Best free video editing software for Windows PC and Mac that lets easy video editing that everything paid software can do.
Finding the best free video editing software is an easy task. But for any professional personnel, it should be up to the mark so that their video meets success. If the content of the video is stunning, then it can surely help to boost the selling of products and give a high return on investment for online as well as offline stores.
Whether it is YouTube, Instagram, or Facebook, the ads are there in between the feed. So they are good enough to catch the viewer’s eyes, it can help you to sell things. And for that, you need the best video and hence the best free video editor for Windows for a professional look.
So here we are with top free video editing software that is free and satisfies the needs of individual users. So shall we start?
Recommended: Best Video Editing Software for YouTube
What is Video Editing Software?
Contents
- 1 What is Video Editing Software?
- 2 Best Free Video Editing Software in 2024
- 2.1 #1. Blender
- 2.2 #2. Shotcut
- 2.3 #3. Lightworks
- 2.4 #4. VSDC Free Video Editing Software
- 2.5 #5. Machete Video Editor Lite
- 2.6 #6. Avidemux
- 2.7 #7. HitFilm Express
- 2.8 #8. DaVinci Resolve 16
- 2.9 #9. Openshot
- 2.10 #10. VideoPad
- 2.11 #11. KineMaster
- 2.12 #12. DaVinci Resolve
- 2.13 #13. Windows Video Editor
- 2.14 #14. Apple iMovie
- 2.15 #15. MovieMaker Online
- 2.16 #16. Adobe Premiere Pro
- 2.17 #17. CyberLink PowerDirector
- 2.18 #18. Apple Final Cut Pro X
- 2.19 #19. ActivePresenter
- 2.20 #20. Video Grabber
Video Editing Software is a versatile tool used to manipulate and enhance video footage. It enables users to trim, merge, and arrange video clips, add transitions, effects, and audio tracks, and apply color grading and other adjustments. This software empowers creativity and enables professional-quality video production.
Best Free Video Editing Software in 2024
Here we have composed a list of free video editing software that is based on software. Desktop apps or software have more power in terms of function, editing, and ease of use compared to the mobile app. Some of them are free completely whereas some provide a trial version and you will get basic to advance functions according to your choice.
#1. Blender
Website: https://www.blender.org/
Available for Windows, Linux, and Mac.
Blender is the best free video editor software that open source and free to use for any purpose. It was earlier designed as a 3D animation suite, but with some updates, it comes up with some video editing functions. I think the function and features provide by this tool are enough to fulfill your video editing needs.
Blender can cut and split videos as some of the basic functions. It can also carry some complex task like video masking. It provides a guide and support for all the people. And yes, flexible for all ranging from newbie to pro.
Key Features of Blender:
- Audio mixing, scrubbing, syncing, and waveform visualization
- Live preview, chroma vectorscope, luma waveform, and histogram displays
- Adjustment layers, Speed control, transitions, filters, keyframes, and many more
- Up to 32 slots for adding images, video, effects, and audio
Pros:
- It is perfect for advanced users who like to enjoy advanced features.
Cons:
- Tutorials majorly focused on 3D animation and modeling side
- The learning curve becomes steeper due to the feature’s sheer array
- The resources are limited to help you with the editor, so you have to learn it by self.
Highly Used For:
- Advanced projects that include 3D animation
#2. Shotcut
Website: https://shotcut.org
Available for Windows, Linux, and Mac
Shotcut is another name that is completely free and open source video editing software. So you need to download it, and after proper installation, you can easily use all the features of shortcuts for free.
It supports an extensive range of video formats. Even it has a huge collection of video tutorials, too. It might be possible that you find the interface off-center but other than that it is all cool to use. It was initially designed for Linux. But apart from the interface, it is an excellent video editor.
Key Features:
- 4K HD resolution support
- Timeline editing
- Import your video into the editor itself and save your time
Pros:
- 4K resolution support for free
- Native timeline editing
Cons:
- For some users, the quirky interface put off the interest
Highly Used For:
- All HD and 4K video projects
#3. Lightworks
Website: https://www.lwks.com/
Available for Windows, Linux, and Mac
The second name on our list of free video editing software is Lightworks. It is also a powerful editor and packed with tons of useful features. It is available for free as well as a paid version. The paid version charges $25/month.
