6 Best Video Editing Software Of 2023
Expectations for video creation become more and more advanced every year. Content creators used to be able to upload raw footage from cameras or phones with minimal editing, but now they're expected to produce professional quality footage or risk losing views.
There are many platforms for video content creators, including TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Vimeo, so videos need to be versatile enough to reach multiple platforms and audiences.
We looked at several video editing platforms, including Wondershare Filmora, Final Cut Pro, WeVideo, OpenShot, Lightworks (LWKS) and Adobe Premiere Pro to analyze their features for every kind of creator.
Whether you're new to video editing or an experienced pro looking to upgrade your software, we have the skinny on the best video editing platforms, and how to choose the right one for your needs.
Our Top Picks For Best Editing Software
- Adobe Premiere Pro - Best Overall
- Wondershare Filmora - Best For Affordability
- Final Cut Pro - Best For Mac Users
- WeVideo - Best For Educators
- OpenShot - Best Open Source Software
- Lightworks (LWKS) - Best For Business
- Other Video Editing Software We Considered
Best Video Editing Software Reviews
Why we chose it: Adobe is the industry standard for a reason. We love the flexibility of the editing tools, the remote collaboration options and the social media-focused features like direct uploading and cropping.
Key Features:
- Built-in tutorials created by experienced users
- Quick and easy cropping to optimize one video for every platform
- Direct export to social media - no downloading and re-uploading
- Easy animated graphics and titles, with tons of customizable templates available
- Automatic audio ducking and balancing for soundtracks
- Custom or automatic color correction
- Real-time remote collaboration
- Seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud software
Adobe Premiere Pro is ideal for multi-platform users who want to seamlessly edit one video for various platforms, including YouTube, TikTok and Facebook.
Premiere Pro includes a vast library of stock materials and special effects, offers uniquely customizable video editing tools and produces Hollywood-quality projects optimized for any platform.
Videos can be exported in various file formats or uploaded directly to social media from the program. Premiere Pro can be licensed independently or as part of the complete Adobe Creative Cloud suite of software for creators who want to work with more than just video.
Adobe Premiere Pro, like much of Adobe's software, is only available on a month-to-month licensing basis, at $20.99 per month for individuals and $35.99 per month license for teams, with no lifetime access option. The seven-day free trial allows you to try it but doesn't give you much time to learn before you pay.
Users claim the customer service is sorely lacking, and the software is somewhat non-intuitive for new users, although the built-in tutorials alleviate some of that. The program is beefy and requires some hefty tech specs to run, so users with older or less powerful equipment may see some lag or bugs.
Adobe Premiere Pro shines in its customizability. Editing tools offer preset auto-adjustments and manual adjustments to get the look you want. It's a quick jump-in for newbies without oversimplifying things for more advanced users.
Why we chose it: With a watermarked free version, varying subscription price points and multi-user discounts for business and educational use, Wondershare Filmora offers affordability for almost any user.
Key Features:
- Motion tracking for graphics and text
- Object isolation and green screen effects
- Sizeable library of stock photos and videos
- Easy-to-follow video tutorials
- Simple subtitling
- Variety of video effects tools
Wondershare Filmora is an intuitive platform with plenty of flashy features for social media pros and pricing options that won't break the bank. Prices start at $49.99 per year.
Available for both Mac and Windows, Wondershare Filmora offers a suite of features that are ideal for social media creators. In-demand effects such as stickers, AI filters, gifs and green screen backgrounds make it easy to create bright, visually exciting clips on basic equipment.
Wondershare also offers a broad suite of other video and photo editing programs for a complete social media creator's laboratory on your laptop.
Some features, such as Boris FX, New Blue FX, text-to-speech and voice-to-text, may not carry over between operating systems. Text-to-speech and voice-to-text features also have time and character limits that longer projects may exceed.
Some users have taken issue with the upgraded subscription being required to use some key effects and plugin features that are standard elsewhere. The free trial version also includes a very noticeable watermark when downloading your videos unless you upgrade to a paid subscription.
With key social media-friendly features and various price points, this is a versatile platform for influencers of all levels. Wondershare offers a free trial version for testing the platform. After testing, you can upgrade to the more advanced features and choose from quarterly, annual or lifetime access at varying price points.
Why we chose it: User reviews of this software are overwhelmingly positive. It offers versatile editing and post-production features that produce high-quality videos.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive color grading
- Depth-of-field adjustment and camera stabilization
- Object tracking for graphics or text
- Full 360-degree Multicam editing
- A vast library of plug-ins, after effects and visual effects tools
- Extra-long 90-day free trial
An Apple-exclusive program, Final Cut Pro offers a comprehensive suite of professional features and easily exports to various social media platforms.
Final Cut Pro X works seamlessly with Apple's suite of products. Video recording features on recent iPhone models integrate with this program's features to produce professional-quality videos on consumer-grade equipment.
