Video content creators rely on video editing tools to produce content. This has made video editor tools become common software on the Internet. With several free options available, it can be a challenge to find the right one. However, all it needs is a little research, and bingo you will get one.
So, in this article, we explore the top 22 free video editing software tools available on different platforms such as Android, Windows, and Mac.
Part 1: Things to Consider When to Choose a Free Video Editor
Before opting for a free video editing software there are many important things, we mostly miss that we should have known. But you don’t have to worry about it anymore let’s begin:
- What are you planning to use it for: You must know the purpose of video editing software before picking one. You could need a video editing tool for gaming or simply creating ordinary YouTube videos.
- Learning curve: You need to compare the editing software options that you have to determine which one is complex to learn and which one is easy. This will save you the time and effort you would have spent downloading multiple products to test.
- Quality: Another important factor to consider in video editing software is the quality and format of the video. There are many formats and quality of video content, and you need to choose the one that supports your video format.
- Resources: Depending upon the requirements of the editing on your video, you should choose a video editor with all the video effects, music tracks, and other resources that you might need to apply to your video. Be careful not to select one with few resources.
- Compatability: Check whether your PC, Mac, or Android platform can run the video editor you want to use. Consult the internet for compatibility by checking its minimum specification requirement on its manual or docs.
Part 2: Free Video Editor for PC and Mac
1Filmora – simple editor with professional visual effects and rich editing tools
Best for: Content Creators
User rating: 4.8/5.0
System compatibility: Windows 7/Windows 8.1/Windows 10/Windows 11 ( 64 bit OS)
macOS V12 (Monterey), macOS v11 (Big Sur), macOS v10.15 (Catalina), macOS v10.14 (Mojave).
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Wondershare Filmora is a versatile video editing that allows users to make spectacular films utilizing a variety of sophisticated editing features quickly and easily. It has a pleasantly accessible interface that makes it simple for everyone to use.
Reason to Choose:-
- Simplest Interface for complex tasks
- A range of AI-powered tools for automated video editing
- Excellent auto color correction ability
- Video export and direct YouTube uploads
- Frequent Software Updates
- It supports animation keyframing and motion tracking
Reason to Avoid:-
- Rendering Speed is a little slow
- The plug-in extension is not supported
- New Version lacks the auto-edit feature
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
For macOS 10.12 or later
2Blender – 3D computer graphics software for videos
Best for: Graphics Designers, Photographers, and UI/UX Designers.
User rating: 4.5/5.0
System compatibility: Windows 8.1, 10, and 11, MacOS 10.13 Intel · 11.0 Apple Silicon, Linux
Blender is an amazing 3d creation platform that is open source. The software supports modeling, 3D pipelining, rigging, animation, rendering, video editing, motion tracking, game creation, and composing.
If you are a designer of 3d graphics then this software is best suitable for you. You can also edit your videos with this software for free since it is open source. Blender 3d is a good package for all types of graphics-related activities on computers.
Reason to Choose:-
- Open-Source
- Simplest Interface
- Frequent Updates
- A vast arsenal of 3d tools.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Sometimes glitchy but overall good.
- Laggy Performance on intensive editing.
- Little Complex to learn.
3OpenShot – a free and open-source video editor for beginners
Best for: Small Business Owners and Freelancers.
User rating: 4.4/5.0
System compatibility: Linux (most distributions are supported), Windows (version 7, 8, and 10+), OS X (version 10.15+)
OpenShot is a cross-platform video editor that trims and slices videos for you. It has an animation framework of a fade, slide, and animate anything in your project. The software has an unlimited number of tracks you can use.
OpenShot comes with a variety of video effects, audio waveforms, a title editor, slow motion, and time effects. It wonderful package for those who are interested in their videos in animated form like small business owners and freelancers, etc.
Reason to Choose:-
- The very easy graphical interface and navigation.
- Perfect for quick edits.
- Multiple languages support.
- Open-Source.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Sometimes the software crashes.
