List of the best video editing software for beginners. A free and paid software list is included.

1. i
(Free and Paid)
Top 10
Video Editing
Software for
Beginners

2. If you look up ‘video editing software for beginners,’ you
will find dozens of software and lists in the search results.
You will even find professional-grade software among
these, adding to the confusion.
Here is a list of the best free and paid video editing
software you can use even if you are a beginner in
video editing.
But, which one is right for your needs?

3. (without watermark)
Best free
video editing
software

4. • Non-linear editing
• File conversion tools for easy file conversion
• Multicam feature for live events and interviews
Key features of VSDC:
VSDC Video Editor
(free version)
• Windows (64 & 32 bit)
Operating software:
VSDC’s free video editor has an intuitive
interface that makes the editing experience
effortless. It has no restrictions, trial periods,
watermarks, or ads.

5. Pros of VSDC: Cons of VSDC:
• Instagram-like filters and built-in LUT
editor.
• Direct export to social media.
• Free visual and audio effects.
• Supports most formats and video,
audio, and image codecs.
• H265/HEVC codec exports (best for
HD and 4K videos).
• Desktop video-capturing tool.
• Only available for Windows PCs.
• Complicated workspace.
• No easy preview during editing.

6. • Unlimited video tracks
• Motion-tracking
• Multicam editing
Key features of DaVinci Resolve:
DaVinci Resolve
(free version)
DaVinci Resolve is one of the best creative video
editing tool for professionals. But, the free
version is enough for beginners, as it has all the
necessary tools, like color manipulation, motion
graphics, and VFX.
• Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Operating software:

7. Pros of DaVinci Resolve: Cons of DaVinci Resolve:
• Wide variety of editing tools for
precise control.
• Multi-user collaboration and chat
feature.
• Intuitive timeline.
• Best color-grading tool in the
industry.
• Gives resources to help use the
software.
• Requires powerful system.
• Steep learning curve.
• No GPU-accelerated encoding.
• No noise reduction.
• File exports limited to 4K Ultra HD
and 60 fps.
• Supports only limited file types.
• No external software integration.

8. • Drag and drop
• Wide range of visual effects and transitions
• Intuitive user interface
Key features of Videopad:
Videopad
(free version)
Videopad is a video editor that is specially
designed for the use of beginners and amateurs.
The free version is only meant for non-
commercial use, and has a wide range of editing
tools and a template gallery.
• Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Chrome OS
Operating software:

9. Pros of Videopad: Cons of Videopad:
• Neat and user-friendly layout.
• Detailed support pages.
• Supports all popular video formats.
• Large library of sounds, sound effects,
clipart objects, etc.
• No format, resolution, or duration
restrictions.
• Direct upload to YouTube, Dropbox,
Google Drive, etc.
• Allows use of only two video tracks at
a time.
• No plugin support.
• No sound editor.

10. • Multitrack video editing
• Semi-automatic 2D motion-tracking
• Proxy editing
Key features of Kdenlive:
Kdenlive
Kdenlive is a free and open-source video editing
software that is made for both professional and
basic video editing needs. There are no license
fees, registrations, subscriptions, or premium
payments to unlock features.
• Windows, Mac OS, FreeBSD,
Linux, Ubuntu
Operating software:

11. Pros of Kdenlive: Cons of Kdenlive:
• Free features and tools.
• Lock, mute any video or audio track.
• Automatic back up.
• Prerendering
• Customizable interface and keyboard
shortcuts.
• Support from user manual, Telegram
channel, YouTube tutorials, forum.
• Vast online resource of fonts,
transition templates, etc.
• Can be confusing to non-linear
editing beginners.
• No GPU acceleration.
• Needs a lot of memory.
• Extremely limited output options.

12. • Advanced effects and tools
• Portable
• Native timeline editing
Key features of Shotcut:
Shotcut
Shotcut is an open-source, free, and cross-
platform video editing software. The best
feature is native timeline editing, which
means there is no need to import or convert
files for editing.
• Windows, Mac OS, Linux
Operating software:

13. Pros of Shotcut: Cons of Shotcut:
• Free features.
• Drag and drop files into software.
• Multiple video layers.
• Supports multiple video export formats.
• Lightweight software.
• Customizable workspace.
• Regular updates, bug fixes, and new
features.
• Native timeline editing for editing
multiple file types on same timeline.
• The features and interface take some
to get used to.
• Less stable than most other paid
software.
• Doesn’t have as many advanced
features as paid software do.