Key features of the free version:
- Export to 720p for Youtube
- High accuracy video trimming
- Multicam support
- Support for many video formats
Key features for paid version:
- Export to all formats and resolutions
- Export YouTube/Vimeo up to UHD 4K
- Boris FX plugin/ Boris Graffiti plugin package
- User definable project locations
- Stereoscopic (3D) output
- Advanced Project sharing
- AJA, Blackmagic, Matrox and Mackie Mixer Support
- Lightworks Console support
- Timeline Rendering
- AVID DNxHD Codec Support
But compared to the first one, it has a wide range of support, including video tutorials to make the learning quick and easy.
Pros:
- With advanced feature, it is a very powerful video editor
Cons:
- 4K video support in paid version only which is available for free in some editors.
- Few people find it too advanced
Highly Used For:
- All type of desktop video editing
#4. VSDC Free Video Editing Software
Website: http://www.videosoftdev.com/
Available for Windows
This free video editing app is available for Windows only. It is available as a free and paid version both. The free version provides some powerful features like audio editing, color correction, and a few more.
The pro version that charges $19.99/month includes voice-over support, image stabilization, and visual waveform. If you do not want to update for the pro version, then you can ask for technical support at either $9.99/month or $14.99/year.
Pros:
- A powerful set of features
- Straightforward to learn
Cons:
- Designed for Windows only
- No free technical support
Highly Used For:
- All the editing projects that are Windows-based
#5. Machete Video Editor Lite
Website: http://www.machetesoft.com/
Available for Windows
Machete Lite is one of the known video editing software lists as it makes the task easy and quick in editing. There are two versions; one is paid, and the other one is pro. Using the free version, you can remove audio tracks, but you can’t edit audio.
The free version has support for AVI and WMV files only. T extended services and more features, you need to pick the pro or full version that costs $19.95/month. With it, you can edit audio and get support for more types of files.
Key features:
- Customizable shortcut keys
- Video files with H.265 (HEVC) Video streaming support
- Support the video and audio codecs for WMV, MSS, and others
- Cut, copy, delete, save, and paste fragments of video files
- Insert one video file into another
- Save a video frame as .bmp, .png, and .jpg in Windows
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Clean interface
Cons:
- Designed for Windows only
- Does not provide support to various type of file and program
- No audio editing
Highly Used For:
- Simple video editing
#6. Avidemux
Website: http://avidemux.sourceforge.net/
Available for Windows, Linux, and Mac
Avidemux is one of video editing software free, especially for novices because of the neat and clean interface. It makes it simple to use. One can perform most of all basic tasks like simple cutting, filtering, and encoding. It is a good place to start if you are completely new to video editing.
Key features:
- Use a variety of codecs
- Support many file types like AVI, MP4, ASF, and DVD compatible MPEG files,
- Using projects tasks can be automated
Pros:
- Simple to use, no need for any technical expertise
Cons:
- Cover only basic features
Highly Used For:
- Basic editing tasks for a video
#7. HitFilm Express
Website: https://fxhome.com/hitfilm-express
Available for Windows and Mac
If you are looking for a professional video editor, then HitFilm Express is one of the recommended names by many users. You will find all of the features that you are looking for in any basic editor like audio editing, splicing, or trimming.
Many users find this software a little advanced due to some additional features in the free package. It includes more than 180 effects for free. You can also find many tutorials which are based on the making of Hollywood movies like Star Wars. Do not worry as they are interactive and engaging.
But to download this video editing software free, you have to share the status update on your social media account. I think it is a small thing in return for this advanced software.
It also has a store to get some add ons in case if you want more than basic features. However, most people find it enough and do not go for any purchase.
Key Features:
- Advanced cutting tools
- 3D video support
- Keying for green screen effects
- Compositing tools
- Audio and video filters
- Layers and masking
Pros:
- Free video editor software for professional use
Cons:
- You need time to get used to interface
Highly Used For:
- YouTube Vlogs as the uploading on YouTube is free
#8. DaVinci Resolve 16
Website: https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve
Available for Windows, Linux, and Mac
Arguably DaVinci Resolve is the most advanced editor on the list. It has many professional features that you can’t think of for free. The interface is intuitive. With video trimming and video slicing, you can also correct color and master audio.
