In this article, we are going to talk about the top 20 free video editing software. Video editing has become increasingly popular with the rise of social media platforms and the need for engaging content. While professional video editing software can be expensive, many free options are available for those just starting out or on a budget.
The list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software
Here are the top 20 free video editing software programs:
1) Blender
The very first name on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is Blender. It is a popular open-source 3D creation software that can be used for creating animations, visual effects, video games, and more.
It offers a comprehensive suite of tools for modelling, sculpting, texturing, rigging, animation, rendering, and compositing. It is widely used by professionals in the film and gaming industries, as well as by hobbyists and independent creators.
Blender’s interface is highly customizable, and its scripting capabilities make it a powerful tool for automating tasks and creating custom workflows.
Here are some pros and cons of using Blender:
| Pros | Cons |
| Free and open-source: Blender is completely free to use and can be downloaded by anyone, making it accessible to everyone regardless of their budget.
Comprehensive toolset: Blender includes a wide range of tools for 3D modelling, animation, compositing, and video editing, making it a versatile software for creators. Active community: Blender has a large and active community of users who contribute to its development, share resources, and offer support and advice. Cross-platform support: Blender is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux, making it a flexible option for users who work across multiple operating systems. Constant updates and improvements: Blender is constantly updated and improved, with new features and capabilities being added regularly. |
Steep learning curve: Blender has a steep learning curve, and its interface can be overwhelming for beginners who are new to 3D modelling and animation.
Limited support for third-party plugins: While Blender includes a comprehensive toolset, it has limited support for third-party plugins and extensions, which can be a disadvantage for users who require specialized tools. Limited documentation: Despite its active community, Blender’s documentation can be sparse or difficult to understand, which can make it challenging for users to learn the software. Performance issues: Blender can be resource-intensive and may run slowly on older or less powerful computers, which can be a problem for users with limited hardware resources. Non-standard interface: Blender’s interface is unique and can take some time to get used to, which can be a disadvantage for users who are familiar with other 3D software interfaces. |
2) DaVinci Resolve
The second software on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is DaVinci Resolve. DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editing software that is widely used in the film and television industry.
It offers advanced colour correction, visual effects, and audio post-production tools, as well as a comprehensive suite of editing and compositing tools. It is known for its high-quality colour grading capabilities and its ability to handle complex workflows with ease. DaVinci Resolve has a free and paid version, with the paid version offering additional features like collaboration tools and 3D tools.
| Pros | Cons |
| Advanced colour grading tools
Powerful audio editing capabilities High-quality visual effects Integration with other professional-grade software such as Adobe Premiere Pro and Avid Media Composer |
Steep learning curve
Requires a powerful computer to run smoothly Limited export options in the free version A complex interface can be overwhelming for beginners |
3) Lightworks
The next software on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is Lightworks a video editing software used by Hollywood editors, offering a free version with many features, including multicam editing and real-time effects. Lightworks is a professional video editing software that offers free and paid versions.
It is known for its real-time effects, multi-cam editing, and support for various file formats. Lightworks has been used in the film industry for many years and has been used to edit blockbuster movies like Pulp Fiction and The King’s Speech. One of the best under the category of free video editing software.
It offers a wide range of features for both beginners and professionals, including audio mixing, colour correction, and visual effects. Lightworks is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
| Pros | Cons |
| Professional-grade video editing capabilities
Multicam editing support Real-time effects and transitions Export to YouTube and Vimeo directly from the software |
Limited export options in the free version
Steep learning curve The complex interface can be overwhelming for beginners Some features, such as 3D effects, are only available in the paid version |
4) HitFilms Express
Next, on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software isHitFilm Express is a video editing software that includes many advanced features, such as 3D compositing and particle effects. It is available for free, as well as in paid versions with additional features. HitFilm Express is a free video editing software that offers professional-grade visual effects and compositing tools.