Final Cut Pro X also offers a 90-day free trial for those who want to test it before splurging on the pro version which costs $299. This free trial is even available for users who have tried out previous software versions.
Final Cut Pro is also only available for macOS, so if you prefer Windows or Linux, you're out of luck. Other complaints include poor integration with other platforms like Adobe, limited text effect options, glitches after software updates and non-intuitive keyboard shortcuts.
Final Cut Pro X is ideal for more advanced users who want to be able to control every aspect of their videos. It offers features like color correction, depth-of-field control, face detection and motion tracking for complete control over the finished product, no matter how the raw footage looks.
Why we chose it: Despite its limits, WeVideo is an excellent introduction to video editing and is one of the most affordable options for educators and beginners.
Key Features:
- Unlimited cloud storage for projects
- Online access that transfers easily between desktop and mobile devices, including Android and iOS
- Built-in screen recording with or without picture-in-picture for education and business tutorials
- Tons of stock media, including photos, videos and audio
- Quick and easy startup
- Real-time collaboration
- Compatibility with all popular browsers and operating systems
If you want something simple that doesn't require downloading software that takes up a lot of hard drive space, WeVideo is for you. This online editing platform stores projects in the cloud and transfers them seamlessly between your computer, phone, iPad or other mobile devices.
WeVideo is quick and easy to learn, which is ideal for business and education settings. Teachers can create video lessons using screen recording and green-screen features or connect students to the online video editing platform for their video projects. Businesses can easily create advertisements or presentations.
WeVideo offers super affordable pricing with plan options based on how much or how little you use it, including a free version for people who want to test it out or won't use it very much. Prices start at just $4.99 a month, up to $36.99 a month for a business account.
WeVideo isn't nearly as customizable as other software we've reviewed, and because everything is cloud-based, it can be laggy on slow internet connections. Users also complain that the stock media included with cheaper plans is limited or low-quality.
The free version has tight limits on the amount of content you can produce - only 5 minutes of video per month - and doesn't include many features, such as green screen, multi-device access and motion graphics.
WeVideo is a great beginner platform for making quick, simple videos for educational, social media or business purposes. Classroom packages make it easy to introduce to students, and cloud compatibility allows you to complete projects from any device.
Why we chose it: As one of the only platforms designed for Linux users, this one offers open-source versatility that's great for programmers and advanced users who want customizability.
Key Features:
- Completely free to use
- Support for a variety of platforms and file formats
- Drag and drop elements from your files or desktop
- Unlimited layers or tracks for complicated video and audio editing
- 3D animation for titles and graphics
- Frame-by-frame editing
Designed for Linux, OpenShot is now available for Apple and Microsoft users, as well. As an open-source program, it offers a unique level of customizability and allows you to incorporate features and tools programmed by other users.
OpenShot is a highly versatile platform that allows users to contribute tools and features to the program. OpenShot is one of the only advanced video editing software platforms available completely for free, although you can donate to support it, if you so choose.
On the downside, some users say this software is less intuitive than others, with a difficult learning curve for non-programmers, and its features are limited in some aspects. Common complaints include an antiquated interface, poor graphics, too-simple editing tools and long export times.
However, the best part about OpenShot is its price tag. It is easily the best free video editing software, with hundreds of primarily positive customer reviews. Yes, the functionality is a little limited, as can be expected from a free program, but if you're a savvy programmer, you may be able to create or download add-ons to get the features you need.
Why we chose it: What makes LWKS stand out is its automated quality control features. QSCAN, the built-in quality control, automatically adjusts your video to meet delivery standards worldwide, making this program ideal for international creators and businesses.
Key Features:
- QSCAN automatic quality control
- Fast collaboration tools for smooth remote workflow
- Quick and easy tutorials to get you started
- Export directly to social media
- Cross-platform user interface without changes in features
- Autosave, so you never lose your work
- Cloud connectivity to import clips directly from cloud storage
Lightworks is a polished video editing software designed for businesses. It includes features that optimize videos for international publication and allow fast and uncomplicated coworking, even remotely.
This program includes various features ideal for businesses and professionals, particularly remote coworking capabilities, which are crucial with remote work on the rise.
Lightworks offers advanced technical features to give experienced video editors complete control over their projects. With a free version that's less limited than some competitors and affordable monthly, yearly and perpetual licensing options, Lightworks fits any budget easily.
The more advanced features Lightworks includes may not be intuitive for beginning users. This program is best for experienced professionals, as it could be confusing if you're in the beginning phase of using editing software.
Lightworks starts at just $9.99 monthly per user for its Create plan, with its Lightworks Pro plan at just $23.99 per user/per month. Considering the price, you might be paying for features you won't use. Although this software includes many business-oriented premiere elements that other platforms don't, some reviewers complained that some editing features were a little limited.
