Video editing has become a hot necessity in today’s digital world. Demand is soaring for high-quality, affordable video editing software. Whether you are an upcoming filmmaker or content creator on social media or someone who is looking to edit home videos, there are powerful free video editing software that can rival expensive professional-grade applications. Here is a list of the best free video editing software in 2024.
List of Free Video Editing Software
Here is the best free video editing software that will add great flair to your videos:
DaVinci Resolve: Best Free Video Editing Software
Actually, Blackmagic’s DaVinci Resolve is one of the best free video editing software in 2024. Designed to work on Windows, Mac, and Linux, it offers capabilities that free software usually does not – full color correction tools with broad capability at the same level as industry-standard software and VFX through Fusion integration in one powerful package built for the serious video editor.
Pros:
- Industry-standard color grading and visual effects tools.
- Supports multi-platform use.
- It can be used for high-end film production.
Cons
- Scary for beginners because of its complexity.
- A node-based system is a shocker for many users.
Verdict
If you are on the lookout for feature-rich, professional-grade editors that may be compared to Adobe Premiere Pro, then DaVinci Resolve is what you’re looking for.
Lightworks: Beginner-Friendly with Powerful Features
OS: Windows, macOS, Linux
Best for: Social media creators, marketers
Key Features: Drag-and-drop interface, VFX tools
Lightworks is great for beginners looking to get into video editing and do not need to worry about over-complicated tools. It has a drag-and-drop interface, easy enough to work with, but holds enough advanced features to keep users learning the new software. The free version, however, has limited export options, only full HD resolution at 720p and above.
Pros:
- Excellent for social media content creators and marketers.
- The user interface is extremely simple and has a highly customizable workflow.
- Multi-track editing for layering video clips.
Cons:
- There is a lack of export choices in the free version; specifically, exports are only to 720p.
- Some advanced features behind the paywall.
Verdict
Best suited for beginners or hobbyists. At the same time, resolution constraints might be annoying for users seeking higher-quality output.
HitFilm: A Video Editor with VFX Capabilities (Free Video Editing Software)
Operating System: Windows, macOS
Best for: Filmmakers, content creators, marketers
Key Features: VFX tools, transitions, subtitling
HitFilm is a really good service for filmmakers and YouTubers, as it combines video editing and VFX tools. Of course, the paid plans are included here, but the free version will provide a professional set of tools for transitions, effects, and even for using motion graphics. HitFilm fits perfectly in the pocket of those who need to put some Hollywood in their videos without digging into their pockets too much. It demands a pretty powerful system to work without glitches.
Pros:
- Embedded VFX tools are perfect for the creator or filmmaker.
- Easy online tutorials for beginners.
- Native to Windows and macOS.
Cons:
- Extremely steep learning curve.
- Requires very strong system specifications.
Verdict
So, if really, you want to include VFX in your productions and have a steeper learning curve to deal with, then HitFilm is an awesome free option.
Shotcut: Open-Source Simplicity (Free Video Editing Software)
Best for: YouTubers, prosumers
Operating System: Windows, macOS, Linux
It supports wide formats up to 8K resolutions and comes with the feature of webcam capture.
Shotcut is an open-source video editor that offers broad format support and useful features to mid-level and prosumer editors. In Shotcut, the main features of key interest include direct streaming support for 8K resolution, and a customizable interface, thereby appealing to users who would like to design the workspace according to their tastes. The voiceover tool sometimes crashes and feels spartan in comparison to software much better refined.
Pros – Free Video Editing Software :
- Supports wide formats, up to 8K.
- Open source and actively updated.
- Good interface that is adaptable to different user workflows.
Cons – Free Video Editing Software :
- It can hang sometimes, especially when using the voiceover tool.
- The interface can be a bit coarse and utilitarian.
Verdict – Free Video Editing Software :
Shotcut is highly flexible and powerful and great for intermediate users or those comfortable with open-source software.
ACDSee Luxea: Suitable for Beginners and Intermediates (Free Video Editing Software)
Operating System: Windows
Best for: New beginners, content creators
Main features: Animation keyframing. Screen recording with the ability to record in 4K.
ACDSee Luxea is a video editor that hits the middle ground between usability and power features. It is not perfect, but is still among the best free video editing software. ACDSee Luxea shines in offering VFX tools, keyframing, and 4K resolution support; hence, the choice is magnificent for people with general needs and nothing too extraordinary.
