Comparing the 10 Best Video Editing Software for 2024

The video editing software market is exploding, expected to reach $932m by 2025. Choosing the right editing tool can make or break your creative vision.

For businesses, that decision is even more crucial – video content plays a crucial role in brand awareness. In fact, viewers retain 95% of a message when they receive it in a video but only 10% when reading it in text.

Let’s face it: a dull, clunky editor kills the creativity of your content. But who has time to test and compare every option? That’s why we’ve done the heavy lifting for you, comparing the top contenders head-to-head.

We’ve dug deep, analyzing features, performance, and pricing to find the pros and cons of each software. Keep reading to make an informed decision. 

What is Video Editing Software?

A video editor, also known as a non-linear editor (NLE), is software for video editing. It allows businesses to transform raw footage into polished, professional videos that resonate with their target audience. Users can augment and enhance videos in a non-linear flow, meaning edits can be made out of sequence without affecting the original footage.

According to Wistia’s 2024 report, 94% of marketers believe that video content has helped increase user understanding of their product or service, which is why video editing software is more important now than ever.

Businesses may use video editing programs to enhance their brand image with the help of high-quality videos that build credibility. Well-edited videos also drive traffic, boost conversions, and increase sales.

With good video editing software, businesses can:

• Edit and trim footage
• Add transitions, music, and effects
• Insert text and graphics
• Adjust color and lighting

What Are the Key Features to Look for in Video Editing Software?

The best editing programs offer a rich toolset for creating professional videos. Here are a few features to keep an eye out for that will bring your vision to life:

• Timeline Editing: Arranging and editing clips, layer elements, and creating a seamless flow.
• Transitions and Effects: Smooth scene changes, visual flair, and professional polish.
• Audio Editing: Sound control, music and effects, and enhanced audio quality.
• Titles and Graphics: Adding text, titles, motion graphics, and animated elements.
• Color Correction and Grading: Color adjustment, creating moods, and enhanced visuals.
• Export and Format Options: Optimized output for various platforms and devices.
• Multi-Cam Editing: Compatibility with footage from multiple camera angles.
• Plugins and Extensions: Extended capabilities with third-party tools.
• User Interface and Ease of Use: Intuitive controls and customizable workspaces.

What Are the Benefits of Video Editing Software?

Whether you’re opting for free and easy video editors or investing in paid video editing programs for complex productions, you can enjoy benefits like:

• Enhanced Creativity: The right video editing software will help bring your unique vision to life. Thanks to the endless range of tools and effects, you can create truly one-of-a-kind videos that capture your target audience’s eye.
• Professional Quality: Even if you don’t have a team of seasoned editors, you can still produce professional-quality videos. Many popular video editing software options offer advanced features like color correction, audio mixing, and special effects to make your videos look and sound their best.
• Time Efficiency: Online video editors often include drag-and-drop functionality and templates, making it easy to create professional-looking videos in minutes.
• Accessibility and Sharing: You can also share your videos without the hassle of limited accessibility. Whether it’s social media, your website, or a client presentation, the right video editing software will export your creations in multiple formats for different channels.
• Cost-Effective: Many platforms offer free versions or affordable subscription plans, making professional video editing accessible to businesses of all sizes. Popular video streaming software even includes native video design software free of charge, so you can make small changes without breaking the bank.

What Are the Pros and Cons?

While the pros of investing in video editing software definitely outweigh the cons, it’s still crucial to know the downsides before you make a move.

Pros

• Improves your production value without a professional editing team
• Some of the best software for video editing is affordable or free
• Streamlines your workflows with AI video editing tools
• Makes your videos stand out against the competition

Cons

• Complex AI video editing software may have a learning curve
• Some of the top video editors have expensive subscriptions 
• Overwhelming options – hard to find the best editing software

What is Video Editing?

Video editing is the process of changing and rearranging video footage to create a refined final product. It involves trimming clips, adding transitions, incorporating music and sound effects, color correction, and more. As 91% of businesses turn to video as the top marketing tool, video editing skills become more crucial than ever.

What is the Typical Workflow for Video Editing?

There is no standardized video editing workflow – it all depends on what you want the final product to look like. Here’s a breakdown of the steps that most video editors typically follow. 

1. Ingest and Organize: Import raw footage, create a project structure, and organize the clips.
2. Rough Cut: Assemble the selected clips in a rough sequence based on the required story and pacing.
3. Fine Cut: Refine the edit with precise adjustments to timing, transitions, and effects.
4. Sound Design: Add and edit music, dialogue, sound effects, and ambiance.
5. Color Correction/Grading: Adjust colors for consistency and create a visual style.
6. Graphics: Add any required text, titles, and visual elements.
7. Review: Gather feedback from the client and make revisions as needed.
8. Final Output: Export the final video in the required format and resolution.

Video Editing Stats

• The global video editing software market size was $549.8 million in 2021 and is projected to reach $1274.9 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.7%. (Source: Business Research Insights)
• Online videos will soon make up 82% of all internet traffic by 2022, 15 times more than in 2017. (Source: Cisco)
• The demand for video editors in the United States is expected to grow by 7% from 2020 to 2029. (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• Over 60% of video content is viewed on mobile devices. (Source: Marketing Dive)
• Video editors make up around 38% of the population, with an average age of 37. (Source: Zippia)
• The tech sector is the highest-paying industry for video editors. (Source: Zippia)

What Are the Most Popular Video Editing Software?

