Windows Movie Maker has been a cornerstone tool for video editors for quite a while. There are a lot of amateurs who've made use of the free program and have done wonders with it. As it is discontinued, many Windows Movie Maker alternatives claim to offer 'just the right video editing tool for you,' few can live up to their promises—and most are very expensive.
We have ten other programs that can be used to create videos that include everything from Apple iMovie to other basic alternatives.
So whether you're a beginner who wants to learn how to make a movie, a pro looking for an excellent alternative to Windows Movie Maker, or someone who wants to make a simple slide presentation or online video, you're bound to find a video creation program here.
In this article
Part 1: Top 3 Picks for Windows Movie Maker Alternatives
The world's best video editing software is about to change. We look at three of the most popular and valuable alternatives to Windows Movie Maker.
You will need to consider these alternatives to ensure they meet your expectations and needs.
1. Wondershare Filmora - Best Overall
Filmora is the best Windows Movie Maker Alternative designed according to your convenience.
Ratings: 4.4 Stars out 5
Starting from $49.99
2. Magix Movie Studio - Best for Collages
This alternative offers a variety of tools and plugins for anyone who wants to create professional-level videos in under a minute.
Download on Windows
Ratings: 4 stars out of 5
30-day free trials, then starts from $69.99 all the way to $129
3. Avidemux Video Editor - Best Open-Source Editor
An open-source editor that supports a wide range of formats is free! Avidemux has an interface similar to Windows Movie Maker, which makes it a perfect alternative.
Download on Windows
Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5
Free Trial
Part 2: Ultimate Overview on 13 Best Alternatives to Windows Movie Maker
We live in visual culture, and we constantly see, capture, upload, and share videos on our smartphones, tablets, and laptops. So, it is only natural that more people seek ways to edit their videos. Windows Movie Maker was one of the most popular video editing apps. So it’s time to dig into the best Windows Movie Maker alternatives, which are arguably better and feature-rich.
| Software | OS | Media Resources | AI editing | Easy to Use | Free Trial |
Wondershare Filmora |
Windows Mac Mobile |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Avidemux | Windows OS X Linux BSD |
Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Dub | Windows | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Vegas Movie Studio | Windows | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| WeVideo | Online | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lightworks | Linux OS X Windows |
Yes | Yes | No | No |
| ShotCut | Windows Mac Linux BSD |
Yes | No | No | Yes |
| OpenShot | Windows Mac Linux Chrome OS |
Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Movavi Plus | Windows Mac |
Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| VSDC | Windows | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| VideoPad | Windows Mac iPad/iPhone |
Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| HitFilm | Windows Mac |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Magix Movie Studio | Windows | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Part 3: 13 Best Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Windows
As we all know, Windows Movie Maker is the most used and trusted tool for creating videos in Windows. With its unique features and user-friendly interface, people often use this software to develop short and entertaining videos.
However, the fact is that Windows Movie Maker is not the current best video editing software for creating complex video projects. For this reason, we compiled a list of the 12 best alternatives to offer you a better option for Windows Movie Maker.
1. Wondershare Filmora
Filmora 11 is a powerful, easy-to-use video editor specially designed to streamline your workflow and save you hours weekly. It supports everything from Windows, Mac, and IOS to Android. The latest update to the flagship app includes several key enhancements that result in a much more efficient video creation workflow and one that’s easier to use than its rivals.
Key features
- Preset Templates
- Instant Mode
- Motion Tracking
- AI Editing Effects
- Auto Synchronization
- Plug-ins
Price
- Annual Plan: $49.99
- Perpetual Plan: $79.99
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, iPad
G2 Ratings: 4.4 stars out of 5
Summary
Filmora's intuitive interface allows experienced and brand-new users to create incredible videos with flawless special effects. Its high ratings and multiple supported formats make it quite popular among users.