It is a popular choice among beginner and intermediate video editors, as it provides a wide range of features for creating and editing videos. HitFilm Express allows users to create high-quality videos with special effects, compositing, and 3D modelling, among others.
| Pros | Cons |
| Advanced visual effects capabilities
Support for 3D compositing and particle effects High-quality audio and video tools Integration with other software such as Adobe After Effects and Premiere Pro |
Limited export options in the free version
Steep learning curve A complex interface can be overwhelming for beginners Some features, such as 360-degree video editing, are only available in the paid version |
5) InVideo
The next software on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is InVideo. It is a cloud-based video editing software that offers a range of features for professional video editing, including advanced editing tools and customizable templates. InVideo is an online video editing software that offers a range of features for creating and editing videos.
It has a user-friendly interface and is aimed at beginners and casual users who want to create professional-looking videos easily. InVideo offers a library of pre-made video templates, animations, and effects that users can use to create engaging videos. Additionally, InVideo has a range of basic editing tools like cut, copy, and paste, as well as advanced features like colour correction, video stabilization, and audio mixing. It supports a wide range of video and audio formats and allows users to create videos of different resolutions, from standard to 4K.
| Pros | Cons |
| Customizable templates for quick and easy video creation
Advanced audio and video editing capabilities Cloud-based storage and collaboration tools |
Limited free version with watermarks and time limits
Limited documentation and support |
6) Shotcut
The next software on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is Shotcut. It is an open-source video editing software that supports a wide range of audio and video formats. It offers basic editing tools like cut, copy, and paste, as well as advanced features like 4K resolution support, audio filters, and video effects.
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Shotcut’s interface is user-friendly, making it easy for beginners to learn and use the software. Additionally, Shotcut has an active and supportive community of users and developers who regularly contribute to its development and offer support to new users.
| Pros | Cons |
| Advanced audio and video editing capabilities
High-quality visual effects and transitions Free with no watermarks or time limits |
Steep learning curve
Some features, such as 3D effects, are not available Limited documentation and support |
7) Openshot
Next, on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is OpenShot. It is a free, open-source video editing software with a simple and user-friendly interface. It offers a range of features for editing, animating, and compositing videos, as well as audio mixing and colour correction tools.
OpenShot supports a wide range of audio and video formats and allows users to create videos of different resolutions, from standard to 4K. Additionally, it offers a vast library of video and audio effects, transitions, and animations. OpenShot is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems and has an active and supportive community of users and developers who regularly contribute to its development and offer support to new users.
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface
High-quality visual effects and transitions\ Advanced audio and video editing capabilities Free and open-source software |
Some advanced features may be missing
Limited documentation and support |
8) Avidemux
Following, on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is Avidemux. It is open-source video editing software that is available for Windows, Linux, and macOS. Avidemux is a free, open-source video editing software that offers basic editing tools for cutting, filtering, and encoding videos. Most loved free video editing software.
It supports a wide range of audio and video formats and allows users to create videos of different resolutions. Avidemux also offers features like video stabilization, colour correction, and audio normalization. It is a lightweight software that can run on Windows, Mac, and Linux operating systems.
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface
Support for a range of video formats Basic video editing tools, including cutting, filtering, and encoding Simple and easy to use Free and open-source software |
Limited advanced video editing capabilities
Limited documentation and support No support for 3D or 360-degree video editing No timeline or storyboard view for video editing May experience stability issues on some operating systems |
9) Machete video editor lite
The next software on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is Machete Video Editor Lite. It is a lightweight, easy-to-use video editing software that offers basic editing tools for cutting, copying, and pasting videos. It is a useful tool for simple video editing tasks like removing commercials, cutting unwanted parts of a video, and extracting audio from video files.
Machete Video Editor Lite supports a wide range of video formats and allows users to save edited videos in various formats, including AVI, WMV, and FLV. It is a paid software that offers a free trial, and it is compatible with Windows operating systems. While it may not have advanced features like colour correction or special effects, Machete Video Editor Lite is a useful tool for quick and simple video editing tasks.
| Pros | Cons |
| Fast and easy video editing
User-friendly interface Free trial version is available |
Limited video editing feature
No support for advanced effects or transitions Windows-only software |
10) VideoPad Video Editor
Next, on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is VideoPad Video Editor a Windows and Mac video editing software that offers a wide range of advanced features for professional video editing. VideoPad Video Editor is a video editing software that offers a range of features for creating and editing videos.
