initial load takes forever. exporting video is slow, ready to use cinematic looks do not exist.” —HitFilm Express reviewby Arpan P.

Recommendations for others considering the product: 'Great software for a beginner to enter into video making field. It is really free and if you have a powerful PC, this software runs as smooth as butter.' —HitFilm Express reviewby Arpan P.

10. Blender

Product Name:Blender
G2 Star Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Overview: Blender is a free and open source creation suite that runs on Linux, Windows, and Mac systems. Blender provides 3D-based solutions including modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, game creation and video editing for any purpose including commercial and education.

Free option

  • Free and open source, with donations accepted on the vendor website

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, scenes, masks and effects
  • Speed control, adjustment layers, transitions, keyframes, filters and more

What users like: “The thing I like best about Blender is that once you get the hang of all of the key shortcuts and know what things do in it, it's so easy to handle. Every day that I work in it, I end up learning something new that I can do in the program and improve on my models.” — Blender review by Arianna S.

What users dislike: “The fact that Blender is free and worked on by volunteer programmers means that you can't often find a clear documentation on the upcoming features or release schedule. When refining your workflow you don't want to grow dependent on Blender developers improving and solving things for you, but instead you have all the means to extend and find a way forward yourself.” — Blender review by Janne J.

Recommended for others considering this product: “My recommendation is to research Blender first, watch videos of people using it and read guides and tutorials. After that, start with something small to see if Blender is the tool for you. Take some time to get used to the interface, hotkeys and tools.” — Blender review by Raphael H.

11. Media 100

Product Name:Media 100
G2 Star Rating: N/A

Overview: Media 100 Suite is a macOS-based free professional video editor for tape or digital.

Free option

  • Free to download

Features

  • Easy-to-use, responsive interface
  • Broad support for 4K, 2K, HD, and SD standards
  • Edit in Media 100 and export their Media 100 timeline to Adobe After Effects for finishing
  • Boris RED is included for integrated transitions and titling on the Media 100 timeline
  • Eye Scream Factory’s “100 Essential Transitions” package is included featuring a variety of designer transition effects including artistic dissolves, glow dissolves, luma dissolves, pullswaps, rays dissolves and Wipes

What users say: Be the first to write aMedia 100 review!

12. Hippo Video

Product Name:Hippo Video
G2 Star Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Overview: Hippo Video is a video editing software for marketers to create, edit, share, host and analyze.

Free option

  • Free to download

Paid option

  • Basic plan is available for $29 per month
  • Starter plan is available for $49 per month
  • Pro plan is available for $99 per month
  • Enterprise plan is available for $199 per month
  • Add-ons available starting at $5 per month

Features

  • In-video lead generation
  • Basic reports
  • Hippo Video branding
  • 3 hosted videos

What users like: “Hippo has been cost-efficient and convenient. The video quality is good for my needs which is primarily working within the higher education realm. The ease of navigation and the wonderful support that is given to novices like me has made it easier to be creative in how I present content.” — Hippo Video review by Karen D.

Free Video Editor

What users dislike: “Obviously the amount of filters and effects is quite basic, which I think takes some points off this program. Sometimes the upload of the videos becomes very slow, which is somewhat annoying.” — Hippo Video review by Antonio L.

Recommendations for others considering the product: “There is a learning curve with Hippo Video; you need to plan your implementation and allocate time and other resources. This time is well worth it. Especially with the help from the well-organized support team, you will have a great experience using Hippo Video. But do not expect to be up and running in a day. The time needed to go live will differ per use case. But still, keep it in mind. Invest the time, and you will get the result you require.” —Hippo Video review by Mark H.

13. Adobe Premiere Clip

Product Name: Adobe Premiere Clip

G2 Star Rating: 3.6 out of 5 stars

Overview: Adobe Premiere Clip is a flexible editing app for videos shot on Android or iOS devices.

Free option

  • Adobe Premiere Clip is free to download

Paid option

  • Adobe Premiere Pro is available with a 7-day trial and then $20.99 per month for individual use or $33.99 for each business license

Features

  • Fast, simple video creation
  • Drag-and-drop interface for adding photos and video clips
  • Auto mix for audio levels
  • Add titles, transitions, and slo-mo effects
  • Sync videos with music
  • Adjust lighting
  • Social posting and sharing
  • Integrates with Premiere Pro for additional editing
  • Free mobile app

What users like: “The best thing about Adobe Premiere Clip is it that we can use it on our mobile devices. All of us can't handle a computer or laptop device everywhere but with Adobe Premiere Clip we can do video editing at our best anywhere we love which is really a great contribution towards the making of unique and good quality videos because of easy handling and easy-to-understand interface.” — Adobe Premiere Clip review by an anonymous user.

