- What's the best video
editing software on Windows, right now? Well, this is our 2022 review
of the leading video editors for PC, and as usual with these roundups, which are pretty much now an annual thing. Well, after a lot of research
and a ton of testing, in this video, I'm going to
share my top recommendations for all types of video creators, from free and beginner friendly apps, up to more advanced and
professional editing alternatives. And just like last time,
I'm going to break this down into three categories. We're going to start off looking at free video editing software, then move into video
editing software under $200, which will also include
the free stuff as well, and then we're going to open it up and include video editing
software above $200, but also include the sub $200 and the free software in there as well. So that if you're prepared
to spend more than $200 for your video editing software, how that stacks up and how it compares to video editing software under
$200 and free stuff as well. Now, I would strongly recommend that you are sticking around
to hear out all the options, so that you know you're leaving here with the best option for you. And even if you decide early on what your editing software is, you'll see what you
could be missing out on or what you could be unlocking if you do move up to
another program or app. But I want you to remember
that there really is no perfect video editing solution. They're all just tools to edit videos. So your goal is to try and work out what the best video editing
software is for you personally, for your skillset, and for the types of
videos you're creating. So this is where I recommend once you've narrowed the list down to a couple of different options, go ahead and grab the trial versions and dive in and have a play around, so that you can see
which one is going to be the best one for you, moving forward. As an added bonus, I'm also going to share
with you at the end, three video editing tips, that are going to help you edit faster, no matter which video editing software or app you pick, right? So kicking this off and diving into free video editing software, you got a lot of options in here, but this is where we
haven't included anything that isn't actually free, or is going to require you to pay after a certain amount of time, or it's going to add a
watermark onto your video. I'm not classing any of those as free. So all of these options are things that you can use and
get good results with. So in this category, you've
got things like VSDC, HitFilm Express, Shotcut,
Avid Media Composer First, DaVinci Resolve, Kdenlive,
OpenShot and VideoPad. Now, after trying and testing
all of these top options, I've narrowed this down
to my short list of three, which are OpenShot, Kdenlive
and DaVinci Resolve. OpenShot is a really simple,
yet powerful video editing tool that works on PC, Mac and Linux. The overall interface is really simple and really straightforward, and it's going to be great
for someone who is a beginner to jump in and get editing quick. I'm definitely impressed
with the overall performance and not just rendering times
and saving out your videos, but also the experience
of scrubbing through and playing through footage
while you're editing as well. Now, as this is a more basic
and entry-level application, you're not going to find any
of the more advanced features that you will find in
more professional tools that we're going to get to soon, but you do have enough control over things like adding titles and some
simple effects and transitions, and there's even key frame based control to help you really dial that in. So this is a great option for someone who is at that beginner to
maybe intermediate level, someone who doesn't need
all the bells and whistles, and all the advanced
features and controls, someone who just wants to jump in and edit their videos simply. Kdenlive is really a
next step up from that. It is a much more professional
tool, much more feature pack, and has got a lot more of those
more professional features that you would expect to see
in things like DaVinci Resolve and even Adobe Premiere. So it's so awesome that
they've packed a lot of this into this open source software as well. Just like OpenShot,
this one will also work on Windows, Mac, and Linux, but it does support a larger
range of file types and codex. And as I said, it's got
a lot more pro tools and features in there. Things like more professional
calibrating tools and multi-camera editing functionality, but overall the interface
and the experience, while it's not as simple and
as intuitive as OpenShot, it's definitely not overwhelming, considering all the features
and things that are in there. So I would say that this
would be a good option for someone at that beginner level that is wanting to learn something that has more features and controls, it's not going to be as
intuitive as an OpenShot. So there is going to be
more of a learning curve, right through to someone at kind of an intermediate borderline advanced level, someone who does want more
features, more controls and access to more of a
professional video editing tool. And then DaVinci Resolve
is pretty much, hands down, the most professional video
editing program out there on Windows for free. It is ridiculous what they
are giving you access to for nothing. This is literally professional
grade video editing software, the stuff that they use
to make Hollywood movies and stuff with. So in terms of features and controls and things you're getting in there, this is really pro grade stuff, which does mean that there's going to be a lot more of a learning curve. It's not going to be anywhere near as intuitive as the previous two options. So if you are an absolute beginner, this probably isn't going to be the best thing for you, starting out, but it is something that
you could invest some time and learn and definitely
get up to speed with. And we've got links to editing tutorials for a lot of these programs, which I'll link it down in
the description box below. Now, there is a paid
version of DaVinci Resolve, Studio, available as well, but this isn't what
we're talking about here. You get a lot of those features, really the core functionality
you actually get access to for free in the free version. And for most people out there, unless you are an absolute professional, you're probably not
going to need to upgrade to the Studio version, but it really is important to know that if you have an older
or a lower spec computer, this really isn't going
to run too well for you. It really does need a proper video card. It really does need a fairly