It supports a wide range of audio and video formats and allows users to create videos of different resolutions, from standard to 4K. VideoPad Video Editor offers a range of basic editing tools, including cut, copy, and paste, as well as advanced features like audio filters, video stabilization, and colour correction. Additionally, it has a library of video and audio effects, transitions, and animations.
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface
Advanced audio and video editing capabilities High-quality visual effects and transitions |
Limited free version with watermarks
Limited documentation and support Some advanced features may be missing |
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11) iMovie
Following, on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is iMovie. iMovie is a video editing software developed by Apple Inc. that is available exclusively on Mac and iOS devices.
It offers a range of features for creating and editing videos, including basic editing tools like cut, copy, and paste, as well as advanced features like colour correction, video stabilization, and audio mixing. iMovie has a user-friendly interface and offers a range of templates and themes for creating professional-looking videos.
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface
Advanced audio and video editing capabilities High-quality visual effects and transitions Free for Mac users Easy to use |
Limited video editing features
Mac-only software Some advanced features may be missing |
12) Windows Movie Maker
The next software on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is Windows Movie Maker. It is a video editing software for Windows users that offers a user-friendly interface and a wide range of video editing tools. Windows Movie Maker was a video editing software developed by Microsoft that was available for Windows operating systems until it was discontinued in 2017. Mostly used by designers and is one of the best free video editing software.
It offered basic editing tools like cut, copy, and paste, as well as some limited features for adding transitions, effects, and titles. It had a user-friendly interface and was aimed at beginners and casual users who wanted to create simple videos. Windows Movie Maker supported a range of video and audio formats and allowed users to create videos of different resolutions.
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface
High-quality visual effects and transitions Free for Windows users |
Discontinued software with no updates or support
Limited video editing features Windows-only software |
13) VirtualDub
Next, on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is VirtualDub a free video editing software for Windows users that offers a wide range of video editing tools. VirtualDub is a free, open-source video capture and processing software designed for Windows operating systems.
It offers a range of features for capturing video from a range of sources, including webcams and TV tuner cards, and allows users to edit and process videos using basic editing tools like cut, copy, and paste. Additionally, VirtualDub offers features like video filtering, color correction, and batch processing
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface
High-quality visual effects and transitions Free and open-source software |
Limited video editing features
No support for advanced effects or transitions Windows-only software |
14) Filmora
Following, on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is Filmora a video editing software that offers a wide range of advanced features for professional video editing. It has a user-friendly interface and is aimed at beginners and casual users who want to create professional-looking videos easily. One of the best under the category of free video editing software.
Filmora supports a wide range of video and audio formats and allows users to create videos of different resolutions, from standard to 4K. It offers basic editing tools like cut, copy, and paste, as well as advanced features like colour correction, video stabilization, and audio mixing. Additionally, Filmora has a library of video and audio effects, transitions, and animations that users can use to enhance their videos.
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface
Advanced audio and video editing capabilities High-quality visual effects and transitions |
Limited free version with watermarks
Limited documentation and support Some advanced features may be missing |
15) KDenlive
The next software on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is Kdenlive a free, open-source video editing software for Linux, macOS, and Windows that offers a range of features for both beginner and advanced video editors. KDenlive is a free, open-source video editing software for Linux, macOS, and Windows operating systems. Designers love to use this free video editing software a lot.
It offers a range of features for creating and editing videos, including basic editing tools like cut, copy, and paste, as well as advanced features like colour correction, video stabilization, and audio mixing. Additionally, KDenlive has a library of video and audio effects, transitions, and animations that users can use to enhance their videos. It supports a wide range of video and audio formats and allows users to create videos of different resolutions, from standard to 4K.
