I shot in AVCHD 720p 60fps. My client is planning on doing her own editing on her Mac or PC. She will either be editing with imovie or Windows Movie Maker. In this video Sean Cannell from THiNK media TV reviews the Best Video Editing Software and share Video Editing Tips. Such alternatives to Windows Movie Maker include, for instance, Movavi Video Editor Plus – another great video editing software that is much more than a mere equivalent of the popular Microsoft application. In this review, we’ll compare Windows Movie Maker 2012 and a program like Windows Movie Maker – Movavi Video Editor Plus.
There’s no doubt that Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the best video editing tools that is out in the market right now. It is the go-to choice for many video professionals including many famous YouTubers along with professionals working in the movie and TV industry (Dust to Glory, Superman Returns, Avatar, Deadpool are some examples). That speaks volumes about the power of Adobe Premiere Pro. However, like any other piece of software, it is not flawless and it has its own fair share of problems.
For example, Adobe Premiere Pro has a history of compatibility issues with the macOS operating system. Just a few months back, a new bug was found which wreaked havoc and caused heavy thermal throttling in the new Macs. I also don’t like the fact that Adobe Premiere Pro comes with a subscription pricing which means I have to pay a monthly fee of $19.99 if I want to keep using this software. Adobe Premiere Pro is also very resource hungry which means that you can only use it if you have a powerful setup.
All these reasons and more means that Adobe Premiere Pro is not the best video editing tool for many users out there. That’s why, in this article, we are going to bring a list of the 8 best video editing software that you can use as an alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro:
Top 8 Adobe Premiere Pro Alternatives
1. Avid Media Composer | First
Avid Media Composer is the go-to video editing tool for most of the movie professionals who have to deal with big projects. Some of your favorite movies including the Guardian of Galaxy (vol. 2), the Martian, and the Baby Driver have been edited using Avid Media Composer. When you get Avid Media Composer, you know you are getting one of the best video editing tools that are available in the market right now. And while this tool is too costly to recommend to normal users, it has a free version called “Avid Media Composer | First” and it’s the most powerful free video editor that you can get.
99% the things that you are doing with Adobe Premiere Pro today can be done with Avid Media Composer | First, that too for free. I have personally been using this software for quite some time now and I still haven’t found a feature which I need but is locked behind a paywall. If you are looking for a professional grade editing software which can go head to head with Adobe Premiere Pro and is totally free, click on the link below and download the Avid Media Composer | First.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS
Supported Input Formats: MPEG, DV, DVPRO, H.264, XDCAM, MPEG-4, AVCHD, and more (click here to learn more)
Supported Output Formats: MPEG, DV, DVPRO, H.264, AVC, AVC-Intra, MP4, and more (click here to learn more)
Pros:
- Fully featured video editing tool
- Support for all the major audio and video formats
- Powerful enough to manage even long projects
Cons:
- Has a longer learning curve
Download:Free
2. Final Cut Pro X
If you are a Mac user who has been using Adobe Premiere Pro for reasons which I will never be able to comprehend, you should switch to Final Cut Pro X as there’s no better video editing tool for Macs when it comes to performance and stability. Since Final Cut Pro X has been designed in-house at Apple, it just works. Final Cut Pro X is just so in sync with their hardware that you get the best possible performance. I mean, I can easily edit 4K footage on my 13-inch MacBook Pro 2016 using Final Cut Pro when I can’t even dream of doing it with Adobe Premiere Pro or any other video editing software for that matter.
Final Cut Pro X not only performs well but it also brings a big set of features allowing you to easily manage projects irrespective of their size and requirements. When it comes to features, Final Cut Pro X is as good as the Adobe Premiere Pro. Also, if you are just starting out, you will be happy to know that it is also one of the easiest video editing software to learn as far as professional grade video editing software is concerned. The bottom line is if you are looking for Adobe Premiere Pro alternatives and you use a Mac, stop searching and install the Final Cut Pro X.