- Poor performance in high-resolution videos.
4Lightworks – free and easy to use a pro video editing tool
Best for: Small business owners, actors, and marketers.
User rating: 3.5/5.0
System compatibility: Windows 8, Windows 8.1, and Windows 10, Mac OS X 10.11 or higher, Linux , Ubuntu / Lubuntu / Xubuntu 20.04 or higher
Lightworks is an editing system for video edits and mastering. It is one of the oldest software developed for early computer-based non-linear editing systems. After 2010, it is also available as an open source however the source code has never been released.
The software became available as an open source in 2020, but the source code has never been released. If you are an actor, content creator, or marketeer then this software is for you.
Reason to Choose:-
- The abundance of resources for building videos.
- Free and Open-Source.
- Better Technical Support and suggestions.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Basic Editing Features
- Limited Transitions and font settings
5VSDC Free Video Editor – best multimedia suite for video and audio editing
Best for: Business owners, mid-marketeers, and YouTubers.
User rating: 4.0/5.0
System compatibility: Windows XP/SP3/Vista/7/8/10
VSDC is a free non-linear editing tool that can edit your videos in ultra-high definitions. It is developed by Flash-Intergro LLC. VSDC is capable of many other features that video content creators usually need such as motion tracking, liver color correction, and post-production effects.
This product is available in 13 languages which makes it an easy choice for everyone around the world.
Reason to Choose:-
- Good quality multimedia editing
- Free and Open-Source
- Wide acceptance of video and audio formats
- Direct publishing on social media platforms
Reason to Avoid:-
- Cannot download animated transitions
- Hight memory consumption
6Shotcut – Free video editor with high-resolution
Best for: Graphic designers, business owners, and IT marketers.
User rating: 4.2/5.0
System compatibility: Operating system: 64-bit Windows 7 – 11, Apple macOS 10.14 - 12, 64-bit Linux with at least glibc 2.27.
Shotcut is one of the free and open-source video editing platforms that is also a cross-platform editing tool. It is available on all the operating system platforms out there.
Reason to Choose:-
- Wide-format support
- Device and transport option
- Sleek and Intuitive Interface
- Free and Open Source
Reason to Avoid:-
- The interface is complex comparatively
- Crashing is common due to driver problems
7Hitfilm Express – The best choice for students and projects
Best for: Gamers, Youtubers, Small business owners, entrepreneurs, and graphic designers.
User rating: 4.4/5.0
System compatibility: Apple: macOS 11.0 Big Sur, macOS 10.15 Catalina or macOS 10.14 Mojave, Windows: Microsoft Windows 10 (64-bit)
Hitfilm Express is a free and open-source amazing video editing software with professional grading VF-X tools and many awesome contents such as gaming and films. This video editor is perfect for all beginners, who have just started the editing.
Its tools are industry-rated and the interface is known for its user-friendly feature. The largest VFX toolkit of Hitfilm consists of more powerful libraries and is all available for free at your service.
Reason to Choose:-
- Supports HD videos.
- Multiple imports of many audios and their mixing.
- A broad variety of tools and functions.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Animation availability is limited and repetitive.
- No Instructional videos.
8Clipchamp – Low learning curve editor for everyone
Best for: Photographers, Freelancers, and Youtubers.
User rating: 4.0/5.0
System compatibility: Windows
Microsoft ClipChamp is one of the best video editors for creating amazing movie clips of your pictures. You can create many slideshow pictures and play music behind them.
It comes with various stickers, trimming, merging, multiple trimming and filters, etc. The application is available on the Microsoft store or the official ClipChamp website for download. If you want something authentic on your windows then this app is for you.
Reason to Choose:-
- Included with Windows 11.
- Interactive and easy-to-use tools.
- Generous template selection.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Requires a subscription for some features.
- Limited control over effects.
9Avidemux – video editor designed for simple cutting and encoding
Best for: Digital Marketers, web designers, and business owners.
