Looking for the best video editing software? The world of post-production can be confusing, especially when you’re pushed for time.
With so many evolving tools at our fingertips, choosing the right software can be difficult. That’s why I’ve tested and compiled a detailed breakdown of some of the best options out there.
Having edited 500+ projects over my 20-year career, I know a few things about useful tools and efficiency. In this article, I’ll use my experience to help you determine the best option for you.
Depending on your skills, some of the programs below are suitable for complete beginners, while others are more geared toward professionals.
In a rush? No problem. Here’s everything at a glance.
| Best For | User Level | Pros | Cons | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve | Independent Filmmakers | Mid Level – Professional | ✔ Color Grading ✔ Accelerated GPU | ✘ VFX is a node-based ✘ Complex Tools | $299 One-Time Fee |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | Online Content & Commercials | Intermediate – Professional | ✔ Large App Eco-system ✔ Frame.io | ✘ Lags at times ✘ Pricey Cancellation Fees | $34.49/Month |
| FCP | YouTubers, Home Movies, Documentary & Events | Beginner – Intermediate | ✔ Lightning Fast ✔ Drag & Drop VFX | ✘ macOS only ✘ Magnetic Timelines | $299 One-Time Fee |
| AVID Media Composer | TV & Feature Films | Advanced | ✔ Stable ✔ Integrated | ✘ Outdated Interface ✘ Steep Learning Curve | $23.99/Month |
| CapCut | Social Content | Beginner | ✔ Asset Library ✔ Fast Workflow | ✘ One Sequence per project ✘ No XML | $9.99/Month |
How To Choose The Best Editing Software For You
Finding software that matches your needs and project needs is key. After all, using enjoyable tools maximizes your creative output.
Here are some things to consider when determining the best features and tools for you.
Basic Editing
NLE (Non-Linear Editing) programs share a common workflow: import media, edit, add transitions, music, and titles, then export to various platforms. Simple interfaces with drag-and-drop workflows are best for beginners.
Advanced Editing
Having special tools for color, composition, motion graphics, and audio is what makes some videos look and sound top-notch. Look for editing programs with clean color masks, smooth tracking, clip stabilization, multi-cam editing, and custom motion graphics.
Efficiency
Fast playback and project stability are a must. Some programs handle mixed media well, while others perform better with transcoding and proxies. Proxies are low-res versions of your video clips for fast and smooth editing.
AI Tools
AI tools save a lot of time by automating repetitive tasks. Nowadays, it’s good to have Auto-Transcriptions, Text to Edit, Smart Reframing, Dialogue Isolation, Subtitle Creators, Color Matching, and Audio Mixers.
Price
All software has either a one-time fee or a subscription-based price model. The best option depends on your budget and how often you use the software.
Learning Curve
Consider your time and patience to learn. Programs with a lot of helpful content on YouTube allow you to find solutions in seconds. Watching how-to content is the fastest way to expand your creative toolkit.
Moving forward, I’ll break down each editing software, looking at who it’s for, features, workflow, AI tools, and pricing. I’ll then share my recommendations based on experience. Hopefully, by taking a closer look, you’ll find the best one suited for you.
DaVinci Resolve 20 (macOS & PC)
Rated 4.5 / 5
| Cons | Pros |
|---|---|
| ✔ All-On-One Program: Seven Apps | ✘ Color & Fusion are VFX Node-Based |
| ✔ Color Grading Industry Standard | ✘ Moderate Learning Curve |
| ✔ Auto-Rotoscoping Tool: Magic Mask 2 | |
| ✔ Optimized for Mixed Media |
Who’s it for
DaVinci Resolve is without a doubt the golden choice for indie filmmakers. It was originally made for color grading and continues to be the industry leader, but now it’s a fully integrated editing suite.
With its range of pro-quality tools, editors are well equipped to create any type of video, from basic content to pro-level projects with color grading and compositing. The small learning curve is worth the impressive results.
