HDR, or High Dynamic Range, takes your videos beyond basic color correction and gives them richer tones, deeper contrast, and highlights that truly shine. Meaning, HDR video editing is essential if you want your footage to look as vivid and lifelike as the moment you filmed it.
However, despite that there are many HDR video editors out there, finding the right one that fits your workflow and needs might take some time. But you won't need to worry about that if you check out our list, where we provide a good chunk of HDR editing software for PC and handy HDR video editing apps for mobile that nail HDR quality every time.
So, let's begin your search!
Our Top 3 HDR Video Editor Picks
Our list includes six solid recommendations for HDR editing software and HDR video editing apps, but a few stood out above the rest.
So, here's a quick snapshot of the top three HDR video editors that impressed us the most and showed just how powerful HDR editing can be.
Part 1. HDR Video Editor Comparison Chart
Before we go into the details of our recommendations, let's take a quick look at this handy HDR video editor comparison chart that lays out all six tools side-by-side. It's an easy way to spot which editors might suit your workflow best, giving you a quick feel for what each one brings to the table.
| HDR Editor | Platforms | HDR Formats Supported | Key Highlights | Best For |
| Filmora Mobile | Android, iOS | Dolby Vision, HDR10 | AI Ultra HD, Auto Enhance, Optical Flow, rich template library. | Influencers, vloggers, social media creators. |
| Lightworks | Windows, macOS, Linux | HDR10, HLG | LUT support, smooth HDR playback, professional effects. | Editors on budget, colorists, indie filmmakers. |
| VN Video Editor | Android, iOS, macOS | Dolby Vision (iPhone 12+) | No watermark, 4K 60FPS export, keyframe animation. | Travel influencers, YouTubers, quick mobile edits. |
| Filmora Desktop | Windows, macOS | HDR10, HLG, PQ (Rec.2100) | AI Color Palette, AI Video Enhancer, LUT support, smooth preview. | Beginners to pros, cinematic videos, YouTube creators. |
| Vegas Pro | Windows | HDR10, HLG | Advanced compositing, AI image tools, 4K HDR export. | Professional editors, filmmakers, documentary makers. |
| iMovie | iOS, iPadOS, macOS | HDR10 (mobile), HLG (limited) | Green screen, preset filters, soundtrack library. | Students, casual creators, simple projects. |
Looking over the comparison chart above, you probably already noticed a few options that stand out. Still, the chart is only a quick snapshot of what each tool can do. To really see their strengths, let's break them down one-by-one and explore what makes each HDR editing software and HDR video editing app worth using.
Part 2. Top HDR Video Editing Apps
Many video editing apps have become surprisingly advanced, and some even allow full HDR video editing right on your phone. This makes the process more convenient since editing on mobile is quick, flexible, and perfect for creating content on the go.
Among the sea of options, three HDR video editing apps really impressed us, and they deserve the spotlight.
1. Filmora Mobile
Secure DownloadOur top choice for an HDR video editing app is Filmora Mobile App, and it's easy to see why. This mobile version holds its own against the well-known desktop software, delivering the same reliability with a focus on speed and convenience.
For HDR video editing, it even supports Dolby Vision, which goes beyond the standard HDR10 format for truly cinematic results. Add in AI-powered tools, ready-to-use templates, and a rich media library, and you have an HDR video editor that feels like a complete studio in your pocket.
- Supports Dolby Vision and exports up to 4K.
- Plenty of tools to enhance clips and fine-tune details.
- Instant editing with customizable templates.
- Easy sharing to social media platforms straight from the app.
- Edited videos from the free version come with a watermark.
- Filmora Mobile is versatile and easy to pick up, making it perfect for influencers, students, teachers, and professionals alike.
- It's ideal for creating polished social media posts, engaging vlogs, and even more serious edits like short films or branded content.
- AI Ultra HD for crystal-clear video quality.
- Optical Flow for smoother motion and playback.
- AI Auto Enhance to balance brightness, contrast, and colors instantly.
- A wide range of preset filters and effects for quick creative touches.
Free version available, with subscription-based and one-time license options.
- Filmora Mobile is versatile and easy to pick up, making it perfect for influencers, students, teachers, and professionals alike.
- It's ideal for creating polished social media posts, engaging vlogs, and even more serious edits like short films or branded content.