2. Avidemux Video Editor
If you are a beginner and want to use a free, open-source software program for basic video editing, then Avidemux is a good choice. The interface is not as fancy as it could be, but there are some presets that'll save you a lot of time. Avidemux is a cross-platform video editor that allows you to create custom videos, but it doesn't feature the ability to share the edited footage to social media directly,
Key features
- Video and Audio Filters
- Support Popular Formats
- Convert Video For Archiving or Publishing
Price: Free
Supported OS: Windows, OS X, Linux, BSD
Uptodown Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5
Summary
An open-source video editor that supports most formats. Due to its obsolete UI and lack of sharing features, Avidemux has average ratings.
3. VirtualDub
This open-source software is user-friendly and allows users with little experience to navigate the software without much trouble. It supports 3rd party apps and also offers batch-processing, which means working on multiple videos simultaneously makes it possible.
Key features
- Integrated volume and histogram meter
- Optimized disk
- Noise reduction
- Fractional frame rates
Price: Free
Supported OS: Windows
Compare Camp Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5
Summary
Virtual Dub supports multitasking, and its features are pretty helpful. However, it lacks 4k editing and a friendly interface. Overall Virtual Dub is a good choice.
4. Sony Vegas Movie Studio
This video editing software makes it easy to create professional-looking videos in minimum time and effort. Vegas Movie Studio software is best for video editing professionals who have been doing it for some time and are looking for something a little more sophisticated than free alternatives. Not only does it has a high retail price, but its internal elements can be too complex for those just beginning.
Key features
- Color correction
- HDV and AVCHD-editing
- DV batch capture
- Wide variety of file formats and codecs
Price: Starting from $7.99 USD per month
Supported OS: Windows
G2 Ratings: 4.4 out of 5
Summary
Vegas Movie Studio is the choice of professionals. It does all the work without taking up a lot of resources, and like most programs, there is a learning curve. It's not always intuitive for beginners, but its professional and powerful features score decent in most reviews.
5. WeVideo
This cloud-based application is a simple-to-use video editing and sharing suite. WeVideo is a full-featured video editing application that uses JumpStart technology to create amazing videos. It's an innovative app that offers a seamless editing experience as it supports multiple formats of video, images, audio, and graphics.
Key features
- WeVideo JumpStart
- Cloud storage
- Built-in graphics
- Customizable environment
- Advanced text editing
- Multi-track editing and storyboard
Price
- Free trial
- Power Plan: $9.99/month
- Unlimited Plan: $15.99/month
- Professional Plan: $39.99/month
- Business Plan: $73.99/month
Supported OS: Online
Trustpilot Ratings: 4 stars out of 5
Summary
WeVideo is a straightforward yet robust video editor. It offers a variety of features and supports multiple formats, plus its comprehensive pricing plan makes it useful for everyone.
6. Lightworks
Lightworks is the most powerful video editor in its class and an excellent tool for professionals who want to make amazing videos quickly. Lightworks is very fast and straightforward to use, and it has some great features you won’t find in any other video editor. It is available on all popular OS.
Key features
- Audio and Video Effect Plugin Support
- Cloud Connected
- Motion Graphics
- Advanced Metadata
- Proxy Workflows
- Apple ProRes decoding
Price
- Monthly Plan: $9.99/user
- Yearly Plan: $9.99/user
- Perpetual: $154.99
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Linux
Techradar Pro Ratings: 4 stars out of 5
Summary
Lightworks is not any other video editing tool available on the market of video editing tools. This video editing tool provides amateurs with the most sophisticated features in an optimized platform. Its scores are the highest on almost every review site.
7. ShotCut
Shotcut is a multiplatform video editor that lets you work with various formats for audio, video, image files, etc. This video editor makes it easy to mix and match the resolution and frame rates in a video file. All the changes you make in the editor can be undone and redone often. Shotcut is the best choice for video editing, without question.
Key features
- Webcam capture
- Audio scopes and filters
- Deinterlacing
- Eyedropper tool
- Video wipe transitions
- Keyframes for filter parameters
Price: Free
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Linux
GetApp Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Summary
Shotcut is an open-source video editor for creative professionals and is available on mac, Windows, and Linux. The free version of Shotcut has many excellent features, but it doesn’t have the slick interface or advanced techniques of the top paid editors.
