Best Video Editing Tools: Honest Reviews + Actual Pricing

Finding the right video editing software is a mess. Every "best of" list reads like paid placement, pricing is buried behind sales calls, and nobody tells you what actually sucks about each tool.

I've spent years editing marketing videos, product demos, and content for clients. Here's my unfiltered take on the best video editing tools for businesses, with real pricing and actual opinions on what's worth your money.

Quick Summary: Best Video Editing Tools

1. DaVinci Resolve - Best Overall (Free/$295)

DaVinci Resolve is what happens when a company decides to give away professional-grade software for free. Blackmagic Design built this as a color grading tool for Hollywood, then expanded it into a full editing suite.

Pricing:

The free version includes professional editing tools, color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production. The $295 Studio version adds 8K editing, HDR color grading, noise reduction, AI-powered tools like Super Scale upscaling and Magic Mask object isolation, and multi-user collaboration.

What's Good:

What Sucks:

Who Should Buy It: Anyone who takes video editing seriously and doesn't want to pay subscription fees. The free version alone outperforms most paid alternatives. If you're editing marketing content, YouTube videos, or client work, start here. The investment in learning time pays off quickly, especially if you need professional color grading.

System Requirements: Windows 10/11 or macOS 10.15 or later, 16GB RAM minimum (32GB for 4K), discrete GPU with 4GB VRAM recommended, and at least 10GB of free disk space for installation.

Looking for more free options? Check out our guide to free video editing software.

2. Adobe Premiere Pro - Industry Standard ($22.99+/month)

Premiere Pro is the safe choice. It's what most agencies use, most job listings require, and most tutorials teach. That doesn't mean it's the best tool - it means it's the most common.

Pricing:

No free version exists, but Adobe offers a 7-day free trial. After that, you're committed to at least one month of payment, and canceling an annual plan early incurs fees.

What's Good:

What Sucks:

Who Should Buy It: If you work with clients or agencies, knowing Premiere is basically mandatory. If you use three or more Adobe apps, the Creative Cloud bundle becomes reasonable value. But if you're a solo creator or small business editing occasionally, you're better off with a one-time purchase option.

Career Consideration: Premiere Pro is listed in approximately 70% of professional video editing job postings. If you're building a career in video production, it's worth the investment despite the cost.

3. Final Cut Pro - Best for Mac Users ($299.99)

Final Cut Pro is Apple's answer to Premiere Pro, and it has one massive advantage: you buy it once and own it forever. No subscriptions, no annual renewals. Apple recently introduced the Creator Studio subscription bundle, but the one-time purchase option remains available.

Pricing:

The Creator Studio subscription adds AI-powered features like Beat Detection, Montage Maker, Transcript Search, and Visual Search, plus premium content libraries. However, Apple has confirmed that the one-time-purchase version will continue to receive updates and most new features.

What's Good:

What Sucks:

Who Should Buy It: Mac users who edit regularly and hate subscription models. The $299.99 pays for itself in about 13 months compared to Premiere's subscription. If you're editing YouTube content, marketing videos, or client work on a Mac, this is the smart long-term investment. Apple Silicon Mac owners especially benefit from the optimization.

Performance Note: On an M1 Max MacBook Pro, Final Cut Pro can play back three streams of 8K ProRes 422 footage simultaneously. Premiere struggles with a single 8K stream on the same hardware.

4. Descript - Best for Beginners ($0-55/month)

Descript flips video editing on its head. Instead of cutting clips on a timeline, you edit by editing the transcript text. Delete a word from the text, and it removes that section from the video. It's brilliant for podcast editing, talking-head content, and anyone who finds traditional editors confusing.

Pricing:

What's Good:

What Sucks:

Who Should Buy It: Podcasters, interview-style content creators, and marketing teams who need to pump out talking-head videos quickly. If you've never edited video before, Descript has the friendliest learning curve. But don't expect it to replace a full NLE for complex work.