What users dislike: “I sometimes shoot in 4K and this app does NOT like it. You have to input files smaller than 5 gigs, which is hard because I'm not really thinking about how many gigs something is when I'm shooting. I often shoot live videos and just want to clip something fast as a preview/teaser, and it's not possible unless you start/stop the video in advance to make your files smaller. To me that is risky with live events.” — Adobe Premiere Clip review by Zach I.

Recommendations for others considering the product: “This app is not intended to produce a final PRO video; it's aimed to a fast production for a later polish/tune-up in a more pro software like Premiere Pro or Premiere CC.” — Adobe Premiere Clip review by Jorge J.

14. Media Composer

Product Name:Media Composer
G2 Star Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars


Overview: Media Composer provides video editing software for high-res media.

Free option

  • Media Composer First is free for limited projects and video and audio tracks

Paid optionSpiderwick chronicles game walkthrough.

  • 1-year subscription, paid monthly is available for $19.99 per month
  • 1-year subscription, paid upfront is available for $199.99
  • Monthly subscription is available for $24.99 per month

Features

  • Available on Mac or PC
  • Quickly cut together footage from your camera, mobile device, or video clip collection
  • Powerful yet easy-to-use tools that simplify and speed up the entire editing process
  • Visual effects, transitions, and audio tools
  • Direct sharing to YouTube and Vimeo

What users like: “Avid has one of the most straightforward editing workflows in the industry. If you are using Sony MXF based cameras and exporting to MXF it can be one of the simplest options and the program puts the focus on making solid editing decisions. There's no fluff to Avid. Or not much, at least. It tries to do one thing and do it well.” — Media Composer review by Brendan C.

What users dislike: “I don't like the text tool that is embedded within the program. It's easier to create texts that you need outside of AVID and then import and add them in separately.” — Media Composer review by Adam Q.

Recommendations for others considering this product: “Watch tutorials for the best way to 3 point edit, and how to use their effects. The effects are not intuitive and require training whether you are learning from someone else are watching tutorials on Youtube.” — Media Composer review by user in marketing and advertising

15. OpenShot Video Editor

Product Name:OpenShot Video Editor
G2 Star Rating: 4.4 out of 5 stars

Overview: OpenShot is a cross-platform, open source video editing platform for Mac, Windows, and Linux.

Free option

  • OpenShot is free to download

Features

  • Unlimited tracks/layers
  • Title editor with templates
  • Simple trimming and slicing
  • Video effects such as background removal, slow-mo, and 3D animations
  • Visualize audio files as waveforms

What users like: “The best thing about Openshot is the ease to edit videos for free and in any known operating system, I have used it in Linux and it works very well, just like the Windows version, so there are no differences in terms of performance and potential edition is concerned.” — OpenShot review by Joanne P.

What users dislike: “It's an open source software so we users have to be patient if we get any issues or find our own solutions for them. Scrolling through the timeline lags sometimes and it would be good if the theme options for the software would be more. It also gets buggy sometimes, they need to get the small updates to overcome that so it won't crash.” — OpenShot review by Omkar P.

Recommendations for others considering the product: “Have everything you want before using it. The only difficulty I had was rearranging things so I had to start over a few times. But I'm not the best at fixing things like that so maybe you won't have this issue.' — OpenShot review by an anonymous user

16. WeVideo

Product Name:WeVideo
G2 Star Rating: 4.2 out of 5 stars

Overview: WeVideo is a cloud-based platform that helps users create professional videos from a phone, computer or tablet.

Free option

  • Free account provides up to five minutes of video publishing per month, 1 GB of cloud storage and 480p resolution.

Best Free Video Editing Software

Paid option

  • Power plan is available for $4.99 per month, billed annually
  • Unlimited plan is available for $7.99 per month, billed annually
  • Professional plan available for $17.99 per month, billed annually
  • Business plan available for $29.99 per month, billed annually
  • School and district plans also available, billed annually

Features

  • Music library with 125K+ music assets
  • WeVideo Jumpstart -- start editing immediately without waiting for source content to upload

What users like: “WeVideo is easy to use for video editing with drag and drop editing and plenty of features. It even has the ability to do chroma-key for green screen type editing. You can produce your video in 480p, 720p or 1080p quality. You can work on the video from anywhere since this is cloud-based editing software. It is easy to upload pictures and videos to the software and there are multiple video and audio tracks for editing. The software provides a project link for easy editing and sharing.” — WeVideo review by Cameron M.