14. Best paid
video editing
software

15. Adobe Premiere
Elements
Adobe Premiere Elements is the best tool
for beginners who want a simple editing
experience. It’s basic and intuitive features
make editing quick.
It is designed for those who need quick and
easy ways to trim videos, add fun filters,
and create beautiful, professional-looking
movies.
• Windows, Mac OS
Operating software:

16. Key features of Adobe Premiere Elements:
• Easy editing with AI and automation
• Web and mobile companion apps
• Smart organization for easy sorting and
locating
• Numerous templates
• Guided edits for quick editing, cinematic
effects, and more
Price:
USD 99.99 (one-time purchase excluding
taxes), Free 30-day trial

17. CyberLink
PowerDirector 365
PowerDirector is designed to let anyone edit
videos, even if they don’t know how. It has a
large variety of AI-powered visual effects tools
to help beginners edit like professionals, and
create stunning videos.
Access a library of stock videos, music tracks,
photos from Getty Images and Meta Sound
Collection, premade titles, transitions,
animations, sound effects, transitions, etc.
• Windows, Mac OS, iOS,
Android
Operating software:

18. • Capture/live streaming of desktop
screen
• AI motion-tracking
• Chroma key with beginner-friendly
green screen effects
• Beginner-friendly blending tools
• AI visual effects
Price:
USD 139.99 (perpetual license) or
USD 74.99 (annual subscription)
Key features of CyberLink PowerDirector 365:

19. MAGIX Video Easy
Magix Video Easy makes it easy for beginners
and amateurs to edit videos like professionals.
It’s simple and intuitive interface displays the
tools you actually need, making them easy to
find.
It has step-by-step wizards that can help create
professional-looking videos with titles,
transitions, and special effects. You can also
add narrations and background music. • Windows
Operating software:

20. Key features of MAGIX Video Easy:
• Slow-mo and time-lapse effects
• Automatic color correction
• Direct video sharing to YouTube,
Vimeo, etc Price:
USD $2.50 (annual subscription per month) or
USD 3.49 (monthly subscription per month)

21. Adobe Premeire Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is an intuitive software
with a user-friendly interface that is perfect for
beginners. It has plenty of features and tools
you can use to create beautiful videos.
It is an industry standard among video editing
professionals. Learning to use this software can
make things easier for you later in your career.
It has all the tools and features you will need to
use once you are a professional video editor. • Windows, Mac OS
Operating software:

22. Key features of Adobe Premiere Pro:
• AI tools for color correction and
background noise removal.
• Text-based editing
• Collaboration using Frame.io
• Filler word detection
Price:
USD 20.99 per month. 7-day free trial

23. Movavi Video Editor
Movavi Video Editor has a user-friendly and
clear interface that makes it easy to use for
beginners. It offers simple and fast editing,
artistic effects, soundtrack music, and smooth
transitions perfect for video editing hobbyists.
The software also comes with a unique feature
called the Montage Wizard that automatically
transforms your video into a themed movie.
• Windows, Mac OS
Operating software:

24. Key features of Movavi Video Editor:
• AI motion tracking
• AI background removal
• Chroma key feature
• Unlimited video tracks
• 4K XAVC-S format support
• H.265 (HEVC) export
Price:
USD 59.56 per year. 7-day trial with
watermark

25. Wrapping up
Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve are generally considered the best
video editing software for professionals. However, they are also intuitive and
have user-friendly features that allow beginners to easily edit videos.
If you want to edit videos as a hobby, you can opt for any software that has
basic editing tools, like Adobe Premiere Elements, Videopad, or VSDC.
If you are a complete beginner in video editing, you will benefit from starting
with the free versions of Videopad and VSDC and moving on to open-source
software, like Kdenlive and Shotcut for exposure to free advanced tools.