User rating: 4.4/5.0
System compatibility: Windows OS: 98 SE, XP, 2000, Vista, 7, 8, ME, macOS X, and Linux.
Avidemux is open-source software for video editing such as simple cutting, filtering, and encoding of videos into many formats. The application let you convert to many videos encoding formats like the popular ones MPEG and ASF etc.
Moreover, Avidemux does not provide editing through basic tools only but its automated task capability through queue and power scripts lets you do anything with your video.
Reason to Choose:-
- Completely free and open-source
- Sleek user interface
- Wide support of codecs
Reason to Avoid:-
- Documentation is not beginner-friendly
- Confusing options
- Limited effects and transitions
10iMovie – a most well-known video editor for macOS users
Best for: Apple device users, Marketers, developers, and teachers.
User rating: 4.3/5.0
System compatibility: Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows 10, or Windows 11, All macOS
IMovie is a pre-installed software by Apple Inc. on their systems. It primarily came in macOS, iOS, and iPadOS devices. The application is known for its editing of any type and resolution of videos.
Reason to Choose:-
- User friendly
- Easy to use and available for free
- Library of sound and visual effects
Reason to Avoid:-
- Time-consuming export
- Lacks advanced video editing tools
11VideoPad – editor to create professional-look videos fast
Youtubers, business owners, and cast designers.
User rating: 4.1/5.0
System compatibility: Windows 10, XP, Vista, 7, 8, and 8.1 and Mac versions.
VideoPad is a video editing software tool available for Windows, and Mac to create different movies and edit videos. The application can create great-looking videos with its intuitive interface.
It comes with a lot of effects and transitions including a chroma key for making those unrealistic effects real now. It can even upload your videos on YouTube as well as on DVD.
Reason to Choose:-
- Easy to use for beginners
- Better control over transitions and other options.
- Editing 360 videos with VideoPad is super easy
- Vast support of video formats.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Sometimes choppy playback
- Export and import file issues
- Lacking 360 pictures edit capability
- Audio editing is confusing
12VideoProc – stable and powerful video editor
Best for: people who have multiple needs like video converting and recording.
User rating: 4.5/5.0
System compatibility: Microsoft Windows 7, Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11 or later (32-bit and 64-bit versions supported) Mac OS X Snow Leopard, Lion, Mountain Lion, Mavericks, Yosemite, El Capitan, macOS Sierra, High Sierra, Mojave, Catalina (10.15), Big Sur, Monterey or higher
VideoProc is best known for its capabilities of video converting and processing software. The application lets you convert, resize and process large and high-definition videos such as 4K or HDR videos.
Moreover, this application lets you convert audio and DVDs easily at a fully accelerated speed. The application is very friendly towards the processing capabilities of your PC by utilizing it to the extent it is possible.
Reason to Choose:-
- The majority of format conversions are available
- GPU acceleration for fast rendering
- Fast and simple functional controls
Reason to Avoid:-
- Unable to deal with long-duration videos (5 hours limit).
- Some system crashes
13Wevideo – online free and simple video editor
Best for: users who don’t want to download additional programs.
User rating: 4.4/5.0
System compatibility: Macs, PCs, and iOS and Android mobile devices.
WeVideo is a cloud-based collaborative video creation tool that is both strong and simple to use. WeVideo is the primary choice of companies, consumers, instructors, and students, and the video foundation for many third-party media services.
It is accessible from any computer or laptop, whether in the classroom, at residence, at the office, or on the road. Users may simply shoot, modify, watch, and share files, and their material is securely stored in the cloud.
Reason to Choose:-
- User friendly
- Rich Libraries
- Suitable for Green Screen Videos
- Free Trial Offering
Reason to Avoid:-
- Outdated Templates
- Limited control over effects and advanced editing
- Sometime Glitchy Features
14Active Presenter – Free video editor for eLearning purposes
Best for: Teachers and students for delivering and recording class lectures.