Now add 2D AND 3D tiles in the video with this software. Even the feature set of DaVinci Resolve helps you to trip and upload the video if it is too big. For the advanced video project, the free version is more than enough to complete the work.
Key Features:
- Multicam editing
- Advanced trimming
- Audio mastering
- Color correction
Pros:
- Incredible color correction feature
- Intuitive interfaces
Cons:
- A wide collection of features make it a little unbelievable
- Some video tutorials are chargeable
Highly Used For:
- More advanced projects where you need color correction
#9. Openshot
Website: https://www.openshot.org/
Available for Windows, Linux, and Mac
Openshot is open source and free video editing software. It is something like the iMovies, easy to drag, and drop interface. However, it has more features than iMovie, like audio mixing and unlimited audio.
It has a nice balance between a simple interface and advanced features. It also gives your real-time preview while the transition between clips.
Key Features:
- Unlimited layers and tracks
- Clip scaling, resizing, snapping, trimming, cutting, and Real-time rotation previews for video transitions
- Compositing, watermarks, and image overlays
- Title creation, title templates, subtitles 3D animated titles and effects
- Advanced Timeline for drag & drop, panning, scrolling, zooming, and snapping
Pros:
- Unlimited layers
- Open source
Cons:
- Fewer video tutorials
Highly Used For:
- New users who want to start with video editing
#10. VideoPad
Website: https://www.nchsoftware.com/videopad/index.html
Available for Windows
VideoPad Video Editor is the last name on our list. If you want to take the first step in the video editing world, you can take the help of this software undoubtedly. It’s perfect for those who want to start video composition easily and simply. However, if you are an advanced user, then you find it too basic.
Key Features:
- Export Movies in Multiple Resolutions
- 3D Video Editing
- Library of pre-made transitions
- Sound Effects Library
- Reduce Camera Shakes
Pros:
- Strong features to export videos to YouTube and other social media platforms
Cons:
- Advanced users find it too simple
Highly Used For:
- Beginners getting started with video editing.
Recommended: Best Explainer Video Software
#11. KineMaster
Website: https://www.kinemaster.com/
Available for iOS and Android
You will come across plenty of free video editing software online. But one of the most prominent ones is KineMaster. It is surprisingly rich in features and is compatible with both iOS and Android platforms.
KineMaster is ideal for users looking for video editing software on the go. It can be installed on most tablets and phones for effortless editing.
Even though it is free software, it includes features that are usually found in high-end video editing solutions.
The smart, intuitive and user-friendly interface allows you to use it with ease. It makes an ideal choice for beginners as well as professionals.
With KineMaster, you add text annotations and handwriting to your videos. It also gives you the ability to edit multiple layers at once.
It allows you to edit at the sub-frame level. That’s not all, you can also include up to four tracks with just a few clicks.
KineMaster is free to use. But it also has a paid premium version. You have guessed it right, the premium version comes with additional features.
Like if you wish to get rid of the watermarks, you will need to get the paid version. But no worries, the paid version comes at a very minimal price.
Other notable features are smart effects, blending modes, Chroma key, and instant preview. It also has a backup and share option for you to save your projects and use share them with others.
KineMaster is widely popular video editing software that has been around for a long time. It is best suited for beginners, but can also be used by professionals for basic editing.
Key Features:
- Eight different blending modes
- Backup & share
- Download effects, music, and more
- Edit multiple layers
Pros
- Packed with features
- Free to use
Cons
- Slow on some devices
Highly used for: Light editing
#12. DaVinci Resolve
Website: https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/davinciresolve/
Available for Mac, Linux, and Windows
Trusted by millions, DaVinci Resolve is the only video editing software that combines colour correction, editing, motion graphics, audio post-production and visual effects, all in one tool.
It’s a powerful editing solution with a modern, user-friendly interface. It is fast and easy to learn.
Whether you are a professional or just a beginner, you can edit high-quality videos with ease. With DaVinci Resolve, you don’t have to switch software for different projects or tasks.