recent powerful computer to give you the best results with it. So overall, rounding out this category, if you're an absolute beginner, OpenShot is probably going to
be the best option for you. It's a great all rounder. If you're looking for some
more features on top of that, but still something
that's fairly easy to use, then Kdenlive could be
the best option for you. Whereas if you're looking for
a really professional grade, industry-standard video editing software, you can't go past DaVinci Resolve, but there definitely is
more of a learning curve. So from this category, if I
had to pick one overall winner, you really can't go past DaVinci Resolve, just the same as this video, last year. It is ridiculous what they're
giving you access to for free, literally professional grade tools. So moving on to the next category, all video editing software under $200. Now, typically what you
find when you're moving from free software up to the paid options is that you're generally
unlocking more features, more power, more performance, and generally a more polished
and fluid editing experience. Now I say typically, because
I've already told you how amazing DaVinci Resolve
is and it's totally free. So in this category,
you've got things like AVS Video Editor, VSDC
Pro, Adobe Premiere Rush, Movavi, Filmora, WeVideo, Movie Studio, Movie Edit pro, Magix Movie Edit Pro, Adobe Premiere Elements,
PowerDirector and Filmora Pro. Now, again from so much
trying and testing, my shortlist for best video
editing software under $200, including the free stuff as well, comes down to WeVideo,
Filmora and DaVinci Resolve. WeVideo is an amazing online, cloud-based video editing solution, where you don't need to download and install anything on your computer, it literally runs in your web browser, meaning that you can use
it on low powered computer or older computers as well. And because it's run in the cloud, it makes it a great tool for collaboration and working with teams
that are remote as well, and moving from different
device to device. And this is one where I
was a little skeptical when I first tried it
out a few years back, but it is insane how powerful
and how fast it is to edit in, even if you're using
things like 4K videos. Besides that, one of the
standout things for me is that you actually don't need to wait for your video files to upload
to the cloud for you to edit. You can start editing straight away, and the upload's going to
happen in the background. So even if you're just trying to jump in and do a really quick edit, WeVideo is still a
great tool for that too. Plus there's also a ton of
built in templates and effects and things that you can
customize up as well. Now, because it is
primarily run in the cloud, it does mean that that
upload is going to happen. So you will still need
to have decent internet to upload your video files, but again, that's not going to slow down
your editing process at all. Now, in terms of pricing,
there's a few different options. I'd say that most people are
going to be looking at either the unlimited plan for 7.99 a month, which will let you edit in 1080p, or the professional
plan for 19.99 a month, which will give you
access to 4K video editing and more templates and more stock footage. But overall, I think it's
a really solid option, whether you're an absolute beginner through to sort of an intermediate level, but also if you're
someone who doesn't have a powerful computer. Filmora is another great option that works on Windows and Mac. It's one that, not that long ago, I really didn't think I
would ever be recommending. This is one that's grown a lot, and it's now a really powerful, really awesome video editing application. In terms of usability and
the overall interface, it is really easy to use,
it's really intuitive, yet it's also got a lot
of professional tools and features built into it. And this is one where I
think they've really nailed the performance, it is
a really fast program. It just feels snappy.
Everything just feels fast. And your export times and render times are ridiculously quick. And so how this stacks up
to something like Kdenlive, which in terms of feature
set and everything, it'd be very similar. Filmora would be my pick, hands down, in terms of overall
performance and usability. Now, in terms of pricing,
there is a free version. It has a watermark on it, so
I'm not talking about that. I'm talking about the paid version, which you can currently
grab on a subscription for around $62 per year, or you can actually buy the
lifetime access for around $90, which is awesome for
anyone who's not a fan of the subscription model, but overall Filmora is a great option for an absolute beginner, right through to an intermediate level. It's awesome that it's got some more of the advanced features
and things in there as well, but it really is for anyone
who's looking for a fast, simple, easy to use yet
powerful video editing tool. And then again, for those people that are looking for a
more powerful solution, more advanced features and controls, that's where you can't
go past DaVinci Resolve. So rounding out this category, if you're at the beginner
to intermediate level, either WeVideo or Filmora
are going to be great options for you. WeVideo, if you want to
be editing in the cloud, and maybe you've got
a lower spec computer, or Filmora, if you do
want more advanced tools and a more traditional
editing approach as well. And for those of you
that aren't looking for the professional stuff, more
advanced features and controls, that's when you really can't
go past DaVinci Resolve. So if I had to pick one winner in this under $200 video editing category, again, it's going to
go to DaVinci Resolve. It's just crazy what you get, pro tools, pro features for free. So then on to our third category, video editing software above $200, but also including the sub $200 and the free video
editing software as well. So this really is best video
editing software on Windows, no matter what your budget is. Now, again, typically in this category, where you are paying
more for your software, this is where you're typically unlocking more advanced features,
more advanced controls, really pro grade tools
and more robust solutions. So in this category, we've got things like
HitFilm Pro, Camtasia, Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, DaVinci Resolve Studio, Magix Video Pro, Vegas Pro and Lightworks pro. And so shortlisting
those down and including, and stacking them up against
the previous categories and software that we've mentioned, my shortlist for best
video editing software comes down to WeVideo, Filmora, Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve. So Adobe Premiere is one we
