Video editing software: The 17 best tools for 2020
The best video editing software: Paid-for
01. Adobe Premiere Pro
The best video editing software for Windows.
Platform: Windows and Mac | Key features: Multi-cam editing, 3D editing | Free trial: Yes | Best for: Professionals and enthusiasts
02. Final Cut Pro X
The best video editing software for Mac OS.
Platform: Mac | Key features: Muti-cam editing, intelligent colour balancing | Free trial: 90-day (limited time offer) | Best for: Professionals and enthusiasts
03. Adobe Premiere Elements
Excellent video editing software at an affordable price.
Platform: Windows and Mac | Key features: Video stabilisation, face detection, automatic motion tracking | Free trial: Yes | Best for: Professionals and enthusiasts.
04. Adobe Premiere Rush
Professional video editing software for your phone.
Platform: Android, iOS | Key features: In-app motion graphics, 4K support | Free trial: Free starter plan | Best for: Enthusiasts on mobile
05. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
High quality video editing software for beginners.
Platform: Windows | Key features: Real-time effects, colour correction | Free trial: 30-day | Best for: Beginners
06. Filmora9
Easy to use video software with plenty of effects and resources.
Platform: Windows, Mac | Key features: 4K support, built-in effects and titles | Free trial: Free version available | Best for: Enthusiasts
07. CyberLink PowerDirector
Powerful video editing software for experienced filmmakers.
Platform: Windows | Key features: Multi-cam editing, 360-degree video, motion tracking (and loads more) | Free trial: 30-day | Best for: Experienced filmmakers
08. Pinnacle Studio
A good choice of video editing software for beginners.
Platform: Windows | Key features: Multi-camera capture and editing, color controls, stop motion animation | Free trial: 30-day (money back guarantee) | Best for: Beginners
09. Vimeo Create
Template-driven software for making social media videos.
Platform: Browser, iOS, Android | Key features: Templates, stock content, intuitive interface | Free trial: 30 days | Best for: Beginners
The best free video editing software
10. KineMaster
Superior video editing software for Android and iOS.
Platform: Android, iOS | Key features: Instant preview, smart effects | Free trial: Free app | Best for: Beginners and lightweight professional use
11. DaVinci Resolve
Superior video editing software for Android and iOS.
Platform: Android, iOS | Key features: Instant preview, smart effects | Free trial: Free app | Best for: Beginners and lightweight professional use
11. DaVinci Resolve
Top-quality colour correction and audio mastering software.
Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux | Key features: Great colour-correction, Fairlight audio tools, compatible with Fairlight consoles, multi-user collaboration | Best for: Professionals and enthusiasts
12. Lightworks
Hollywood-grade tool with only a few restrictions in free.
Platform: Windows, Linux, Mac OS X | Key features: Almost any format imported natively; outputs directly to YouTube/Vimeo; multicam editing; project sharing for groups | Best for: Professionals and enthusiasts
13. VSDC
The best video editing software for spicing up presentations.
Platform: Windows | Key features: Supports wide range of file formats, built-in DVD burner, chart tool, video stabiliser | Best for: Enthusiasts and begineers
14. Hitfilm Express
Feature-rich video editing software, with great add-ons.
Platform: Windows, Mac | Key features: Over 180 visual effects; 2D and 3D effects compositing; MP4 H.264 export; good range of import formats | Best for: Professionals and enthusiasts.
15. Shotcut
Superb free video software with powerful editing capabilities.
Platform: Windows, Linux, Mac | Key features: Support for wide range of formats; comprehensive video and audio editing; supports 4K resolutions; uses FFmpeg | Best for: Enthusiasts
16. Apple iMovie
Industry-standard video editing software for Mac OS X.
Platform: Mac | Key features: Supports 4K resolutions; effects and filters | Best for: Enthusiasts
17. Apple Clips
The best free video editing software for social-media videos.
Platform: iPhone, iPad | Key features: Captions, titles, stickers, filters | Best for: Beginners
