IMovie is a proprietary program that comes with Apple devices. It is designed to create and edit videos, clips, family videos, trailers. Among video editing software for Mac, iMovie is definitely the most popular option, however it is still considered an amateur, entry-level, application. Some view it as a younger sibling of Final Cut Pro. Best Mac Photo Editing Software - Free/Trial or Cheap Most free photo editors available on the App Store are quite basic, offering just a limited number of filters and allowing you to easily and quickly liven up your photos before posting them on social media. Why we love it: While not truly a free photo editor, Photoshop Elements does have a free trial, and it’s far and away among the best photo editing software for Mac and Windows. The suite of automated editing tools — including for exposure, color balance, and reducing the effects of camera shake — make short work of the most common photo.

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• Best Video Editing Software
• Best Editing Software Mac Free 2017
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Choosing the best video editing software is the key to either looking like a Hollywood director or Tommy Wiseau.

In the marketing world, it's always “the year of video,” but it should be “if you don't have video now, you shouldn't be in business.” The truth is, it works: in 2018, more than 50% of marketers credit video as the file format with the highest ROI.

Today, it's essential to tap into the enormous power of video content if you're not already doing so. And if you're a good video editor, you can transform almost any piece of raw footage into a masterpiece.

Back in 1999, when I was 12 years old, I started video editing, and it's been a passion of mine ever since. I still vividly remember the first time I was editing a clip and added that sweet gunshot sound effect coming from my orange water gun. The invisible bullet struck my friend, and he flipped backward, violently thrashing into the pool below.

At that point, I knew I was hooked.

I continued to create (at first embarrassing) videos, got more skilled at editing, then went to college for Video/Audio Production. Over the years, I used a lot of video editing programs throughout the years.

Whether you want to sell an online course, make money on YouTube, or build your portfolio, you need the best software.

In this guide, I review and compare the online video editors and software to use this year. My goal is to help you make an informed decision that best suits your editing skills, the features you need, and the computer you own.

Let's get started.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links that I receive a small commission for at no cost to you. However, these are the best tools I fully recommend when it comes to video editing. You can read my full affiliate disclosure in my privacy policy.

Let's get started.

What is the Best Video Editing Software?

When choosing the best video editing software, you need to consider many things. For example, consider the computer you're using, file transfers (inputs), editing features like filters, transitions, video, and audio settings, and video file rendering (outputs).

Here are my picks for the best video editing software:

1. Adobe Premiere Pro CC.

Best Video Editing Software for Windows

Adobe Premiere Pro CC is a leading video editing software. It has well-integrated workflows so you can edit your video without exiting your timelines. This software is time-efficient thanks to the Adobe Sensei technology, which gives you an array of automated tools.

With Premiere Pro CC, you can work with the latest video formats. You can edit video footage in ultra, high-end 8k as well as in virtual reality. Content delivered on Premiere Pro CC is appropriately optimized for any screen.

This software is compatible with other top Adobe CC products like Adobe Stock, Audition, and After Effects. Therefore, you can easily download a motion graphics template from Adobe Stock or After Effects seamlessly without needing to leave Premiere Pro's interface.

One notable feature is its end-to-end VR 180 capability. Here, you can make the most immersive videos, deploying VR 180 support which optimizes your effects and format. You can easily publish your content on Youtube, Vimeo, (or just any other platform) using their Google VR180 format.

Color grading and color correction are also robust features. With Lumetri Color tools, your curve adjustments become more accurate and precise, and chroma key options remove backgrounds with ease.

Premiere Pro excels when it comes to audio editing too. With innovative sliders in the Essential Sound Panel, you can easily add effects like reverb, flangers, compression, amplification, and stereo balance. Plus, with native functionality with Adobe Audition, you can take your audio to professional levels.

Ultimately, Premiere Pro gives you the complete package you would need to create a professional video. As a beginner, you'll enjoy their streamlined interface, especially its drag and drop tools, and dedicated companion mobile app.

Premiere Pro is my #1 choice in this category because of its powerful features and free trial offer.

Get started with Adobe Premiere Pro today.

2. Final Cut Pro X.

Best Video Editing Software for Mac

Apple's popular Final Cut Pro X is a prosumer video editing package that perfectly blends professional video features with a smooth learning curve for consumers.

