The Best Video Editing Software For Creative Business Owners
Available in three versions, the Pro package delivers a decent amount of tools for basic video editing plus some 900 effects, transitions, and titles, while the Plus and Premium packages offer advanced features, including multicam editing to facilitate real-time editing, 360-degree editing, plus enhanced transitions, templates, and effects. Some say Magix Movie Edit Pro is similar to Premiere Pro’s workspace but much simpler, and overall this video editing software is on par with Apple iMovie but for Windows PCs.
The Pros:
- Easy to learn and use
- Full of useful templates
- Generous amount of transitions and special effects
- Clean, easy to navigate workspace
- Fast editing process
- Tiered pricing options
The Cons:
- Not as advanced as more pro-level software
- Slower rendering than its competitors
- Some users have called it glitchy
The Cost:
After a 30-day free trial, there are three packages to choose from: Pro is $69.99, Plus is $99.99, and Premium is $129.
The Best:
Best easy video editor for PC users
DaVinci Resolve
The Basics:
What distinguishes DaVinci Resolve, by Blackmagic, from competing video editors is that it combines editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, as well as audio post production into one program, which allows users to work more quickly (i.e. they don’t have to switch between programs for different tasks). Another noteworthy advantage is the program’s multicam editing tools that can cut footage from up to 16 cameras; you can also toggle between cameras through the touch screen, which also allows you to trim footage without moving from one camera to another. The program’s trim interface also facilitates editing in minute detail, and a dual timeline affords quick navigation, cutting, and trimming. With a host of pro-grade features including 3D tools and 8K editing, an impressive suite of video effects, and a well-designed interface, DaVinci Resolve appeals to Hollywood professionals, but it definitely will take time and patience for an amateur to get the hang of the software. Many users have reported a learning curve for mastering the basics of producing video content—from importing footage to editing and trimming to exporting the final project.
Blackmagic offers a free download of DaVinci Resolve without a watermark that’s more robust than expected with standard editing and cutting, effects, motion graphics, color correction, and audio editing—everything one might need for basic video editing without all the bells and whistles that a true professional would require. The free version is all one would need to create simple behind-the-scenes videos for social media and YouTube.
The Pros:
- Professional-caliber video editing capabilities
- A bevy of editing tools
- Striking transitions
- Clear, concise interface
- Combines motion graphics, audio editing, and post-production video editing in one program (which are separate apps in other pro editors)
- Substantial free version; reasonably priced premium package
The Cons:
- Complex program that takes time and patience to learn
- For Microsoft Windows only
The Cost:
A robust free version or $269 for the full Studio version
The Best:
Best free video editor for skilled editors
Pinnacle Studio
The Basics:
Available for PC users only, Pinnacle Studio offers almost pro-level video editing capabilities without the complex user interface and steep learning curves associated with competing video editors. With fast processing, a full suite of features and stunning effects, multicam editing, stop-motion video, motion tracking, color correction, enhanced keyframe controls, and powerful title editing and masking tools, Pinnacle Studio appeals to near-professional video editing enthusiasts but it’s still extremely simple to learn and use. Free effects, titles, and templates facilitate a beginner video editor in creating truly impressive content for websites, social media feeds, or YouTube videos.
The Pros:
- Very good prosumer product that appeals to near pros but is easy to use
- Intuitive, easy to learn for beginners
- Growing range of features
- In-depth interface and functionality
The Cons:
- Some users might find it somewhat basic
- Had a reputation for being glitchy but has improved in recent years
- Available for Microsoft Windows only
The Cost:
Available in three packages: entry-level Pinnacle Studio for $59.95, Plus for $99.95, and Ultimate for $129.95 for perpetual licenses, with no recurring subscription fee required. Upgrades from previous versions of Plus and Ultimate are offered at a $30 and $40 discount, respectively. There’s no free trial, but there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The Best:
Best novice video editor using Windows
Filmora
The Basics: Considered the best video editor on a budget, Wondershare’s Filmora offers a pleasing interface; well-designed title and text templates; standard trimming, transitions, and overlays; and a host of effects. Though it lacks 3D editing, multicam editing, and 360 VR support, Filmora does provide decent motion tracking, and it really stands out for its sound effects. Noted as one of the best video editors for sound effects, Filmora comes with a library of free basic sound effects and background music tracks that you can easily add to your video clips via drag-and-drop, and a convenient microphone button allows you to easily record a voiceover.