The best video editing software for pc in 2021
Video has become an essential part of everyday life. People record videos with multiple devices, even on smartphones, upload them to YouTube and share them on Facebook. But before sharing the video with friends, we usually want to edit the video a little so that it is more impressive, cut out unnecessary extras, add captions,... Then there will be the need for video editing software.
The best video editing software is those that have complete tools to help you tweak the video. Below is a list of the best free and paid video editing software that we have aggregated, helping you elevate your videos.
The best free video editing software
1. Lightworks
If you are looking for professional video editing software, try Lightworks. The tool is nearly 30 years old, from the 1989s, and is used to edit many professional films that you may have seen, such as Pulp Fiction and Braveheart.
This is a non-linear editor, which means that it is not based on a simple timeline like other editors. That makes advanced editing more accessible but will confuse beginners. However, you can add tons of effects and edit multi-cams with Lightworks.
In addition to providing users with essential functions such as other video editing software, Lightworks also offers several additional features such as effects, titles, transition effects, and color correction. So whether you're a professional or just using it, Lightworks is sure to meet your video editing needs. However, in the free version, the output resolution limit is 720p.
2. HitFilm Express
On HitFilm Express's main page, insisting that it is "the most powerful free video editing VFX software to date,” it certainly does not disappoint you. The software has a lot of beautiful examples for you to choose from directly on its website.
In addition to providing an excellent interface for video editing, it also offers many free video tutorials and the ability to affect images by default. Features such as color correction, clip cutting, VFX are new features in HitFilm Express 2017. HitFilm Express is constantly updated to provide users with new features.
3. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a free but very professional video editing software. This means that you will take a long time practicing and learning its features like any other professional video editor. And once you get used to it, you'll never need another video editor again.
One of the best features of DaVinci is color editing. In addition, it allows you to export to SD, HD, and Ultra HD formats.
4. Shotcut
Shotcut is designed for amateur video editors or those who need to edit short clips to create a final product. The editing operation has it very easy, like dragging and dropping clips, editing by cutting and adding transitions.
If you do not require a professional video editor, but instead you want to pair short clips with transition effects, this software is exactly what you need. Moreover, the software is very light, so you do not "cocoon" the computer; you do not need computers with high specifications to use it.
5. Avidemux
Avidemux is a free open source video editor available for Linux and Mac OS X. This software was released a few years ago and has been constantly updated.
The software is a medium video editor that is not as advanced as Lightworks and not as basic as Windows Movie Maker. However, it supports non-linear editing; you can add subtitles and file formats of software that allow users to save all project-related settings. It can then apply again to another project. The software reads and exports most of the popular video and audio formats except WMV and QuickTime.
6. VSDC Free Video Editor
This video editing software is another option for those who want a "semi-professional" option without paying a professional price. As a non-linear video editor, VSDC enables the use of advanced editing techniques. The software also supports many videos and audio effects such as color correction, blur reduction, and volume adjustment.
VSDC's primary interface is more accessible to grasp than Lightworks', thanks to a user interface that mimics Microsoft's ribbon interface. A great thing to enhance the accessible version of VSDC is that it supports 1080p video output at 30 FPP speeds. Its installer is also relatively compact, weighing only 37MB.
7. Blender
Blender is a 3D video editing software rather than 2D. Its interface is quite complicated, and Blender is not a typical video editing software, but in addition to creating a short film, it can create and edit 3D animations.
The best-paid video editing software
1. Pinnacle Studio
With an attractive interface, a multitude of visual effects, and the ability to upload directly to Facebook, Vimeo, Box, and YouTube, Pinnacle Studio has long been one of the many favorite applications in video editing. But it is one of the expensive options, and it does not have 4K UHD support, Pinnacle serves. It does not achieve the stated professional status.
Price: 114.99 USD
2. Adobe Premiere Elements
Adobe Suite users will immediately recognize this familiar setup. Version 11 of Adobe Premiere Elements comes with new effects, such as movie FilmLooks, slow motion, and acceleration. However, the elements with the best features of the Adobe professional version are the Premiere Pro software, which makes them friendly and straightforward.
Users also can share videos with Vimeo, which means that your masterpiece is just a click away from a vast online audience.
Price: 99.99 USD
3. Final Cut Pro X
Apple's video editing software boasts faster performance, a friendly interface that can audition for other clips, is a good organizing tool, supports many powerful new machines, and supports both Thunderbolt and studio output screens.
