The best video editing software in 2023

1. Adobe Premier Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is a professional video editing software developed by Adobe Inc. It is widely used in the film, television, and online video production industries for editing, color correction, and video effects.

Here are some key features and capabilities of Adobe Premiere Pro:

• Non-linear editing: Premiere Pro allows non-destructive editing, which means you can make changes to your project without altering the original source files.
  
• Multi-format support: It supports a wide range of video formats, including popular ones like MP4, AVI, MOV, and more. This versatility makes it suitable for working with footage from various sources.
  
• Timeline-based editing: Premiere Pro uses a timeline interface that allows you to arrange and edit your video clips in a sequential order. You can trim, cut, merge, and rearrange clips easily on the timeline.
  
• Advanced video effects: Premiere Pro offers a variety of advanced video effects and transitions that you can apply to your footage. It includes options for color correction, keying, compositing, motion tracking, and more.
  
• Audio editing: In addition to video editing, Premiere Pro provides tools for audio editing and mixing. You can adjust audio levels, apply effects, add music or voiceovers, and synchronize audio with video clips.
  
• Collaboration: Premiere Pro supports collaboration among multiple editors and allows you to work on the same project simultaneously. It offers features like version control, project locking, and cloud-based storage integration to facilitate teamwork.
  
• Integration with other Adobe products: Premiere Pro seamlessly integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications like After Effects, Photoshop, and Audition. This integration allows for efficient workflow and exchange of assets between different software.
  
• Performance optimization: Premiere Pro is optimized for performance and can handle high-resolution and complex video projects. It utilizes hardware acceleration technologies, such as GPU acceleration, to speed up rendering and playback.

It's important to note that the features and capabilities of Premiere Pro may evolve over time as Adobe releases updates and new versions of the software.

2. Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro is a professional video editing software developed by Apple Inc. It is designed specifically for macOS and is known for its powerful editing capabilities and user-friendly interface. Final Cut Pro is widely used in the film, television, and post-production industries.

Here are some key features and capabilities of Final Cut Pro:

• Non-linear editing: Like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro offers non-destructive editing, allowing you to make changes to your project without altering the original source files.
  
• Magnetic Timeline: Final Cut Pro uses a unique Magnetic Timeline that automatically adjusts clips as you edit, ensuring that everything stays in sync. It provides a flexible and intuitive way to arrange and edit your video clips.
  
• Multicam editing: Final Cut Pro supports multicam editing, allowing you to work with footage from multiple cameras. You can synchronize and switch between different camera angles in real-time, making it useful for editing multi-camera shoots such as live events or interviews.
  
• Advanced video effects: Final Cut Pro provides a wide range of built-in video effects, transitions, and filters. It also supports third-party plugins, allowing you to expand the software's capabilities with additional effects and tools.
  
• Color grading and correction: Final Cut Pro offers powerful color grading and correction tools. You can adjust the color, exposure, and tone of your footage using a variety of professional grading controls and presets.
  
• Audio editing and mixing: Similar to Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro includes tools for audio editing and mixing. You can adjust audio levels, apply effects, and enhance the sound quality of your videos.
  
• Integration with Apple ecosystem: Final Cut Pro integrates seamlessly with other Apple products and software. It works closely with macOS and takes advantage of Apple's hardware and software optimizations for improved performance.
  
• Media organization: Final Cut Pro provides robust media management features, allowing you to organize and tag your media assets for efficient project management. It also offers features like proxy workflows for working with high-resolution footage on less powerful systems.
  
• Collaboration and sharing: Final Cut Pro supports collaboration among multiple editors through shared projects and libraries. You can work on the same project simultaneously, make comments, and share media files easily.

It's important to note that Final Cut Pro is exclusive to macOS and is not available for Windows or other operating systems. The software may also receive updates and new features from Apple, which can further enhance its capabilities.

3. iMovie

iMovie is a video editing software developed by Apple Inc. It is designed for macOS and iOS devices, making it accessible to a wide range of users, including beginners and casual video editors. iMovie offers a user-friendly interface and a set of features that allow users to create and edit videos easily.

Here are some key features and capabilities of iMovie:

• User-friendly interface: iMovie features a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy for users to navigate and understand the editing process. It is designed with a drag-and-drop timeline and a streamlined workflow to facilitate quick and efficient editing.
  
• Video editing: iMovie provides basic video editing tools such as trimming, splitting, and merging video clips. You can arrange clips on the timeline, add transitions between them, and adjust the playback speed.
  