Pros – Free Video Editing Software :
- Easy to use, especially by beginners.
- No resolution is locked to 4K.
- Content creators looking for advanced features in a simple package love this one.
Cons – Free Video Editing Software :
- Windows only
- The free version adds intros and outros to exported videos.
Verdict – Free Video Editing Software:
Luxea is great for beginners who want to work in video editing and need a fantastic but easy-to-use solution. The introduction and outro feature in free might be discouraging to some, though.
Clipchamp: Browser-Based and Beginner-Friendly (Free Video Editing Software)
Operating System: Web, Windows
Best for Content creators for social media, marketers, and beginners
Key Features: Green screen, Stock asset library, Browser-based
Clipchamp, from Microsoft, is a web-based video editor that is easy to operate for amateur users or for first-time users of a video editing app. Like watching YouTube free movies, you can edit on the web. The fact that it is web-based allows you not to necessarily depend on a hard-hitting computer to edit videos. It is similar to VSDC’s free video editor. It is ideal for content creators who are working on very less demanding projects and is among the best free video editing software.
Advantages:
- Browser-based. No high-end machine is needed.
- Very easy to use with a lot of templates if you are new at this.
- Allow non-watermarked exports.
Downsides
- Not so robust for advanced users.
- Not as feature-rich as desktop-based editors.
Verdict – Free Video Editing Software :
Clipchamp is an excellent start point for beginners, or for marketers that require to produce their content fast and easy. It’s not so great for super complex, professional content, however.
Apple iMovie: Seamless for Mac Users (Free Video Editing Software)
Platform/OS: Mac, iOS
Best for Newbies, marketers
Key Features: Transitions, effects, audio library
iMovie remains the go-to, free choice for Mac users, sideline editors, or those looking to step up to Final Cut Pro eventually. iMovie download is only available on Apple devices. While recent updates have been rather bland, iMovie is cross-platform-compatible on all Apple equipment and is a great mp4 editor, making it a great chassis for working on small to medium-sized projects.
Pros:
- Works seamlessly with Apple devices.
- Easy to use and quite friendly.
- Totally free for Mac users.
Cons:
- Even fewer updates and options than other software.
- Only available on Macs.
Verdict – Free Video Editing Software :
iMovie is still a great free video editor that is easy to use on Apple hardware, but when looking for more advanced editors, you’ll find them fast.
Adobe Premiere Rush: Cross-Platform Simplicity (Free Video Editing Software)
Windows, Mac, iOS, Android
Best For: Influencers making social content, YouTubers
Key Features: Motion graphics, color correction, Adobe integration
Adobe Premiere Rush It is the cut-down version of the Premiere Pro, which focuses on multi-platform rapid editing. Used by busy content creators who are always on the move, the Adobe Premiere Rush works both on mobile and desktop platforms. Sometimes, all you need for a light job can be found on the free version, but some tools are locked and require subscription.
Benefits – Free Video Editing Software :
- Cross-platform support.
- User-friendly.
- Interlinks with other Adobe tools.
Disadvantages – Free Video Editing Software :
- Some of the applications are available on specific platforms only.
- Many advanced features are paid-only.
Verdict – Free Video Editing Software :
Ideal for a content creator who needs to edit on the go, Premiere Rush maintains a workflow going seamlessly across devices, but free users will miss out on more powerful functionality in some areas.
Honorable Mentions: Canva Video Editor
Canva Video Editor is great too. It is diverse and easy to use. With the Canva video editing software you get a premium editing experience for no cost incurred.
Conclusion
Regardless of whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a social media influencer, or even just looking to try out some video editing on a whim, these free tools have options enough to suit anyone’s needs. From the professional end of the spectrum with highly professional DaVinci Resolve through to the beginner-friendly Clipchamp and Lightworks, there is at least one free video editing software here for creators of all levels of advancement.
FAQs
Which is the best video editing software that is free?
Answer: DaVinci Resolve is considered to be an all-rounder in terms of editing software.
How to get Apple iMovie for Windows?
Answer: iMovie is only available in-built iOS devices.
Is DaVinci Resolve complex?
Answer: The mechanisms and multiple options in the software may be confusing for beginners.
Which is the best free editing software for professionals?
Answer: DaVinci Resolve, After Effects, Lightworks, ACDSee Luxea are the best for professional editors.