It allows you to work with original quality images. Having this solution is like owning your post-production studio.
DaVinci Resolve is widely used by professionals for colour correction. This software is also used for TV productions and big-budget movies.
Its powerful audio capabilities and colour correction features are what make it stand out from other video editing tools.
Besides the colour correction feature, DaVinci Resolve also has facial tracking and recognition. It helps you to adjust your eye, lip, and skin colour with ease.
For better audio quality, it uses Fairlight, a set of powerful editing tools. With this exclusive feature, you can master and mix up to 1000 channels.
It is surprising to see that powerful software like DaVinci Resolve has a free version with almost all the features you need.
However, the paid version gives you access to more advanced features like noise reduction. But if you are just a beginner, the free version should be enough for you.
If you are looking for an efficient video editing tool for free, look no further, DaVinci Resolve is the best you will find.
Key Features:
- Supports Fairlight consoles
- Multi-user collaboration
- Colour correction
- Audio tools
Pros
- High-end software
- Audio post-production
Cons
- Mainly good for finishing footage
Highly used for: Colour correction
#13. Windows Video Editor
Available for Windows 10
Windows Video Editor is the best built-in video editor for Windows PC users. It comes pre-loaded in your system, so you don’t have to install it separately.
Previously known as Windows Movie Maker, it is rebuilt and redesigned for Windows 10. The new version is far better than the older one.
It is more efficient and includes additional features. Windows Video Editor is perfect for making quick edits to your clips. In other words, it is not meant for powerful editing.
Since this is a built-in video tool, it doesn’t include many great features. It can only be used for basic editing.
With the help of Windows Video Editor, you can perform tasks like cropping, trimming, speed adjustments, adding audio or text.
It features a 3D effects section, where you will find a good collection of pre-designed animations. This feature can be used to add cute animations to your clips.
Unlike other high-end editing tools, Windows Video Editor doesn’t include enough customisation options.
To be precise, this tool is ideal only for kids and beginners. You can use it to make basic editing and that’s all. For advanced video editing, you must look for other options in the list.
One good thing about Windows Video Editor is that it is free. If you are a Windows user, you can easily access it on your PC and edit videos.
It comes with a clean, user-friendly interface that even kids find easy to use. It is best suited for times when you need to make quick edits to the videos that you are going to share online.
Key Features:
- Simple interface
- Custom animations
- Cropping and trimming
- Speed adjustment
Pros
- Very easy to use
- Pre-installed custom animations
Cons
- Not meant for advanced video editing
Highly used for: Basic video editing
#14. Apple iMovie
Website: https://www.apple.com/in/imovie/
Available for Mac
If you are a Mac owner, you have Apple iMovie to use. It is a free video editing solution that comes pre-installed on your Mac device.
But unfortunately, it is not advanced enough to be used for professional editing. It is suitable for basic editing and touch-ups.
If you are a newbie, you might find this software useful. It has basic video editing features which will help you improve your editing skills.
Even though it is a built-in editing tool, it supports 4K resolution. You can use this software to create a polished edit.
One of the features that are worth mentioning is the cloud-based work setting. It allows you to save and sync your projects to iCloud.
The good thing about Apple iMovie is that is updated regularly. If you own a MacBook Pro, you can use the Touch Bar feature while editing your videos.
With the help of this software, you can make basic editing like changing backgrounds, inserting titles, and applying effects.
Apple iMovie lacks advanced editing features that are needed by professionals. However, it provides a set of premium effects and filters that can make your clips look professional.
On the downside, it takes a lot of time to render and import clips. But again, you should remember that it is free, built-in software.
Overall, Apple iMovie is a decent video editing tool, which is perfect for beginners. It more or less has all the features you need.
The fact that it comes pre-loaded, you don’t need to worry about installing it on your own. Just turn on your Mac and start using it.
Key Features:
- Supports 4K resolution
- Includes premium effects and filters
- No watermark
- iCloud storage
Pros
- Great for audio
- No download required
Cons
- Only available for Mac users
Highly used for: Polishing videos
#15. MovieMaker Online
Website: https://moviemakeronline.com/
Available for all platforms
If you are looking for an online video editing solution, you should try MovieMaker Online. It is a popular editing tool, which is completely free to use.
