It's essential to have something you love. A passion you excel at, and it just so happens that on this website, we love editing.
It's a great hobby to have, though it can get tricky at times, so it's not always easy to be at the top of your editing game if you don't possess the right tools.
That's why providing your PC with the right editing software is essential for great videos.
Technology is advancing every year, and editing software is introducing more features, but many are still not advanced enough to perform all the tasks needed. Also, it's easy to get lost in the sea of options, so you have to remain focused and make a wise choice.
You may be thinking about how you will select the right one, how much you should pay for it, and what software is the best for your specific needs.
This guide will reveal all you need to know, so buckle up and let's start.
Table of Content
Our Criteria for Selecting the Best Video Editing Software for Windows
We've carefully picked the most up-to-date, popular, and professional software and made a list of them while focusing on crucial parameters like Features, Pros, Cons, and Prices.
Some options are entirely free, and others have free trials with paid upgrades, so you'll have the opportunity to study their specs and select what you feel is top-notch.
Below, you'll find all the information you need to treat yourself to the best video editing software for yourself and your business.
| Software ranked by reviews and overall performance | Best used for | Operating System Recommended |
| Adobe Premiere Pro, 9/10 | 3D professional editing. | Windows, Mac, iOS |
| Filmora, 8.9/10 | All levels of skill and experience and AI enthusiasts | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux |
| Shotcut, 8,5/10 | Novice and mid-level editors. | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux |
| Blender, 8.5/10 | Enthusiasts who love 3D modeling. | Windows, MacOs, Android, Linux |
| LightWorks, 8.4/10 | Social media influencers and short-clip editors. | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux |
| Windows Movie Maker, 8/10 | Editors with a passion for film-like shots. | Windows, Android |
| ClipChamp, 8/10 | Influencers, TikTok and Shorts creators. | Windows, Mac, iOS, Linux |
| Luxea, 7.9/10 | Editors that enjoy simple UI while having lots of options. | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux |
| OpenShot, 7.9/10 | Busy users who love to multitask and work on many projects simultaneously. | Windows, Mac, Android, Linux |
| HitFilm, 7.5/10 | All levels of skill and users who enjoy having more advanced tools. | Windows, Mac, Android |
Proprietary vs Free Windows Video Editors: What to Expect
Everybody has a preference regarding tech equipment and software, which is the reason why so many options are available. The market is constantly putting out newer and improved versions, some of which are free and some that have a price tag.
The main differences between these groups are usually the cost, features, updates, and learning curve.
Cost
Free software versions are available at no cost but are often limited in performance and the number of tools, although you can have outstanding results using them as well. The paid versions, however, will always offer more, so explore the options and choose what works for you.
Features
As expected, the features will advance as the cost increases, so it's crucial to study the specs of each editing software and choose the one you love.
Updates
The free versions don't have as many updates and support, which doesn't mean you won't be able to edit some fantastic videos using them.
Learning Curve
Paid software will be more robust and complex but will often have longer and more precise tutorials that'll teach you every trick.
Best Proprietary Video Editing Software for Windows With Free & Paid Versions
Today, there are so many options, and the list keeps getting longer with the technology advancing every year.
Current free programs offer more than paid ones did years ago, but as impressive as that sounds, it can lead you down a rabbit hole where such a large number of options might cloud your judgment. Paid software with advanced capabilities aims to make your editing effortless, but which ones are worth investing money in?
The list below will provide all the necessary information to gain a deeper insight and understanding of the programs.
1.Wondershare Filmora
Wondershare's Filmora is one of the leading and most premium video editing software currently. It has a pleasing UI that's super easy to navigate and is equipped with endless effects and blazing fast render speed, so even novice editors feel like professionals.
The company keeps advancing the software, adding modern features, such as speech-to-text, motion tracking, keyframing and the latest AI features, such as Auto Masking and Copilot editing.