Features
DaVinci has every tool you can imagine, from cutting to masking. It has seven integrated workspaces in one software: Media, Cut, Edit, Color, Fusion, Fairlight, and Delivery. Each workspace is dedicated to each phase of editing, which makes DaVinci a one-stop shop for post production.
First and foremost, DaVinci is the most powerful color grading software. It’s a flexible and precise grading tool that gives you all you need to create great-looking footage.
A top DaVinci feature is the Magic Mask 2 tool. With easy selection, you can auto-isolate subjects and backgrounds for color grading and effects (more details in the AI section).
Lastly, DaVinci optimizes your hardware with an accelerated GPU. As a result, playback is smooth, even on slower systems.
Workflow
To get started, create a project on DaVinci’s project window and use the Media workspace to organize and label your content. One thing to note, DaVinci uses a database for your projects instead of individual project files.
For content creators with tight deadlines, the Cut page is a great place to work. Its simple tools are ready for fast assembly and streamlined delivery.
Also, vertical views were recently added to the Edit, Color, and Fusion workspaces for easier viewing.
AI Tools
The AI tools for DaVinci keep getting better and better.
First off, the Magic Mask 2 (mentioned earlier) is a big improvement from the already impressive Magic Mask 1. Isolating moving subjects is even faster and cleaner. Using this tool, you can separate layers by blurring the background and relighting subjects for extra pop.
Oftentimes, the last step before exporting is fine-tuning the audio. This is no longer the case with Voice Isolation and AI Audio Assistant. One click isolates speech, and the other mixes and organizes your timeline music, dialogue, and sound FX in seconds. It’ll even color-code the layers!
For me, the breakthrough tool is Voice Convert. You can train an AI model with a specific voice, then replace any new dialogue with the trained voice. Therefore, you can replace dialogue (ADR) if you recorded in poor conditions.
Drawbacks
DaVinci Resolve has a few drawbacks to consider. For example, the Color and Fusion workspaces are node-based. This workflow has a moderate learning curve, but this method is preferred because it’s non-destructive.
Pricing
The DaVinci Studio version includes all features for a one-time fee of $299. The Studio version is also included with many Black Magic hardware purchases. In addition, the free version is available for unlimited time and includes most features.
Adobe Premiere Pro (macOS & PC)
Rated 4.5 / 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Syncs with Adobe’s App Ecosystem | ✘ Separate Apps for Encoding, Audio & VFX |
| ✔ In-App Tutorials and Sample Media | ✘ Sluggish Playback with Mixed Media |
| ✔ Frame.io Collaboration | ✘ Workspace Feels Mechanical |
| ✘ Subscription-Based with Small Print Cancellation Fees |
With its 50+ apps, Adobe continues to be at the forefront of creativity and is constantly breaking new ground. Premiere Pro has continued to improve over the years and is widely used for many reasons.
Who’s it for
Premiere Pro is a trusted source for basic to pro-level work; online content, commercials, docs, and feature films. It’s great for solo users and team projects.
Features
It has all the tools you need at each stage of the editing process. If pro-level of work is required, other apps are available within the Adobe app ecosystem, such as Media Encoder, After Effects, and Audition.
Next, Premiere has the best collaboration tool I’ve ever used called Frame.io. This tool enables rapid feedback without exporting your project. This way, others can preview, comment, and draw frame-specific notes directly on your timeline. It’s simply great.
Workflow
Premiere’s workflow can change depending on your task. As a new user, you’re guided through in-app tutorials and prompts with sample media to experiment with.
Premiere does not have dedicated workspaces for each phase of editing, but rather a rearranging of windows with additional tools. You can switch to the following layouts: media logging, learning, editing, captions, Lumetri color grading, graphics, multi-cam editing, and more.
AI Tools
Premiere offers AI tools that I really enjoy using. First off, finding the right clip is how editors spend most of their time. However, media access has improved with Premiere’s Media Intelligence Analysis. It utilizes AI to help locate assets based on visual descriptions, text, or other metadata, such as camera type, shoot date, or even camera angles.
