Images might be worth a thousand words, but sometimes you just need to create a video to truly get your message across. No matter if it is a beautiful project for your photography website or the latest product release on your eCommerce website, you should be able to bring any creative idea to life.
The most common fear or challenge when it comes to video creation is the editing process, as many see it as a daunting task beyond their technical skills or budget. Unbeknownst to most, however, there is a wide selection of great free video editing software programs available for all types of projects and technical skills levels. To ensure you find the one that better fits your specific needs and skills, we have put together a handpicked selection of the most amazing video editors you can use for free.
Here are the best free video editing software you can use in 2021:
Lightworks
Shotcut
iMovie
HitFilm Express
VSDC Free Video Editor
DaVinci Resolve
VideoPad
Openshot
Blender
Avidemux
Bonus: Wix Video Maker
01. Lightworks
Best for: Visually outstanding films.
What do Shutter Island, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Pulp Fiction have in common? Lightworks was used in the production of all of them. It is one of the most powerful video editors available in the industry, and you can have a slimmed-down version of the professional suite at no cost. Among others, the free version includes auto-save, multicam editing, project sharing, video capture, high-precision trimming, color correction, and real-time effects. The most noticeable limitation is that you’ll only be able to export MPEG-4 720p files.
The + : Extensive tutorial library, advanced features, auto-save function
The - : Challenging to master, restricted output format, requires a fast computer
Platforms: Windows, Mac, and Linux
Paid version: Lightworks Pro for $24.99/mo, $174.99 per year, or $437.99 for life
02. Shotcut
Best for: 4K video projects.
Its quirky interface might throw you off at first, but remember that you should never judge a book by its cover. Shotcut is a powerful open source video editor that offers pretty much any feature hobbyists will ever need, including color correction, transitions, video capture, waveform, histogram, 4K resolution support, and timeline editing. Furthermore, you’ll be able to use multiple dockable panels to customize the interface to match your needs.
The + : 4K resolutions support, flexible interface, wide selection of filters and effects
The - : Steep learning curve, limited tools, quirky interface
Platforms: Windows, Mac, and Linux
Paid version: No
03. iMovie
Best for: Mac users.
If you’re a Mac user getting familiar with video shooting basics, look no further - the best free video editing software for you has been in your computer all along. iMovie offers a large selection of essential features wrapped up in a drag-and-drop based intuitive interface. The most popular tools offered in the program include trimming, audio editing, split screen, and ready-made transitions.
If your passion for Apple extends to mobile devices, you’ll be happy to read that you can start your projects from your iPhone or iPad and then finish on your Mac.
The + : User friendly, supports 4K, wide range of sharing options
The - : Lacking popular tools, limited output selections, only for Mac users
Platforms: Mac
Paid version: No
04. HitFilm Express
Best for: Experienced video creators.
The wide array of features offered by HitFilm Express make it a great choice for video creators of all levels. Higher level tools such as keying for green screen effects, 3D video, compositing tools, and 4K support make it an attractive platform for emerging filmmakers. Meanwhile, the intuitive interface, basic tools, and numerous tutorials are appealing to beginners. Other popular features include lens distortion correction, advanced cutting and trimming, layers and masking, and 360 degree video editing.
The + : Playback options, flexible export tools, 3D compositing
The - : Fast computer required, paid features, slow export performance
Platforms: Windows and Mac
Paid version: HitFilm Pro for $299
Best for: Adding effects and text.
VSDC is the best Windows-native free video editing software. While its interface might put off beginners at first, the program is actually really easy to use. In fact, it even includes a wizard you can run to make things easier. VSDC is the preferred editor when it comes to creating presentations, as its strengths lay in the ability to add text, lines, charts, filters, and special effects.
The + : 4K support, audio and video filters, intuitive interface
The - : Complex interface, limited features, only for Windows
Platforms: Windows
Paid version: VSDC Pro for $19.99
06. DaVinci Resolve
Best for: Professional color correction.