While you can't import projects from previous Final Cut versions without a third-party plugin, this new software is a consumer-friendly upgrade with a high-level professional Mac editor.
Price: 299.99 USD
4.. CyberLink PowerDirector
An option that falls in the middle of the price range, CyberLink has one of the most impressive arsenals of tools - and it's still easy to use. The newly refurbished interface is intuitive and features "conscious content,” that is, they analyze raw footage for things like shaking, lighting and faces to make a better cut in the end. In addition, there is support for 4K video content.
Price: 79,99 USD
5. Adobe Premiere Pro CC
As industry leaders in video editing, Adobe Premiere Pro CC has redesigned the effect, allowing you to copy and paste the results you need from another clip, making your editing faster and more efficient.
Other features include new sync settings, the ability to browse through your projects to find and combine clips faster, close sub-features, and improve multiple editing. In addition, as part of innovative cloud computing, it supports by Adobe Creative Suite, integrates with Behance, and can be synchronized on various workstations.
6. Adobe Premiere Rush
Adobe Premiere Rush
Are you looking for usable video editing software on the go? Adobe offers an app for iOS and Android called Premiere Rush. This tool makes all the most critical parts of Premiere Pro available on tablets or phones.
As one of the best video editing apps today, Premiere Rush has a simplified version of the Premiere Pro interface, with large, easy-to-click icons and dashboards on a small touchscreen. And while there are fewer features than the desktop version, all the essential elements are available, such as adding videos to the timeline through drag-and-drop and background music mix.
In addition, if you are just an average Youtuber who wants to make simple edits to your clips, then Premiere Rush is also very suitable. For creating videos on social networks, the app has export options optimized for Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Vimeo, etc.
Like all Adobe software, it is updated regularly. The March 2021 release recently added 24 new color presets that work similarly to Instagram filters, with effects added to the timeline in real-time.
Price 13.14 USD/month
7. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
If you are a beginner with video editing software, Adobe's tools are not the only option. You should also consider Corel VideoStudio Ultimate, especially if you are familiar with Corel's graphic design software.
This reliable and relatively cheap video editing software for Windows has a self-explanatory and intuitive interface, making it easy to get started. But for example, once you've mastered the basics, there are some more powerful features to explore, including motion tracking, 4K support, 360-degree VR video support, music library, multi-camera support, 3D text editing, and thousands of effects.
Corel VideoStudio Ultimate works with layers is a bit unusual, and overall, it's not sophisticated enough to be considered a professional tool. But for beginners with video editing software, this tool is worth it thanks to its relatively low cost.
Price: 49 USD
8. Filmora
Filmora
Wondershare's Filmora is a reliable video editing tool for enthusiasts or beginners to edit at surprisingly low prices. In addition, it has an intuitive interface that is easy to use, regardless of how familiar you are with video editing.
There are many handy built-in titles, effects, and filters designed for YouTube users and a library of royalty-free audio and music effects to an impact on videos. You also can record your media content directly in the tool.
The most recent version, Filmora X, offers a range of additional features, including motion tracking, color combinations, and shortcut editors. Add to that the new Silence Detection add-on, which automatically removes unpleasant quiet moments from your footage.
The free version includes all the same features and tools as the paid tool, but it will brand all its videos.
If you want them to disappear, you can choose to pay on an annual plan and purchase a lifetime plan for a one-time fee. There is also an unlimited plan, including unlimited downloads from the available library and new effects every month.
Price: 40 - 100 USD/year or 70 USD lifetime
9. Vimeo Create
Vimeo Create
YouTube's competitor Vimeo focuses on targeting creative professionals. So it's no surprise that Vimeo Create, which aims to help businesses produce videos on social media, is quite impressive and incredibly well-designed.
Directed at those who have absolutely no experience in video editing software, Vimeo Create allows you to use and customize pre-prepared video templates. And there are millions of stock of video clips, images and commercial tracks licensed for free use. In addition, there are many pre-built styles that you can apply to your videos with just one click.
Vimeo Create makes it easy to create videos with various aspect ratios (for example, square, horizontal, and vertical) to fit different social media platforms. The app is web-based, so you don't need to download it. However, it lacks the advanced features expected from a complete video editing program.
Note that Vimeo Create is not sold as a separate app but is included as part of a paid Vimeo Pro, Business, and Premium membership.
Price: 7 - 70 USD/month