Another brand-new AI tool is Generative Extend. With this exclusive tool, you can extend a video clip (1080) up to 2 seconds (all within your timeline). You can also extend the length of a song up to 10 seconds. This is useful when you need that extra beat to fill the length of your video.
Drawbacks
Premiere offers standard editing tools; however, if you need more advanced tools, external Adobe apps such as After Effects and Audition are required. Premiere uses Dynamic Links from external project files for live updates within Premiere. However, the links are often sluggish and crash from time to time.
Next, the GPU isn’t the best. I experienced lag in playback when using mixed codecs.
Lastly, many editors have grown tired of Adobe’s small print cancellation fees. Depending on how often you use editing software, a one-time license might be a better way to go.
Price
Premiere Pro offers a subscription model for $34.49/month or $22.99/month (billed annually). A full–access 30-day free trial is also available.
Final Cut Pro 11 (macOS)
Rated 4 / 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ User Friendly | ✘ mac OS only |
| ✔ Integrated Mac media (iPhone, Cinematic Video, HDR, iPhotos & Apple Music) | ✘ Magnetic Timelines |
| ✔ Lightning Fast using Apple M Chips | ✘ Overly Simplistic |
| ✔ Multicam Editing |
Since Final Cut’s overhaul to FCP X in 2011, many professionals (including me) sought out alternatives. Many wrote it off as an overly simplified editing program, but it’s made a comeback.
Who’s it for
FCP is a simplified program for beginner to mid-level editors. If you’re a macOS lover and use the latest iPhone for your content, this is the editing program for you.
Features
With FCP, you get many features included that allow you to try out new ideas with little downtime.
A new feature I really enjoy is the Apple App integration. You can access iPhoto media and Apple Music directly from FCP. Plus, it supports HDR footage and Cinematic Video from the iPhone 16.
FCP is all about efficiency and high performance. After all, it’s optimized for M chip Macs and apps, and boy is it fast. Apple ProRes footage (even at 8K) plays back smoothly.
Lastly, FCP has a great multicam editing tool. It syncs all angles into one clip, then you can switch between the angles using keyboard shortcuts. I experienced fast playback even with multiple video tracks.
Workflow
FCP’s workflow is entry-level and very intuitive. If you’re familiar with iMovie, the interface will be easy to navigate.
The first step is to organize your content by creating ’Events’. Next, assemble your footage, add effects, color, and titles, and export to various platform presets.
AI Tools
FCP is equipped with AI tools for fast results. Its top AI tool is Magnetic Masking. You can easily isolate people and subjects with transparent backgrounds in seconds.
Next is the Smart Reframe tool, which auto-converts landscape video to a vertical format. It does a great job of keeping the subject centered. Also, the auto-color tool improves the image with one click.
Drawbacks
First off, if you’re a PC editor, this option is off the table; it’s mac OS only.
Next, the Magnetic Timeline is intended to reduce repetitive steps by eliminating gaps and grouping media, but I prefer a freeform timeline.
Also, the naming convention throws me off. FCP uses ‘Events’ instead of ‘Bins’, and if the date metadata is wrong, the organization is a mess.
Price
FCP offers a generous 90-day free trial with full access, followed by a one-time fee of $299 with ongoing updates.
Avid Media Composer (macOS & PC)
Rated 4 / 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Legacy Editing Program | ✘ Complicated Media Importing |
| ✔ Long-Format Project Stability | ✘ Outdated UI (User Interface) |
| ✔ Highly Customizable | ✘ High Learning Curve |
| ✔ Export Email Notification | ✘ Poor Graphic & Subtitle Tools |
AVID has been the industry standard for Hollywood Film and TV for decades. Scripted and long-format content requires precise workflows and stable systems, and AVID plays this role best. If you want to be a top-level editor, you need to know it.
Who’s it for
AVID is a legacy program with features that veteran editors love. It’s highly technical and designed for repeatable workflows between teams. If you’re dead-set on scripted content and committed to a steep learning curve, AVID is for you.
