Best Video Editors in 2024

Video editing has become an essential skill in today’s digital world. Whether you’re a professional filmmaker, a YouTube content creator, or someone who enjoys making home videos, having the right video editing software is crucial. With the rise of video content in 2024, finding the best video editor that suits your needs can be challenging. This article aims to guide you through the top video editing software available in 2024, highlighting their features, pros, cons, and pricing to help you make an informed decision.

How to Choose Right Video Editor

Choosing the best video editor depends on various factors, including user interface, features, pricing, and the level of expertise required. Below are the top video editors of 2024 that cater to different needs and preferences.

Adobe Premiere Pro

Features

Adobe Premiere Pro is renowned for its professional-grade video editing capabilities. It offers advanced features such as multi-cam editing, 3D editing, and a wide range of effects and transitions. Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud allows seamless workflows with other Adobe products like After Effects and Photoshop.

• Multi-cam editing: Edit footage from multiple cameras simultaneously, ideal for complex projects.
• 3D editing: Create and manipulate 3D objects within your video projects.
• Wide range of effects and transitions: Enhance your videos with a variety of built-in effects and transitions.
• Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud: Seamlessly import and export assets between Adobe apps.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Comprehensive set of features
• Excellent performance and stability
• Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud

Cons:

• Steep learning curve
• Subscription-based pricing

Pricing

Adobe Premiere Pro is available for $20.99 per month as part of the Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. This pricing includes regular updates and access to Adobe’s extensive library of assets and templates.

Final Cut Pro X

Features

Final Cut Pro X, exclusive to macOS, offers a magnetic timeline, advanced color grading tools, and support for 360-degree video editing. Its performance optimization for Mac hardware ensures smooth editing experiences.

• Magnetic timeline: Automatically adjusts the timeline to prevent clip collisions and gaps.
• Advanced color grading: Utilize professional color correction tools for stunning visuals.
• 360-degree video editing: Edit immersive 360-degree videos with ease.
• Performance optimization: Optimized for Mac hardware, ensuring fast rendering and smooth playback.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Optimized for Mac hardware
• Intuitive interface
• Powerful features

Cons:

• Only available for macOS
• One-time purchase cost can be high

Pricing

Final Cut Pro X is available for a one-time purchase of $299.99. This includes all future updates, making it a cost-effective solution for long-term use.

VSDC Free Video Editor

Features

VSDC Free Video Editor provides a non-linear editing experience with features like 4K support, video stabilization, and a variety of effects and transitions. It also offers a Pro version with additional features.

• Non-linear editing: Arrange clips in any order on the timeline.
• 4K support: Edit and export videos in 4K resolution.
• Video stabilization: Smooth out shaky footage.
• Effects and transitions: Access a variety of built-in effects and transitions.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Free version available
• Supports 4K editing
• Non-linear editing

Cons:

• Steep learning curve
• Watermark in the free version

Pricing

VSDC offers a free version and a Pro version for $19.99 per year. The Pro version includes additional features like hardware acceleration and advanced settings.

DaVinci Resolve

Features

DaVinci Resolve is a powerhouse in video editing, known for its industry-leading color grading tools. It offers a free version with extensive features and a Studio version with even more advanced tools for professional editing.

• Color grading: Industry-leading color correction tools for professional-grade visuals.
• Free version: Offers a comprehensive set of features at no cost.
• Fusion visual effects: Integrated 3D compositing and motion graphics tools.
• Fairlight audio post-production: Advanced audio editing and mixing capabilities.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Best-in-class color grading
• Free version available
• Regular updates

Cons:

• Complex interface
• High system requirements

Pricing

DaVinci Resolve offers a free version and a Studio version for $299. The Studio version includes additional features like 3D tools and advanced noise reduction.

Filmora

Features

Filmora is popular among beginners and intermediate users due to its user-friendly interface and a rich library of effects and transitions. It also supports 4K editing and offers advanced tools like keyframing and motion tracking.

• User-friendly interface: Simple and intuitive design for easy navigation.
• Rich library of effects: Access to a wide range of effects and transitions.
• 4K editing: Edit and export videos in 4K resolution.
• Keyframing: Create smooth animations and effects.
• Motion tracking: Track moving objects and apply effects.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Affordable pricing
• Extensive effect library

Cons:

• Limited advanced features
• Watermark in the free version

Pricing

Filmora is available for $39.99 per year or a one-time fee of $69.99. The pricing includes access to regular updates and a library of effects and templates.

HitFilm Express

Features

HitFilm Express is a free video editing and visual effects software, making it ideal for filmmakers and YouTube creators. It includes advanced tools like 3D compositing, particle effects, and over 400 effects and presets.