Use Case: A marketing team can record a 30-minute interview, have it transcribed automatically, cut it down to a 3-minute highlight reel by deleting text, add captions, and export in under 15 minutes.

For more details, check out our Descript pricing breakdown.

5. CyberLink PowerDirector - Best Budget Paid Option ($55-97/year)

PowerDirector is the value play for PC users. It punches way above its price point with features usually found in more expensive tools.

Pricing:

What's Good:

What Sucks:

Who Should Buy It: Windows users who want capable editing software without Premiere's price tag or DaVinci's learning curve. Good for YouTube creators, small businesses making promotional content, or anyone who needs solid editing without professional-level complexity.

6. CapCut - Best for Social Media (Free/$7.99/month)

CapCut, developed by ByteDance (the company behind TikTok), has exploded in popularity among social media creators. It's mobile-first but also available on desktop, and it's genuinely free without watermarks.

Pricing:

What's Good:

What Sucks:

Who Should Buy It: Social media content creators making TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, or similar content. If you're creating vertical video under 5 minutes, CapCut is purpose-built for you. It's also excellent for beginners who find traditional editors intimidating.

Trend Integration: CapCut updates its template library weekly with trending effects from TikTok, making it easy to stay current with social media trends without technical skills.

7. Filmora - Best Mid-Range Option ($49.99-89.99/year)

Filmora from Wondershare strikes a balance between beginner-friendly interface and professional features. It's evolved significantly in recent years with AI tools that compete with much more expensive software.

Pricing:

What's Good:

What Sucks:

Who Should Buy It: Content creators, YouTubers, small businesses, and educators who want more than CapCut but don't need Premiere Pro's complexity. Filmora is excellent for marketing videos, explainer content, and social media posts that require a bit more polish than basic editors provide.

Value Proposition: At $49.99/year, Filmora costs less than three months of Premiere Pro while delivering 80% of the features most creators actually use.

8. HitFilm - Best Free VFX Option (Free/$12.99/month)

Important Note: As of January 2025, HitFilm's parent company Artlist has discontinued development and new registrations for HitFilm. Existing users can continue using installed versions, but there will be no updates or support. We're including it here because many users still have access, but new users should consider alternatives.

HitFilm combined video editing with visual effects compositing, making it unique among free editors. It was especially popular with YouTube creators making gaming content, sci-fi effects, and action sequences.

Pricing (Historical):

What Was Good:

Current Alternative: For similar VFX capabilities in a free editor, consider DaVinci Resolve's Fusion page, which offers comparable compositing tools.

9. OpenShot - Best Free Simple Editor (Free)

OpenShot is an open-source video editor that prioritizes simplicity and cross-platform compatibility over advanced features. It's perfect for basic editing tasks when you don't want to invest time learning complex software.

Pricing:

What's Good:

What Sucks:

Who Should Buy It: Absolute beginners, students, educators, or anyone who needs to make simple edits without investing in software or learning complex tools. Good for trimming videos, adding basic transitions, and creating simple presentations.

Best Use Case: School projects, basic YouTube videos, simple family videos, or learning video editing concepts before moving to more advanced software.

10. Lightworks - Best Free Professional Option (Free/$25/month)

Lightworks has been used to edit Oscar-winning films including The King's Speech, Pulp Fiction, and The Wolf of Wall Street. The free version is surprisingly capable despite some export limitations.

Pricing:

What's Good:

What Sucks:

Who Should Buy It: Experienced editors who want professional tools for free and don't mind the 720p export limitation. Good for learning professional workflows before committing to paid software, or for editors who deliver primarily for web where 720p is acceptable.