Price to quality ratio is superb, and the user ratings confirm the high quality this software claims to deliver.[b]
Pricing
- Cross-platform monthly plan: 9.99$
- Cross-platform annual plan: 29.99$
- Perpetual plan: 49.99$
[c]
Best for
It suits editors with all skill levels and is effective for users who seek to create high-quality, engaging videos without having to deal with a complex UI.
User ratings
8,9/10[d]
Key features
- Motion tracking
- AI text-base editing
- AI Thumbnail creator
- Green screen
- Avatar presentation [e]
- AI text-to-video
2.HitFilm
Launched by the FXhome, this is an excellent program for editing, layering, and motion graphics ranked as one of the best on the market.
It's not too difficult to navigate, though when you upgrade to the Paid package, it may get a little tough to comprehend due to the complexity of the features.
On the other hand it lacks some important upgrades like multicam editing and keyword tagging, making it stand in the shadow of more advanced software.
Pricing
- Creator monthly plan: 7.99$
- Pro monthly plan: 12.99$
Best for
The Free version offers a variety of basic tools. However, the Paid one opens the door to many effects that only professionals will appreciate, meaning it's more suitable for experienced users and will leave beginners confused.
User ratings
7,5/10.
Key features
- Layers and motion graphics
- Supports 4K format
- Unlimited amount of video tracks
- Motion tracking
- 3D editing
3.Windows Movie Maker
This Windows-included editing software gradually increased its quality to a high level and improved in many ways since its first release two decades ago.
The software's philosophy stayed the same; Simplistic and easy to handle.
It hits the mark if you're looking for basic editing features and ease of use, but when it comes to more advanced editing, it's still unable to deliver.
Pricing
Free version available.
Best for
It's a great editing tool for enthusiasts who seek to combine their videos into digital movies with music, satisfying transitions, and subtitles.
User ratings
8/10.
Key features
- Wide range of visual effects
- Subtitles
- Stabilization
- High number of audio elements
- Supporting formats such as AVI, MP3, MP4, WMA, MPG, etc.
4.Climpchamp
This is the software that all TikTok and Shorts creators love because its main function is to deliver compelling short videos that keep the audience hooked.
How does it do that? By offering a range of specialized and engaging effects, transitions, and templates for social media posts.
Its downside is that you have to open your wallet for many of those features.
Pricing
- Premium monthly plan: 14.99$
- Premium annual plan: 144.99$
Best for
Because of its wide pallet of effects, transitions and overlays, it's comfortable and pleasant to navigate. The users who'll love it the most are short-clip, social media creators and marketers because of its pre-installed templates and meme-like designs for social media posts.
User ratings
8/10.
Key features
- Custom integration for Chrome
- Time-saving features
- Automatic cloud storage
- Direct upload social media
- Practical templates and wizards
- Brand kit for managing logos
5.Adobe Premiere Pro
This is a premium application for video and audio editing and VR presentations.
It comes with a broad arsenal of tools and a powerful interface, although it's not the easiest of the bunch to navigate.
It recently got its UI simplified for better control and shorter learning time, but it's still rated as a professional-level editing software that only experienced editors find easy to use.
Pricing
- Monthly plan: 22.99$
- Annual plan: 264.99$
Best for
It's tailored to satisfy the needs of a large range of users, but it's leaning more toward professionals who know their way around a complex and robust program like this. With its 3D and multicam editing, you can produce some very high-quality and up-to-date clips.
User ratings
9/10.
Key features
- Endless multicam angles
- A pallet of tutorials and training
- Quick object removal
- Lots of collaboration tools
- Fast rendering
6.ACDSee Luxea Video Editor
The fun and exciting name reveals the app's philosophy: to be super beginner-friendly and easy to use.
It focuses on beginners and lacks certain advanced tools and transitions.
It allows you to use unlimited timeline tracks and many formats while providing multi-monitor support and keyframe editing, so you'll find it a delight to use.
Pricing
Annual plan: 49.99$
Best for
It provides its users with many transitions and a simplified interface, so novice editors will have a blast editing clips with this program.
User ratings
7,9/10.