When looking for business-oriented software, Lightworks comes out on top. Its international quality control capabilities and coworking features stand out and make it ideal for producing content that can be shared within your own team or globally.
Other Companies We Considered
Cyberlink Powerdirector
This software offers many advanced features, such as AI sky replacement, object detection, green-screen effects and graphic animations. Users say it's easy to use and intuitive to learn, but limited features make it better for casual users than professionals. Reviewers also complained that the program crashes frequently and, once you cut a video, you can no longer edit it - you have to remove the clip and start over.
Apple iMovie
This free Mac program comes standard with Apple computers, tablets and phones. Although it's excellent beginner software, it's sorely limited in its capabilities and is best for casual use. Users love how easy it is to begin using, and simple tutorials make the app easy to learn, but complaints include limited download formats, space limitations and almost no customizability.
Video Editing Software Guide
Main Things To Consider When Choosing Video Editing Software
When choosing a video editor, consider your budget, experience level and platform, as each of these comes with different needs.
Budget. Are you looking for a long-term investment or something easy and inexpensive to access immediately? More complicated software may be more expensive initially, but if you plan to use it for a long time, it's likely worth the investment. As your skills improve over time, you'll be able to create more polished and professional videos using the advanced features they provide. If you don't plan to use it long-term or have a limited budget, something simple and inexpensive may be better, since you probably won't be spending the time to learn how to use the more advanced features.
Prior experience. If you're new to video editing, you may want to stay away from some of the more complicated programs unless you're prepared to dedicate the time to learn all of the advanced features. Instead, look for user-friendly programs with plenty of available tutorials. Some programs also have IT support or user forums to help you troubleshoot issues. There may be more advanced versions of some programs available, so it may be wise to start with the basic program and invest in the more advanced version when you become more familiar with it.
Preferred video platform. Knowing where you plan to post your content can inform your software decision. Long-form YouTube videos are more polished than shorter Instagram Reels or TikTok videos and may require additional editing. For YouTube, choose beefier software that can handle more professional-quality video. For short reels, your best bet is to choose something that can manage quicker but with lighter editing and makes it easy to transfer the videos to your phone for posting.
What Is The Average Cost Of Video Editing Software
Video editing software comes at various price points based on the features available and their complexity. A program is available for every budget, ranging from free programs like OpenShot and iMovie to professional-grade platforms like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro.
Free programs, such as iMovie or MovieMaker, installed on cameras, computers or mobile devices, tend to offer limited features. They include simple editing functions like cutting and splicing footage together, audio overlay and rudimentary visual editing but will probably be limited in terms of customizability and advanced graphics. These programs often output low-quality video in limited formats. The exception is OpenShot, which offers many advanced features for experienced users.
Several platforms offer inexpensive monthly subscriptions if you are willing to invest a bit of money. With these, you can buy premium features without investing in a pricey lifetime license. WeVideo, Wondershare Filmora and Adobe Premiere Pro are among these, with more advanced features available at higher price points. Monthly fees may range from as little as $3 a month for limited functionality to upwards of $60 per month for advanced features.
Finally, if you're interested in a long-term investment, you can go for a lifetime license on a professional-level program. A software license typically ranges from $70 to over $300 based on the features.
Not every program offers a lifetime license — Adobe only operates on a monthly subscription basis — but if you know you'll use the software long-term, the upfront investment may save you some money on monthly fees. You should be aware that monthly subscriptions usually include updates and new software releases, while a perpetual license only entitles you to the current version.
How To Choose The Right Video Editing Software For You
The best thing you can do to choose the right video editing software is to know your content. What kinds of videos will you be editing? Where will they be posted? Study similar videos to see what editing techniques they might be using, then look for software with similar features.
Ask for recommendations if you have friends who are content creators posting similar videos or using the same platform. Someone else who is familiar with the software can make even complicated programs much easier to learn.
Be sure to read reviews of the software you're considering. Look for reviews that mention the specific features you plan to use and other general factors such as ease or difficulty of use, common technical glitches and quality of customer service. If the software has a user forum, look through some posts to see what issues people bring up and whether they are resolvable.
If you find a software you like, find out if they offer a free trial. Trying out the program before you buy it can give you hands-on experience to find out if it will work for you and fulfill your needs.
Video Editing Software FAQ
How We Found The Best Video Editing Software
To choose the best video editors, we searched for software with various features for both beginners and professionals. We chose software optimized for each operating system and searched for options at every price point.
Next, we scoured customer reviews to evaluate the pros and cons of each software from various user perspectives. We paid attention to features or bugs mentioned repeatedly and looked to see if solutions were available for common complaints.
Finally, we explored every software to determine the best use of each. We considered what features might be beneficial in specific scenarios and compiled them into our reviews.
