Thanks to the sheer quality of the best video editing software you can get in 2019, a decent smartphone and a little creative spark are all you really need to become a movie-maker. These tools just keep getting better and better, meaning it's never been easier to capture and perfect high-quality video footage. But which is the right video editor for you?

1. Best Editing Software For Beginners
2. Best Audio Video Photo Editing Software
3. Best Photo Video Editing Software Windows 7
4. Best Video/photo Editing Software For Mac
5. Best Video Photo Editing Software
6. Best Video Photo Editing Software Mac

If you’re looking for an amazing free photo editor and you don’t want to purchase expensive software like Photoshop, you have many choices. Today, I will show you the Top 5 photo editing.

In this buying guide, we've rounded up a selection of today's very best video editors. These tools make cutting, editing and perfecting really simple. The software we've picked out won't break the bank, but if you're really short on cash (or aren't ready to commit to a paid option just yet), lower down the page you'll find our list of the best free video editing software.

The video editors we've recommended in this buying guide are jam-packed full of features to turn your footage into celluloid gold. Whether you're using one of the best laptops for video editing or another device, we've picked the best options to suit you. You'll find the best video editing software for Windows PCs, Mac and Android machines. There are also brilliant choices for beginners and experienced video editors alike.

1. To help you select the best software, we tested six popular photo-editing programs, all either free or under $100: Apple Photos, Corel PaintShop Pro, GIMP, Google Photos, Adobe Photoshop Elements.
2. Adobe Premiere Pro is a glorious video editor to use. If you happen to be hunting for the absolute best software available for Windows 10, you cannot best this piece of kit.
3. Best From Hobbyist to Pro: Final Cut Pro X at Apple.com, “A video editing software that you can use even if you don’t have much experience.” Most Accessible Apple Editor: Apple iMovie at Apple.com, “If you haven’t done video editing before, this is a good place to get started before moving on to more serious software.”.
4. Final Cut Pro X is our pick for the best video editing software for Mac. And, as you would suspect with Apple, the must-have editor is consummately easy to use and comes packed with enough features to warrant the (admittedly high) price tag.
5. Mar 07, 2019  Whether you're a casual smartphone shooter or a pro using a DSLR, you need software to get the most out of your images. We show you how to pick the best photo editing software.

The best video editing software: Paid-for

01. Adobe Premiere Pro CC

Platform: Windows and Mac Key features: Multi-cam editing, 3D editing Video tracks: Unlimited Free trial: Yes Best for: Professionals and enthusiasts

If you're a Windows user, Adobe Premiere Pro CC is the best video editor available right now. This one's a bit of a no-brainer: Premiere Pro is an all-singing all-dancing video editor from one of the biggest names in the industry, which is used by multitudes of creative professionals.

It's easy to see why it's so popular for Windows 10 users. It can handle an uncapped number of video tracks, which can be imported from pretty much any source you can think of (files, tapes, cameras of all standards.. even VR). The automatic sync is a gem when you have multi-angle shots, and it's hard to fault the fine-tuning tools that really make your video stand out from the crowd.

There's also an all-new free companion app – Adobe Premiere Rush – that makes it easy to work with footage captured on your phone. At time of writing, it was available on iOS, macOS and Windows.

You can subscribe to just Premiere Pro on its own, but if you use more than one of Adobe's apps, it'll be worth your while subscribing to Creative Cloud for a slightly higher monthly fee.

02. Final Cut Pro X

The best video editor you can get for your Mac

Platform: Mac Key features: Muti-cam editing, intelligent colour balancing Video tracks: Unlimited Free trial: 30-day Best for: Professionals and enthusiasts

Final Cut Pro X is our pick for the best video editing software for Mac. And, as you would suspect with Apple, the must-have editor is consummately easy to use and comes packed with enough features to warrant the (admittedly high) price tag. We like the grouping tools, effect options and the straightforward way you can add and edit audio. If you're already entwined in Apple's ecosystem, you'll appreciate how Final Cut cleverly coordinates with your Photos or iTunes collections.

