A reliable video editor is crucial for creating visual effects. As of 2023, there are many video editing tools, each with its own unique set of features and capabilities. Let’s take a look at the 10 best video editors for 2023 that are worth checking out and breaking down their key features.
1. AVS Video Editor
AVS Video Editor is one of the most powerful video editors which has a wide range of functions. In addition to basic editing, AVS users have a full set of more professional tools such as trimming, slicing, splitting videos, fixing up white balancing issues and color mismatches, complex effects, and transitions to create visually stunning content.
AVS Video Editor boasts extensive compatibility with a wide range of video formats, like MP4, M4V, MOV, MKV, WEBM, AVI, DVD, VOB, MPG, WMV, 3GP, FLV, M2TS, TS, etc., ensuring that users can effortlessly import and work with media from various sources, including different cameras and devices. It handles video in any resolution HD, Full HD, 2K Quad HD, 4K Ultra HD, and DCI 4K.
Users also appreciate the user-friendly interface and intuitive layout of features which makes video editing easy. Available for both Windows and Mac users, the software ensures a broad user base can take advantage of its robust features.
AVS Video Editor offers both annual and unlimited subscriptions. Prices start at $149.00 for an annual subscription. Along with the video editor, a video converter and video remaker are included, as well as an audio editor and converter.
Try all features yourself by downloading AVS Video Editors:
2. Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is a professional-grade video editing software developed by Adobe. It is a preferred choice for professionals, filmmakers, video editors, and content creators due to its advanced features and seamless integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications.
Among popular tools, you can find advanced color grading and correction tools, motion graphics, a timeline-based editing system for precise arrangement of video clips, audio editing and mixing capabilities, and support for multi-camera editing to facilitate the synchronization and switch between multiple camera angles.
Premiere Pro seamlessly integrates with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications through Dynamic Linking. This feature enables smooth transitions between Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition, allowing users to work on different aspects of their projects without exporting and importing files. Adobe Premiere Pro operates on a subscription-based model, offering different plans based on user needs.
3. Final Cut Pro X
For Mac users, Final Cut Pro X, developed by Apple Inc. is a functional and user-friendly video editing program.
Renowned for its sophisticated color grading tools, Final Cut Pro X empowers editors to achieve cinematic visuals through precise color correction and grading capabilities. You can also adjust clips to fit together, synchronize and edit footage from multiple cameras, use magnetic timelines, detect duplicates, and more. What’s more, its standout feature is motion graphics and 3D titles.
Final Cut Pro X features an efficient library system that simplifies project organization, making it easy for editors to manage media, projects, and collaborations within the application. The software seamlessly integrates with other Apple applications and services, offering direct access to media from Photos and Music apps.
4. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a video editor widely recognized for its color correction and grading capabilities. Colorists can achieve intricate and nuanced looks, making it a preferred choice for filmmakers and color-grading professionals.
DaVinci Resolve allows users to cut, trim, and arrange their footage with precision. The timeline-based editing system provides a visual and intuitive approach to crafting narratives. Fusion, seamlessly integrated into DaVinci Resolve helps you work with visual effects and motion graphics. Users can create complex visual effects, composites, and animations within a single platform.
DaVinci Resolve facilitates collaborative workflows with collaborative features, allowing multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously. This is particularly beneficial for larger teams working on complex video productions. DaVinci Resolve offers a free version with a substantial feature set that includes professional editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production capabilities.
5. Pinnacle Studio
Pinnacle Studio is a video editor with a convenient easy-to-use interface, which means it can suit any user – from beginners to experienced filmmakers.
Pinnacle Studio provides a suite of advanced editing tools, including precise trimming, cutting, and splitting functionalities. Users can enhance their videos with transitions, effects, and various creative elements. The tool supports multitrack editing, allowing you to overlay and compose video and audio clips on separate tracks. This feature is indispensable when creating complex and dynamic video compositions. Users can also add motion graphics and animations to enhance the visual storytelling aspect of their videos.
Pinnacle Studio comes with a variety of titles, transitions, and effects templates. These templates provide a starting point for creativity, allowing users to achieve professional results without much editing knowledge.
6. Hitfilm Express
Hitfilm Express is a free video editing program that stands out for its impressive visual effects capabilities. Users can access a wide range of effects, including explosions, lightsabers, and particle simulations, enabling them to add cinematic flair to their projects. Hitfilm Express excels in compositing and green screen capabilities. Users can seamlessly integrate actors into different backgrounds or create fantastical scenes using the green screen keying feature.
A sophisticated color correction panel allows you to improve the visual aesthetics of your video. Hitfilm Express provides tools for adjusting brightness, contrast, saturation, and applying color correction effects. Users can import and work with 3D models in Hitfilm Express. This feature is especially valuable for those working on projects that require the use of 3D elements.
7. CyberLink PowerDirector
CyberLink PowerDirector is a feature-rich video editor with AI-driven features. PowerDirector prides itself on an intuitive and user-friendly interface. The clear layout and drag-and-drop functionality contribute to a seamless editing experience.
The program offers a set of advanced editing tools that allow you to precisely cut, trim, and compose footage. Multitrack editing allows you to overlay video and audio tracks on top of each other to create more complex compositions. PowerDirector integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve the quality of video editing. AI-powered tools include video stabilization, motion tracking, color matching, and AI object selection effects to surround, extend, or duplicate an object or person in your video.
Keeping pace with modern video trends, PowerDirector supports the editing of 360-degree videos. Users can edit, add effects, and export immersive content suitable for platforms like YouTube and Facebook.
CyberLink PowerDirector follows a tiered pricing model with various versions for business and individual use as well as the free version.
8. iMovie
iMovie is a simple video editor developed by Apple and pre-installed on macOS and iOS devices. It is known for its user-friendly interface and accessibility.
Users can arrange and edit video clips on a timeline, allowing for precise control over the sequence of scenes. It offers a range of transitions and visual effects to enhance the visual appeal of videos. Besides, it is possible to add background music, voice-overs, and sound effects. iMovie also provides tools to adjust sound levels and improve overall sound quality.
iMovie goes with various themes and templates that users can apply to their projects, giving videos a polished and professional look. The editor seamlessly integrates with other Apple applications and devices, allowing users to easily import media from Photos, iTunes, and other Apple software.
Wondershare Filmora X is a fully-equipped video editing suite powered by AI. The tool is dedicated to audio and video editing, with options and tools for modifying almost every setting in your files, from volume and speed to brightness, contrast, and color saturation.
AI enables advanced features such as intelligent video editing, automatic file search, optimized workflows, and user time savings. By using them you can simplify complex tasks, increase efficiency, and accelerate your editing process.
Wondershare Filmora X operates on a subscription-based pricing model, and the pricing may vary depending on the version and the subscription plan. Users can typically choose between a monthly or an annual subscription. There is also a free trial version available with limitations.
10. Lightworks
Lightworks is a professional non-linear video editing software available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Developed by EditShare, Lightworks is known for its powerful editing capabilities and has been used in the production of various films.
Lightworks is designed for professional video editing, offering advanced features suitable for filmmakers. The software supports real-time effects, advanced multicam editing, and high-precision trimming, allowing for detailed and precise video editing. Lightworks supports a variety of video formats, including 4K, so you can work with materials from a variety of sources. The software also includes advanced audio editing tools, such as real-time audio effects, audio mastering, and support for a wide range of audio file formats.
Lightworks is available for download on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. Users can download the Lightworks Free version, which has some limitations, or subscribe to Lightworks Pro for additional features and removal of limitations.