Premium free video editing software packages are not justifiable for people with less budget. However, there are a large number of free video editors available if you’re on a small budget or just starting out. From well-known to professional-grade tools, they cover the range from freebies that are easy to access to customized free video editing softwarethat is used by successful projects. We support Windows, Mac, and Linux, as well as a web app that you can run in the browser of your desktop. That’s all to say: you won’t be left out for being a looker even if you are searching for a woman for free.
During the past 15 years I have used so many video editors that it would be easier not to mention. I have used them for everything from slapping Honeyphones together for social media sharing to getting paid product reviews shot on “real” cameras.
I collected over 60 smart phone applications and put them to use in real life. The result was a shortlist of the free video editors that are right for YouTubers and even more.
What makes the best free video editing software?
Many free video editing software editors scripts you through the beginning process until you feel ready to use the advanced tools for which these apps offer room to grow. At least, all of the apps in the list offer you with editing features, that allow you to export your project at 1080p resolution in a format suitable for YouTube, without watermarks.
As I was testing all the free video editing apps I could get my hands on, I used the following criteria to help pick the best one for the job:As I was testing all the free video editing apps I could get my hands on, I used the following criteria to help pick the best one for the job:
- Editing features. The power to cut off clips and place them in timeline is essential for video editing. Some apps even handle this for you to make it easier with their automatic editing mode, and others all you the freedom to do it yourself by tools for cutting clips and placing markers. I additionally investigated more advanced editing features such as green screen keying (chroma keying), multi-camera editing, video stabilization, and effects.
- Limitations for free users. Latest discounts on subscriptions to paid versions of certain editors in my shortlist only are offered by my subscription plan. I only took into account apps that could generate at 1080p or better in high definition without any watermark and without any restrictions on the number of video exports done. The more liberal you make the Light version beyond that, the better.
- Efficiency. I sought out for the high-performance apps with the exportable video options being at the good level. (Direct publication on YouTube became a nice extra feature, but not a must.) Video preview windows should offer quality setting options for smooth playback, allowing selection on machines with limited hardware resources.The online video editors should be provided with a similar interface to the desktop application and should handle editing flow next.
- Learning and support. Tools with ample documentation, tutorials,and an active user community are critical, and are particularly important when they are free. For simpler tools, an intuitive design and guided tours inside the app might already be enough.
- Extras. A few publishers contain all the elements for effects, audio mastering and subtitle. While the others include integration with stock footage services and reputable cloud storage companies. While most of them is not mandatory, features like these have been the defining element of the video editing apps.
For this test, I take a compilation of 4k HDR clips shot on the iPhone 13 Pro and cut them with each of these video editors. I simplified splicing of clips, ripping clips, altering playback speed, and primitively used transition between clips; I also ventured into the advanced ones (where available), including opacity removal, sync video and audio, and color correction. Lastly I applied the final touches to the files and make sure that they had no frequency porn or disclosed the watermark.
Finally, I decided to check out some free video editors that are available for different desktop operating systems and the web. Each of these editors is designed to cater to a range of skill levels.
The best free video editing apps at a glance
| Best for | Standout feature | Free plan limitations |
| Adobe Premiere Rush | Quickly editing clips together for publishing | Choose your clips, click create and let Rush will create one video for you. |
| Clipchamp | Editing video in a web browser | Access a multitude of sources to get what you need from Microsoft’s database. |
| DaVinci Resolve | Professional-level video editing features | All in one place: playback, mixing, editing, mastering, effect, and just 1 click to deliver. |
| iMovie | Mac users in need of a simple yet capable editor | Elaborate integration with iCloud Photo Library and Apple’s whole range of services and products. |
| Kdenlive | Linux users or Windows users looking for a free editor that punches above its weight | Flexible options and complex features concerning chroma keying, clip synchronizing, and many other things. |
Best free video editor for quick edits
Adobe Premiere Rush (Windows, Mac)
Adobe Premiere Rush pros:
- It is possible to edit clips automatically in a very short time period
- Upload to YouTube when now you are finished.
Adobe Premiere Rush cons:
- Restrictive and scoped-down video editing workflow.
- Advanced tools, such as chroma key and multi-camera, are not taken into account
The fact is that Adobe Premiere Rush lets you edit videos on a quick pace. Just pick your clips or images in sequence of what you want to appear first, click Create to have it and Premiere Rush will then edit your footage together for you. Next, you will be able to edit the single video track and add a music or sound effects to the three additional audio tracks and export files.