03. Adobe Premiere Elements 2019

Platform: Windows and Mac Key features: Video stabilisation, face detection, automatic motion tracking Video tracks: Unlimited Free trial: Yes Best for: Professionals and enthusiasts

Adobe makes another entry in this list with Premiere Elements; a great choice for both beginners and experienced editors. It isn't as complex as the more heavyweight Premiere Pro video editor (listed at number one above), which is best suited to full-time video editing professionals. But Premiere Elements is still packed with excellent features, such as face detection, audio effects and bundled soundtracks. And it's friendly to use, too.

Whether you're an editing newbie or a pro, automated functions – such as motion tracking and smart toning – will make your life a lot easier. The same can be said of the video stabilisation option and simplicity of editing. Premiere Elements comes with all the video effects you’d expect in a consumer video editor: transitions, chroma-keying, opacity and so on. The media library is also intelligently organised, with smart searches making it easy to find finished and draft files.

04. Adobe Premiere Rush

All the Adobe goodness but on your mobile

Platform: Android, iOS Key features: In-app motion graphics, 4K support Free trial: Free starter plan Best for: Enthusiasts on mobile

Any PC-using video editor worth their salt has inevitably used Adobe software at some point. Adobe Premiere Rush takes all the best bits that Adobe has perfected over the years and transports it to the palm of your hand.

So what does it offer the editor on the go? A straightforward user interface that will be immediately familiar to users of Premiere Pro or Elements; four video tracks; three audio tracks; easy instant export to your social media accounts; in-app editing tools..the list goes on! It's no wonder that it recently went to the top of our best video editing apps countdown.

Yes, you can give it a good go for free with the Rush Starter Plan, but it's only enough to export three videos. Luckily, it doesn't cost a lot to grab the full version of the Adobe Premiere Rush app on iOS or Android.

05. KineMaster

Best video editing software for Android..for pros

Platform: Android, iOS Key features: Instant preview, smart effects Free trial: Free app Best for: Beginners and lightweight professional use

If you think that trying to edit video on your smartphone or tablet is a pointless exercise, KineMaster will make you think again. Available for Android devices, iPhones and iPads, we've highlighted this option as the best video editing software for Android because it goes way above and beyond what you'd expect from a mobile app.

It packs the ability to edit multiple layers, add handwriting and text annotations, experiment with up to four audio tracks and precisely edit at a frame and sub-frame level. We could go on with a long list of features, but perhaps the best endorsement is the average review score from on both the App Store and Google Play. Plus, it's free, so it's probably worth just downloading this video editing app and giving it a try.

06. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate 2019

Best video editing software for beginners

Platform: Windows Key features: Real-time effects, colour correction Free trial: 30-day Best for: Beginners

Corel VideoStudio Ultimate offers a great way into video editing for novices. A well-designed interface means it's very easy to get going with straight away, but yet it doesn't lack in features. There's multi-cam editing, 4K video support, 360-degrees VR video support, a music library and loads of effects, to name but a few. Not bad at all for the price.

The more you use VideoStudio Ultimate, the more you'll notice and make use of its little features and flourishes. It's a great option for beginners, and still has plenty to offer more experienced video editors – although pros will probably want to opt for one of the standard video editing software options.

04. Filmora9

An easy to use tool with plenty of effects and resources included

Platform: Windows, Mac Key features: 4k support, built-in effects and titles Free trial: Free version available Best for: Enthusiasts

Wondershare's Filmora9 is a strong video editing tool for enthusiasts, or those just getting started with editing. The intuitive interface should make it easy to get started with, and there are built-in titles, effects and filters designed for budding YouTubers. There's also a library of royalty-free sound effects and music to give your videos impact – plus the ability to record your own media to include, directly within the tool.

If you're using the tool professionally, you'll probably want to opt for the more advanced FilmoraPro – explore the differences between the two tools here.