haven't spoken about yet. This is a really popular option when it comes to video editing. This is used by a lot of video
production professionals, a lot of YouTubers, but also for the Hollywood
movie stuff as well. The overall interface, definitely isn't going to be as intuitive or as easy to use and to jump into as something like Filmora, but it really is in line with what you see in more professional programs. So the overall interface is very similar to, say, a DaVinci Resolve
to a Final Cut and even Avid. There's a lot of similarities
with all the pro software. And this is another one that
works on both Windows and Mac, and it is really easy to
transfer between the two and to work with different editors that are using different platforms. I also really like how easy
it is and how powerful it is working with the rest of
the Adobe suite as well. So if you're using things like
Photoshop or after effects, they all just integrate and
talk to each other so well, making it a good experience all around. Now, I have found from time to time, it can be a little
unstable or can be buggy, which is never ideal, especially if you're doing
corporate or client work as well. But you do get into the habit of learning to constantly save your work and make sure that backups are happening. So there is not a drama if it does happen. And really it's not happening for me anywhere near as much as it
used to, not that long ago. In terms of pricing, you can't
buy Adobe Premiere outright. You do have to jump on one
of their subscription plans. So you can grab it for
either $20.99 per month, just for Premiere, or if you want to get it bundled in with the rest of the Adobe
products in their master suite, then that's going to cost
you $52.99 per month. So Adobe Premiere is
going to be a great option for someone at that intermediate level, right through to advanced
or absolute professional, given all the features and tools and everything that's in there, but it could also be a good
option if you are a beginner, if you are someone who does
want to invest the time and to go through the learning curve of learning something like this, knowing that it is a
professional level tool. So to summarize my top options here and to say which one is
going to be great for who, if you're an absolute beginner, right through to an intermediate level, WeVideo is going to be a great,
simple, fast option for you, especially if you like the
idea of editing in the cloud, or you're going to be editing
on a lower spec computer. Next to that, Filmora
would be a great option, again, for a beginner through
to an intermediate level, someone looking for probably more features and more controls than
you would get in WeVideo, and also having that
great mix of simplicity with power and performance
packed in as well. And then for those of you
that are at the intermediate to advanced and professional level, this is when you really
can't go past Adobe Premiere and DaVinci Resolve. These are my top two picks
for pro grade software on Windows. Now both of these do have
some standout features and some pros and cons, but as for which one is going
to be the best one for you, this is where I really recommend, if these are the ones you're looking at, that you're grabbing the trial versions or the free version in
DaVinci Resolve's case, and jumping in and having a play around, and seeing which one resonates with you, and seeing which one is
the most intuitive for you, and the fastest for you to
edit and to create your videos. Now, for me, my pick and
really my overall winner when it comes to best
video editing software, right now in 2022, does go
again to Adobe Premiere Pro. I really think it is the complete package for someone at that level. As I said, I love the way
that you can work with teams. I like the workflow. I like how easily and
how fast you can edit once you know how it all works together. And I like how well it works with the rest of the Adobe tools as well. Now, obviously there's
a big price difference between Adobe Premiere and
DaVinci Resolve, being free. But for me, this is something
that Adobe being my top pick and the number one tool for me, it's a no brainer for me
to pay that every month, given what I'm getting access to. But again, grab the trial
versions and try for yourself. It is ridiculous what
they're giving you access to for free in DaVinci Resolve, and maybe next year, who knows, maybe that takes out the top spot. Now, earlier in the video, I
said I'd also share with you three video editing tips to edit faster in any video editing application. The first one's to focus on
cutting your content down first. A lot of people would
just jump straight in, and they start adding a ton of effects and color grades and
stuff onto their footage to make it look pretty. But all they end up doing is slowing down their editing workflow, because your computer or your device then has to process all of that for everything that you're doing. So focus on building out your story, cutting down your video first, and then make it look nicer, afterwards. Tip number two is to use a stock footage. You don't need to have
to go and film everything and create everything
yourself from scratch. There are amazing resources and libraries of stock video footage that
you can easily download and add into your projects, making your videos more engaging, helping people watch them longer, but also saving your time
from needing to go out and film everything yourself. Our top two recommendations
for stock footage right now, are Storyblocks and Artgrid, and I'll have those linked down below. And tip Number three is to start to learn and to use the keyboard
shortcuts for your program. This is probably one of the fastest ways that you can speed up your editing, because you can just press
one key on the keyboard, and it's going to save you
moving the mouse around to click a tiny little icon on screen. Or in some cases you can
press one keyboard button and it's going to save
you three or four actions or three or four clicks that you will be doing with the mouse. A great place to start with this is looking at the playback controls, J, K and L in most video editing software. But also if you head up to the help area in your editing software or
do a quick Google search, then you can usually find a full list of all the editing shortcuts. Now, those are just three tips from our primal video editing guide, which has a link to download
your free copy on screen now, where we take you through
the most efficient way to edit your videos down with minimal wasted time and rework. So don't forget to grab your copy, and I will see you in the next video.