With MovieMaker Online, you don’t need to download any software. This makes it suitable for users with low storage space.
The best thing about using this tool is that you can access it from any computer you want. All you need to do is just visit the MovieMaker Online website and start editing.
Unlike other online video editing tools, it doesn’t require you to register. It provides great timeline-based editing, with no watermark.
It also has free stock photos and music. You can access their collection and include it in your clip.
MovieMaker Online provides a convenient way to edit your videos. Instead of downloading the whole software, you simply access it via your web browser.
But there’s one thing that you might find difficult is the odd layout. It may take you longer than usual to get used to it.
The site also has a lot of advertisements’, which gets annoying at some point. But at the same time, you must understand that it is free software, so they need the revenue-generating from those ads.
MovieMaker Online has very limited features, which makes it suitable only for basic editing. Some of the features to be mentioned are trimming, chroma-key, effects, mirror, speed adjustment, rotation, and blur.
You can use this tool to change the background, and add text and music to your clips. It also provides a video editing guide for new users.
Key Features:
- Browser-based editing tool
- Royalty-free music
- Stock photos
- No watermark
Pros
- Completely free to use
- No registration needed
Cons
- Difficult and odd layout
Highly used for: Basic and quick editing
#16. Adobe Premiere Pro
Website: https://www.adobe.com/in/products/premiere.html
Available for Mac and Windows
Adobe Premiere Pro is arguably the best professional video editing software available. It includes all possible features and functions required for video editing.
Adobe Premiere Pro is trusted by top professionals as it provides an industry-level video editing environment.
It includes everything that a pro video editor would need. For starters, it has a flexible, clean interface for a better editing experience.
It is one of those editing tools that are updated regularly. With each update come new features.
Even though Adobe Premiere Pro is available for both Mac and Windows, we recommend you to use it on Mac.
A good portion of professional video editors uses it on Mac computers. This will help you get the most out of this software.
It comes with a modern interface and provides a convenient way of editing. However, it will take you some time to learn to use it. This is especially true for beginners.
With Premiere Pro, you can edit incredible videos fast. Before investing in the software, you should opt for the free trial period. First, use the tool for free and invest in it only if you are satisfied.
Whether you are editing a blockbuster movie or a social media clip, Premiere Pro has got your back. Import videos, add effects and craft your story like a pro.
It comes with a whole set of professional templates along with other customisation options. You can also include your music track or audio sound in your videos.
Premiere Pro works seamlessly with other Adobe solutions and apps. It allows you to save your projects in cloud storage.
Key Features:
- Professional templates
- Plenty of customisation options
- Cloud storage
- Supports 8K resolution
Pros
- The advanced video editing tool
- Free trial available
Cons
- A bit expensive
Highly used for: Professional-level video editing
#17. CyberLink PowerDirector
Website: https://www.cyberlink.com/products/powerdirector-video-editing-software/features_en_IN.html?r=1
Available for Windows and Mac
If you are looking for fast and efficient video editing software, you should consider using CyberLink PowerDirector. It is a feature-rich editing solution powered by artificial intelligence.
CyberLink PowerDirector is an affordable, professional-level editing tool. It has been around for years and is trusted by millions of users around the world.
It includes features that will help you to edit a full-length movie with effects, titles, transitions, and more.
Like other high-end editing programs, CyberLink PowerDirector also receives regular updates. This gives you access to new features throughout the year.
CyberLink PowerDirector is suitable for all types of users. It supports the latest technology and is available on both macOS and Windows.
It includes over 3000+ templates and effects for you to choose from. It also gives you access to free stock images, music, and videos.
Besides all the basic editing options, you will also find advanced functionalities like keyframing, mask and blend, green screen, and AI motion tracking.
Other notable features include wind removal, object detection, sky replacement, and speech enhancement.
Using all these features, you can create stunning videos like a pro. It helps you to tell your story, your way.
Like every other good thing, CyberLink PowerDirector comes with a price. But you can opt for the trial period to check out all its features. After you are satisfied, you can get the full version at a minimal price.