Price-wise, there are a few different options to choose from. If you're just starting out, the free version includes all the same features and tools as the paid tool, but all your videos will have a brand watermark on them. You can then choose between a 1-year plan, a lifetime plan for a one-off fee. Finally, there's a supercharged Unlimited plan, which throws in unlimited downloads from an stock library and new effects each month.

07. CyberLink PowerDirector 17 Ultra

Video editing software for experienced filmmakers

Moffatt bible online free. Platform: Windows Key features: Multi-cam editing, 360-degree video, motion tracking (and loads more) Free trial: 30-day Best for: Enthusiasts

CyberLink PowerDirector is a serious bit of software for serious video editors: this is excellent video editing software that delivers professional and high-quality features, without a Hollywood budget. Get cracking on the 100-track timeline and you'll soon find yourself making the most of multitudes of stabilisation and video correction tools, professional effects, multi-cam editing, motion tracking and surprisingly easy trimming.

There's 360-degree video editing as well, together with support for all the file standards and formats you can imagine. And if you're finding it all a bit of a struggle, then there are plenty of video tutorials to help to get you sorted.

08. Pinnacle Studio 22

An easy-to-use video editor if you're starting out

Platform: Windows Key features: Multi-camera capture and editing, color controls, stop motion animation Free trial: 30-day (money back guarantee) Best for: Beginners

Going for Pinnacle Studio 22 is well worth considering if you've never edited video before and want to delve in for the first time. The pricing is below the average of those above and you can always bail out if you find within the first 30 days that it's just not for you.

But honestly, we'd be surprised if you need to. For in the region of $60/£60, you get more than 1,500 effects, titles, and templates, 6-track HD video editing, handy colouring tools, a dedicated stop motion feature, time remapping and much more. And most features are an absolute doddle to use. So it feels like a genuine step up from free options, without splashing stupid money.

Of course it doesn't have the full suite of features that some others in this list offer, that's not what Studio 22 is all about. And if you try and like the Pinnacle interface and tools, you can always upgrade to one of the company's more comprehensive packages.

The best free video editing software

Amazingly, some of the best free video editing software is almost the same as that used by professionals working on big budget Hollywood productions. In most cases, there’s a paid-for version with more features (click back to page one to read our pick of the best paid video editing software), but the free versions we’re going to show you have the majority of the functionality intact. In the case of Lightworks, for example, the main restriction is the output format, but VSDC and the amazing DaVinci Resolve let you export your creations in a wide range of formats.

The range and power of the features available in these free video editing software tools is remarkable; if you have the talent there’s nothing to stop you putting together a technically accomplished production.

If your needs are simpler and you just want easy-to-use software that sits between Windows Movie Maker and a top-end professional package, then there’s a free video software download for you here.

09. DaVinci Resolve

Professional-quality colour correction and audio mastering

Platform: Windows, Mac, Linux Key features: Great colour-correction, Fairlight audio tools, compatible with Fairlight consoles, multi-user collaboration Good for: Specialised colour and audio editing

Best Editing Software For Beginners

DaVinci Resolve is a free video editing tool used on big-budget film and TV productions. It has especially powerful for colour correction and audio capabilities, so if those are priorities then this could be the software for you.

As well as traditional colour features such as curve editors and primary colour wheels, there's also facial recognition and tracking, so you can adjust skin tones, eye and lip colour. For audio, DaVinci Resolve uses Fairlight, a suite of high-end editing tools that enable you to mix and master up to 1,000 channels.

It’s amazing that this software is available with nearly all the features present in the free version. If you’re looking for the best free video editing software for Windows or Mac, this could be it.

10. Lightworks

A Hollywood-grade editor with only a few restrictions

Platform: Windows, Linux, Mac OS X Key features: Almost any format imported natively; outputs directly to YouTube/Vimeo; multicam editing; project sharing for groups Good for: Slick-looking films

Lightworks is another professional video editing suite that's been used on major Hollywood productions including Shutter Island, Pulp Fiction, 28 Days Later, The Wolf of Wall Street and Mission Impossible. So it’s exciting that there’s a free version that makes it accessible to everyone.

