TOP PICKs
BEST FOR PROFESSIONALS
An expansive professional-level digital video editing program, Premiere Pro CC has everything today's pro video editor needs, particularly when it comes to collaboration.
BEST FOR PROFESSIONALS, PROSUMERS
Apple's professional-level video editing software, Final Cut Pro, brings a wealth of power in an interface simple enough for pros and consumers alike. Recent highlights include AI-powered cropping for social media output and support for Apple Silicon-based Macs.
BEST FOR APPLE FANS
Apple's entry-level desktop video editing application can turn your footage and photos into impressive productions.
BEST FOR ENTHUSIASTS
PowerDirector is a fast, full-featured consumer-level video editing program offering all the latest technology support while remaining easy to use—now available for macOS as well as Windows.
BEST FOR ENTHUSIASTS
Corel VideoStudio is a feature-packed and intuitive consumer video editing program. The 2021 update solidifies performance and stability, plus adds Instant Project templates, AR Stickers, and other useful features.
A massively powerful professional video production application, DaVinci Resolve includes all the cutting, keyframing, color grading, and audio tools pros want. It also offers a capable free version, but there's a learning curve.
BEST FOR FAST, FUN VIDEO EDITING
Movavi packs a lot of video editing power into a clear, simple interface. You get PiP, chroma key, titling, basic keyframing, and even motion tracking. It’s not quite as feature-packed or fast as some of the competition, but it lets you easily produce attractive work.
BEST FOR PROSUMERS
Pinnacle Studio is a fast, full-featured, near-pro-level video editing application without a steep learning curve. Performance upgrades and new mask motion-tracking, titling, and audio tools make it even more appealing.
BEST FOR HOBBYISTS
Adobe's consumer video editor is easy to use and offers plenty of help. It trails the competition when it comes to features and rendering performance, however. New for 2022 are the Auto Reframe feature, more aspect ratios, and additional guided edits.
BEST FOR ENTHUSIASTS
For less money than the competition, Nero offers a wide array of enthusiast-level video editing capabilities, but the interface is dated and it trails in support for new formats and techniques.
BEST FOR EASY EFFECTS
Wondershare's Filmora video editing software may not have multicam support or the hottest new VR tools, but it does offer a pleasing interface and lots of effects.
BEST FOR LOTS OF PLUGINS
Though it can boast some advanced effects and tools, Magix Movie Edit Pro remains an also-ran video editing program in usability and performance.