4.6/5 on Google Play Store and 4.7/5 on the Apple App Store
2. VN Video Editor
Another strong HDR video editing app worth mentioning is VN Video Editor, short for VlogNow. This editor is available on Android, iOS, and even macOS, making it a flexible choice for creators across platforms. What makes it stand out is its ability to edit and share Dolby Vision HDR videos on iPhone 12 and newer models, giving mobile users access to cinematic quality editing on the go.
- The free version leaves no watermark on your edits.
- Exports in 4K resolution at up to 60 FPS for crisp results.
- HDR mode only works on select devices.
- Export times can be slower with longer HDR projects.
- Color grading filters that create cinematic looks in seconds.
- Keyframe animation for smooth, dynamic transitions and effects.
- Wide compatibility across mobile and desktop platforms.
Free version available, with pro plans starting at $9.99 per month.
- Ideal for travel influencers, YouTubers, and content creators.
- Great for making polished social media videos, engaging vlogs, or travel clips with ease.
4.7/5 on Google Play Store and 4.8/5 on the Apple App Store
3. iMovie
Rounding out our list of top HDR video editing apps is iMovie. This one is for those who want to edit HDR videos without spending a dime. With iMovie, you can easily add HDR video captured on your device into a project, then export it in HDR with a simple toggle in the sharing options.
- Completely free and pre-installed on Apple devices.
- Exports videos without watermarks.
- Limited to Apple's ecosystem with no cross-platform support.
- Lacks advanced AI tools for professional HDR editing.
- Green screen tools for easy background swapping.
- Preset filters to quickly change clip style and mood.
- 130+ royalty-free soundtracks that auto-fit video length.
Free.
- Ideal for casual creators and beginners handling small projects.
- Great for slideshows, simple social posts, school projects, or quick edits.
4.3/5 on the Apple App Store.
How To Edit HDR Videos On Your Phone
Editing HDR footage is similar to working with standard clips, but achieving smooth results benefits from using capable HDR video editors. Among common options, iMovie offers basic features but has limitations in compatibility and advanced tools.
Filmora Mobile and VN Video Editor both support Dolby Vision and high-resolution exports, with Filmora providing AI-assisted features such as AI Ultra HD, Auto Enhance, and Optical Flow, which can help enhance the visual quality of clips on mobile devices.
So, let's break it down with a simple guide to editing HDR videos using Filmora Mobile.
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Part 3. Top HDR Video Editor Software
As you can see, editing HDR videos becomes simple when you're working with the right HDR video editing app like Filmora Mobile. Still, mobile apps can only go so far.
For more advanced control, dedicated HDR video editor software is the way to go. They usually give you more comprehensive tools to refine colors, balance contrast, and export in formats that keep your footage looking sharp on any screen.
With so many choices available, we've narrowed things down to three standout options that truly deliver. Here are the HDR editing software options that made our list.
1. Wondershare Filmora
Our number one pick for HDR editing software is none other than Wondershare Filmora. This all-in-one video editor combines power with simplicity, and with full HDR support, your clips instantly gain richer colors, deeper contrast, and a cinematic look that feels professional. On top of that, Filmora brings in a wide range of AI features that elevate your projects, turning everyday footage into something that looks like it belongs on the big screen.
- Flexible export color space: SDR (Rec.709), HDR (Rec.2100HLG), HDR (Rec.2100PQ).
- Smooth performance with real-time preview, even in HDR edits.
- Built-in LUTs for quick color grading.
- Rich library of templates and presets for faster editing.
- The free version adds a watermark to exported videos.
- AI Color Palette to instantly match tones and moods across clips.
- AI Video Enhancer to sharpen detail and balance brightness in HDR.
- Professional color correction tools for perfecting contrast and highlights.
- Extensive media library packed with filters, video effects, and transitions to enrich your edits.
Free version available, with affordable paid plans listed on the Filmora pricing page.
- Perfect for beginners and seasoned editors alike.
- Ideal for cinematic projects such as short films and documentaries, as well as vlogs, tutorials, and social media content.
4.5/5 on Software Advice and 4.5/5 on Capterra.
2. Lightworks
Continuing with our top HDR editing software, Lightworks is a professional-grade video editor that has earned its reputation for powerful color and VFX tools. It handles HDR video editing with precision, making it a strong choice for creators who want cinematic quality without dealing with a steep learning curve. With flexible layouts, accurate grading, and plenty of creative options, it's a tool that helps your footage shine.
