The best free video editing software in 2021
The best free video editing software is just the thing if you want to give movie making a go without spending a fortune up front.
Gone are the days when free video editing software was a poor relation to paid versions — in fact, some of the choices in our list come with advanced features such as 3D rendering, auto image stabilization and color correction.
And if that all sounds like overkill then don't worry, because the best free video editing software will also help you master the basics, such as how to create transitions and add a soundtrack or text overlay.
Of course, free video-editing packages do have some compromises compared to the paid versions: for instance, some will only let you export up to a certain resolution, while others miss out on specific features that you'll find on the likes of Adobe Premiere Pro and CyberLink PowerDirector. But they're still powerful enough for home movies of your latest vacation and if teamed with one of the best action cameras or the best drones you could easily make an epic extreme sports film; the possibilities are endless.
Read on, then, for our pick of the best free video editing software packages. And when you do decide to take the next step, you can look at our list of the best video editing software packages, which includes the best paid options.
Top three video editors overall in 2021If you feel you're already ready to take the step up to some more advanced video editing options, there are some really great value paid-for options out there. If you're creating video for commercial purposes, in particular, it's worth investing in the proper tools. These are currently the best three paid-for video editors out there:
On to the best free video editing softwareAfter testing numerous suites, the best free video editing software overall is HitFilm Express 16. It works with both Macs and PCs and has a revamped interface that's powerful but easy to use and customizable to your needs. While HitFilm is free, you can pay for 30 add-on packs, which range in price from around $15 up to $50. These include such features as 360-degree video editing, 3D titles, advanced color-grading tools and LUTs, and even audio tools such as Doppler Shift and noise reduction. Lightworks is another great option, offering plenty of advanced tools completely free, but with the caveat that exports are limited to 720p.
Mac users who only need a simple video editor will find that Apple iMovie is the best free video editing software, because of its strong integration with Apple's operating system and easy-to-grasp editing tools. iMovie supports 4K video, and has some good tools for smoothing shaky video, adding titles, and even soundtracks from music in your iTunes library. However, you won't get advanced features such as 360-degree video editing and special effects here.
Of course, there are some features that can only be found in paid software packages; be sure to check out our picks for the best video editing software under $100 too. But if you need just the basics, you've come to the right place.
The best free video editing software you can download today (Image credit: FXhome)1. HitFilm Express 16
The best free video editing software overall
SpecificationsCompatible with: Mac, Windows
Minimum system requirements: Windows 8 (64-bit), Mac OS 10.13 Sierra
Reasons to buy+Customizable interface+Drag and drop special effects are easy to apply+Cross platform+Library of great free instructional videos
Reasons to avoid-No Linux support-May have slight learning curve for newcomers
Hitfilm Express is the best free video editing software package. Its high-energy style appeals to budding filmmakers who want to put a special touch on a personal event or get creative with a video blog, but it's still easy enough for the adventurous friends-and-family crowd.
The latest version, Hitfilm Express 16, includes an array of enhancements such as physically based 3D rendering, custom Light Flares effects, a built-in voice recorder and more. That's all on top of the many other features already present in this premium-feeling package: there's an auto stabilizer to make bumpy footage look smoother, motion tracking, a color picker to selectively adjust colors, and a crop & pan tool — otherwise known as the Ken Burns effect.
Hitfilm Express supports resolutions up to 4K, GPU-accelerated decoding on Nvidia, AMD, and Intel graphics cards (on PCs only), changes to the interface, and native support for Dolby AC3 audio. It also supports VEGAS files and effects. And, it has a light interface — but if you prefer a dark interface, that'll set you back $9.
Other great features include the ability to create your own lightsaber battles, 360-degree video editing and lens distortion correction from action cameras. You can also purchase a number of add-on packs, starting at around $10, to add even more functionality to the program.
Read our full HitFilm Express 16 review.
2. Lightworks
A full-featured and free video editing program with an optional Pro upgrade
SpecificationsCompatible with: Windows 7/8/10, Mac, Linux
Reasons to buy+Completely free+Basic and advanced features+Good performance+Active user forum
Reasons to avoid-Export options limited to 720p and H.264/MP4-Steep learning curve for newcomers-No built-in Help-Paid upgrade for certain features
Lightworks is advanced enough that the Pro version has been used to create multiple award-winning movies including the likes of Pulp Fiction and The Wolf of Wall Street, but the free version is only marginally less full-featured.
There's a wide range of tools to create professional-looking videos, including some fairly advanced audio-editing options, VFX, color adjustments and more. And while the interface may take a little getting used to, even a beginner can master the essentials relatively easily. It also works on almost every platform, with versions for Windows, Mac and Linux.
The main drawback is that with the free version, output options max out at 720p — but depending on what you're planning to upload your film to, that may not matter. And if you do decide to go Pro, you can do so for $24/month and open up 4K export plus various other features.
Read our full Lightworks review.
3. Apple iMovie
The best free video editing software for Mac users
SpecificationsCompatible with: Mac
Reasons to buy+Professional-looking themes and trailers+Abundant audio tools+Supports 4K
Reasons to avoid-Lacks multicam, motion tracking and 360-degree features-Limited output controls
iMovie is the best free video editing software for Mac users, as it delivers themes, Hollywood-style trailers and video effects with minimalistic panache, a cinematic flair, and deep integration and optimization with macOS.
Recent updates tweaked the interface and added Touch Bar support for the latest Macs, plus it now lets users edit and adjust focus in videos shot with the iPhone 13 range's new Cinematic Mode. It's also now been optimized for the latest Apple Silicon, so it'll have improved performance when used on the new MacBook Pro 14 or 16-inch models and the M1 Pro or M1 Max chips.
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