What users dislike: “The captions can be frustrating to work with, only because when you adjust the sizing it doesn't always apply to all the characters in a given caption. If you keep a close eye on it, though, it's easy to adjust.” — WeVideo review by Janelle V.

Recommendations for others considering this product: “You can try it out for free before committing to a plan.” — WeVideo review by Cameron M.

17. VideoPad Video Editor

Product Name:VideoPad Video Editor
G2 Star Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

Overview: VideoPad is a video editing tool for Mac and Windows, with a mobile version available for iOS and Android.

Free option

  • Free for personal, non-commercial use

Paid option

  • Home Edition for $60, with 2 audio tracks and no external plugins
  • Master's Edition for $99 or $3.88 per month, billed quarterly

Features

  • Easy-to-use effects
  • Smooth transitions
  • Stop-motion animations

What users like: “VideoPad provides most of the basic video editing features you would expect, and makes it easy to edit and export videos in a variety of formats.” — VideoPad review by an anonymous user

What users dislike: “First and biggest dislike thing is that its processing speed is very slow, like when we export our video quality it consumes lots of time. otherwise it is good product.” — VideoPad review by an anonymous user in accounting

18. Kapwing

Product Name:Kapwing
G2 Star Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Overview: Kapwing is an easy online editor for videos, images, and GIFs.

Free option

  • Free to use, with watermarks on finished videos

Paid option

  • Single video without watermark is $6
  • Unlimited plan is $20

Features

  • Accessible on every major OS across computers and mobile devices
  • No install and no passwords
  • Add music, text, and subtitles
  • Video montage maker

What users like: “The abundance of tools available under one subscription. Want to watermark your video to avoid theft? Easy. Want to create a gif specific to your brand? Simple. What to trim a minute-long video to a digital consumer-friendly 15-second video? It's a breeze.” — Kapwing review by Travis J.

19. Machete

Product Name:Machete
G2 Star Rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars

Overview: Machete is an easy-to-use multimedia file editor and player.

Free option

  • Machete Video Editor Lite is the free version designed for quick and simple “slicing” of AVI and WMV video files.
  • Free 14-day trial of full version

Paid option

  • Machete is available for $19.95

Features

  • Edit WMV and AVI video files
  • Cut, copy, delete and paste fragments of video files
  • Save video fragments as separate files
  • Remove audio tracks from video files
  • Edit file tags (metadata) for all supported media formats

What users like: “I have found using Machete to be very easy and effective. I can edit our webinars now quickly and get them loaded on our online store within a day of receiving the recording. It has made a difficult task very easy.” — Machete review by Liz P.

20. Loopster

Product Name: Loopster
G2 Star Rating: 4.0 out of 5 stars

Overview: Simple video editing software for individuals, educators, and businesses.

Free option

  • Loopster is free to download

Paid option

  • Plus membership for $4.99 a month or $47.88 billed annually
  • Movie producer membership for $9.99 a month or $95.88 billed annually
  • Education package for $79 every 3 months
  • Business package for $129 every 3 months

Features

  • Available online and through iOS and Android
  • Easy collaboration
  • Interactive tools such as transitions and 600+ sound effects
  • Intuitive interface
  • Share anywhere

What users like: “The very nice user interface is not imposing and encourages creativity. The ability to collaborate with teammates and friends is a nice plus.” — Loopster review by Chris B.

21. InVideo

Product Name: InVideo
G2 Star Rating: 4.8 out of 5 stars

Free muse templates. It’s simple and clean, and has a one page template with 4 color versions and desktop, tablet and mobile versions!Paximo is a modern and clean Adobe Muse template designed for Personal, Designer, Freelancer or Photography. Editing this Muse template is super easy!Aura is very clean and minimal one page portfolio website for creatives. Layered PSD file is included.Muse Fashion is a multiple page website template with a feminine touch.

Overview: A versatile editor with a focus on video marketing that includes thousands of images, stickers and text boxes to help create engaging video content.

