Choosing video editing software can be an overwhelming process with so many options on the market today. While they all allow you to import, arrange, and output video files, programs differ widely in features, pricing structures, and system requirements. The ideal video editor depends on your needs, budget, and creative goals.
This guide examines some of the most popular video editing programs including Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, HitFilm Express, iMovie and Windows Movie Maker. We’ll analyse what each software is best for so you can determine which video editing platform is right for your projects.
Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro (FCP) (priced around US$300) is available only for macOS and is considered the gold standard for prosumer and professional video editors. Packed with features for colour grading, multi-camera editing, motion graphics and more, FCP caters best to commercial work and independent films. It has a shallow learning curve and plays well with other Apple software and hardware. Drawbacks are the high cost and Mac-only compatibility.
Adobe Premiere Pro
The industry-standard Adobe Premiere Pro (monthly subscription starting at US$20/month) works across Windows and macOS. Ideal for collaborative workflows, it seamlessly integrates with other Adobe apps like After Effects and Photoshop. Premiere Pro is great for narrative storytelling with advanced colour and audio tools. The monthly subscription model may not suit all budgets.
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve (free Basic version, paid Studios version US$295) stands out as a powerful option for both professional editing and colour correction. It is used extensively in Hollywood post-production. Resolve works smoothly on Windows, macOS and Linux and offers a free version with most of the features of the paid tier. The interface can be daunting for beginners but it is very capable, especially for feature films and colour-centric work.
HitFilm Express
HitFilm Express is a free non-linear video editor for Windows and macOS that packs advanced tools like visual effects, motion tracking and audio mixing. It’s beginner friendly and ideal for low-budget filmmakers, YouTubers and indie creators. Drawbacks are the occasional bugginess as a free program and lack of pro features compared to paid alternatives. Still, for hobbyists it is highly full-featured for being free.
iMovie (macOS) & Windows Movie Maker (Windows)
For basic home video editing, iMovie for Mac and Windows Movie Maker for PCs offer easy-to-use templates and tools without a learning curve. iMovie plays well with iPhone videos and includes fun trailer creation tools. Windows Movie Maker lets you combine video clips, add transitions, and titles—good for quick family projects on a limited budget. However, both have limited features when compared to paid professional software.
Choosing the Right Software
- Hobbyists/beginners: iMovie (Mac), Windows Movie Maker, HitFilm Express
- YouTubers/independent creators: HitFilm Express, DaVinci Resolve Basic
- Prosumer/low-budget filmmakers: Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve Studio
- Professional video studios: Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve Studio, Final Cut Pro
- Students/educators: Many offer student/teacher discounts on subscriptions
- System compatibility: Consider your available devices – Mac, Windows, Linux
With a clearer sense of your needs and budget, you should now be able to determine which video editing software option is the best for accomplishing your video goals and taking your projects to the next level. Having the right editing tool is key in efficient productions. SiliconPlus Communications is a leading branding agency in Singapore that specialises in digital transformation, personalisation and content marketing. Their expert team can help your business analyse customer data, develop engaging brand stories for all channels, and optimise campaigns based on results. Partner with SiliconPlus Communications today to take your brand’s message to the next level.