Amazingly, in the free version you get nearly all the features. The main restriction for the free license version is the output formats – you can only export a web-compatible file at 720p. If you want to export a few projects into a different format fairly cheaply, you can buy a one-month licence for $24.99/£14.99.

Lightworks is undoubtedly some of the best free video editing software for Windows 10. The superbly designed timeline enables a high degree of control, so you can trim and mix together your audio and video clips exactly how you want them. It's a powerful piece of kit for a freebie, handling video capture and advanced editing with ease.

On the down-side, because it's a slimmed-down version of a professional suite, you may find that the interface isn't the easiest to navigate. But there are plenty of good tutorial videos to help you get you up and running – and you won't have to pay a penny, as long as your projects are non-commercial.

11. VSDC

Add special effects and text that will output in a range of formats

Platform: Windows Key features: Supports wide range of file formats, built-in DVD burner, chart tool, video stabiliser Good for: Presentations

If you’re making a presentation and want to add text, lines, charts and other special effects to it, VSDC is the free video editor for you. It includes Instagram-style filters, lots of special effects including colour correction and blurring, and there’s a mask tool so you can apply effects to part of the video (for obscuring faces, for example). There’s also a video stabiliser to help remove camera shake from footage taken with GoPros or drones, and a powerful chart tool for adding graphs to presentations.

The free version of VSDC will export to a range of different formats including AVI and MPG. If you’re unsure about formats, you can even tailor the output so that it works well on particular devices for playback. It supports most video formats, so you shouldn’t have any trouble importing your clips, and there’s a built-in DVD burner.

12. Hitfilm Express

Platform: Windows, Mac Key features: Over 180 visual effects; 2D and 3D effects compositing; MP4 H.264 export; good range of import formats

No list of the best free video editors would be complete without a mention of Hitfilm Express. It’s capable of producing feature films or music videos with 3D effects, but it’s also good for making videos for YouTube, as direct uploading is built in.

The free version of Hitfilm Express contains everything you need to make a professional-quality production, but in some cases you’ll benefit from expanding its capabilities by purchasing some of the add-on features. Add-on packs start from around $7/£6, so you can pay for only the features you need and tailor the software to your needs for a reasonable price.

13. Shotcut

This superb free tool offers powerful editing

Platform: Windows, Linux, Mac Key features: Support for wide range of formats; comprehensive video and audio editing; supports 4K resolutions; uses FFmpeg Good for: Basic video editing

Shotcut is the tool for you if you’ve outgrown Movie Maker and want to go to the next level, but don’t need the complexity of some of the other packages on this list. Its interface is uncomplicated and approachable, and you can even customise it to match your needs via dockable and undockable panels. It supports a huge range of formats ,so you’re unlikely to run into trouble in that department. Finally, there’s a rich assortment of filters and quite advanced special effects that are easy to manage and apply. This is one of the best free video editors that will do anything you'd need for the majority of projects.

Best Audio Video Photo Editing Software

14. Apple iMovie

Best Photo Video Editing Software Windows 7

Platform: Mac Key features: Supports 4K resolutions; effects and filters Good for: Basic video editing

We couldn't really end this list without at least a mention of Apple iMovie, the classic free video editing software for Mac. If you're a Mac owner, the program should already be pre-loaded on to your machine. But if you're an editing amateur, it shouldn't be overlooked – bloatware, this is not.

So what results can Apple iMovie achieve? Well, 'results' is the right word, as the finish and sheen you get from an iMovie-made video are much better than you'd expect from a freebie. It's really easy to make your footage sing and you'll be surprised how quick and straightforward it is to knock together a polished-looking (and sounding) edit.