For this level of simplicity, simpler features are needed. However, it is not that you are extremely concerned about chroma keying or having more production creativity, then Premiere Rush is a perfect mood. It is highly unlikely you would need Adobe’s tutorials and knowledge bases, though they are just as here if you do need them. The app provides you with two interfaces Edit and Share, and you can use it even without an Adobe account to edit the video or export it
Link your YouTube account. You can directly upload videos at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second in High Definition. When it comes to Adobe’s Auto Reframe which you only get with $9.99 monthly fee, and vertical video aspect ratios, that’s a completely different story. The professional makers will sooner or later exceed the capabilities of Premiere Rush because they are in need of more advanced functions, however, even experienced editors can admire in what a rush Premiere Rush is “to use”.
Adobe Premiere Rush free version limitations: 60fps export of 1080p video and no access to Auto Reframe feature offered by Adobe.
Best free video editing software web-based video editor
Clipchamp (Web, Windows, Chrome)
Clipchamp pros:
- Multi-layering video editing left in a web browser.
- Expectedly, the app works out very well!
- Quality library of free templates and assets is available to choose from.
Clipchamp cons:
- The Internet version needs Edge or Chrome.
- The windows mobile app is Web-based version itself wrapped as a mobile app.
Clipchamp (owned by Microsoft itself) is a web-based video editor which runs in Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or in the browser wrapper (which is an additional software) on Windows 11. Although Clipchamp overcomes main drawbacks in online video editing, there some issues that are hard to solve. Your chance of success largely depends on the speed and reliability of your Internet connection, and the power your computer has to handle a pretty hefty web app.
In a nutshell, Clipchamp could be a top option among video editors—note that I said that, even if it’s free. It is a multi-track video editor so,arrange different clips on the timeline and add them onto one another on top of other clips. Cut and paste your video, change the playback speed and add filters and effects using a simple interface that becomes visible on the right hand side.
Clipchamp prioritizes simplicity in usability, meeting the expectations for a web-based tool product. You can speed up your editing with a template or AI auto-edit while still producing high-quality content in either vertical or square video resolution.Upload direct to YouTube up to 1080p using Clipchamp and connecting with your linked account.
You even get access to a surprisingly kind package of free items, ranging from video transitions to background images, to stock animations and audio as well as own auto captioning tools.
Clipchamp free version limitations: Export to 1080p at 60 FPS video with limited access to the stock footage.
Best professional-level free video editing software on Windows and Mac
DaVinci Resolve (Windows, Mac)
DaVinci Resolve pros:
- A well integrated combination of video editing apps, for free.
- So many extras like support materials for your study.
- You can relate an entire course to YouTube, detailing chapter titles, thumbnails, and titles.
DaVinci Resolve cons:
- For this particular reason, some contributions are expected in order to make it mature.
- May be the overkill for simple editing tasks.
Surely, DaVinci Resolve is not only the top free video editor on the list but one of the best video editors. Blackmagic Design, as a company producing video and editing equipment, is constantly work on improving DaVinci Resolve, which also has help documentation of any kinds. Besides the editor’s popularity gives birth to a flood of user-generated tutorials and how-to videos, which makes learning very easy.
The free version of DaVinci Resolve does not have the 10 bit export video option, which can be a limitation if you work with HDR videos. In addition to that, DaVinci Resolve offers a great amount of freedom to YouTubers and even makes professional editing accessible with a host of editing tools.
Whether you aim to make rough cuts or complex edits with Speed Editors, search for specific sections of your media to apply effects, master your audio, or export your final creations, this app covers all your needs. Editor provides a fine multi-camera support, as it is a great deal to offer a simple opportunity for syncing video and audio together and makes a quick perspective switch. And when you’re ready to go, Resolve will allow you to handle the uploading of your video directly to YouTube, with support for video descriptions and titles, chapters from markers, and thumbnail image uploads.
Da Vinci Resolve free version limitations: No 10-bit export of videos; no export of 4K videos at 60 fps; less effects to select from in comparison to $299 Studio version.
Best simple and free video editing software for Mac users
iMovie (Mac, iPhone, iPad)
iMovie pros:
- Simple and straightforward to use and also easy to learn.
- Work seamlessly with iCloud Photo Library and edit footage shot with the iPhone right within the app.
- The package incorporates features like green screen and stabilization as well.
iMovie cons:
- Even experienced users may find iMovie’s feature set to be too inadequate.
- Limited to 16:accommodate 9 different widescreen aspect ratios
It’s quite difficult to avoid iMovie once you’re an Apple user. The beginner-friendly video editing software has almost all you need to bud getting started though it’s not yet amazing but excellent. It’s perfect for a beginner as it is simple to use even if you don’t have any video editing experience. You can import your iPhone videos with just a few clicks because of the tight integration with the Apple ecosystem, while you can even have a combined workflow editing the video first on the iOS or iPadOS version and then pick it up on the macOS version (the superior one).
