Nonetheless, as a single measure among many, speed testing provides valuable comparative information.Īs several of the programs on this page have been updated with newer versions since their initial review, we are currently in the process of re-testing them. By comparison, ease of use, interface and features carry more weight than export clock speed.
Performance results are important, but they’re not critical components of software evaluations, because depending on your hardware setup, your mileage will vary. However, there’s a third option: You can download software such as VideoPad or HitFilm (which offer all of the basics) for free, and then purchase additional features à la carte as your experience and needs grow. People who are looking for a more powerful editor with a variety of built-in resources, responsive technical support and more would be better off dropping some cash on a video editing program.
But while the deciding factors for free and paid software may appear to be based on cold hard cash, that’s not the whole story. There’s no reason for the occasional video jockey to fork over any cash, as there are plenty of free apps available for both Windows and Mac.
We also judged the packages based on real-life uses for a number of categories, including best overall, best free app, best for beginners, best for YouTube maestros, best for Mac users and best for Windows platforms. We evaluated all of the software based on functionality, ease of use, performance, sharing options and new features in the latest versions. We tested more than a dozen programs - paid and free - on consumer Mac and Windows laptops for more than 100 hours, to see which are the best for editing, as well as sharing your videos with friends and family.
Best Video Editor App For Pc How We Tested Best Video Editing Software For Macbook Air
If its 256-page manual doesn't intimidate you, high-level enthusiasts will find a lot of tools at their disposal. This video editor is quite powerful, but has a bit of a learning curve. The latest version of DaVinci incorporates Fusion, previously a stand-alone application, which brings with it four high-end video-production modules for editing, color correction, audio production, and video effects and motion graphics. Our Top Picks Best Overall Reasons to BuyĪ powerful pro-level app, cross platform you’ll want to use a system with discrete graphics to get the most out of this editor. IMovie gives Mac users an easy way to get started creating high-quality movies from videos shot on all kinds of devices. PowerDirector 16 makes it easy to edit 360-degree videos, but there are a lot of other great features in this program, too.
Best for Windows CyberLink PowerDirector 16 If you often share your videos on YouTube and other social media platforms, the free, cross-platform VideoPad is your best option.īest Overall Adobe Premiere Elements 2019Īdobe Premiere Elements continues its long reign as the overall best consumer video-editing app, with new automated features and simplified workflows for quick video editing. note: PowerDirector 17 is now available stay tuned for our review.Īpple’s iMovie, which competes only with cross-platform free apps and Adobe Elements, is the obvious choice for the best Mac video editing software, thanks to its outstanding output, themes and trailers, macOS integration, and features that encourage good moviemaking skills.įor the best free software, HitFilm Express gets the nod for its abundant cinematic capabilities and stylish interface. Despite its lack of emerging popular technologies, like 360-degree video handling and multicam editing features, it's the easiest video editor to learn and use, and offers plenty of advanced functions, such as guided edits and a revised home screen.ĬyberLink PowerDirector 16 is the best video editing software for Windows, featuring a dazzling array of tricks and treats plus, it's great for editing 360-degree videos, too.Įd. Instead of letting it collect dust, why not polish it up to share with family and friends? That's where a good video editing program comes in.Īmong the paid software, only one - Adobe Premiere Elements 2019- is truly cross-platform, and it emerged as our top pick. Best Video Editing Software For Macbook AirĬhances are, there are hundreds of videos languishing on your smartphone, DSLR or compact camera.
The Best Video Editing Software of 2018 Whether you're a weekend GoPro shooter or a full-time video professional, you need editing software that's powerful but easy to use.