If your laptop of choice is a recent MacBook Pro, then this is one of the programs that has fully functioning Touch Bar support. Although we'd like to see support for 360-degree video and multi-cam editing added to future iterations.

15. TikTok

The mobile sensation may be just what you're looking for

Platform: Android, iOS Key features: Simple sharing, customised videos Free trial: Free app Best for: Social media users

OK, so we know that this is a bit of a wildcard and of no interest to serious video editors. But you can't really ignore the world's 4th most downloaded app of 2018. And depending on what you're planning, TikTok might just be what you're looking for.

The elevator pitch for TikTok is that it's a cross between Snapchat and the dearly departed Vine. That is to say that it allows you to make short, social media sharing sized videos that can be personalised and customised. Starting life as a lip-syncing app, it's used by singers, comedians, YouTube stars and, most commonly, Chinese teenagers.

Again, you won't be creating the next Citizen Kane with TikTok, but the app's free on both iOS and Android so you can download it now to see what all the fuss is about.

Related articles:

Bestvideo editing software for Windows 10Windows Central2019

Adobe Premiere Pro is as powerful as it is complicated for newcomers. Should you find the time to master this incredible collection of tools and features, you'll become the master of video editing in no time at all.

Our pick

Adobe Premiere Pro

Video editing for professionals.

Adobe has more than 15 years of experience in developing video editing tools. Originally released in 2003, Premiere Pro has always been the go-to tool on Windows for putting together clips and adding a whole manner of effects. The software has come a long way since and still remains one of the best options out there.

Who should buy this video editor

Not everyone needs Adobe Premiere Pro, especially at a price starting at $21/month for the Creative Cloud subscription (and that's just for one app if you subscribe for 12 months!). You need to make sure the cost is outweighed by the functionality you'd be able to use on a regular basis. If you happen to be developing a YouTube channel or wish to take the plunge and become the next big name in the video editing biz, Premiere Pro will be your best friend for life.

Is it a good time to buy this video editor?

The beauty of Adobe's Creative Cloud platform ensures you're always rocking the latest release of its software packages and Premiere Pro is one of them. By installing the suite today and continuing the monthly (or annual) payments, you'll receive all future updates and major releases. Think of it much like Microsoft Office 365, but with for creative minds.

Reasons to buy

• Immense functionality.
• Regular updates.
• Works cross-platform.
• Backed by Adobe's cloud platform.
• Supports virtual reality.

Reasons not to buy

• Subscription price hard to justify for many.
• Incredible learning curve.
• Requires a powerful PC.

Those who are serious about video editing require professional software

Best Video/photo Editing Software For Mac

When you see or hear the name Adobe Premiere Pro, you immediately think about the best-rated video editor on the market. Used by professionals, amateurs and everyone else in between, Premiere Pro plays a major role in the day-to-day running of major content creation businesses, including many YouTubers.

Upon first encountering the immense UI of Premiere Pro and recovering from the immediate panic attack, it's required to spend some time getting accustomed to how everything works. Once you've mastered the basics, however, it quickly becomes quite the intuitive experience.

Adobe offers incredible performance with Premiere Pro.

What really sets apart Adobe's Premiere Pro to alternatives is the scope of what you can do with the suite. From simple cut and paste jobs to actual movie edits, there's nothing you can't do with Premiere Pro, aside from more advanced audio editing and other tasks that require dedicated software. But even still, there are tools available here to do some of that without leaving the app.

The only drawback to this amount of power is the price, which is appropriate in the form of a monthly or annual subscription. What this does allow is the installation of regular updates released by Adobe, ensuring your installation is always rocking the latest from the highly talented team of developers.

Nascar the game inside line. Nov 06, 2012  NASCAR The Game: Inside Line brings the NASCAR experience to consoles and lets you race with the top NASCAR Sprint Cup Series drivers, teams, and cars. The Joker Games.

