15 Video Editors: A Comprehensive Comparison by Digital Chronicle
In the previous post, we introduced you to 12 AI apps, and today, we’ll look at 15 video editors that will be familiar, easy, and effective to use in 2024. Some of you will already know them well, but others will be hearing about them for the first time. For both groups, I offer a brief overview, which will either justify the choices made so far or provide new perspectives for the future.
Which of these do I think is the best? I have tried them all, as I wouldn’t have been able to do a review otherwise, and I use many of them in my videos. Which one do you like best? I have my own opinion, and you do too. I’m not an influencer, so I’ll leave it up to you to decide. Choose the one that suits you best in every way.
Video editing is no longer exclusive to professionals. With the rapid growth of content creation, numerous tools are designed to cater to beginners, intermediate users, and professionals. Choosing the right video editor is crucial to making YouTube videos, social media posts, or full-length films.
Below, we’ll dive into 15 popular video editors, discussing their features, advantages, and who they’re best suited for.
Note: the prices shown are indicative and subject to change, so please check them carefully.
1. Adobe Premiere Pro
Key Features:
- Industry standard for professional video editing
- Advanced editing tools, multi-camera editing, and VR support
- Seamless integration with Adobe Creative Cloud apps
Pros:
- Robust suite of professional tools
- Regular updates and vast community support
- Excellent for large, complex projects
Cons:
- Expensive subscription-based pricing
- The steep learning curve for beginners
Best For: Professional editors, filmmakers, and agencies working on high-budget, complex projects.
Price: $20.99/month (as part of Adobe Creative Cloud)
2. Final Cut Pro (Apple)
Key Features:
- Advanced editing tools optimized for Mac users
- Magnetic timeline for fluid editing
- 360-degree VR editing and HDR support
Pros:
- Fast performance on Apple hardware
- Intuitive interface for experienced users
- One-time purchase (no subscription)
Cons:
- Mac-only software
- The learning curve for beginners
Best For: Mac users who need professional-grade editing capabilities without the subscription model.
Price: $299 one-time purchase
3. DaVinci Resolve
Key Features:
- Advanced color correction and grading tools
- Fusion (VFX), Fairlight (audio post-production), and Edit (video editing) all in one tool
- Free version with professional-level features
Pros:
- Powerful color grading tools
- The free version is very feature-rich
- Excellent for post-production workflows
Cons:
- High hardware requirements for smooth performance
- Complex interface for beginners
Best For: Colorists, professional editors, and filmmakers seeking advanced color correction and effects tools.
Price: Free; Studio version is $295 (one-time)
4. Filmora
Key Features:
- Simple drag-and-drop interface
- Rich library of effects, transitions, and filters
- Built-in stock media and music
Pros:
- Easy to use for beginners
- Affordable pricing
- Frequent updates with new effects
Cons:
- Limited advanced editing features
- Watermark on free version exports
Best For: Beginners, YouTubers, and casual editors looking for an easy-to-use tool with basic effects.
Price: $49.99/year or $79.99 for a lifetime license
5. VideoExpress.ai
Key Features:
- AI-powered video creation for quick, professional videos
- Hundreds of templates for various industries
- Voice-over integration and real-time editing
- No prior editing experience is required
Pros:
- Fast, automated video generation
- Simple and intuitive interface
- Excellent for marketing and social media content
- Saves time with AI-driven processes
Cons:
- Limited customization options compared to manual editors
- It may not offer as much flexibility for complex edits
- The subscription-based model can be limiting for casual users
Best For:
- Small businesses, marketers, and content creators
- Users needing fast video content for social media or ads
Price: Starts at $39/month. However, they offer special promotional prices regularly.
6. InVideo.io
Key Features:
- Online video editing platform
- Over 5000 customizable templates
- Team collaboration features for remote editing
Pros:
- Cloud-based, accessible from any device
- Rich library of templates and assets
- Suitable for creating professional-looking videos quickly
Cons:
- Limited offline editing capabilities
- Needs a stable internet connection
Best For: Social media marketers, YouTubers, and teams that must create professional-quality videos quickly and collaboratively.
Price: Free; $15/month for Business Plan, $30/month for Unlimited
7. iMovie (Apple)
Key Features:
- Simple and intuitive interface for Mac and iOS users
- Pre-built templates for easy editing
- Seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem
Pros:
- Free for Apple users
- Great for basic video editing
- Easy to learn for beginners
Cons:
- Limited advanced features
- Only available for Mac and iOS
Best For: Beginners and casual video editors who are part of the Apple ecosystem.