• Titles, effects, and filters: iMovie offers a variety of pre-designed titles, effects, and filters that you can apply to your videos to enhance their appearance. You can add text overlays, create animated titles, and apply visual effects and filters to achieve different looks and moods.
  
• Audio editing: iMovie allows you to edit and enhance the audio of your videos. You can adjust volume levels, apply audio effects, and add background music or sound effects. It also includes a library of royalty-free soundtracks and sound effects that you can use in your projects.
  
• Theme-based templates: iMovie provides a collection of theme-based templates that offer pre-designed visual styles and effects. These templates can give your videos a cohesive look and feel, making it easy to create professional-looking videos without much effort.
  
• Mobile integration: iMovie is available on iOS devices, which allows you to edit videos directly on your iPhone or iPad. You can start a project on one device and continue editing on another, thanks to iCloud syncing.
  
• Sharing and exporting: iMovie enables you to share your edited videos directly to various platforms and devices. You can export your projects in different video formats, upload them to YouTube or Vimeo, or share them directly to social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram.

It's important to note that while iMovie is a capable video editing software, it is more limited in terms of advanced features compared to professional editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. However, it serves as a great entry-level option for casual users and those looking to create simple and quick videos.

4. Adobe Premiere Elements

Adobe Premiere Elements is a video editing software that is part of the Adobe Elements family of products, which are designed for home users and hobbyists. It provides a simplified and user-friendly interface compared to the more advanced Adobe Premiere Pro. Premiere Elements offers basic video editing features and tools that allow users to create and edit videos with ease.

Here are some key features and capabilities of Adobe Premiere Elements:

• User-friendly interface: Premiere Elements features a simplified interface that is designed to be intuitive and easy to navigate, making it accessible for beginners and casual users.
  
• Guided Edits: Premiere Elements includes a feature called Guided Edits, which provides step-by-step tutorials and instructions for various editing tasks. It helps users learn and explore different editing techniques while creating their videos.
  
• Video editing: Premiere Elements offers basic video editing capabilities such as trimming, cutting, and merging video clips. You can arrange clips on the timeline, add transitions, and adjust the playback speed of the footage.
  
• Auto Smart Tone and Auto Reframe: Premiere Elements includes features like Auto Smart Tone, which automatically adjusts the color and lighting of your videos, and Auto Reframe, which intelligently reframes your footage for different aspect ratios, such as square or vertical.
  
• Effects and filters: Premiere Elements provides a collection of effects, filters, and transitions that you can apply to your videos. These allow you to enhance the visual appearance of your footage and add creative touches to your projects.
  
• Audio editing: Premiere Elements allows you to edit and enhance the audio of your videos. You can adjust volume levels, apply audio effects, and add background music or sound effects to your projects.
  
• Easy sharing: Premiere Elements makes it easy to share your edited videos. You can export your projects in various video formats, burn them to DVDs or Blu-ray discs, or directly upload them to social media platforms like YouTube and Facebook.
  
• Integration with Adobe Creative Cloud: While Adobe Premiere Elements is a standalone software, it integrates with Adobe Creative Cloud services. This integration allows you to access additional features and resources, such as templates and graphics, from within the software.

It's important to note that Adobe Premiere Elements is designed for home users and hobbyists who are looking for a simpler video editing solution. It may not offer the advanced features and capabilities found in professional-grade software like Adobe Premiere Pro. However, it provides a solid set of tools for basic video editing and is suitable for users who want to create and edit videos without a steep learning curve.

5. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a professional video editing and color grading software developed by Blackmagic Design. It is known for its robust feature set, advanced color grading capabilities, and its availability in both free and paid versions. DaVinci Resolve is widely used in the film and television industry, as well as by professional editors and colorists.

Here are some key features and capabilities of DaVinci Resolve:

• Non-linear editing: DaVinci Resolve offers non-destructive editing, allowing you to make changes to your project without altering the original source files. It provides a timeline-based interface for arranging and editing video clips.
  
• Advanced color grading: DaVinci Resolve is renowned for its industry-leading color grading capabilities. It provides powerful color correction and grading tools, including primary and secondary color adjustments, curves, scopes, and automatic color matching.
  
• High dynamic range (HDR) support: DaVinci Resolve supports HDR workflows, allowing you to work with high dynamic range footage and achieve stunning visuals with enhanced contrast and color depth.
  
• Fusion visual effects: DaVinci Resolve includes Fusion, a powerful node-based compositing and visual effects tool. With Fusion, you can create complex visual effects, motion graphics, and composites directly within the editing environment.
  