- Free version supports HDR workflows, suitable for budget-conscious editors.
- Available on Windows, macOS, and Linux for cross-platform flexibility.
- Free version limits exports to below 1080p.
- Some advanced effects are only available in the paid plan.
- Professional-quality effects and adjustments to enhance clips.
- Pre-built and custom LUTs for instant cinematic looks.
- Over 700 customizable titles and motion graphics to bring stories to life.
Free version available, paid plans start at $13.99 per month.
- Lightworks is perfect for colorists, editors, and VFX artists who need reliable HDR tools.
- It's also a solid pick for producing YouTube travel vlogs, trailers, or short films that demand professional-quality visuals.
4.2/5 on Capterra and 4/5 on TechRadar.
3. Vegas Pro
Vegas Pro is a name that always comes up when talking about top HDR video editors, and it easily earns a place on our list. With full HDR10 preview support and compatibility with HDR10 and HLG formats, it gives creators the flexibility to edit in true HDR. Add to that a wide range of color grading tools, professional effects, and AI-powered features, and you get HDR editing software built for serious projects.
- Supports HDR export up to 8K for crystal-clear playback.
- Smooth playback even when editing in HDR mode.
- Some color grading tools are not fully HDR-compatible.
- Higher cost compared to other HDR editing software on this list.
- Access to a full library of third-party LUTs to instantly style footage.
- AI image enhancement tools to sharpen details and clean up imperfections.
- Advanced compositing modes for blending elements into complex visuals.
One-time purchase at $199.00.
- Designed for professional editors and advanced creators needing full HDR support.
- Perfect for movies, documentaries, and commercial projects requiring precise control and high-quality output.
4.6/5 on Software Advice and 4.6/5 on Capterra.
How To Enhance HDR Videos On Desktop
After going through our picks of the top HDR editing software options, it's easy to see their strengths and weaknesses. Lightworks is appealing for budget-conscious editors since its free version supports HDR workflows and it runs on multiple platforms, but its export limits and lack of advanced AI tools hold it back.
Meanwhile, Vegas Pro offers strong HDR support and professional features, yet being Windows-only and carrying a higher price tag makes it less accessible. Filmora, on the other hand, strikes the perfect balance. It supports HDR editing alongside a wide range of AI-powered tools to enhance your clips, while staying flexible across platforms and offering reasonable pricing with a free trial option.
Taking all of this into account, Filmora stands out as the top HDR video editor right now. So, let's go through a simple guide on how to enhance your HDR videos using Filmora.
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Conclusion
To edit HDR videos, you need a reliable HDR video editor that can fully support the format and keep your footage looking sharp. That's why we highlighted some of the best tools for HDR video editing across different platforms. On the mobile side, Filmora Mobile, VN, and iMovie offer great flexibility, while Filmora, Lightworks, and Vegas Pro shine as powerful HDR editing software for desktop.
Each of these editors has its own strengths, but Filmora clearly stands out as the most complete option. Both the desktop and mobile versions not only support HDR video editing but also add powerful AI tools that take your clips to the next level. Combined with its extensive media library and smooth performance across devices, Filmora is the perfect choice for creators who want their videos to look stunning every time.
FAQs About HDR Video Editing
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Can I edit HDR videos on my phone?
Yes, you can. Many HDR video editing apps are designed for mobile, giving you tools to adjust brightness, contrast, and color directly on your phone. Apps like VN or Filmora Mobile make HDR editing simple, even on a small screen. -
Do I need a special monitor for HDR editing?
For the best results, yes. An HDR-compatible monitor lets you see the full range of colors and contrast while working. Without it, you can still use HDR editing software, but you won't see the true depth until playback on an HDR display. -
What's the difference between HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Vision?
HDR10 is the most common format, HLG is often used for live broadcast, and Dolby Vision offers more advanced dynamic metadata for precise adjustments. Most HDR video editors support HDR10 and HLG, with some high-end tools also handling Dolby Vision. -
Will HDR videos look normal on non-HDR screens?
Yes, they will. HDR video editors usually include export settings that map HDR content to SDR displays, so your footage still looks balanced even without HDR support. The colors may not be as vivid, but the video will play just fine.
