Tools for video editing come in all shapes and sizes and it’s possible to find a software solution that will suit your needs regardless of what kind of videos you’re making and what resources you have at your disposal.
Some of the tools on our list are free while others require you to pay a subscription in order to use them. Both of these have their upsides and downsides and choosing the right tool shouldn’t be based solely on how costly the tool is.
What Will the Tool Be Used for?
Choosing the right software for your needs depends on what you plan to use the software for. If you plan to use software for a simple task such as trying to remove video watermark, you may rely on a simple software solution suited to that purpose only.
However, if you want a tool that can be suited for multiple and more complex tasks, you may need to get a more complicated software solution. These are often subscription-based and more expensive. Making this call depends on the user knowing what kind of tool they would know how to use in the first place.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere is usually considered to be a standard set for the industry and the most commonly used tool. The tool is used by professionals working across different fields of the industry as well as by the amateurs that only use a portion of its potential features.
The software can be used to produce images in 4K, 8K, and VR. It allows you a lot of control and precision when it comes to designing a product. It’s also possible to use Adobe Premiere Pro as a part of a larger package of Adobe tools.
Adobe Premiere Elements
Another Adobe tool on our list and usually seen as one that’s better suited to amateur users. It’s a simplified version of the Pro version but it still packs a punch as to what it can do. Therefore, it’s often used to edit YouTube content that can be quite professionally done but isn’t the same as a high-end production you could see on a set.
The videos that are made in Premiere Elements can be exported in a format that’s well suited to social networks and social media in general. There’s a free trial period available, and there’s no cloud storage that comes with an offer.
CyberLink PowerDirector 365
CyberLink PowerDirector 365 is one of the most powerful tools used for video editing and the most popular tool that isn’t a part of the Adobe offering. It doesn’t contain as many features as these programs but it still offers everything that most users will need.
The tool also comes with a free library of Shutter stock content. It’s a sophisticated tool and those who don’t have enough experience with video editing may have a challenging time using it at first.
Pinnacle Studio
Pinnacle Studio is a video editing tool that’s made for Windows users only since it still doesn’t have a Mac version. It has a free version that will be suited to most users, but also a paid one oriented towards professionals. The subscription-based versions are known as Pinnacle Studio Plus and Pinnacle Studio Ultimate.
The tool is rather simple to use and an amateur can get a hang of it rather quickly. There are as many as 1500 different effects to choose from. You can also use it to produce 8K videos which are more than most users will need.
Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro is probably the most important competitor to Adobe tools. It’s a tool that’s made for Mac only and it offers everything a professional video tool should have in order to support a high-end user. There’s a free version that lasts for 90 days and after that, you need to choose a subscription plan.
Advanced tools made for color corrections, HDR video, and Magnetic timeline are amongst the best features the tool has to offer and that’s what draws the professionals to it. Final Cut Pro is also easy to ingrate in the rest of the Apple ecosystem.
Adobe Premiere Rush
When it comes to tools that are made to be used on mobile devices, there are few that can match Adobe Premiere Rush. The editing tool is made to be used on tablets and phones and therefore it doesn’t offer as much as tools made for computers, but still packs a punch.
It offers similar features to that of Premier Pro but it’s simplified and easier to master and use. The tool is updated regularly and Adobe always adds new features and makes their editing software better and more innovative. It’s also a part of the Creative Cloud package.
Corel VideoStudio Ultimate
Corel offers tools for photo editing and if you’re familiar with those Corel VideoStudio Ultimate is the right option for you, since the interface is rather similar. It’s an inexpensive tool but it has the features that are enough to produce a professional video.
It’s different from most other video editing software solutions since it’s based on so-called “lawyers”. That’s something that those working with photos are used to but users coming from outside of that community may find it a bit challenging. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate has a VR and 8K mode which is a standard for the industry.
Filmora
If you’re looking for a simple tool that isn’t made for professionals, Filmora is probably the best option for you. It’s a tour mostly marketed towards hobbyists and it’s made for them in terms of how expensive it is and what it offers. The tool has versions for both Windows and Mac.
There’s a free and paid version of the tool and the free version comes with a watermark that you’ll have to put up with on your videos. It also has a video library and how vast it is; depends on what tier of the subscription you’re willing to pay for.