Supported Platforms: macOS
Supported Input Formats: H.264, Apple Animation codec, Apple ProRes (all versions), AVHCD, DVCAM, DVCPRO, and more
Supported Output Formats: Apple Pro-res, H.264, HDV, MPEG, and HDV among others
Pros:
- Fully featured video editing tool
- Highly optimized for macOS operating system
- Easy to learn as far as professional grade video editing is concerned
Cons:
- Has a high up-front cost
- Only available for macOS
Download:$299.99
3. Hit Film Express
Hit Film Express is a full professional grade video editor which also happens to be completely free. Hit Film Express cannot only be used for your normal video editing needs but it can also be used to apply could video effects. And I am not just talking about your normal video effects rather about the proper VFX effects that you see in the movies including green screen effects, lighting effects, 3D-models, shootout effects, and much more. If your work requires to use video effects, Hit Film Express is the software that you should go with. Do note that it is a full professional grade video editing software so you will need to invest quite a bit of time before you can make use of all its powers. That said, on the plus side, unlike Adobe Premiere Pro, the software is totally free and there are no ads to ruin your experience.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS
Supported Input Formats: MP4, H.264, AVCHD, QuickTime Import, AVI, M2T, M2TS, MTS, MXF (DVCPro HD), DV, HDV, and WMV among others.
Supported Output Formats: MP4, H.264 among others
Pros:
- Fully featured video editing tool
- Goode visual effects tools
- Free to use
Cons:
- Visual effects application is harder to learn
Download:Free
4. DaVinci Resolve 15
Just a few months back, Blackmagic Design released the latest version of their video editing software, the DaVinci Resolve. Dubbed as the DaVinci Resolve 15, it is one of the best video editing tools out there and can certainly replace the Adobe Premiere Pro for users who are looking for a replacement. DaVinci Resolve has always been the best video editing software for color correction and with the new update, the software has become even better. Now, not only the software can be used for video editing and color correction, but it can be also be used for post-production of audio, visual effects, and more. The new VFX tools are especially great as they allow you to use node-based editing template which is far easier than using multi-timeline editing. Overall, the DaVinci Resolve 15 is very powerful and has become an all-in-one solution for all your video editing, audio post-production, and visual effects needs.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS
Supported Input Formats: QuickTime, AVI, R3D, MXF, Prores, DNxHD, MXF, DPX, CIN, EXR and others
Supported Output Formats: H.264, HDV, MPEG, and others
Pros:
- Combines video editing, visual effects, and audio editing features
- Offers best color correction tools in the business
- Node editing for visual effects is really good
Cons:
- Too many tools can complicate things for beginners
Download:Free, contact for full pricing details
5. OpenShot
One of the biggest drawbacks of Adobe Premiere Pro is that there’s no Linux version available. That means if you are a Linux user or are planning to switch to the open-source operating platform, you will have to switch. The good thing about this whole ordeal is that most of the software that are available for Linux are themselves open-source and hence completely free. When it comes to video editing software for Linux, we have chosen OpenShot as the best free Adobe Premiere Alternative. The software brings an easy to learn interface which is complemented well with its set of professional video editing features including 3D-rendering, video effects, animations, keyframes, and more. One of the good things about this software is that it is very easy to get used to. It’s also regularly updated with devs introducing new features from time to time. Overall, I quite like this software and consider it the best free video editing tool for Linux users.
Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux
Supported Input Formats: Based on FFmpeg hence supports most of the video formats
Supported Output Formats: H.264, WebM, ProRes, MPEG-2, and others
Pros:
- Available for all the major operating system
- Easy to learn
- Free to use
Cons:
- Not as powerful as some of the other tools in the market
Download:Free
6. Sony Vegas Pro 16
I have always love Sony Vegas Pro as it is one of the few video editing software in the market which come with a full-fledged audio editing interface. While Adobe Premiere Pro gives you some control over your audio, if you want total control, Sony Vegas Pro is the way to go. The software also brings tons of video editing features including HDR color support, video stabilization, motion tracking, 360-degree video editing, automatic subtitle creation, multi-cam editing, and more. With its latest version; Sony Vegas Pro 16, new features such as streamlined editor, extensive file backups, hover scrub, high DPI scaling and more have been introduced. Sony Vegas Pro 16 is a very powerful video editor and no Adobe Premiere Pro alternative list can be complete without mentioning it.