User rating: 4.5/5.0
System compatibility: Windows 7/ Windows 8/8.1, Windows 10, Windows 11 (only 64-bit (x64) is supported), macOS 10.12, macOS 10.13, macOS 10.14, macOS 10.15, macOS 11 (only 64-bit Intel CPU is supported)
Active Presenter is multi-functional software that edits your video as well as record it. It is equipped with a variety of tools that record screens, edit screencasts videos, and create interactive content in Html5.
Moreover, the all-in-one feature lets you record your PC screen along with audio input. You can also edit your video and voice. The app also provides eLearning authority software guides, games, and simulations.
Reason to Choose:-
- User-Friendly Interface.
- Interactive features.
- Multiple Tools in one package.
Reason to Avoid:-
- Manual volume control.
- Need amendments in volume control.
Part 3: Free Video Editor for Mobile Phones
If you want to record your mobile phone's screen, you need to install a screen recorder app. Here is the list of the best screen video recorders for mobile users.
| 1 - Splice | 2 - GoPro Quik | 3 - KineMaster |
| 4 - InShot | 5 - Filmora | 6 - CapCut |
| 7 - Funimate | 8 - Adobe Premiere Rush |
1Splice
Support OS: iOS and Android
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Download Link Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.splice.video.editor
Download Link iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/splice-video-editor-maker/id409838725
Splice is a professional-level video editor optimized for android phones. You can trim, crop, edit music, add music, and create many alluring videos with the Splice android version all through your mobile phone.
The splice application uses its optimized codes to do you video editing for you anywhere with your smartphone. Being a photographer can greatly help you when you needed a quick upload of photographs onto your social page.
Reason to Choose:-
- Speedy video edits
- Complete package for movies making
- Deal with high-quality videos too
Reason to Avoid:-
- Sometime Crashes
- Consume a lot of hard drive space
2GoPro Quik
Support OS: iOS and Android
Rating: 4.5/5.0
Download Link Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gopro.smarty&hl=en&gl=US
Download Link iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/gopro-quik-video-editor/id561350520
Quik is an amazing video editor application for android and iOs to produce cinematic auto-edits. With Quik, you can edit your pictures in a video and put a piece of background music. The Mural feature lets free your shots from the camera roll on your smartphone.
The application comes with a variety of features such as a speed tool, frame grab, filters, beat sync, video editing tools, and much more. If you are the one who loves to get quick shorts and upload them the instant to social media then it is for you.
Reason to Choose:-
- Live Streaming Capabilities
- Frequent Firmware Updates
- Unlimited Cloud backup
Reason to Avoid:-
- Full Features unlock at the paid version
- Computationally intensive on ordinary smartphones
3KineMaster
Support OS: Android and iOS
Rating: 4.7/5.0
Download Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.nexstreaming.app.kinemasterfree&hl=en&gl=US
When it's about editing your videos with the device you carry with you such as your iPhone, Android phone, or tablet then KnieMaster is the best choice you got. It makes video editing fun with its interactive layout.
It has a lot of powerful tools and many downloadable contents that you can use in your video editing. It has been the best choice for YouTubers and social media video content creators.
Reason to Choose:-
- Easily deal with 4k and HD videos
- Direct connection with social media platforms
- Completely free to use
Reason to Avoid:-
- Reported Glitches
- Laggy on high-resolution videos
4InShot
Support OS: Android and iOS
Rating: 4.8/5.0
Download Link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.camerasideas.instashot&hl=en&gl=US
Inshot is a perfect and strong multi-functional video editor and maker with an arsenal of amazing features. Whether it’s the music, effects, emojis, slow motion, background blurring, etc it has got you all covered in your video project.
This is not it, if you are Youtuber, Tiktoker, or using Facebook then you are lucky to enjoy video making with Inshot with its music, background effect, and much more features.