Quick Comparison: Video Editing Software Pricing

SoftwarePricing ModelStarting PriceFree Option?PlatformBest For
DaVinci ResolveFree / One-time$0 / $295Yes (full version)Win, Mac, LinuxProfessional work
Adobe Premiere ProSubscription$22.99/mo7-day trialWin, MacIndustry standard
Final Cut ProOne-time$299.9990-day trialMac onlyMac users
DescriptFreemium/Subscription$0-$55/moYes (limited)Win, MacPodcasts/Interviews
PowerDirectorSubscription/One-time$55/year30-day trialWindowsBudget-conscious
CapCutFreemium$0 / $7.99/moYes (full)All platformsSocial media
FilmoraSubscription/One-time$49.99/yearWith watermarkWin, MacContent creators
OpenShotFree (open-source)$0Yes (full)Win, Mac, LinuxBasic editing
LightworksFreemium/Subscription$0 / $25/moYes (720p)Win, Mac, LinuxLearning pro tools

How to Choose the Right Video Editing Software

Choosing video editing software isn't just about features and price. Consider these factors before committing:

Your Skill Level

Complete Beginner: Start with CapCut, OpenShot, or Filmora. These have gentle learning curves and won't overwhelm you with options. Descript is also excellent if you're editing primarily talking-head content.

Intermediate: Consider Filmora, PowerDirector, or DaVinci Resolve Free. You're ready for more advanced features but don't need everything Premiere offers.

Advanced/Professional: Look at DaVinci Resolve Studio, Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro. You need professional features, efficient workflows, and industry-standard tools.

Your Content Type

Social Media Short-Form: CapCut is purpose-built for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. Vertical video, trending effects, and quick exports.

YouTube/Long-Form: DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or Filmora. You need robust editing, good color tools, and efficient workflows.

Podcasts/Interviews: Descript hands-down. Text-based editing makes repurposing content effortless.

Client Work/Commercial: Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve Studio. Clients expect professional results and industry-standard formats.

Film/Narrative: DaVinci Resolve Studio or Premiere Pro + After Effects. You need advanced color grading, VFX capabilities, and precise editing control.

Your Hardware

Older/Slower Computer: Filmora, OpenShot, or PowerDirector. These are less demanding than DaVinci or Premiere.

Mid-Range PC: Premiere Pro, Filmora, PowerDirector. Most editors will run, though you might need proxy workflows for 4K.

High-End PC: Any software works. DaVinci Resolve Studio will make full use of powerful GPUs.

Apple Silicon Mac: Final Cut Pro is the obvious choice. Optimization is unmatched. DaVinci Resolve also runs exceptionally well.

Intel Mac: Final Cut Pro or Premiere Pro. DaVinci works but demands more power.

Your Budget Reality

$0 Budget: DaVinci Resolve Free is the best option. CapCut for social media. OpenShot for basic needs.

Under $100/year: Filmora ($49.99/year) or PowerDirector ($55/year) deliver excellent value.

Under $300 one-time: Final Cut Pro ($299.99) or DaVinci Resolve Studio ($295) are no-brainer investments.

Professional Budget: Premiere Pro Creative Cloud ($59.99/month) if you use multiple Adobe apps. Final Cut Pro or DaVinci Studio if you don't.

System Requirements Comparison

Don't buy software your computer can't run. Here are realistic minimum requirements:

DaVinci Resolve

Adobe Premiere Pro

Final Cut Pro

Filmora

CapCut Desktop

Learning Curve: Time to Proficiency

How long before you're productive? Realistic timelines:

CapCut: 1-2 hours to basic proficiency. You'll create your first edited video the same day you download it.

Filmora: 4-8 hours to comfortable use. A weekend of practice gets you 80% there.

OpenShot: 2-4 hours for basic edits. Limited feature set means less to learn.

Descript: 2-3 hours if you focus on text-based editing. Traditional timeline editing takes longer.

PowerDirector: 8-12 hours to feel comfortable with main features. Interface is logical but feature-rich.

Final Cut Pro: 20-40 hours to proficiency. Magnetic Timeline is different but efficient once learned.