With over 2 million users and a steeply reduced price from the original $999 to $99 on Amazon, it's more popular than ever.

The interface uses a three-pane view with a trackless, Magnetic Timeline, which is excellent for using dual monitors. Clips can be imported and organized as Roles in the library, which can be assets like video, music, titles, voiceovers, effects, and more.

Once video production completes, you can use their 149 video effects, 109 audio effects, 183 title animation templates, and 100 transitions. These transitions are effortless to implement with keyboard shortcuts, which can save with custom keyboard combos.

Final Cut Pro X has native support for MacBook Pro Touch Bar Editing, allowing you to use touch controls for things like timeline scrubbing and text customization. Text editing is fun, too, with its 3D capabilities. There are different 3D templates, textures like plastic and concrete, and lighting effects that you can add from ay angle on the screen.

Some other great features include multi-cam editing, unlimited video tracks, chroma-keying, lots of exporting options like 4k and 360 videos, and super-fast performance, even on older MacBooks.

For Mac users who care about power, advanced features, ease of use and speed, Final Cut Pro X is the #1 choice.

3. Adobe Premiere Elements 2020.

Best Video Editing Software for Beginners

Best Video Editing Software Mac Free

Based on versatility, Adobe Premiere Elements 2020 is one of the best video editing tools for beginners.

Premiere Elements has a ton of great features like hundreds of transition effects, enhanced face detection, haze removal, focus adjustment, and more. There is also live search functionality, a guided editing interface, video collages, and touch-based editing.

Adobe Premiere Elements 2020 is not compatible with 360-degree video and other innovative capabilities like multi-cam editing. All these are forgivable when you consider its vast range of capabilities.

There are three modes to create your video: Quick, Guided, and Expert.

With quick mode, you can select your preferred media for your video, and the program arranges it for you on the timeline. It automates aspects of your video like automatic motion tracking, video stabilization (excellent for GoPro), and smart toning.

Guided mode is more assisted as the name suggests. The software educates you on its features and functionalities, and you learn every component of the interface and how it works as you go.

Finally, Expert mode is more for more experienced users, and you control everything yourself. While Adobe Premiere Elements 2020 isn't as advanced as other tools on this list (and isn't the fastest either), it's a great entry-level app. It only costs $69.99, and they also have a free trial available.

Overall, it's a great all-around tool that's available for both Mac and Windows 10 PCs.

4. Apple iMovie.

Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac

If you are a Mac user, Apple iMovie is a classic free video editor to use. It's a user-friendly tool for basic video editing with support for 4k resolutions with a wide range of features.

iMovie has a crisp performance on modern Macs and works well with both the Macbook Air and Macbook Pro.

Recent updates include touch bar support and 4k video functionality. You can also process video clips at speeds as high as 60 frames per second.

Apple compatibility is also a strong selling point. You can easily import video clips, audio, and photos from iCloud. Plus, you can create slideshows and view your projects right on your Apple TV.

5. Microsoft Movie Moments.

Simple Video Editing for Tablets, Smartphones, and PCs

If you're looking for advanced functionality, you'll want to look elsewhere.

However, if you need a simple, free tool to quickly add elements like titles and music to your videos on the go, Microsoft Movie Moments is a good pick.

There are several options for your background music, including pre-composed themes with prominent names like Funky, Strolling, and Energetic. You also have the option of importing your music. There isn't much when it comes to volume adjustment or voice-overs like there are with other tools on this list.

They do offer some fade-to-black transition effects as well as opening freeze frames. These features would compensate for the inability of the editor to add transitions between sub-clips like you would on CyberLink PowerDirector.

Microsoft Movie Moments allows you to share your videos across the web easily. With Windows Phone and PC-compatible tablets, press their Share button and your video posts to places like Facebook, Dropbox, OneNote, Skype, and Twitter.

You can download Microsoft Movie Moments for free in the Windows Store. The video software doesn't take more than 15.7MB, making it a lightweight tool. They're also compatible with ARM-based and Intel-based PCs, tablets, and smartphones but don't work that well with devices like iPads, iPhones, or Android devices.

