5 Best Windows Movie Maker alternatives for Windows [2018 Update]

Windows Movie Maker has been a cornerstone tool of the amateur video editor for an extremely long time. A lot of video graphers, amateur cinematographers, and simple weekend point-and-shooters have used the free program and have done wonders with it. However, just because something has a history, does not mean that it is necessarily the best product you can be using. After a long time as one of the best free video editors for Windows users, Windows Movie Maker has been discontinued.

Though you can create video slideshows in the Photo app in Windows 10, it doesn’t have a standalone video editor like Windows Movie Maker for Windows 10. If you are looking for a movie maker for your Windows computer, you are in the right place. Here we will take a look at top 5 best alternatives to Windows Movie Maker to allow you to create the best art you can.

• Part 1: Top 5 Best Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Windows
• Part 2: Why You Need a Windows Movie Maker Alternative

1. Best Alternative for Windows Movie Maker: Wondershare Filmora

Wondershare Filmora has quickly become one of the best alternatives to Windows Movie Maker for windows 10/8/7, whether you are looking to make a professional video for public consumption, or if you are just messing around with your creativity trying to learn new art form. Filmora's easy-to-use and intuitive interface allows both experienced users and brand-new users to flawlessly create wonderful videos with exceptional effects.

User Interface Comparison

Windows Movie Maker Interface

Filmora Video Editor Interface

Editing Tools Comparison

Wondershare Filmora supports a wide range of video formats, including .MP4, .AVI, .MOV, .AVCHD and many more. It also enables you to crop, trim, cut, split and even combine footage with a few easy clicks of the mouse. What's more, it also provides various filters and visual effects to help you touch up your video. Currently, there are more than 300 builtin effects available, and you can find more effects on Filmora Effects Store.

Filmora also comes with features that include tilt shift, face off, and mosaic to name a few. (Learn more Video Editing Tips).

With Wondershare Filmora, your professionally edited video can be saved in any popular format and are able to fit your mobile device. You can even burn your video to DVD, or uploaded to YouTube, Facebook or Vimeo instantly.

To sum up, we recommend Filmora as the best alternative to Windows Movie Maker is based on the user interface, supported formats, editing tools and share abilities. What’s more, Filmora is a movie maker available in Windows 7, Windows 8 and Windows 10 both. You will not face the compatibility issue when upgrading your Windows system.

The only advantage of Windows Movie Maker over Filmora is that Windows Movie Maker is free. Though you need to pay for Filmora, the available features make it really worth the money. With all of these features, and many more, it is quite easy to see why Wondershare Filmora has taken over as the new No. 1 video editing software choice. Why don't give it a shot and download it now?

2. Avidemux Video Editor

If you are new to video editing and have used only the built-in windows movie maker for some basic video editing before, then Avidemux is another good choice for you. Avidemux is an open source video editing software which means it is free to use. The user interface is not so fancy but there are some preset filters, subtitles hidden in the menus. Avidemux doesn’t feature the ability to share your edited footage to the social media directly, so you may need to save it to your devices first.

3. VirtualDub

This open-source software program runs smoothly with Windows 10. It has a very user-friendly interface makes navigating the program easy for those with a little experience in video editing. Your files can even be extended using third-party video filters and it supports batch processing which means it is possible to handle multiple videos at the same time. Unfortunately, even with its friendly interface, this program can be a little difficult to understand for beginners.

Learn more about VirtualDub

4. Pinnacle VideoSpin

Pinnacle offers an intuitive software program that can be relied on by professionals, but has a simplicity to be navigated by beginners. This program supports a plethora of file formats that has a timeline that makes it extremely easy to edit your video without experiencing any difficulties. However, program has not been updated since 2009 which means there are some compatibility and sustainability issues.

Learn more about Pinnacle VideoSpin

5. Sony Vegas Movie Studio

Vegas Movie Studio as well as you to come up with stunning videos were giving minimum effort. This software leans towards the more experienced side, and is really only suitable for those with a true passion for video editing is not only does it have a high retail price but its interface and internal elements can be too complex and confusing for those just beginning.

Learn more about Sony Vegas Editing Tips

Pros and Cons of Windows Movie Maker

When it comes to Windows Movie Maker, one of the longest lasting and most popular video editing tools available, it isn't all good or all bad. Like every Windows experience, there are shades of both.

- Windows Movie Maker comes standard on nearly every PC, making its price (free) hard to complain about.

- Movie Maker provides a relatively easy introduction to video editing software for beginners.

- Movie Maker was discontinued officially without a replacement on January 10, 2017.

- Movie Maker is built for beginners, and that is pretty limiting in what it offers. It only allows you one track which means green screen footage is out of the question, as a result your creativity is crippled and limited to only using the pre-installed effects.

- If you are an advanced editor, or have any experience using other less limiting programs, Windows Movie Maker can be extremely frustrating to use.

- An issue some would say all Windows programs have, Movie Maker crashes ... a lot. It is known to freeze up crash unexpectedly which will just enrage and frustrate those who are trying to work on at that time. Save often!

If you are editing your video footage with the video editing tool in the Photos app in Windows 8 and Windows 10, you will find that it is not so convenient in making video.

The movie makers we recommend above may differ from video editing features and interface, but they are good choices for movie maker alternatives for Windows computer. Have a try and let us know your ideas in the comment below.

By Liza Brown

May 14,2018 9:43 am