CyberLink PowerDirector gives you limitless possibilities at your fingertips. It is a loaded software that allows you to edit videos the way you like.
Key Features:
- Powered by AI
- Motion tracking
- Fast rendering
- Screen recording
Pros
- Multicam editing
- Tons of effects
Cons
- Poor colour matching
Highly used for Professional looking videos and photo slideshows
#18. Apple Final Cut Pro X
Website: https://www.apple.com/in/final-cut-pro/
Key Features:
- Advanced organisation tools
- Support for HDR and 360-degree footage
- Multicam editing
- MacBook Touch Bar support
Pros
- Optimised for Apple Silicon
- Fast performance
Cons
- No motion tracking for 360-degree footage
Highly used for: Movie editing
#19. ActivePresenter
Website: https://atomisystems.com/download/
Available for Windows and Mac
Next up, we have ActivePresenter, which serves as a powerful tool for video editing. It may not be as popular as the other options on the list, but it is worth a try.
The good news is that you can use this software for free. But the free version has limited features. To access all the features, you will need to get the paid version.
With the help of this tool, you can create educational videos and presentations. It provides basic editing features that are perfect for beginners.
It is functionally designed and includes a clean interface. You can choose what type of content you want to create or simply import a PowerPoint presentation.
With a few simple clicks, you can stream or record a video. Even if you are using this software for the first time, it won’t take you much time to locate what feature is where.
It comes with a user-friendly interface that is designed to minimise efforts. This tool can result in stunning presentations and videos.
ActivePresenter allows you to import and export videos in various file formats. Apart from that, it can capture high-quality screen recordings.
On the downside, you can only import files that are created with ActivePresenter. This limits the potential of the software.
Depending on your need, you can use this tool to create slide-based videos or capture screens. It also allows you to add shapes, spotlights, gesture effects, and text captions to your videos.
Overall, it provides a large number of tools and features to create videos. This is what makes it a reliable choice for users.
Key Features:
- Supports various file formats
- Smart capture
- Add texts, gesture effects, and more
- Unlimited trial period
Pros
- Easy to use
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- Users can only import files created with ActivePresenter
Highly used for: Creating e-learning content
#20. Video Grabber
Website: https://www.videograbber.net/
Available for all platforms
Lastly, we have Video Grabber, which is an online tool that allows you to search and download videos for free.
Video Grabber is slightly different from other tools in the list. It is a video downloader tool but includes basic editing features.
With the help of this tool, you can download popular videos from various sites. It takes just a single click to download videos in various file formats.
It supports all the popular formats such as FLV, 3GP, MP4, MP3, WMV, etc. Besides that, it also supports downloading HD videos.
Using this amazing tool, you can convert all your videos into desired formats, without compromising on the quality.
Video Grabber is a feature-rich online video editor that is compatible with all portable devices. It can be used on both Android and iOS platforms. Other than that you can also use it on your PSP and many other devices.
It allows you to prepare audios and videos for the DVD player, web, and QuickTime. Another notable feature is the screen recording function.
With the help of this feature, you can record your computer screen with ease. After you are done recording, the file will be saved on your device.
It includes a set of video editing tools for screen recording. This feature will come in handy while recording video chats, webinars, games, tutorials, and more.
If you are looking for an easy-to-use video editor, you should try Video Grabber. It is basic and simple and makes a reliable choice for beginners.
You can also use this tool to find the latest and most popular videos.
Key Features:
- Allow video downloads
- Can convert videos into any format
- Screen recording
- User-friendly
Pros
- Free to use
- No download required
Cons
- Only suitable for basic editing
Highly used for: Editing screen recording clips
Conclusion
It is all about Best Free Video Editing Software for Windows. We hope you like the list we have made for you. There is much other software is there, but after trying so many, we find the above ten best. Hopefully, the same is for you. Thank you!
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Jitendra Dabhi is content marketer since last 10 years. He is very much interested in writing about technology, software reviews and cybersecurity. He is featured in Entrepreneur.com, HackerNoon.com, ReadWrite.com, TemplateMonster, Tech.co, Tweakyourbiz, YourStory.com, freelancer.com etc.