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links that I receive a small commission for at no cost to you. However, these are the best tools I fully recommend when it comes to video editing. You can read my full affiliate disclosure in my privacy policy.

6. HitFilm Express.

A Strong Choice with an Array of Add-Ons

HitFilm Express is a free version of the HitFilm Pro - both created by FX Home company. Their Express version stands out for its 180+ visual effects, special effects compositing, and MP4 H.264 exporting support.

With HitFilm Express, you can select your high-quality settings. These include pause and custom playback features. These features speed up playback, saving you the torment of viewing delays familiar with high-resolution formats.

Another powerful feature is its customizable layout panel. With HitFilm Express, you can organize objects in a scene with seamless alignment tools. You can also access 360-degree and colorist workspaces. With these features, you can concentrate on the vital functions on the panel and remove the unimportant ones.

Video rendering and exporting is where Hitfilm Express shines. You can quickly export a movie in the background while continuing to work in the editor.

7. VideoPad.

Best Video Editing Software for YouTube

If you are a YouTuber, VideoPad is an easy-to-learn, intuitive editor.

There are two paid versions - the Home Edition and Master Edition. The Home Edition restricts you to two audio tracks and no external plugins. On the other hand, with the Master Edition, there are restrictions on the number of audio tracks or external plugins.

VideoPad has been updated recently to support 360-degree video capabilities. You can also add animated titles, background clips, simple text, and image overlaps courtesy of the new “Add Objects” command situated on the editor's Home tab.

One of the most attractive features of VideoPad is its intuitive UI, making it super easy for beginners. VideoPad is compatible with macOS and Windows PCs. Create a preferred account in mac mail app.

With these cross-platform elements, you can easily upload your finished video straight from the editor's main menu to your selected social media platform.

For its lack of flashiness, VideoPad compensates with ease of use and the essential features needed to start uploading quality videos online - and you can render anywhere from 480p to 4k resolution.

Other notable video editors not yet on this list include:

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links that I receive a small commission for at no cost to you. However, these are the best tools I fully recommend when it comes to video editing. You can read my full affiliate disclosure in my privacy policy.

Best Video Editing Software - That's a Wrap.

There you have it, the best software to use to create video magic. It doesn't matter if you're a seasoned professional, beginner, or just a tech enthusiast, I hope this guide was helpful.

To recap, if you're looking for the best overall video editor, I recommend Adobe Premiere Pro CC.

Best Video Editing Software

For Mac users, go with Final Cut Pro X.

If you're a beginner and want a cheap option that still has a lot of features, you should choose Adobe Premiere Elements 2020.

Finally, if you want to use the best free video editing software for Mac, you can download iMovie.

Which video editor do you use? Are there others I should add to this list? Let me know in the comments.

Further Reading on site: To monetize your video content, check out my guides to make money on YouTube and my reviews of the best online course platforms to sell video courses. And to take your editing a step further, you can check out my animation software and screen recording software reviews.

Remember those days when we had to rush to a professional video editing expert just to get our simplest home videos edited and made into a CD? Well, not anymore! A big thanks to the technological revolution and advanced software innovation, video editing has become like child’s play. Now whether you want to create a beautiful birthday composition or a musical parody from camcorder, video editing doesn’t feel like hassle anymore. If you’re looking for a useful video editing software for Mac, you’ve landed at the right place. So, without wasting any extra minute, let’s explore these 15 best software to edit videos on Mac you would like to sink your teeth into.

15 Best Video Editing Software for Mac

1. Filmora

Filmora has established itself to be one of the best video editing software for Mac by being as good as iMovie. Filmora comes along with a simple user interface designed to be accessible to anyone of any age group. All you need to do is simply drag and drop, cut and chop your videos until you get the desired effect, ideal for home movies to share with the family.

2. iMovie

Yes, it surely had to be #1 on this list. Apple iMovie’s simple interface makes it quite easy to use—even for amateurs. You can edit your video clips, apply a background music, or add some funky captions however you like it to be. You can also take advantage of advanced features that allow changing the speed of a video, the addition of split-screen effects and picture-in-picture capability. You can instantly grab it from Mac App Store.