Alternatives to Adobe Premiere Pro

While Adobe Premiere Pro is considered by many (including ourselves) to be the best in the business of video editing, it's not for everyone. The price, steep learning curve, and intense system workloads can put some potential users off, which is where alternatives become viable. Luckily, if Premiere Pro simply isn't for you, there are some excellent secondary options out there.

CyberLink's PowerDirector has been around for longer than Premiere Pro and offers an easier ride for those who are only just starting out.

Runner-up

CyberLink PowerDirector 16

Powerful and friendly.

CyberLink PowerDirector is a little less daunting than Adobe Premiere Pro, but offers some advanced features and editing tools.

If Adobe Premiere Pro is simply too much for what you require from a video editor then PowerDirector from CyberLink is likely going to be a better fit. It's also substantially cheaper, not requiring a subscription, and makes it easy to get accustomed to the well-designed UI. There are some handy tools that make creating incredible visual experiences a breeze and there's an option for more advanced users to bypass the beginner-friendly approach and dive into more technical functionality.

From the Store

Movie Edit Pro Plus

Available for download on Windows 10.

If you'd rather try an app from the Windows Store, or only have access to Windows 10 S, Movie Edit Pro Plus is the ideal choice.

Should you not be a fan of Adobe products, or want to try something that isn't Premiere Pro, there are some pretty good video editing apps on the Microsoft Store. The added bonus of using the store on a Windows 10 PC is the ability to download these apps directly from Microsoft and keep them all updated. Movie Edit Pro Plus is a solid editor with a bunch of tools found in other suites.

Included with Windows

Best Video Photo Editing Software

Microsoft Photos

Made by Microsoft for Windows.

Photos is available as soon as you install Windows 10 and is available at no extra cost.

Microsoft used to have a dedicated video editing suite called Movie Maker. This has since been replaced by Photos, which not only handles all your still captures, but can also do some video work. The best part is the app itself is free, being bundled with Windows 10, and will be updated as new releases hit the Microsoft Store.

Value pick

Adobe Premiere Elements 2018

Budget-friendly sibling to Adobe Premiere Pro.

Adobe offers Premiere Elements to those who are just starting out in the video editing game and want to continue testing the Adobe experience beyond what the free trial for Premiere Pro.

While not as advanced as the more expensive flagship video editor, Premiere Elements 2018 can do much of the basic editing required for throwing together some clips with added music. Depending on the content you desire to create, you may not need the full setup that more expensive and frightening suites offer, which is where something like Premiere Elements really shines.

Bottom line

There are some excellent options available for video editing on Windows 10, thanks largely in part to the matured platform and OS. Whether you need the best tools available or to save a few pennies and pick up a solution tailored to amateur work, there's a video editor for everyone.

Adobe Premiere Pro is a glorious video editor to use. If you happen to be hunting for the absolute best software available for Windows 10, you cannot best this piece of kit. Available as a subscription allows Adobe to provide regular support and updates to enthusiasts and professionals, both of whom can take full advantage of all the latest innovations and features.

Best Video Photo Editing Software Mac

Credits — The team that worked on this guide

Rich Edmonds is a staff reviewer at Windows Central, which means he tests out more software and hardware than he cares to remember. Joining Mobile Nations in 2010, you can usually find him inside a PC case tinkering around when not at a screen fighting with Grammarly to use British words. Hit him up on Twitter: @RichEdmonds.

Daniel Rubino is executive editor of Windows Central. He has been covering Microsoft since 2009 back when this site was called WMExperts (and later Windows Phone Central). His interests include Windows, Surface, HoloLens, Xbox, and future computing visions. Follow him on Twitter: @daniel_rubino.

Mark Guim is video editor at Windows Central. He knows his stuff when it comes to video editing and making some exceptional edits. Mark is also responsible for the majority of media you find on our social channels. Follow him on Twitter: @MarkGuim.

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

It's the first weekend of NFL season. Check out these must-see Windows apps

A new NFL season starts this week, and using just one screen isn't enough to get all of your football information.