8. OpenShot.
An award-winning open-source video editor that creates stunning videos. OpenShot is a fast, easy-to-use, and surprisingly powerful video editor. OpenShot Video Editor allows you to work with many different types of tracks so that your edits will seem natural. OpenShot Video Editor allows you to add your custom animations or titles. The options are endless, so it all depends on your time and interest. It is available in more than 70 languages, making it ideal for all types of users.
Key features
- 3D animations
- Animation and keyframes
- Multiple languages and formats
- Cross-platform
- Video-effects
Price: Free
Supported OS: Window, Mac, Linux, Chrome OS
Getapp Ratings: 4.2 stars out of 5
Summary
Another open-source video-editor in the list is named OpenShot. It's a multi-lingual and multi-supported app with unique features. Despite its unstable performance, OpenShot is still an ideal choice for many users.
9. Movavi Video Editor Plus
Movavi Video Editor Plus is the perfect tool to bring your creative ideas to life. It has special effects, ready-made intros, and keyframe animation. Using chroma keying, you can change the background of your video clips to any color or pattern that suits your need. Movavi has now redesigned its user interface to make it easy to use.
Key features
- Effects and transitions
- Built-in media pack
- Fast processing of 4K videos
- Keyframe animation
- Automatic video creation
- Cutting, trimming, joining
Price
- Free version: 7 days
- Video Editor Plus 1 year /1 PC: $49.95
- Video Editor Plus Lifetime /1 PC: $69.95
- Video Suite Lifetime /1 PC: $89.95
PCMag Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5
Summary
If you want to edit your videos with a minimal learning curve, try Movavi. You get PiP, chroma-keying, titling, basic keying, and motion tracking. The program is simple to use but doesn’t have all the features and stands four stars.
10. VSDC Free Video Editor
VSDC Free Video Editor is an online tool that lets you edit audio and video files to make your creations like movies, YouTube tutorial videos, and more. The audio and video files supported are extensive, and the software includes a codec manager. The Pro version isn’t necessary if you’re using the free edition of the software; it’s more than enough to get the job done.
Key features
- Dark theme
- Subpixel Accuracy
- Powerful Chroma Key tool
- Trendy video effects, filters, and transitions
- Color Blending And Filters
- Built-In DVD Burning Tool
Price: Free
Supported OS: Windows
Capterra Ratings: 4.5 stars out 5
Summary
VSDC is a non-linear editor with extensive format support. It includes all the essential features an editor requires but with an obsolete UI. It is also ideal for many who need a powerful yet free video editor.
11. VideoPad Video Editor
VideoPad is a free video editor that can create stunning videos and perform basic editing tasks. A good video editor can help you to create videos for different social media platforms. You can make your videos look professional and polished with a few clicks and some simple editing skills. There’s nothing particularly exciting or advanced about this app; it’s simple enough for anyone new to video editing or even for seasoned editors. But the simple and easy-to-use interface makes the entire process very exciting.
Key features
- Text snippets
- Range of transitional effects
- Plug-ins Library
- Burn finished videos to Blu-Ray, DVD, etc.
- Color correction and light balance.
Price: Free
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, iPad/iPhone
Tom's guide Ratings: 3.5 stars out of 5
Summary
Video pad is a free video editor designed for beginners that is lightweight and simple. VideoPad is also great for creating quick videos for social media purposes like Youtube and Facebook. The software has a high rating, as shown above, and it's available on Windows.
12. HitFilm
HitFilm is a helpful video editing software that makes editing easier for users. In addition to basic features, the program also provides advanced-level functions that make edited videos pop. Hitfilm Express Download has more than 400 features to help casual video editors save time. Features like: visual effects, cinematic elements, and compositing tools preset help unleash your creativity.
Key features
- Color Grading and correction
- Smart search
- Commentator recorder
- Lightning and lens flares
- 3D camera tracker
Price
- Free trial
- Creator: $7.50
- Pro: $12.50
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
TechRadar Ratings: 4.5 stars out of 5
Summary
HitFilm Express 15 is a powerful free video editing program that enables you to create high-quality videos in minutes with an intuitive interface. It offers advanced editing features such as advanced video trimming, 3D editing, and more.