Features
This program has many advanced features. First, it has media loss prevention through excellent management and re-linking tools. Secondly, your project is protected from crashing by storing auto-save files in a hidden folder on your drive.
For long exports, you can receive a completion email. This way, you don’t have to check your computer over and over before going about your day.
Workflow
AVID follows the standard editing workflow found in other programs. First, you set up the project, import or link media, then organize, and you’re ready to start editing.
If you’re familiar with Pro Tools, AVID will be easier to navigate as it’s made by the same company.
AI Tools
AVID has limited AI tools, but they are useful. First is ScriptSync, which imports the script and pairs your media to the dialogue of the script. This is widely used in scripted TV shows, docs, and movies by neatly displaying the scripted lines and video clips together.
Next is Phrasefind, which allows you to search dialogue by text. This is a big timesaver when searching for a single line you know is buried deep in a long interview.
Drawbacks
There are many drawbacks to AVID, mostly due to its outdated tools and steep learning curve.
First, beginners struggle to import media. It can only be imported from select formats (DNxHD, DNxHR, Pro-Res, RED, ARRI). Otherwise, you must transcode the footage.
Next, the UI icons are outdated, and I don’t like the sharp edges. It feels more like a manufacturing pipeline than a friendly creative space. To me, the graphics and title tools are not impressive at all.
In short, AVID is dinosaur-ish in the eyes of indie editors who seek fast and modern tools.
Price
AVID offers three pricing models for different types of users.
The first package is Media Composer Artist, which is for solo creators. It costs $23.99/month or $34.99/month (billed annually).
The second option is AVID Ultimate, which is better for teams with customized workflows. It costs $49.99/month or $74.99/month (billed annually).
The last option is Enterprise, which offers custom solutions at a custom price.
CapCut (Online, macOS & PC)
Rated 4 / 5
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✔ Hyper Fast Workflow | ✘ One Timeline per Project |
| ✔ Low Learning Curve | ✘ No XMLs |
| ✔ Countless Built-In Creative Assets | |
| ✔ Syncs with TikTok |
CapCut is a sandbox of creativity with the lowest possible learning curve. It gives you unlimited assets and is foolproof. After all, it’s made by the same company that owns TikTok.
Who’s it for
CapCut is made for first-time editors or beginners who want to share fun and trendy videos fast.
Features
CapCut contains powerful features in the simplest app I’ve ever used.
Firstly, it has a treasure trove of images, videos, stickers, filters, and effects. Any asset you can think of is ready for download in the media browser.
Secondly, it syncs directly with TikTok. This way, you can export from CapCut and upload directly to TikTok.
Lastly, it has the easiest tracker I’ve ever used with no key framing.
Workflow
This app has powerful features optimized for a hyper-fast workflow. The pop-up prompts guide you along, making it really easy.
AI Tools
First, you can find assets based on visual descriptions and metadata using CapCut’s Intelligent Media Search. It’s a big time saver, and often inspires new ideas.
Next, by using Auto-Transcription, you can edit the video by editing the dialogue text. This way, you can remove filler words, pauses, and repeated lines with a single click.
Another great tool is the Audio Beat Tracker. This listens to your music and marks the timeline with downbeats for easy edit points.
Finally, you can create auto-captions and translate into 90 different languages. This increases your content reach big time.
Drawbacks
Sadly, CapCut only supports one timeline per project. In addition, there are no XMLs. Therefore, transferring a timeline to another program isn’t possible.
Also it doesn’t have the control a pro would want, but it still offers proxy media and keyframing tools.
Pricing
CapCut has a monthly pro subscription model for $9.99/month or $7.99/month (billed annually). It also includes a free version with limited features.
Wrapping Up
In short, things are moving fast, and new tools are always being added. So don’t get stuck using the same editing software forever – try to be adaptable and explore other options.
It’s a challenge to keep up, but it’s worth it. By staying current, you save time and improve the chances of making your best work. Also, as an experiment, try editing a single project with a new program using a free trial.