Many consider DaVinci Resolve to be the most advanced free editing software available in the market. This is primarily due to its mighty color correction and audio capabilities, which are often used on big-budget TV productions and films. On top of these two professional-level features, DaVinci Resolve offers advanced tools such as multicam editing, motion graphics, video effects, and facial recognition.
The + : Powerful color correction tools, professional audio post production, collaborative working
The - : Paid tutorials, fast computer needed, learning curve
Platforms: Windows, Mac, and Linux
Paid version: DaVinci Resolve Studio for $299
07. VideoPad
Best for: Social media video creation.
In recent years, social media networks have become an absolute must for professionals of all areas - from photographers and illustrators to models and entrepreneurs. As a result, the need for simple and intuitive free video editing software is at an all-time high. This is the main focus of VideoPad, which supports effects, transitions, text overlay, video stabilization, narration, and more - all within a drag-and-drop interface. Furthermore, the program makes it incredibly easy to export your videos to YouTube, Facebook, Google Drive, and mobile devices.
The + : Intuitive interface, supports a wide range of video formats, direct export to social networks
The - : Lacks advanced features, only for non-commercial use, paid add-ons
Platforms: Windows and Mac
Paid version: VideoPad lifetime license for $60 or $99, or monthly subscription for $5.50/mo
08. Openshot
Best for: Beginners.
Many see Openshot as an open source, cross-platform version of iMovie due to its drag-and-drop interface. However, this free video editing software actually offers a wider range of tools than its Apple-native comparison. Openshot includes both basic and advanced features, such as clip resizing, trimming, scaling, image overlays, title templates, subtitles, key frame animation, and video transitions. The easy-to-use interface allows beginners to get the hang of the program quickly and use it to develop their video creation knowledge as they move towards more advanced tools.
The + : Easy-to-use interface, user forum, drag-and-drop capabilities
The - : Occasional lag, limited tools, not many tutorials
Platforms: Windows, Mac, and Linux
Paid version: No
09. Blender
Best for: Advanced projects.
Initially developed as an advanced 3D animation suite, Blender has gained a spot in the computers of video creators all over the globe. While this open source video editing software offers a great mix of basic and advanced tools, its wide array of features makes it harder for inexperienced creators to learn their way around the program. Among others, Blender includes the following features: live preview, VFX, modeling, audio mixing and synching, animation, 2D and 3D drawing, speed control, and 32 medis slots.
The + : Extensive list of features, 3D animation, VFX
The - : Steep learning curve, few support resources, most tutorials focus solely on animation
Platforms: Windows, Mac, and Linux
Paid version: No
10. Avidemux
Best for: Quick edits.
If you’re looking for a free video editing software for quick basic tasks, Avidemux might just be the perfect match. This open source platform boosts an easy to use interface that allows beginners to feel comfortable and start working rapidly. The most popular features in the editor include cutting, trimming, encoding, and filtering. Furthermore, you’ll be able to change file extensions and output any major video formats.
Due to its simplicity, Avidemux takes a significantly smaller space than other programs making it a great choice for slower computers. On the downside, users report that the video editor is prone to crashing and you should be saving your project every so often.
The + : User friendly, automated tasks, custom scripting capabilities
The - : Limited features, hard to use intricate features, prone to crashing
Platforms: Windows, Mac, and Linux
Paid version: No
11. Bonus: Wix Video Maker
Best for: Basic video editing.
With Wix Video Maker you’ll be able to create beautiful clips to share on your social media accounts within a few minutes. This free video editor allows you to add up to 15 pictures or videos on a professionally designed template, and customize its text, design, and music.
All you need to do to access this tool is open your Wix website’s editor, select ‘Marketing Tools’ on the left panel, and then click ‘Video Maker.’ Afterwards, simply select the template you want to work with and start adding in your content and choosing your design elements.
The + : Ready-made templates, easy to use, extensive sharing options
The - : Only for Wix users - but then again, why would you not be one?
Platforms: Web
Paid version: No