Price: Free (included with Mac/iOS devices)
8. HitFilm Express
Key Features:
- Free editor with built-in VFX and compositing tools
- Supports 4K video resolution
- Built-in tutorials and community support
Pros:
- Rich feature set for a free tool
- Offers professional-level visual effects
- Modular add-ons for extra features
Cons:
- Some features are locked behind paid add-ons
- Can be resource-intensive
Best For: YouTubers and indie filmmakers looking for a free tool with built-in VFX capabilities.
Price: Free; add-ons available from $9 and up
9. VSDC Free Video Editor
Key Features:
- Non-linear video editor
- Offers features like color correction, blending modes, and masking
- Hardware acceleration for faster rendering
Pros:
- Feature-rich for a free tool
- Supports many output formats
- Low system requirements
Cons:
- Outdated interface compared to competitors
- The learning curve can be steep
Best For: Budget-conscious creators and beginners looking for an alternative to premium software.
Price: Free; Pro version at $19.99/year
Visit VSDC Free Video Editor ⬈
10. Shotcut
Key Features:
- Open-source and free
- Multi-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Supports a wide range of formats and resolutions
Pros:
- Completely free with no watermarks
- A wide array of advanced features for an open-source editor
- Active community support
Cons:
- Interface isn’t as polished as other editors
- Lacks professional-grade tools found in paid software
Best For: Open-source enthusiasts, Linux users, and budget-conscious creators.
Price: Free (open-source)
11. Movavi Video Editor
Key Features:
- Easy-to-use drag-and-drop interface
- Built-in effects, transitions, and music
- Simple export options for social media
Pros:
- The quick learning curve for beginners
- Affordable one-time purchase
- Good customer support
Cons:
- Lacks advanced editing tools for professionals
- Watermark on free trial exports
Best For: Casual editors and beginners who want simple video editing without a steep learning curve.
Price: $59.95/year or $79.95 for a lifetime
12. Pinnacle Studio
Key Features:
- Advanced editing tools like multi-camera editing and 360-degree video support
- Motion tracking and keyframing
- Fast rendering with hardware acceleration
Pros:
- Great for multi-camera projects
- Robust features for semi-professional use
- Flexible interface
Cons:
- More expensive than competitors
- The higher learning curve for beginners
Best For: Semi-professional editors looking for robust editing tools and performance.
Price: Starts at $129.95 one-time purchase
13. OpenShot
Key Features:
- Open-source and free
- Cross-platform (Windows, Mac, Linux)
- Supports keyframing, animations, and 3D titles
Pros:
- Free with no watermarks or restrictions
- Intuitive interface for beginners
- Active community-driven development
Cons:
- It can be unstable for large projects
- Limited advanced features compared to paid software
Best For: Beginner and intermediate editors who prefer open-source software.
Price: Free (open-source)
14. Canva
Key Features:
- Browser-based video editor with a drag-and-drop interface
- Wide range of templates for easy content creation
- Ideal for social media and marketing videos
Pros:
- Extremely easy to use with many templates
- Access to an extensive library of stock assets
- Online collaboration features
Cons:
- Lacks advanced video editing tools
- Limited control over fine editing details
Best For: Social media marketers, content creators, and teams looking to produce quick videos with minimal editing experience.
Price: Free; Pro plan at $12.99/month
15. Camtasia
Key Features:
- Screen recording and video editing in one tool
- Interactive elements like quizzes and callouts
- Built-in library of effects and transitions
Pros:
- Great for tutorial videos and screen recording
- Easy-to-use for beginners
- Good range of built-in effects
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other beginner tools
- Limited advanced editing tools for professionals
Best For: Educators, business professionals, and creators making tutorial videos or product demos.
Price: $299.99 one-time purchase
Conclusion – 15 Video Editors
Regarding video editing, the best tool for you depends on your needs, skill level, and budget. Beginners may lean toward iMovie, Canva, or Movavi, while professionals might prefer Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve for their advanced features. Shotcut or OpenShot could be the way to go if you’re on a budget.
No matter your choice, these 15 editors provide a wide range of options for everyone, from social media creators to Hollywood professionals.
Once again, whichever video editor – or even another – you choose, try it out before committing. In any case, I wish you an enjoyable and valuable time while editing!
Thanks for reading!
