Top 5 Absolute Best Video Editing Software (2024)

This is our yearly roundup of the absolute best video editing software. These will be in 5 categories from best for beginners to best overall finishing things out. In the final category, we’ll have 2 winners. Best overall subscription and for those of you that hate reoccurring fees, best overall lifetime license. All of the video editors coming up include premium tools and advanced features that will help you to make high-quality videos, especially for those of you creating content for YouTube or working on any other post-production projects.

0:00 Intro
0:35 Best for Beginners
2:27 Best for Macs
3:11 Best Special Effects
4:01 Best Value
4:43 Best Overall (Subscription)
5:39 Best Overall (One-Time Fee)

Best Software Playlist
Adobe Premiere Elements
Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
Apple Final Cut Pro
Apple iMovie
Hitfilm Pro
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate
Adobe Premiere Pro
DaVinci Resolve Studio

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Brett In Tech is a leading source for the technology that we use each day. Whether it’s discussing computer operating system tricks, the latest tips for your mobile phone, finding out about the newest gadgets, or letting you know about the best video editing software, Brett In Tech has boundless topics on technology for the astute YouTube viewer.

[WritewheelUK]

Thanks for your video. Very informative. I've been video editing for 25 years. I started professionally, making video identification parades way back, and then, when I retired, I went into it as a hobby. I've owned eight different software suites and used a further three. My belief is that your needs, and skills, change over time and so so does the optimum software. I've been using Resolve for four years, free version for nearly the first year and then Studio. It's perfect for me, and likely to remain so even it it fails to improve at the current rate, but would have been too much when I was learning. My opinion is just that, mine, and probably won't suit most, but I think subscriptions should be avoided. While costs look low each year, they mount. My previous subscription software is £70pa, and I've just started my fourth year with Resolve Studio, which cost £280 with the superb Speed Editor, so it's evens now. I try to keep up with the options, hence checking out great YT videos like yours, but I can see no reason to change. Thanks again.

[PHANTAZMA]

Great video Brett! Great breakdown. I find pros and cons with each program. I would love to see Adobe Premiere and After Effects integrate into one much like DaVinci and Fusion. FCPX and Motion as well. I use them all in my daily workflow, so, I always find a way to thread these programs depending on the project and results I need.

[victoriabrister]

Another informative video. Thank you.

[sapelesteve]

Another excellent & informative video Brett! Thanks! 👍👍

[trickpony]

I've done Adobe premier elements and Pinacle. What I've settled on for a very long time is Cyberlink Power Director, which I really like. I was surprised this wasn't listed on this video

[dawnj.belshawjohnson]

Would these be good for when you take a vcr and put it in digital and clean up the digital copy. I would use them to clean digital copy.

[dogsareawomansbestfriend]

I can't afford paying. I miss Movie Maker!

[xôviệt-sy]

All effects are good, but the 4k share part is too poor. If the company can fix the 4k share part to make it clearer and more beautiful, that's ok. Will customers come back to use this software more?

[cuttercarlo]

Not mentioning Avid Media Composer? Really? 80% of what you see in cinema and TV is edited on that.. everything else is still for Youtubers ;) only Premiere Pro has a growing share in the industry but lacks reliability. FCP, well, for the 1% that like its approach. Resolve is getting nicer and nicer but cannot manage large, complex projects. Edius is also worth mentioning.