Reason to Choose:-
- Basic to Advance video editing capabilities
- Vast music effects and voice-over
- Support HD/4K videos
Reason to Avoid:-
- Some features are complex to use
- Customer Care issues
5Filmora: AI Video Editor, Maker
Support OS: Android
Rating: 4.6/5.0
Download Link Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.wondershare.filmorago&hl=en&gl=US
Download Link iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/filmorago-video-editor-maker/id1019382747
Filmora is one of the best video editor applications available on android and iOS with a lot of features like emoji, special effects, background, filters, and much more.
Moreover, it is known for its user-friendly interface with powerful tools powered by WonderShare. Create memes, edit videos, and make different video content with just a few steps with this application.
Reason to Choose:-
- More features than any other editor
- Music Libraries and Recorder
- Easy Sharing on social media
Reason to Avoid:-
- Limited Access in the free version
- Lacking 4K and 8k support
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6Capcut
Support OS: iOS/Android
Rating: 4.6/5.0
Download Link Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.magisto&hl=en&gl=US
Download Link iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/magisto-video-editor-maker/id486781045
Magisto Video Editor finds the greatest sections of your film using sophisticated AI Technologies. Synchronization, object identification, filters, and effects are among the video editing techniques used. The end product is a film that stands out among slideshows and video collages.
If you are more interested in applications powered by AI then this is for you. Thanks to its availability on both android and iOS it's very easy to use with touch, drag, and drop.
Reason to Choose:-
- User-Friendly
- Easily sharable content
- Support camera roll videos and add audio commentary.
- AI-powered capabilities make many things much easier
Reason to Avoid:-
- Limited access in the free version
- Bugs are common
7Funimate
Support OS: iOS/Android
Rating: 4.7/5.0
Download Link Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avcrbt.funimate&hl=en&gl=US
Download Link iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/funimate-video-editor-maker/id844570015
Funimate is the greatest smartphone video content creation app available on the play store and apple store. Become one of the thousands of Funimate customers who can quickly produce complicated video edits.
With different video capabilities like transitions, customized motions, multimedia effects, and filtering, you can make great Audience Edits or liven up your impromptu films.
Reason to Choose:-
- Amazing Element Libraries
- AI Effects
- Interactable Community Help
Reason to Avoid:-
- Need increase in Effects
- Longs annoying ads
8Adobe Premiere Rush
Support OS: iOS/Android
Rating: 4.3/5.0
Download Link Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.adobe.premiererush.videoeditor&hl=en&gl=US
Download Link iOS: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/adobe-premiere-rush-edit-video/id1188753863
Need a continuous stream of fantastic videos on your channel? If yes, Try Adobe Premiere Rush the cross-device video editor. With valuable tools, you can easily make professional-looking and sounding videos.
It is free with limitless exporting for as much as you like, or pay to have accessibility to all high-end features and dozens of music, audio effects, swirls, dynamic titles, decorations, and images.
Reason to Choose:-
- Customizable contents
- Additional Features for premium users
- Multi-Track Timeline
Reason to Avoid:-
- Glitches are reported
- Annoying Feedback messages
Part 4: Tips and Tricks for Using Free Video Editing Tools
• Watch tutorial videos before starting with any editor for a better experience.
• Check for any keyboard shortcut available for the editor
• Choose appropriate music for your video content.
• Avoid jumpcuts since they put a bad impression on their viewers and use real-looking cuts.
• Be a good storyteller in your video content
Part 5: Related FAQs about Free Video Editors
Which is the best video editing app for free?
After thorough research of the reviews and feedback, the best video editor application is the Inshot. The ratings of Inshot are the best among the other same applications.
How can I edit my videos for free?
You can edit your video for free with the right video editing tools for your specific platform. Some of the tools like Filmora, it is readily available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
What is the best free online video maker?
The powerful and free best application for editing and making your videos is Clipchamp. The free version of Clipchamp lets you work on unlimited videos. This plan includes all the basic editing capabilities of the application.
What do YouTubers use to edit videos?
The choice of YouTubers and online video content creators will depend on several factors. However, Wondershare Filmors is a great choice because it is easy to use and comes with a range of AI features that make it super easy to create engaging videos.