• 3D compositing: Create and integrate 3D models and effects into your videos.
• Particle effects: Add dynamic particle effects for stunning visuals.
• 400+ effects and presets: Access a vast library of effects and presets.
• Free to use: Offers a comprehensive set of tools at no cost.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Free to use
• Advanced visual effects
• Regular updates

Cons:

• Steep learning curve
• Additional features require payment

Pricing

HitFilm Express is free, with optional add-on packs available for purchase. These add-ons provide additional effects, templates, and advanced tools.

iMovie

Features

iMovie, another macOS exclusive, offers a simple and intuitive interface suitable for beginners. It provides basic editing tools, themes, and trailers, making it easy to create professional-looking videos.

• Simple interface: Easy-to-use design for beginners.
• Themes and trailers: Pre-designed themes and trailer templates for quick editing.
• Basic editing tools: Essential tools for trimming, splitting, and merging clips.
• Cross-platform integration: Seamless integration with other Apple devices.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Free for macOS users
• User-friendly interface
• Good for beginners

Cons:

• Limited advanced features
• Only available for macOS

Pricing

iMovie is free for macOS users. This makes it an excellent choice for those who are just starting with video editing and want a simple, cost-effective solution.

Lightworks

Features

Lightworks is a professional video editor with a free version that offers multi-cam editing, real-time effects, and support for various formats. The Pro version adds advanced features like 4K editing and project sharing.

• Multi-cam editing: Edit footage from multiple cameras simultaneously.
• Real-time effects: Apply and preview effects in real-time.
• Format support: Supports a wide range of video formats.
• 4K editing: Available in the Pro version for high-resolution projects.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Professional-grade features
• Free version available
• Supports multiple formats

Cons:

• Complex interface
• Export limitations in the free version

Pricing

Lightworks offers a free version, with the Pro version available for $24.99 per month or $174.99 per year. The Pro version includes additional features like 4K support and advanced export options.

Shotcut

Features

Shotcut is an open-source video editor with a wide range of features, including 4K support, a variety of filters and effects, and multi-format timeline support. It’s a great option for those looking for a free, powerful editing tool.

• Open-source: Free and constantly updated by the community.
• 4K support: Edit and export videos in 4K resolution.
• Filters and effects: Access to a variety of filters and visual effects.
• Multi-format timeline: Support for various video formats in the same project.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Free and open-source
• Supports 4K editing
• Regular updates

Cons:

• Learning curve can be steep
• Interface can be cluttered

Pricing

Shotcut is free and open-source. This makes it a powerful and cost-effective solution for both beginners and advanced users who are comfortable with open-source software.

OpenShot

Features

OpenShot is another free, open-source video editor that offers an easy-to-use interface, support for multiple formats, and a range of features like 3D animations and keyframe animations.

• Easy-to-use interface: Simple design for easy navigation.
• Multiple format support: Handles a variety of video formats.
• 3D animations: Create and integrate 3D animations into your videos.
• Keyframe animations: Smoothly animate effects and transitions.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Free and open-source
• User-friendly interface
• Good for basic editing

Cons:

• Limited advanced features
• Performance issues with large projects

Pricing

OpenShot is free and open-source. It’s a great option for those who need a basic, user-friendly video editor without spending any money.

Pinnacle Studio

Features

Pinnacle Studio is known for its robust feature set, including multi-track editing, 360-degree video editing, and a wide range of effects and transitions. It’s suitable for both beginners and professionals.

• Multi-track editing: Edit multiple video and audio tracks simultaneously.
• 360-degree video editing: Create and edit immersive 360-degree videos.
• Effects and transitions: Access a comprehensive library of effects and transitions.
• User-friendly interface: Designed for ease of use while offering advanced features.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Powerful features
• User-friendly interface
• Suitable for all levels

Cons:

• Higher cost
• Occasional performance issues

Pricing

Pinnacle Studio pricing starts at $59.95 for the basic version, with more advanced versions available at higher prices. This makes it a flexible option for users with varying needs and budgets.

Conclusion

Choosing the best video editor in 2024 depends on your specific needs and budget. Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro X are excellent choices for professionals looking for advanced features and seamless workflows. For beginners, Filmora and iMovie offer user-friendly interfaces and essential tools to get started. DaVinci Resolve stands out for its color grading capabilities, while HitFilm Express provides powerful visual effects for free. Open-source options like Shotcut and OpenShot are great for those on a budget. Consider your requirements and preferences to find the perfect video editor for your projects.