| Pros | Cons |
| Advanced audio and video editing capabilities
High-quality visual effects and transitions Customizable interface Free and open-source software |
Limited documentation and support
Some users may find the interface overwhelming |
16) Blender Video Editor
Next, on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is Blender a free and open-source 3D creation suite that also includes a video editor. It is a free, open-source 3D creation software that also offers a video editing feature. Mostly used free video editing software. It has a range of features for creating and editing videos, including basic editing tools like cut, copy, and paste, as well as advanced features like colour correction, video stabilization, and audio mixing. Additionally,
Blender offers a range of tools for 3D modelling, animation, and compositing, making it a powerful tool for creating complex video projects. It supports a wide range of video and audio formats and allows users to create videos of different resolutions, from standard to 4K.
| Pros | Cons |
| Advanced 3D capabilities and visual effects
Customizable interface Free and open-source software |
The steep learning curve for beginners
Limited documentation and support for video editing specifically Some users may find the interface overwhelming |
17) Magisto
Following, on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is Magisto an online video editing software that uses artificial intelligence to automatically create and edit videos. It offers a range of features for creating and editing videos, including basic editing tools like cut, copy, and paste, as well as advanced features like colour correction, video stabilization, and audio mixing.
Magisto has a library of video and audio effects, transitions, and animations that users can use to enhance their videos. It is one of the most used free video editing software. Additionally, Magisto’s artificial intelligence algorithms can analyze and edit video footage, automatically adding music, captions, and transitions to create a polished final product. Magisto is compatible with Windows, Mac, and mobile devices, and offers a free trial for users to try the software before purchasing.
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface
Automated editing features for quick and easy video creation Support for a range of video formats Mobile app available |
Limited customization options
Watermark on the free version Limited free version with time limits |
18) VSDC Free Video Editor
Following, on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is VSDC Free Video Editor. VSDC Free Video Editor is a non-linear video editing software that offers a user-friendly interface and a variety of tools for editing, creating visual effects, and exporting videos. I
t supports a wide range of audio and video formats and allows users to create videos of different resolutions, from standard to 4K. VSDC Free Video Editor offers a range of basic editing tools, as well as advanced features like colour correction, audio filters, and video stabilization. It is free software that is compatible with Windows operating systems. Additionally, it offers various tutorials and resources to help users learn and use the software effectively.
| Pros | Cons |
| Advanced video and audio editing capabilities
High-quality visual effects and transitions Export to YouTube and Vimeo directly from the software Free with no watermarks or time limits |
Steep learning curve
Windows-only software Limited documentation and support Some features, such as hardware acceleration, are only available in the paid version |
19) Flexclip
The second last software on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is Flexclip. It is an online video editing software that offers a range of features for creating and editing videos. It has a user-friendly interface and is designed for beginners and casual users who want to create professional-looking videos easily. It is the best free video editing software. Flexclip offers a library of pre-made video templates, animations, and effects that users can use to create engaging videos.
Additionally, Flexclip has a range of basic editing tools like cut, copy, and paste, as well as advanced features like colour correction, video stabilization, and audio mixing. It supports a wide range of video and audio formats and allows users to create videos of different resolutions, from standard to 4K.
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface
Customizable templates for quick and easy video creation Support for a range of video formats Cloud-based storage and collaboration tools |
Limited customization options
Watermark on the free version Limited free version with time limits |
20) Animoto
Last but not least, it is on the list of Top 20 Free Video Editing Software is Animoto. It is an online video editing software that offers a range of features for creating and editing videos. It is designed for small businesses, marketers, and individuals who want to create professional-looking videos quickly and easily. Animoto offers a library of pre-made video templates, animations, and effects that users can use to create engaging videos. It is one of the best free video editing software.
Additionally, Animoto has a range of basic editing tools like cut, copy, and paste, as well as advanced features like colour correction, video stabilization, and audio mixing. It supports a wide range of video and audio formats and allows users to create videos of different resolutions, from standard to 4K.
| Pros | Cons |
| User-friendly interface
Customizable templates for quick and easy video creation Support for a range of video formats Advanced audio and video editing capabilities |
Limited customization options
Watermark on the free version Limited free version with time limits |
Conclusion
Overall, each of these free video editing software programs offers unique features and capabilities, as well as pros and cons that should be considered when choosing which one to use. It is important to assess your needs and skill level when deciding which software to invest your time and effort in.