Premiere Pro: 40-60 hours to comfortable use. 100+ hours to feel truly proficient. Ecosystem knowledge adds time.

DaVinci Resolve: 60-100 hours to proficiency across all pages. Color grading alone takes 20+ hours to learn well.

Feature Deep-Dive: What Actually Matters

Color Grading

Best: DaVinci Resolve (industry-leading), Premiere Pro (very good), Final Cut Pro (excellent)

Good Enough: Filmora, PowerDirector

Basic: CapCut, OpenShot, Descript

If color grading is critical to your work, DaVinci Resolve is the only free option that competes with professional tools. Premiere Pro's Lumetri panel is powerful and intuitive. Final Cut Pro's color wheels and curves are excellent, especially for HDR work.

Audio Editing

Best: DaVinci Resolve (Fairlight page), Premiere Pro (with Audition)

Good: Final Cut Pro, Filmora, Descript (Studio Sound)

Basic: CapCut, PowerDirector, OpenShot

Serious audio work requires dedicated tools. DaVinci's Fairlight page is essentially a full DAW built into the editor. Premiere's integration with Audition provides professional audio post-production. For most YouTube and social content, built-in tools are sufficient.

Motion Graphics & Animation

Best: Premiere Pro + After Effects (Dynamic Link)

Good: DaVinci Resolve (Fusion page), Filmora (limited), Final Cut Pro (basic)

Basic: CapCut, PowerDirector, OpenShot

After Effects is the gold standard for motion graphics. If you need heavy animation work, Premiere's integration is valuable. DaVinci's Fusion page is capable but has a steeper learning curve than After Effects.

Collaboration Features

Best: Premiere Pro (Productions, Team Projects)

Good: DaVinci Resolve Studio (Database collaboration), Final Cut Pro (limited)

Limited/None: Filmora, CapCut, PowerDirector, OpenShot, Descript

If multiple editors need to work on the same project simultaneously, Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve Studio are your only real options. Final Cut Pro's collaboration features exist but aren't as robust.

AI-Powered Features

AI tools save massive amounts of time. Here's what each editor offers:

DaVinci Resolve Studio: Magic Mask (object isolation), Super Scale (upscaling), Face detection, Smart Reframe

Premiere Pro: Auto Reframe, Scene Edit Detection, Speech Enhancement, Remix (audio extension)

Final Cut Pro: Magnetic Timeline (sort of AI), Smooth Slo-Mo, Object Tracker, Enhanced Light and Color

Descript: Studio Sound (audio enhancement), Filler Word Removal, Eye Contact Correction, AI Green Screen

Filmora: Smart Cutout, Auto Beat Sync, Silence Detection, AI Copywriting, AI Image generation

CapCut: Auto Captions, Background Removal, AI Effects

AI features are becoming table stakes. Even budget editors now include powerful AI tools that would have required expensive plugins or manual work a few years ago.

Export Options & Format Support

All modern editors support basic formats (MP4, MOV), but advanced codecs matter for professional work:

ProRes Support: Final Cut Pro (native), DaVinci Resolve (excellent), Premiere Pro (good), Filmora (basic)

RAW Formats: DaVinci Resolve (extensive), Premiere Pro (very good), Final Cut Pro (good with plugins)

HDR Export: DaVinci Resolve (best), Final Cut Pro (excellent), Premiere Pro (good)

Social Media Presets: CapCut (extensive), Filmora (good), Descript (good), others (basic)

Common Mistakes When Choosing Video Editing Software

Mistake #1: Choosing Based on Features You'll Never Use

Don't buy Premiere Pro if you're making YouTube videos and never use After Effects, Photoshop, or Audition. You're paying for an ecosystem you're not leveraging.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Your Computer's Capabilities

DaVinci Resolve will frustrate you on an 8GB laptop with integrated graphics. Be realistic about hardware.

