Choosing the right video editing software for you could be the difference between a mediocre video vs. a production-grade, professional one. Additionally selecting a video editing software that matches your skill level and equipment is crucial to saving yourself time and unnecessary frustration. We’ve compiled a list of top 9 video editing software below to ensure that your next production stands out in the crowd.
Top 9 Best Simple Video Editing Software for Windows
- Vimeo Create – Best Video Editing Software for Automation
- CyberLink PowerDirector 365 – Best Video Editing Software for AI powered tools
- Lightworks – Best Video Editing Software for Collaboration
- DaVinci Resolve – Best Video Editing Software for Professionals
- WeVideo – Best Video Editing Software for Social Media
- Shotcut – Best Video Editing Software for Usability
- Hitfilm Express – Best Video Editing Software for Versatility
- VSDC Free Video Editor – Best Video Editing Software for Flexibility
- Adobe Premiere Elements – Best Video Editing Software for Beginners
1. Vimeo Create – Best Video Editing Software for Automation
Pricing: Free
Vimeo Create is a free video editing tool that acts as an all-in-one solution for editing, hosting and distributing your videos from one centralized location. It also has built-in AI technology that can automatically create a polished video about your product given video footage, product images, and style customizations. Vimeo also has diverse libraries of videos and music to choose from throughout the editing process.
Key Features:
- 1000+ available templates
- Facial recognition and auto-editing capabilities
- High quality stock images
- AI-driven editing suggestions
Reasons to Buy:
- Powered by AI algorithms
- Smart suggestions
- Beginner friendly
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited customization
2. CyberLink PowerDirector 365 – Best Video Editing Software for AI powered tools
Pricing: Starts at $4 / month
If you want access to some of the most technologically advanced video editing features, CyberLink PowerDirector 365 is the perfect tool for you. Though more affordable than standard video editing software, PowerDirector 365 contains everything you’ll need to get started with visual storytelling. You can leverage various technologically advanced capabilities like AI motion tracking, background replacement, and unwanted object removal in your productions.
Key Features:
- AI powered features
- Stock library of preset videos and images for use
- Dynamic keyframing
- Powerful masking, layering and blending functionality
Reasons to Buy:
- New music, designs, and effects released monthly
- Quick processing speeds
- Intuitive dashboard
Reasons to Avoid:
- Limited guides
3. Lightworks – Best Video Editing Software for Collaboration
Pricing: Free, paid plans start at $24.99 / month
Lightworks has been used to produce several Hollywood classics including Pulp Fiction, The Wolf of Wall Street, and Moulin Rouge – a testament to its versatility and top-tier functionality. The platform provides everything you need to professionally edit and clean up an entire video project, and offers helpful features like automatic saving for an optimized user experience. Users can work across multiple layers of video and audio and apply various transitions, clip splicing, color correction, and more.
Key Features:
- Real-time collaboration and project sharing
- Multicam clip syncing
- Wide range of audio controls
- Supports numerous ways of importing assets
Reasons to Buy:
- Comprehensive tutorials
- Simple drag and drop tools
- Fast performance
- Cross platform functionality
Reasons to Avoid:
- Export limits (maximum 720p)
4. DaVinci Resolve – Best Video Editing Software for Professionals
Pricing: Free, paid plan starts at $295
What started as a simple color correction tool has become a cutting-edge video editing tool that acts as a one-stop-shop for post-processing, visual effects and more. Used by Hollywood studios, DaVinci is the ideal streamlined software solution for professionals working collaboratively. The platform is known for its advanced audio editing system, powerful built-in neural engine for image analysis, and most importantly, its state-of-the-art color grading and correction software.
Key Features:
- Dual timeline for easy navigation
- Intelligent, automated editing and clip syncing
- Dynamic tools for stabilizing and zooming
- Targeted grading and scene cut detection
Reasons to Buy:
- Built for collaboration
- Technologically advanced tools
- One of the best color correction tools in the market
Reasons to Avoid:
- Steep learning curve
5. WeVideo – Best Video Editing Software for Social Media
Pricing: Free, paid plans start $4.99/month
WeVideo is an intuitive cloud-based video editing and creation platform that serves nearly 30 million users globally. Given its simple design and usability, WeVideo is used by students, educators, content creators, and businesses alike. Unlimited and secure cloud storage gives creators the bandwidth to continuously edit, view, and share videos freely and abundantly.