Key features
- Keyframe editing
- Different text and title styles
- Copy-paste effect from one clip to another
- More than 30 transitions
7.Shotcut
It's one of the oldest releases on this list, but since its launch in 2004, it's been almost completely transformed and adjusted to modern style editors.
Its magnificent cross-platform adaptation allows you to switch between systems without worrying about compatibility or losing quality.
So whether you're a Mac user or love Windows, you're set and safe.
Pricing
Free.
Best for
It gives novice editors a chance to feel like they have rich experience. It will teach you all of the basic tricks you can later build on if you invest in more advanced software.
User ratings
8,5/10.
Key features
- Customizable UI
- Easy and light installing
- Full-color grading option
- Large number of stock features
- Playback speed adjustment
- Speed adjustment
8.Blender
Available for free, this software is a splendid option for 3D creation, due to supporting animation, rigging, simulation, motion tracking, etc. It's perfect for small to mid-sized projects and individual creators who want to add a modern feel to their videos.
The latest version has four main models - Video editing, Sculpting, VFX, and 2D animation, meaning you have all the tools to make your videos deeper and more dynamic.
Pricing
- Monthly plan: 11.99$
- Free version available.
Best for
Blender doesn't lag behind the most modern software. With its paid version, you get access to incredible benefits such as film assets, endless training material, an HDRI library, and much more.
User ratings
8.5/10.
Key features
- Texturing and lighting
- 3D modeling
- Turning images into animations
- 2D animation
- More than 30 slots with audio-visual effects
9.Openshot
Openshot is a comprehensive and robust program for Windows, Mac, and Linux. Its drag-and-drop type of interface is very easy to navigate, so it's perfect for users without any technical expertise.
Its 3D animation capabilities allow it to modify colors, file sizes, and titles across various multimedia projects. With the quick trimming option, you can capture the best moments with zero effort.
Pricing
Free.
Best for
People who love multitasking and have many projects open simultaneously will love this program since it works fast and has reliable search algorithms.
User ratings
7,9/10.
Key features
- Multi-track support
- Image overlay
- Various transition effects
- Text editing
10.Lightworks
Lightworks is an LWKS video editing software incorporating dynamic video and audio editing, color grading, amazing visual effects, and many sharing options.
Novice users can perform basic audio equalizations and customize the visuals in a short time due to the prompt nature of the software.
Pricing
- Free version available
- Monthly Create plan: 13.99$
- Monthly Pro plan: 27.99$
Best for
It's suitable for creating amazing-looking shorts and engaging calls to action for teaching or selling.
Adding captions and captivating, specialized transitions will give your clips an element of surprise so your viewers can't help but pay attention.
User ratings
8,4/10.
Key features
- 4K video export
- Color control
- Modern audio EQ
- LUT support
- Prompt time rendering
Choosing the Right Video Editing Software for Windows
Now that we've covered the best free and premium options, you may be thinking about how to select the right software for you.
There are some key parameters that should guide your decision, and they are:
- Price/Freeware
- Available Features
- Overall performance
- Ease of use
All of the options provided above will leave you with astonishing results. Some more than others, but you have to decide what your exact goals are and adjust them to the pros, cons, and features of these programs so your videos end up polished and crisp.
Choosing a more modern and established software like Filmora will give you a confidence boost due to its simplicity and provide you with professional videos due to its complex and robust interface with endless premium options.
FAQ
-
Can I have the same results with free editing software?
Using a Free version will get you some astonishing results as well, but with the paid one, you will have more advanced features, a broader range of tools, and better customer support. -
Is there a trial for the paid version of video editing software?
Many video editing programs provide a trial so the users can get a full experience before deciding to purchase. -
What are the main benefits of using the paid version of the software?
More comprehensive customer support, more stability, more exclusive effects, and a higher number of formats you can export your files in to make the paid version worth it. -
Are there any hidden disadvantages of using the paid version?
It all depends on the company you choose, but usually, there are no hidden costs or flaws in using paid software, in fact, it's always going to be more profitable and provide you with the results faster.