• Fairlight audio post-production: DaVinci Resolve features a professional-grade audio post-production suite called Fairlight. It offers tools for editing, mixing, and mastering audio, including advanced audio effects, track automation, and support for surround sound.
  
• Collaboration and multi-user workflow: DaVinci Resolve supports collaborative editing, allowing multiple editors to work on the same project simultaneously. It provides features like project locking, version control, and the ability to share timelines and media across multiple users.
  
• GPU acceleration: DaVinci Resolve takes advantage of GPU acceleration to deliver real-time playback and faster rendering. It can handle demanding projects with high-resolution footage and complex effects, maximizing performance on compatible hardware.
  
• Integration with other software and formats: DaVinci Resolve integrates seamlessly with other post-production software and supports a wide range of file formats. It provides interoperability with applications like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer, allowing for smooth exchange of projects and media files.
  
• Free and paid versions: DaVinci Resolve offers a free version, which includes most of the essential features but has some limitations on output resolutions and collaboration. There is also a paid version called DaVinci Resolve Studio, which unlocks additional features and capabilities, including multi-user collaboration.

It's worth noting that DaVinci Resolve has a steep learning curve, especially when it comes to advanced color grading and Fusion visual effects. However, it provides a comprehensive set of tools for professional video editing, color grading, and audio post-production, making it a popular choice among industry professionals.

6. Sony Vegas Pro

Sony Vegas Pro, now known as VEGAS Pro, is a professional video editing software developed by Magix Software GmbH. It is widely used in the film, television, and broadcast industries for its powerful editing capabilities and advanced features. VEGAS Pro offers a comprehensive set of tools for video editing, audio editing, and visual effects.

Here are some key features and capabilities of VEGAS Pro:

• Non-linear editing: VEGAS Pro uses a non-linear editing system, allowing you to arrange and edit video clips on the timeline without altering the original source files. It provides a customizable interface and workflow to suit individual preferences.
  
• Advanced video editing: VEGAS Pro offers a range of advanced video editing features, including multi-camera editing, nested timelines, and smart split editing. You can perform precise trimming, splitting, and merging of video clips, as well as apply transitions and effects.
  
• GPU acceleration: VEGAS Pro utilizes GPU acceleration to enhance performance during video playback and rendering. This allows for smoother editing and faster processing, especially when working with high-resolution footage or complex effects.
  
• Comprehensive audio editing: VEGAS Pro includes powerful audio editing tools and features. You can perform precise audio editing, adjust volume levels, apply audio effects and filters, and synchronize audio with video clips.
  
• Visual effects and compositing: VEGAS Pro provides a range of visual effects and compositing capabilities. You can apply various video effects, transitions, and filters to enhance your footage. It also supports third-party plugins for expanding the software's effects library.
  
• Color grading and correction: VEGAS Pro offers tools for professional color grading and correction. You can adjust color balance, saturation, contrast, and exposure. It provides support for high dynamic range (HDR) workflows and offers specialized tools for achieving accurate and consistent color grading.
  
• Multi-format support: VEGAS Pro supports a wide range of video formats, including popular ones like MP4, AVI, MOV, and more. It also provides the ability to work with different frame rates and resolutions within the same project.
  
• Collaboration and workflow enhancements: VEGAS Pro includes features to facilitate collaboration and streamline workflows. It supports project archiving, multi-user collaboration, and integration with other software and hardware devices.
  
• Scripting and automation: VEGAS Pro allows users to automate repetitive tasks and customize their workflow through scripting. You can create custom scripts or use existing scripts to speed up your editing process.

It's important to note that VEGAS Pro has undergone several version updates and changes, including a transition from Sony to Magix as the software's developer. The software may continue to evolve with new features and improvements based on user feedback and industry demands.

7. HitFilm Express

HitFilm Express is a free video editing and visual effects software developed by FXhome. It is a popular choice for amateur filmmakers, video editors, and YouTube creators who are looking for a powerful yet accessible tool for their projects. HitFilm Express offers a wide range of features for editing, compositing, and visual effects.

Here are some key features and capabilities of HitFilm Express:

• Non-linear editing: HitFilm Express provides a non-linear editing system that allows you to arrange and edit video clips on a timeline. You can trim, cut, merge, and rearrange clips easily, and perform basic editing tasks such as adding transitions and applying effects.
  
• Visual effects and compositing: HitFilm Express includes a robust set of visual effects and compositing tools. It offers a wide range of effects, such as explosions, lightsabers, muzzle flashes, and more. You can create complex composites by layering multiple video clips, images, and effects together.
  