Supported Platforms: Windows
Supported Input Formats: DV, HDV, AVCHD, NXCAM, MOV, MP4, WMV, MPEG-1/2/4, H.264/AVC, and more.
Supported Output Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, AVCHD Disc, (DV-)AVI, MJPEG, MXF, MOV, WMV, XAVC, XAVC S, MPEG-1/2/4, H.264/AV, and more
Pros:
- Good professional grade video editing tools
- Brings full blown audio editor
- Support for extensive file backups
Cons:
- High upfront cost
Download:Starts at $399
7. Edius Pro 9
Edius Pro 8 is relatively unknown video editor when compared to the likes of Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro X, however, it is one of the most powerful video editors on the market. The software brings all the usual editing tools that you expect from a video editing software along with pro tools including motion tracking, image stabilization, slow-motion effects, OFX support, H.265/HEVC decoding, 4K video editing, and more. It also supports Multicam editing of up to 16 different sources simultaneously along with support for unlimited video, audio, title, and graphics tracks. The whole editing UI is quite user-friendly and I don’t think it will take anyone much time to get acclimated with the software.
Supported Platforms: Windows
Supported Input Formats: Sony XAVC (Intra/Long GOP)/XAVC S, Panasonic AVC-Ultra/AVC-Intra 422, Sony RAW, Canon Cinema RAW, RED RAW, ProRes, DNxHD/HR
Supported Output Formats: H.264/AV, AVC, 4K XAVC, and others.
Pros:
- Easy to learn
- Support for most of the major audio and video formats
- Good multicam editing features
Cons:
- No clear details on pricing
Download:Pricing and other details available at authorized resellers
8. Pinnacle Studio
The last Adobe Premiere Pro alternatives that we suggest to our readers is the Pinnacle Studio which brings one of the best video editing experience at quite a reasonable price. Starting at just $59, it is the best solution for anyone who is looking for a cheap Adobe Premiere Pro alternative. The editor brings features like multi-track video editing, enhanced color and add effects panel, wide-angle lens correction, multi-camera video editing, split screen video editing, color grading tools and a collection of over 1500+ effects, titles, and templates. Despite its low price, the software also supports most of the popular video and audio formats. The bottom line is that I quite like the features and pricing of this software and highly recommend it as Adobe Premiere Alternative to users who are just beginning their video editing journey.
Supported Platforms: Windows
Supported Input Formats: AVCHD; DivX; MKV; MPEG-1, 2, and 4, QuickTime, WMV, XAVC S and others.
Supported Output Formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, and others.
Pros:
- Easy to learn
- Low upfront cost
- Good selection of video editing tools
Cons:
- Not as powerful as some of the other tools in the market
Download:Starts at $59
SEE ALSO: 15 Best Cameras for YouTube Videos You Can Buy
Edit Your Videos Like A Pro Even Without Adobe Premier Pro
That ends our list of the best Adobe Premiere Pro alternatives that you can use to start your video editing journey. Since I work on a Mac, I am using the Final Cut Pro X, but I would love to hear from you guys. Do let us know which is your favorite video editor from the list by writing in the comments section below. You can also share any other recommendations that you have for us. We love to hear from our readers and your inputs are always welcome.
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You want to be the supreme ruler of your own virtual cutting room? Better break out the checkbook—your film-chopping powers aren't going to come cheaply.
Photo by FaceMePLS.
Earlier this week we asked you what video editing software you thought was best. You responded in force, and we're back to share the top six tools Lifehacker readers use to edit their videos. While we normally limit the Hive Five strictly to five options, given that several of the options here cost more than a used car, we've expanded this Hive in order to provide a balanced spread. In this particular Hive Five, we can't promise cheap and open source, but we can promise that the contenders are—price tags and all—worthy of inclusion. A final note regarding pricing: many of the video editors can only be purchased as part of a bundle of software. For example, Adobe Premiere is part of the Adobe Creative Suite Production Premium bundle, and also includes, among other software, Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and After Effects.
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Best Video Editing Software?