Key Features:
- Exports 4K video resolution
- Unlimited cloud storage
- Green screen support
- Library featuring 1 million+ images, videos and audio assets
Reasons to Buy:
- Unlimited cloud storage
- Easy collaboration platform
- High video quality exports
Reasons to Avoid:
- Outdated video templates
6. Shotcut – Best Video Editing Software for Usability
Pricing: Free
If you prefer to use a video editing tool that undergoes regular updates and improvements, Shotcut is the ideal option for you. Thanks to its loyal open source developer community, Shotcut sees frequent upgrades that improve usability. The platform lacks visual interface complexity, making it ideal for beginners or users who only really need the essential editing features like keyframing, splicing clips and adding transitions and effects.
Key Features:
- Robust video filters
- Extensive fine-tuning audio editing options
- Supports Av1 encoding and decoding
- Multi-format editing timeline for mixing distinct resolutions and frame rates
Reasons to Buy:
- Lacks thumbnail previews for effects
- Works well with lower-end computers
- Supports various file formats
Reasons to Avoid:
- Non-linear video editing can be unintuitive
7. Hitfilm Express – Best Video Editing Software for Versatility
Pricing: Free
Hitfilm Express is the best video editing software for anyone looking for an all-inclusive toolset to produce a professional production. Even the basic version contains many features found in paid software solutions like Adobe Premiere Pro, such as 360-degree editing and an extensive library of special effects. If you’re looking for specific tools, Hitfilm Express also offers packs of add-on features for niche capabilities like extra color grading tools.
Key Features:
- 3D compositing
- Over 180+ movie-quality VFX tools available for use
- 4K video support
Reasons to Buy:
- Strong community and helpful tutorials
- No watermarks
- Supports various import formats
Reasons to Avoid:
- Powerful computer needed
8. VSDC Free Video Editor – Best Video Editing Software for Flexibility
Pricing: Free, paid plans start at $19.99 / year
If you happen to have a low-powered Windows PC and are just looking to make simple video edits, VSDC is a great option for you. Not only is it designed for users with hardware systems that are not up-to-date, VSDC is also flexible in terms of handling multiple file formats. VSDC has a number of built-in tools like its powerful motion tracking tool and audio/video syncing mechanism that will elevate your videos with minimal effort.
Key Features:
- Built-in tools like video stabilizing and motion tracking
- Accommodates most file types
- 4K support
Reasons to Buy:
- Compatible with GoPro footage
- Detailed tutorials
- No watermarks
Reasons to Avoid:
- Slow render speed
9. Adobe Premiere Elements – Best Video Editing Software for Beginners
Pricing: $99.99
Adobe Premiere Elements is suitable for anyone who is looking for a simpler, more digestible version of Adobe Premiere Pro. Premiere Elements has a refined, clean UI that focuses on accessibility and showcases its numerous automated tools. Beginners or amateur video editors can utilize guided modes, tailored to a user’s level of expertise, which preview how to accomplish certain editing tasks and provide a user-friendly, journey-based approach to navigating the software.
Key Features:
- Auto reframing capabilities
- Multitrack and keyframe-based editing
- Guided modes
Reasons to Buy:
- Simple, clean UI
- Cross-platform support
- Accessible technical support
Reasons to Avoid:
- Slow output rendering speed
References and Links
- https://www.creativebloq.com/reviews/cyberlink-powerdirector-365
- https://www.shopify.com/blog/best-free-video-editing-software#9
- https://downloads.digitaltrends.com/hitfilm-express/windows
- https://www.cyberlink.com/blog/the-top-video-editors/89/best-free-video-editor-windows
- https://www.wordstream.com/blog/ws/2017/12/15/best-video-editing-software-for-beginners