Mistake #3: Not Testing Free Options First

Why pay anything before trying DaVinci Resolve Free or CapCut? Start free, upgrade when you hit actual limitations.

Mistake #4: Assuming Expensive = Better

Premiere Pro costs $275/year. Final Cut Pro is $300 once. After two years, Final Cut costs 45% less. For many users, it's also faster and more stable.

Mistake #5: Ignoring the Learning Curve Cost

If you spend 100 hours learning DaVinci Resolve, that's valuable time. For casual users, Filmora's 8-hour learning curve might be smarter.

Mistake #6: Choosing Based on Career Plans, Not Current Needs

"I might go professional someday" doesn't justify Premiere Pro today if you're making monthly YouTube videos. Start with what serves your current needs.

Industry-Specific Recommendations

For YouTube Creators

Just Starting: CapCut or Filmora. Easy to learn, enough features to look professional.

Established Channel: DaVinci Resolve Free or Final Cut Pro. Better color grading improves production value.

Full-Time Creator: Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. Efficiency matters when you're editing weekly.

For Social Media Managers

In-House Marketing: CapCut for quick social content, Filmora for polished marketing videos.

Agency Work: Premiere Pro. Clients expect it, and integration with other Adobe tools (Photoshop, After Effects) is valuable.

For Podcasters

Audio-Only: Stick with audio tools like Audition or Audacity.

Video Podcasts: Descript is purpose-built for this. Text-based editing makes repurposing effortless.

High Production Value: DaVinci Resolve for multicam switching and color correction.

For Small Business Owners

Occasional Marketing Videos: Filmora or CapCut. Quick to learn, professional-looking results.

Regular Content: DaVinci Resolve Free. No ongoing cost, professional results.

Outsourcing Some Work: Premiere Pro. Easier to find freelancers who know it.

For Freelance Video Editors

Starting Out: DaVinci Resolve Free to build skills without cost.

Building Career: Learn Premiere Pro. Most job listings require it.

Established Freelancer: Premiere Pro + After Effects, or Final Cut Pro depending on client base.

For Film & Narrative Work

Independent/Low Budget: DaVinci Resolve Studio. Professional features, one-time cost.

Professional/Studio: Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve Studio based on post-production pipeline.

For Educators & Students

Teaching Basics: OpenShot or iMovie. Free, simple, cross-platform.

Media Programs: Premiere Pro with education discount ($19.99/month for all Adobe apps).

Student Projects: DaVinci Resolve Free for professional results on zero budget.

The Subscription vs. One-Time Purchase Debate

Let's do the math on total cost of ownership:

Three-Year Ownership Cost

Adobe Premiere Pro: $22.99/month × 36 months = $827.64

Final Cut Pro: $299.99 one-time = $299.99

DaVinci Resolve Studio: $295 one-time = $295

Filmora Perpetual: $79.99 + $40/year updates × 2 = $159.99

PowerDirector 365: $55/year × 3 = $165

CapCut Pro: $74.99/year × 3 = $224.97

After three years, Premiere Pro costs 178% more than Final Cut Pro and 180% more than DaVinci Resolve Studio. If you're not leveraging the broader Creative Cloud, you're overpaying significantly.

When Subscriptions Make Sense

Subscriptions make sense when:

When One-Time Purchases Win

One-time purchases are better when:

Mobile Video Editing: iOS & Android

While this guide focuses on desktop editing, many creators work partially or entirely on mobile:

iOS Options

Best Overall: LumaFusion ($29.99) - Professional timeline editing on iPad

Best Free: iMovie (included with iOS) - Simple but capable

Best for Social: CapCut (free) - TikTok-focused features

Best Professional: Final Cut Pro for iPad ($4.99/month or $49/year)

Android Options

Best Overall: CapCut (free) - Full-featured, no watermark

Best Alternative: KineMaster (free with watermark, $4.99/month) - Layer-based editing

Best Simple: InShot (free with watermark) - Quick edits

Which Video Editing Tool Should You Choose?