3. Adobe Premiere Clip

Adobe Premiere Clip makes it fast and fun to create quality videos that can be easily shared on social platforms. With Adobe, you can work with anything from virtual reality to 8K footage in native format. Adobe has always been a pioneer in image or video editing which is one of the fine reason what makes this tool one of the best video editing software for Mac. Get it now:

See Also: 10 Best Video Converter Software for Mac

4. Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro combines revolutionary video editing with powerful media organization and incredible performance to let you create at the speed of thought. No, it doesn’t end right here. It uses all the GPUs in your Mac for superior real-time playback performance and fast background rendering. Get it now:

Read More – 10 Best Video Editing Software for YouTubers

5. Avid Media Composer

When it comes to video editing software then Avid Media Composer is one professional piece of choice. With its unique Source Browser feature you can navigate through your clips, have a glimpse of the previews and import media files as well. Get it now:

Also Read: Best Free Batch Image Resizer for Mac

6. DaVinci Resolve

The Studio rendition of Da Vinci Resolve costs about $1,000 — however the basic version is totally free. Better still it incorporates a similar high quality image creating capacities in the pricier adaptation, an enhanced video editor, some portion also includes color amendment abilities. And the best part is that it even supports external hard drives for faster video editing. Grab it now:

See Also: 10 Best Duplicate File Finder Tools for Mac

7. OpenShot

If you’re looking for a cross-platform tool, then OpenShot can prove to be one of the best video editing software for Mac in this category. It quickly trim down your videos, and find those perfect moments. Get it now:

8. ShotCut

It is another free, open source, cross-stage video supervisor; however currently it is still under dynamic improvement. The components are similarly as noteworthy as OpenShot, yet Shotcut additionally includes a simple looking interface that more nearly takes after a genius level application than a free open source effort. Get it now:

9. Blender

Blender is a free 3D demonstrating and compositing application that has been utilized as a part of some entirely prominent creations. What many don’t understand is that it’s additionally a proficient non-linear video editor, provided you’re willing to undergo an opportunity to learn. Get it now:

Also Read: Best EXIF Data Editor for Mac: Photos Exif Editor

10. iSky Soft Video convertor

iSkysoft Video Converter is another prominent and amazing video editor for MAC. It converts video 30X speedier particularly changing over H.264 encoded video, like, mov, m4v, m2ts, mts, mkv, flv, ts, mp4, vob and avi. One of the best component of this video editing application is that it converts videos in 3D designs including AVCHD MTS/M2TS and others as well. Grab it now:

11. Total Video Convertor

Total Video Converter lets you trim, edit, enhance and watch video after editing. You can easily convert video more than 200 formats with 30X times faster conversion speed. It is easy-to-use screen recording tool which records lossless videos. Get it now:

See Also: 10 Best Mac Cleaner Software to speed up your Mac

12. Movie Edit Pro

Movie Edit Pro is a well known video editors for MAC which enables you to merge recordings, pictures and sound to make another video. You can undoubtedly create stunning and fabulous family film utilizing the pictures and sound. It is easy to use and helpful for the individuals who love to video shooting and editing. Get it now:

Best Editing Software Mac Free 2017

13. Video Editor Redux

Video editor Redux has some uncommon video editing highlight which let you to alter and line together video cuts, music and content, apply effects and create an expert looking home film in less than now time. You can without much of a stretch apply stunning moves, channels, and more on your video to alter it on your MAC. It has astounding features like trim, yield, split video into sections, switch play and others. Get it now.

14. KdenLive

Kdenlive has grown significantly throughout the years, and now looks more like an expert video editing suite than the it used to. The most recent rendition highlights multi-track video altering, bolster for an extensive number of video configurations, impacts and moves, the capacity to include titles, support for keyframes and a customizable interface. Grab it now.

Also Read: How to Send and Receive iPhone Text Messages on Your Mac

15. Shred Video

Shred video is free for all users you can without much of a stretch download it from app store and utilize it on your Mac for Free. One of the best element of this is to share your shred video to your shred profile as well. You can easily access and get to and watch it anyplace on web. So, what are you waiting for? Start making great movies in seconds! Get it now:

Best Editing Software Mac Free Version

So, fellas, here were the 15 best video editing software for Mac that caught our eye. If we missed out your favorite one, feel free to drop us a comment!

Best Editing Software Mac Free Download