• 3D modeling and animation: HitFilm Express enables you to create and animate 3D models and scenes within the software. You can import 3D models, apply textures, and animate objects using keyframes and timelines.
  
• Color grading and correction: HitFilm Express provides color grading tools to enhance the look and feel of your footage. You can adjust color balance, saturation, contrast, and apply cinematic color grading presets to achieve the desired visual style.
  
• Audio editing and mixing: HitFilm Express includes audio editing and mixing capabilities. You can import audio files, adjust volume levels, apply audio effects, and synchronize audio with video clips.
  
• Composite shot workflow: HitFilm Express uses a composite shot workflow, which allows you to create complex compositions by combining multiple layers of video, images, and effects into a single composition. This enables greater control and flexibility in your editing and compositing process.
  
• Keying and green screen effects: HitFilm Express offers advanced keying tools for removing green screen backgrounds and replacing them with other footage or virtual backgrounds. You can achieve professional-looking chroma key effects with precision.
  
• Wide format support: HitFilm Express supports a variety of video formats, including popular ones like MP4, AVI, MOV, and more. This allows you to work with footage from different sources without the need for extensive format conversion.
  
• Online community and tutorials: HitFilm Express has a vibrant online community where users can share their work, seek advice, and access a wide range of tutorials and resources. This helps users learn new techniques and expand their skills.

HitFilm Express offers a free version that provides access to most of its features. However, there is also a paid version called HitFilm Pro, which includes additional advanced features and effects. The free version of HitFilm Express remains a powerful and versatile tool for video editing and visual effects, making it a popular choice among content creators.

8. Filmora

Filmora is a video editing software developed by Wondershare. It is designed to provide a user-friendly editing experience for beginners and casual users who want to create professional-looking videos without extensive technical knowledge. Filmora offers a range of features and tools that make video editing accessible and straightforward.

Here are some key features and capabilities of Filmora:

• User-friendly interface: Filmora features a simple and intuitive interface that is easy to navigate, making it suitable for users with little to no video editing experience. The drag-and-drop functionality and timeline-based editing make it simple to arrange and edit video clips.
  
• Basic video editing tools: Filmora provides essential video editing tools such as trimming, cutting, merging, and rotating video clips. You can also adjust the playback speed, flip or mirror the footage, and perform basic color correction.
  
• Filters and effects: Filmora offers a wide range of built-in filters, effects, and overlays that you can apply to your videos to enhance their visual appearance. These include creative filters, transitions, text effects, and elements like stickers and emojis.
  
• Audio editing: Filmora allows you to edit and enhance the audio of your videos. You can adjust the volume levels, remove background noise, apply audio effects, and add background music or voiceovers to your projects.
  
• Titles and text overlays: Filmora provides a variety of title templates and text overlays that you can use to add text to your videos. These templates come with pre-designed styles and animations, making it easy to create professional-looking titles and text effects.
  
• Split-screen and picture-in-picture: Filmora allows you to create split-screen and picture-in-picture effects, where you can display multiple videos or images simultaneously on the screen. This feature is useful for creating tutorials, reaction videos, and other engaging visual effects.
  
• Easy sharing: Filmora makes it simple to share your edited videos directly from the software. You can export your projects in various video formats or optimize them for sharing on social media platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and Vimeo.
  
• Mobile integration: FilmoraGo is the mobile version of Filmora, available for iOS and Android devices. It allows you to edit videos on your mobile phone or tablet, offering a similar user interface and feature set to the desktop version of Filmora.

Filmora offers a free version with limited features, as well as a paid version called Filmora X, which unlocks additional effects, features, and advanced editing capabilities. It is important to note that while Filmora provides a user-friendly editing experience, it may not offer the same level of advanced features and capabilities as professional-grade software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. Nonetheless, Filmora remains a popular choice for beginners and casual users looking to create polished and visually appealing videos with ease.

9. Avid Media Composer  

Avid Media Composer is a professional video editing software developed by Avid Technology. It is widely used in the film, television, and broadcast industries for its robust editing capabilities, collaborative workflows, and industry-standard features. Avid Media Composer offers a comprehensive set of tools for video editing, color correction, audio post-production, and media management.

Here are some key features and capabilities of Avid Media Composer:

• Non-linear editing: Avid Media Composer provides a non-linear editing system that allows you to arrange and edit video clips on a timeline. It offers a powerful and flexible editing interface, allowing you to perform precise trimming, cutting, merging, and rearranging of clips.
  
• Multi-camera editing: Avid Media Composer supports multi-camera editing, allowing you to work with footage captured from multiple cameras simultaneously. It provides tools to sync and align clips, switch between camera angles, and perform multi-camera edits with ease.
  