13. Magix Movie Studio
Magix is the world's leading professional audiovisual media software, with Sequoia being its industry-standard audio editing software. This movie editor is an enthusiast-level video editing software that competes with software from Adobe and CyberLink, and it even boasts support for 4K content and 360 degrees. There are many reasons to upgrade. This year's update includes stabilization, 8K editing, motion tracking, and an in-app plug-in store.
Key features
- NewBlue effects
- Fly-in animation
- New filter view
- Stabilization
- Motion tracking
- 8k support
Price
- Movie Studio 2024: $69.99 (30-day free trial)
- Movie Studio 2024 Platinum: $99.99 (30-day free trial)
- Movie Studio 2024 Suite: $129.00 (30-day free trial)
Supported OS: Windows
PCMag Ratings: 3 stars out of 5
Summary
Magix movie studio is a powerful all-around video editing tool with many features that professional users have come to expect. It's also relatively simple to use. But usability and performance are poor compared to other software programs like Filmora.
Part 4: How To Edit a Video With a Windows Movie Maker Alternative
Windows Movie Maker was great for editing a video, but it's no match for some of the best video editing software. We're talking about software capable of creating a cinematic experience in seconds, all on your computer.
When you need to edit a video with simple, quick edits, like adding a special effect or changing the background, try Filmora. Filmora is an easy-to-use application that allows you to create a movie using simple tools that don't require additional training. You can't beat this option if you want to create a professional-quality video for your blog or website.
Let's dive into a quick tutorial on editing videos in Filmora:
Step1 Open Wondershare Filmora on your PC or Mac
You can start a new project by clicking on ‘New Project’. And you can also change the ‘Aspect Ratio’ according to your project demand.
Step2 Import Videos
You can import your file by clicking the import tab on the upper-left side or clicking the import icon on the main window.
Step3 Drag and drop your footage to the timeline
After importing all the files, click and hold each individual video and drag and drop it to the timeline area according to your ideal sequence.
Step4 Add Audio
Go to the ‘Audio’ tab and select the audio file from the audio library. Once selected, drag and drop the audio file into the music timeline.
Step5 Add Titles
In your video intro, you can insert some title text. Go to the ‘Titles’ tab and select the one you like, and drag and drop it on top of the timeline. Double-click and edit the text and state your ideal statements. You can customize your text fonts and color too.
Step6 Add Transitions
You can add transition effects to ensure a smooth transition from one scene to another. The overall will get more professional look.
Step7 Add Effects
Next; you can get special effects to your video to make them more attractive and engaging to watch. Simple drag down the effect to your video and watch the effect take place in your selective scene.
Step8 Export your work
Once all the changes have been made, hit ‘export’ from the top tab. A window will appear where you can change the settings, resolution, frame rate, bit rate, etc. Next, click the ‘export’ button down on that window, and then you can save the file in your drive.
Part 5: Hot FAQs on Windows Movie Maker Alternatives
1. Why is Windows Movie Maker discontinued?
Microsoft's video editing program, Windows Movie Maker, did not become a big hit with the public because it failed to do well on the market. Microsoft couldn't get the support they were looking for from the program's users. As a result, Microsoft had to cease its support of the program.
2. Is there a free version of Windows Movie Maker?
Microsoft Windows Movie maker was always accessible and pre-installed every windows product. Microsoft has discontinued support for Movie Maker and warns about free downloads of Movie Maker provided by third parties that might contain malware, viruses, or other issues.
3. What are the best free Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Mac?
After switching to a Mac, you'll find that the Windows Movie Maker alternatives offer much more than just a simple video editor. They provide advanced features, easy transitions, and less technical know-how to create pro-quality results. You should try using these platforms on your Mac if you have a video to edit.
- Wondershare Filmora
- Movavi
- OpenShot
Final Words
Windows Movie Maker is an excellent Windows video editor application for Windows users. But in recent years, it has become outdated due to the continuous development of new technologies. There are many alternatives for Windows Movie Maker, and here we listed some of the best ones. Most of them are free and featured packs. Each program has its unique set of features and capabilities, and each one excels in different areas. Check them out and see what you think.