After comparing all these options, here's my straight advice:

You want free + professional: DaVinci Resolve. The free version genuinely competes with paid software. Learn the interface, and you'll never pay for editing software again.

You need industry-standard credentials: Adobe Premiere Pro. Agencies and clients expect it. The subscription stings, but it's the safe career choice if you're working in professional environments.

You're on Mac and hate subscriptions: Final Cut Pro. The $299.99 hurts upfront, but it's cheaper than Premiere after 13 months, and you own it forever. The Apple Silicon optimization is phenomenal.

You've never edited before: Descript for talking-head content, or CapCut for social media. Text-based editing or mobile-first interfaces make sense to non-editors. Start here if traditional timelines confuse you.

You want cheap but capable on Windows: Filmora ($49.99/year) or DaVinci Resolve Free. Both give you real editing tools without serious financial commitment.

You're creating social media content: CapCut, hands down. It's built for TikTok, Reels, and Shorts. Free, no watermark, trending effects updated constantly.

You're a podcaster or interview creator: Descript changes the game. Text-based editing makes repurposing content 10x faster.

You need to work with other Adobe apps: Premiere Pro Creative Cloud. The integration between Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop, and Audition is worth the subscription if you actually use those apps.

You're on a tight budget but need professional results: DaVinci Resolve Free is unbeatable. Zero cost, no watermark, professional color grading, and sufficient features for most projects.

You want something easy but more powerful than CapCut: Filmora hits the sweet spot. Beginner-friendly interface with AI tools that save time.

The Bottom Line

Most businesses overthink video editing software. The reality: DaVinci Resolve Free does 90% of what paid software does for $0. If that doesn't work for your workflow, Final Cut Pro (Mac) or Premiere Pro (cross-platform) are the professional choices.

Don't pay for complexity you won't use. Start with the free options, upgrade when you hit real limitations - not theoretical ones.

The best video editing software is the one you'll actually learn and use consistently. A skilled editor in Filmora will produce better results than a beginner fumbling through Premiere Pro.

Consider your actual use case, your hardware capabilities, your budget reality, and your willingness to invest learning time. Software is just a tool - your creativity, storytelling, and technical skill matter far more than which logo is on the splash screen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best free video editing software?

DaVinci Resolve Free is the best free video editing software for professional-quality work. It includes advanced color grading, VFX tools via the Fusion page, and professional audio post-production in Fairlight. For social media creators, CapCut is excellent - completely free with no watermark and optimized for short-form content. For basic editing, OpenShot offers a simple interface without limitations.

Is Adobe Premiere Pro worth the subscription cost?

Premiere Pro is worth the subscription if you work professionally with clients who expect it, use multiple Adobe apps (After Effects, Photoshop, Audition), or need the most extensive tutorial ecosystem available. For solo creators or businesses editing occasionally, alternatives like Final Cut Pro ($300 one-time) or DaVinci Resolve Free ($0) offer better value. Do the math: Premiere costs $276/year, meaning Final Cut pays for itself in 13 months.

Can I edit 4K video on a laptop?

Yes, but it depends on your laptop and the software. Apple Silicon Macs (M1/M2/M3) handle 4K editing remarkably well, even on MacBook Air. Windows laptops need discrete GPUs and 16GB+ RAM for smooth 4K editing. Use proxy workflows in any editor (editing lower-resolution copies, exporting at full quality) to make 4K editing smoother on less powerful hardware. Filmora and CapCut are less demanding than Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve.

What video editing software do YouTubers use?

Popular YouTubers use a variety of editors: Final Cut Pro is common among tech reviewers and Mac users (MKBHD, iJustine). Premiere Pro is popular with vloggers and established creators (Casey Neistat, Peter McKinnon). DaVinci Resolve is growing among creators focused on color and cinematography. Newer creators often start with CapCut, Filmora, or iMovie before upgrading. The best choice depends on platform (Mac vs. Windows), budget, and content style.