• Advanced color grading and correction: Avid Media Composer includes a comprehensive set of color grading tools for achieving precise and professional color adjustments. It offers advanced color correction features, including secondary color correction, curves, color match, and support for high dynamic range (HDR) workflows.
  
• Audio editing and mixing: Avid Media Composer features a robust audio editing and mixing toolset. You can edit and enhance audio tracks, apply audio effects and filters, adjust volume levels, and create complex audio mixes. It supports surround sound mixing and integration with third-party audio software.
  
• Media management and organization: Avid Media Composer provides powerful media management capabilities. It allows you to organize and manage your media files, including ingesting, transcoding, and consolidating media. You can easily search, access, and relink media assets within your projects.
  
• Collaboration and shared storage: Avid Media Composer is designed to facilitate collaboration and shared editing workflows. It supports Avid's shared storage solutions, allowing multiple editors to work on the same project simultaneously. Features like bin locking, project sharing, and versioning help streamline collaborative workflows.
  
• Integration with Avid ecosystem: Avid Media Composer integrates seamlessly with other software and hardware in the Avid ecosystem. This includes integration with Avid Pro Tools for audio post-production, Avid ISIS and NEXIS storage solutions, and Avid Interplay for asset management and production workflows.
  
• Wide format support: Avid Media Composer supports a wide range of video formats, resolutions, and frame rates. It provides native support for professional formats like DNxHD, DNxHR, and ProRes, as well as support for RED, ARRI, and other high-resolution camera formats.
  
• Extensive plugin support: Avid Media Composer allows for extensive plugin integration to enhance its capabilities. You can add third-party plugins for effects, transitions, and additional features to customize your editing environment.

Avid Media Composer is a professional-grade software with a steep learning curve, particularly for beginners or users without prior editing experience. It is a widely recognized industry standard in the post-production field and offers extensive features and capabilities for professional editing workflows.

10. Lightworks 

Lightworks is a professional video editing software developed by EditShare. It is a feature-rich and highly regarded editing tool used in the film, television, and broadcast industries. Lightworks offers a comprehensive set of editing capabilities, advanced features, and a flexible workflow.

Here are some key features and capabilities of Lightworks:

• Non-linear editing: Lightworks provides a non-linear editing system that allows you to arrange and edit video clips on a timeline. It offers a powerful and intuitive interface for trimming, cutting, merging, and rearranging clips with precision.
  
• Real-time effects and transitions: Lightworks includes a wide range of real-time effects and transitions that you can apply to your video clips. It provides a comprehensive library of built-in effects, including color correction, keying, masks, and more. You can preview and apply effects in real-time without rendering.
  
• Multicam editing: Lightworks supports multicam editing, allowing you to work with footage captured from multiple cameras simultaneously. You can sync and align clips, switch between camera angles, and perform multicam edits with ease.
  
• Advanced color grading and correction: Lightworks offers advanced color grading and correction tools to achieve precise control over your video's color and appearance. It provides features like primary and secondary color correction, curves, scopes, and support for high dynamic range (HDR) workflows.
  
• Audio editing and mixing: Lightworks includes robust audio editing and mixing capabilities. You can edit and enhance audio tracks, apply audio effects and filters, adjust volume levels, and create intricate audio mixes. It supports surround sound mixing and integration with third-party audio software.
  
• Media management and organization: Lightworks provides comprehensive media management tools to organize and manage your media files. It offers features like media import, metadata tagging, search, and relinking media assets within your projects.
  
• Collaboration and sharing: Lightworks supports collaborative editing workflows, allowing multiple editors to work on the same project simultaneously. It provides project sharing, project locking, and user management features to streamline collaboration. You can also export your edited projects in various formats or upload directly to popular video sharing platforms.
  
• Wide format support: Lightworks supports a broad range of video formats, including professional formats like DNxHD, ProRes, and RED. It provides native support for various resolutions and frame rates, ensuring compatibility with different camera formats and industry standards.
  
• Cross-platform compatibility: Lightworks is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems, providing flexibility and cross-platform compatibility for users on different platforms.

Lightworks offers both a free version and a paid version, Lightworks Pro, which unlocks additional features and capabilities. The free version includes most of the essential editing tools and features, making it accessible for beginners and enthusiasts. However, the paid version offers more advanced features, third-party plugin support, and greater export options.

Lightworks has a loyal user base in the professional editing community due to its powerful capabilities and track record in the industry. However, it does have a learning curve, and users may need some time to become familiar with its interface and workflow.