With the help of the drag-and-drop, you drop clips from the media library into the multipy-track editor, cutting and trimming as you go. The act of reviewing your footage is the most straightforward thing and simply passes your cursor over the footage is already as simple as 1,2,3. A comparison with the Apple’s professional editing solution Final Cut Pro reveals no difference in quality. However, for it is designed for average users, the program is much more limited in capabilities.
These features are as advanced as chroma keying, video stabilization, noise reduction and various filters to instantly change the look. In terms of aesthetics, Apple is one of the companies that have the most beautiful transitions, title cards, and motion-graphics. If you’re to record simple edits, then iMovie works great and native to Facebook and YouTube export profile (but does not have an in-app integration). The most limiting factor, outside of requiring a Mac, is being stuck in 16:A wide-screen format is used excluding vertical and square aspect ratios.
iMovie free version limitations: 16:9 widescreen format only
Best cross-platform, open source, free video editing software (especially for Linux users)
Kdenlive (Linux, Windows, macOS)
Kdenlive pros:
- A cost effective and powerful tool that’s as polished as a high end product.
- Includes all kinds of advanced features, special effects, and transitions
- Expanded possibilities regarding export such as H.264, HEVC, and AV1
Kdenlive cons:
- A version for Mac without native Apple silicon support is available, running through Rosetta.
- Although generator units are currently experimental, developers expect to create more effective and cost-effective versions soon.
There is a fair number of free or even cross-platform video editors that you can use, however, from what I tried, Kdenlive seemed to be the most complete set. The editing interface is intuitive, yet, includes all the features that a competent editor can expect. Index tool, marker, audio volume for the sound processing and panel tabs are the features of this app that allow the fast access for media and effects. The modes for selection allow inserting or overwriting and more than one camera editing workflow, too.
I tried the Windows version and it worked fine, with a few glitches here and there. On the other hand, exports might be slow in case of the application which do not support your GPU. Developers are working to define new profiles which support larger number of cards. The app includes a video export with a lot of granular controls, and you have the option of saving in unlabeled YouTube, but after you have configured the preferences to your liking, you can save your profiles for future access.
You as a hobbyist can learn to use certain advanced features of Kdenlive like motion tracking and keying or creating an animation by simply reading the handbook or join the support community.
As a matter of fact one of the Kdenlive’s the most highlighted features is the perfect logicism compared to others such as Shotcut and OpenShot. Furthermore, there’s also enough breadth to go deep if you are keen to know some more.
Kdenlive’s free version limitations: Noun
What free video editing software do YouTubers use?
YouTube has native tools which can clip video and add an end screen. Moving on to video editing, however, you may need a specific video editor if you want to go beyond the basics.
If you’re searching for a portable and all-inclusive video editing tool that you can scale up easily, you can stop now because DaVinci Resolve is your best solution. While it may seem intimidating to start, the variety of tutorials make it easy to get a grip on quickly. It’s true that you need to practice a bit but having knowledge of this tool you can do more than any other program on this list.
Kdenlive is another option for you if you’re looking for punching above its weight when talking about editors. For most Windows and Linux users, Kdenlive offers a simpler workflow, making it more accessible than DaVinci Resolve. “It appears to have no limitations in terms of what you can accomplish. For Mac users, iMovie can produce similar outcomes, but performance significantly improves because the app is exclusively available on Mac platforms.
Clipchamp is surprisingly similar to Premiere Rush if you expect the first one to run in your browser and the second one locally. Same limitations as they have and similar optional features too, and both are easy to use, don’t matter what’s you level of editing skill. I can’t say that Rush is the perfect solution if your connection is slow though Clipchamp is great for browser users.
The good news is: is great as they are all free video editors, you can try all of them, and find out which one is suitable for you.
Best Capcut Video Editing Software
ByteDance (Windows, Mac, APP)
CapCut is widely regarded as one of the best video editing apps available, offering a comprehensive suite of tools that cater to both beginners and advanced users. Its intuitive interface allows for easy trimming, cutting, and merging of video clips, while advanced features like multi-layer editing, keyframe animation, and a vast library of effects, filters, and transitions provide creative flexibility. CapCut APK also supports high-resolution exports and offers robust audio editing capabilities, including music integration and voiceover recording. With regular updates and a user-friendly design, CapCut has become a go-to app for content creators seeking professional-quality video editing on their mobile devices.
