Whether you’re a professional filmmaker, content creator, or just starting out with video editing, the right video editing software can make all the difference in bringing your vision to life. With so many different video editing software options available, it can be overwhelming to determine which one is best suited for your needs. That’s why we’ve put together this curated guide to the best video editors on the market, split between desktop and mobile options.
First up, let’s take a look at the desktop powerhouses which are commonly used for editing professional videos:
DaVinci Resolve
Pros:
- Powerful colour-correction tools with support for HDR grading.
- The free version of the software has most of the editing features that you’ll need as a hobbyist or a young professional.
- Professional-grade audio editing tools.
- Multi-camera editing capabilities for projects with multiple angles.
- Support for a wide range of video formats, including 8K.
Cons:
- The interface can be a little overwhelming with so many features and options.
- Some of the advanced colour-grading options are only possible with the paid version.
- A powerful workstation with a dedicated graphics card is required for
Premiere Pro
Image courtesy : nofilmschool.com
Pros:
- A user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate.
- It has multi-camera editing capabilities.
- Integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps, making it easier to streamline the editing process
- Advanced audio editing tools for professional-level sound design.
- Support for many video formats, including 8K.
Cons:
- The subscription-based payment system makes it more expensive than other desktop editors. And it adds up quickly; a couple of thousand rupees per month means almost 50k over two years.
- Requires a powerful computer when it comes to handling large files.
Final Cut Pro
Image courtesy : apple.com
Pros:
- Optimized for Mac computers, with seamless integration with other Apple software.
- The interface is user-friendly.
- Only a one-time payment is required.
- Offers fast and efficient rendering of high-resolution video files
- Support for a wide range of video formats, including 8K.
Cons:
- Only available on Mac computers
- Limited third-party plugin support compared to other desktop video editors.
These were the main contenders for desktop editing. If you want to edit footage on the go, these mobile/tablet video editing apps are worth considering:
LumaFusion (iOS and Android)
Pros:
- Multi-track timeline allows for more complex video projects.
- Professional audio editing tools are present.
- Support for high-end formats such as 4K and HDR.
- The interface is user-friendly.
Cons:
- The android version lags, and has a lot of performance issues
- Expensive compared to other mobile video editing apps.
- Steep learning curve for beginners.
- Limited options for adding text and graphics.
KineMaster (Android and iOS)
Pros:
- With its multi-track functionality, users can create more elaborate video projects.
- Professional-level sound design is possible.
- Support for high-end formats such as 4K and HDR.
- Large selection of visual effects and transitions.
- User-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate.
Cons:
- Watermark is added to exported videos unless you upgrade to the paid version.
- Limited options for adding text and graphics.
- Some users report stability issues with the app.
VITA (Android and iOS)
Pros:
- Intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it a great choice for beginners.
- Offers a wide range of editing tools and features for basic video editing.
- Has a built-in library of royalty-free music and sound effects that can be added to videos.
Cons:
- Limited options for advanced video editing, such as multi-layer timelines and advanced audio editing tools.
- Export options are limited compared to other mobile video editing apps.
- Limited options for adding text and graphics compared to other mobile video editing apps.
At the end of the day, the choice of video editor isn’t just about the technical capabilities – it’s about finding the tool that speaks to your creativity, and helps you bring your ideas to life. Maybe you’re drawn to the sleek interface of Kinemaster, or the depth of colour-grading tools in DaVinci Resolve. Maybe Lumafusion’s ability to edit multiple tracks on a mobile device is a game-changer for your workflow.
And let’s be real – choosing the right video editor is also about finding one that fits your budget. With the wide range of pricing options out there, from free mobile apps to monthly subscription models, it’s important to consider the cost alongside the features you need.
With a little experimentation and a healthy dose of creativity, you can find the perfect video editing software to help your vision shine.