Free option

100 Free Video Editing Software Mac

  • The InVideo Free plan includes the complete feature set with 1GB of storage and 720p resolution of videos

Paid option

  • InVideo’s Business plan is available for $10/month, billed annually, and offers 1080p resolution on video projects

Features

  • No InVideo watermark
  • 720p resolution
  • 100-plus curated designer templates
  • Videos up to 5 minutes
  • Single user account
  • Storage up to 1GB

What users like: “InVideo has very neat templates and they are adding more and more templates every week. It's a great online video editor and has the potential to become a marketing leader. It saves me tons of time while making videos for social media and LinkedIn.” — InVideo review by Amrin G.

Video editing software with free trials

The following are paid video editing tools with a free trial offering, so users can take them for a test drive before committing to the full product. However being paid tools, these video editing apps can be more powerful than their completely free counterparts above.

22 - Adobe Premiere Pro
23 - Magisto
24 - Final Cut Pro X
25- PowerDirector
26 - Camtasia

Best free video editing software for mobile

Trying to do some video production on the go? Below are a few free mobile iOS and Android applications that can help turn your videos into works of art:

27. Splice

Splice is a free, fully featured video editing app for iPhone and iPad, with tools like trimming, speed control, and custom audio narration.

28. Quik GoPro Video Editor

The Quik app for iOS and Android allows users to create and edit shareable videos from photos and videos taken with GoPro cameras, with auto-sync audio capabilities among other features.

29. FilmoraGo

FilmoraGo is a free mobile edition of the Filmora software, available on iOS and Android devices, where users can create videos without watermarks or time limits and share them directly to social media.

30. Apple Clips

Apple Clips is the #1 downloaded video app on iTunes, this free program allows iOS users to capture, edit, and share short videos with artistic filters and animated effects.

Best free video editor apps for Instagram

Is Insta your preferred medium? These free apps can help you create stylish, 'Grammable video clips for your biggest fans:

31. Hyperlapse

Hyperlapse from Instagram allows iOS users to shoot and stabilize beautiful time lapse videos, without the need for tripods or additional equipment.

32. Boomerang

Boomerang, available on iOS and Android, creates fun video clips that loop back and forth that can be instantly shared on Instagram or Facebook.

Tips from the pros: Here at G2, we love crowdsourcing insights from the pros themselves. See which free/freemium tools Clockwork9 recommends for streamlining the post-production workflow.

Basic video editing terms for beginners

Video editing software can come with a difficult learning curve, but to make quality video you'll need to master the art. Here are a few of the most common terms to be aware of when editing your first video.

Aspect ratio

Aspect ratio is the size of the video image. Depending on the channel or medium your video will be viewed will help determine the aspect ratio of your footage. The most popular ratios are 4:3, 16:9, and 21:9.

Audio leveling

Audio leveling is the post-production video editing process to mix your audio. For films and longer projects, a range of audio levels is suggested, while experts recommend keeping the audio for online videos as close to 0db as possible.

Color correction

Color correction is the process of balancing the colors of footage to look as close to what human eyes perceive as possible. This is normally the first step done in the video editing process, as many video clips are over-saturated.

Color grading

After color correction comes color grading. This process is not required, but gives filmmakers the ability to set the mood and tone of the video. This is the aesthetic portion of editing, think of horror movies having darker tones. A great example of color grading is in the 2019 film Midsommar, where the entire film has a bright and technicolor vibe.

Compositing

Compositing is the process of layering multiple elements on top of one another to give the illusion that those elements were filmed in the same scene. This can be multiple videos, images, graphics, text, etc. Today, green screens help editors with composite editing, and many refer to this practice as chroma keying.

Keyframes

Keyframes are markers in video editors that control motion, color, and opacity. They work as anchors that mark off places in a video where things change. Keyframes are popular in the animation community, but have use cases in all video editing.

Stabilizing

This is the process of taking shaky video footage and stabilizing it in post-production. This is especially crucial for video editors who shot their video on a mobile device or without stabilization equipment.

Video editors have mastered these skills - just look at the most viewed YouTube videos to see the level of professionalism these high-end videos have. While you don't need these skills to make a quality video, it shows how far you can tone your editing abilities.

Next steps after selecting a best free video editor

Those researching free video editors online can sift through hundreds of verified user reviews on G2 to find the best option. Video editing tools often integrate with video effects software, as well as animation software and 3D design software. Check out the video editing software category where you can compare products, discover available features and read user reviews.

* Please note: Reviews may have been edited for spelling and grammar.

Last Updated: 26 September 19