You're not the kind of person that leaves video unedited. No ma'am, with the right…
Read more ReadSony Vegas Pro / Windows / $450
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Sony Vegas Pro has the distinction of being frequently noted as an overlooked but high-powered underdog by many readers. While it doesn't sport as flashy of a resume as say Final Cut Pro, it is feature-packed. Vegas Pro had the ability to mix multiple video formats and resolutions without recoding, a full seven years before Final Cut Pro added the same feature. Vegas Pro started life as an audio editor and was later bought by Sony, but between its roots and Sony inheritance it brought superior sound editing tools to the table before its competitors, and still boasts impressive audio capabilities. Like Final Cut Pro, Vegas Pro has support for add-ons for Vegas Pro, which are actually user scripts coded in Visual Basic or Java Script, cranked out by communities online. Vegas Pro has no specialized hardware requirements and operates on nearly any Windows based machine, giving it both a price and compatibility edge over more expensive and hardware dependent video editors.
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iMovie / Mac / $79
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When your Mac-loving friends get that look in their eyes and say things like 'It just works!' they're under the influence of gems like iMovie. iMovie is a consumer-level movie editing tool available as part of the iLife bundle of media tools. It features professional touches like frame stabilization for smoother movie playback, has drag and drop editing, easy to configure transitions, and even easier special effects for headache-free movie editing. You can get down to the dirty business of creating your stop-motion Lego mini figure space opera without needing to get bogged down thanks to the simple time lines and the easy to use interface in iMovie.
iLife '11 [OLD VERSION]
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Adobe Premiere Pro / Windows/Mac / $799
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A veritable wise old man in the video editing world, Adobe Premier has been around for 18 years. One of the strongest selling points for Premier, aside from the rock-solid editing provided by nearly two decades of improvements, is the tight integration with other software packages in the Adobe Creative Suite, like Adobe After Effects. Premier lays claim to having some of the fastest HD video importing around, and even supports importing video projects from Apple Final Cut Pro. One of Premier's killer features is the built in speech-to-text function, which creates a search ready index of spoken words in your video. No more scrubbing through hours of footage looking for an exact quotel; you can search directly for it.
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Final Cut Pro / Mac / $1299
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Final Cut Pro has built quite a resume in a very short period of time. Several Hollywood movies have been edited using just Final Cut Pro, including The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, No Country for Old Men, and Cold Mountain. If it's good enough for academy award winners, and assuming your pocket book can handle it, it should be more than good enough for your next epic masterpiece. Final Cut Pro supports non-linear and non-destructive editing of a wide variety of video formats. You can easily mix video files of varying formats and resolutions without having to spend time recoding the files. There are extensive tools for filtering and color correcting your video built right in with support for third party plugins. Since version 4 you've been able to apply effects in real time thanks to the introduction of DynamicRT.
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Windows Movie Maker / Windows / Free
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Free Movie Maker For Mac No Watermark
Although Windows Movie Maker has played second fiddle to the robust iMove in the consumer market—especially since were released around the same time—it's tough to beat free when all you need is basic editing. Windows Movie Maker supports video transfer from most consumer camcorders via FireWire and USB, and sports a time-line-based interface for easy drag and drop shuffling of your video clips. Windows Movie Maker supports over a 100 transitions and movie effects, and the Vista version has Direct3D integration for even higher quality effects. All effects are grabbed from XML, so you can create your own with a little know-how, or look to repositories on the web to find more.
Avid Media Composer / Windows/Mac / $2500
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First released in 1989 for the Mac II, Avid Media Composer is the dominant application in professional broadcast and moving editing. Avid Media Composer has extensive support for multiple cameras, making it easy to group and select the best shots. There are a host of effects like inter-frame cloning and removal of imperfections when importing non-digital sources. Avid Media Composer stands out from other high-end video editors by including non-Avid products in its software bundle. Rather that reinventing already excellent products from other companies, Avid bundles software from third parties to fill needed roles like Sonicfire Pro for advanced audio editing and Sorenson Squeeze 5 for DVD compression. The newest version of Avid Media Composer can be used as a stand-alone application, unlike prior versions which were tightly integrated with bundled hardware and network storage tools.
Now that you've seen the contenders for top video editor, it's time to log your vote:
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Best Video Editing Software?( surveys)
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If you have something to add—especially if you voted Other—sound off in the comments below to share your video editing tips with your fellow readers.
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