Do I need a powerful computer for video editing?

It depends on your footage and software. Editing 1080p footage in Filmora or CapCut works fine on modest hardware (8GB RAM, integrated graphics). Editing 4K in DaVinci Resolve or Premiere Pro demands more power (16GB+ RAM, discrete GPU, SSD storage). Apple Silicon Macs punch above their weight for video editing. Start with what you have and use proxy workflows if things are slow. Upgrade hardware when editing becomes frustratingly slow, not preemptively.

Is DaVinci Resolve really free forever?

Yes. DaVinci Resolve's free version is not a trial or time-limited. Blackmagic Design offers it free to encourage adoption and sells hardware (cameras, capture cards, control surfaces) that work with Resolve. The free version has no watermark and includes professional editing, color grading, VFX, and audio tools. Some advanced features require the $295 Studio version (8K support, more AI tools, collaboration features), but the free version is genuinely professional-grade.

Should I learn Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro?

Learn Premiere Pro if you're building a career in video editing - it's in 70% of job listings. Learn Final Cut Pro if you own a Mac, want superior performance, and don't need to collaborate with Premiere users. If you're freelancing, knowing both is valuable. If you're creating content for your own business or channel, Final Cut Pro's one-time cost and Apple Silicon optimization make it the smarter choice for Mac users.

What's the easiest video editing software for beginners?

CapCut is the easiest for social media content - drag-and-drop interface, one-tap effects, automatic captions. Descript is easiest for talking-head content - edit by editing text transcript. Filmora is easiest for traditional editing - beginner-friendly timeline with professional features. iMovie (Mac/iOS) is easiest for Apple users making simple videos. Avoid DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, and Lightworks as a complete beginner - these have steep learning curves.

Can I use free video editing software for commercial projects?

Yes, most free video editing software allows commercial use. DaVinci Resolve Free, CapCut Free, and OpenShot have no restrictions on commercial use. Always check the license terms for effects, music, and stock footage included with the software - these may have restrictions. The software itself is generally fine for commercial work, but built-in assets might not be.

What's the best video editing software for Windows?

For Windows users: DaVinci Resolve Free (best free professional option), PowerDirector ($55/year, great value), Filmora ($49.99/year, beginner-friendly), or Premiere Pro ($22.99/month, industry standard). Windows users don't have access to Final Cut Pro, but DaVinci Resolve fills that niche admirably. CapCut is excellent for social media content on Windows.

How much should I spend on video editing software?

Start with $0 (DaVinci Resolve Free or CapCut). If you need something more beginner-friendly, spend $50-80/year (Filmora or PowerDirector). If you're on Mac and edit regularly, invest $300 once in Final Cut Pro. Only subscribe to Premiere Pro ($23-60/month) if you work professionally with clients or need multiple Adobe apps. Most creators never need to spend more than $300 total on editing software.

Next Steps: Getting Started

Ready to choose? Follow this process:

  1. Download DaVinci Resolve Free - Even if you don't use it, having a free professional option installed is smart
  2. Try CapCut if you're creating social content - Takes 10 minutes to download and create your first edit
  3. Use free trials - Final Cut Pro (90 days), Premiere Pro (7 days), PowerDirector (30 days), Filmora (free with watermark)
  4. Create the same 2-minute video in each editor - You'll quickly feel which interface clicks
  5. Consider your 3-year cost - Subscriptions add up faster than you think
  6. Choose based on actual needs, not theoretical features - You probably don't need 8K support or advanced 3D compositing
  7. Commit to learning one tool thoroughly - Switching editors wastes more time than learning one deeply

The right video editing software makes you more efficient, not just more capable. Choose wisely, invest the learning time, and focus on creating great content.

Need help deciding? Check out our guides on best video editing software, free screen recording software, and Descript pricing for more detailed comparisons.