Adobe Premiere Pro is easily the most popular video editing software, holding a market share of 47.4% among YouTube users. The app has an average monthly download count of 242.9K and over 2 million paid subscribers who pay $20.99 monthly for access to the program. 

Adobe Premiere Pro supports more than 50 video and audio formats. It also serves as an AI video editing app and is used by over 50% of filmmakers and editors.

What is the Fastest Growing Video Editing Platform?

DaVinci Resolve is one of the fastest-growing and best software for video editing. It’s also the best free video editor, with over 2 million users using the app’s free version alone as of January 2019. This is more than just a simple editing app for your YouTube videos – it’s also been used to produce and perfect several Oscar-nominated films!

What is the Best AI Video Editing Software?

Adobe Premiere Pro is easily the best AI video editor, which offers powerful AI features through Adobe Sensei. Its AI engine can automate repetitive or tedious tasks like scene detection, audio ducking, and content-aware fill so you can focus on what really matters. 

If you’re looking for an AI video editor free option, Synthesia is another great software that offers a free trial. It allows you to create videos from plain text using realistic AI avatars and voiceovers in multiple languages. Of course, it’s not as in-depth as Premiere Pro, but Synthesia is still the best AI video editing software for quick, easy video creation as a beginner.

The Role of AI in Video Editing

The increasing use of artificial intelligence for video editing is changing the way we create and consume content. AI-powered tools have completely transformed the editing process, making it faster, easier, and more accessible than ever before. 

According to Market.us, the global AI-powered video editing software market will grow at a rate of 6.3% from 2023 to 2032, reaching over $1 billion by 2032.

AI for video editing opens the door for endless benefits: streamlined workflows, more creative freedom, and much more. For instance, an A.I. video editor can automatically analyze footage, identify the key moments, and suggest the perfect cuts and transitions for a highlight reel. 

This not only saves time but also helps businesses create professional-quality results without an experienced editing team. In fact, 43% of video editors reported that AI tools significantly improved their editing efficiency.

Additionally, an AI tool for video editing can also take the hassle out of repetitive tasks like color correction, audio leveling, and object removal. This frees up editors to focus on the more creative aspects of their work, such as storytelling and visual style. In fact, AI-powered tools can reduce the time spent on tedious editing tasks by up to 34%.

The 10 Best Video Editing Software for Business in 2024

We’ve broken down the top video editing platforms in the industry – their core features, video editing capabilities, and pricing plans. As a bonus, take a look at this online video platform comparison to find the best program for streaming the videos you have edited.

1. Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro has over 242.9K monthly users, with over 2 million paid subscribers. 

Video Editing Features

Premiere Pro’s video editing workflow is robust and non-linear. Its timeline allows you to seamlessly arrange clips and effects with razor-sharp tools for splitting and trimming. Transitions and audio mixing effects between clips are also easy to apply. But Premiere Pro’s editing features don’t stop there:

• Multicam editing to sync  footage from different angles
• Color correction and grading with precision controls
• Text, titles, graphics, and overlays.
• Audio effects and mixing
• Green screen keying (chroma key) to move subjects to different backgrounds

Premiere Pro offers a ton of plugins and extensions, so you can work with your pre-established tech stack comfortably.

Pricing and Plans

• Annual Prepaid Plan: $263.88/year
• DaVinci Resolve

2. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is one of the fastest-growing tools for professional video editing, with over 2 million users using the app’s free version alone.

Video Editing Features

DaVinci Resolve transcends basic video editing – its advanced features are for Hollywood-level editing. The interface is intuitive and powerful, with features like multi-camera editing for seamless transitions, intelligent reframing to repurpose footage for different aspect ratios, and a robust trimming toolset to perfect cuts.

Other features include:

• Fusion Effects: Visual effects and motion graphics – integrated directly within your edit.
• Color Grading: World-renowned color tools for granular control over the look of your footage.
• Fairlight Audio: Professional audio post-production capabilities, such as mixing, mastering, and sound design.
• Media Management: Project organization and collaboration with a built-in media management system.

Pricing and Plans

• Software: $295
• DaVinci Resolve Editor Keyboard: $595
• DaVinci Resolve Micro Color Panel: $509
• Fairlight Desktop Audio Editor: $4,485

3. CyberLink PowerDirector 365

CyberLink PowerDirector 365 is the paid, subscription-based version of the PowerDirector video editing software, which has over 100 million users worldwide. 

Video Editing Features

PowerDirector 365 is a powerhouse of video editing capabilities. You can trim, split, and rearrange clips, while its color correction and grading tools allow for precise adjustments.  

Its best editing features include:

• AI-powered tools: Auto-enhance footage, create stylistic effects, or generate subtitles effortlessly.
• Audio enhancements: Fine-tune sound, remove noise, and add immersive audio effects.
• Format support: 4K and 360° video.

Beyond the basics, PowerDirector 365 also has advanced features like motion tracking, multicam editing, and 360° video stabilization. 

Pricing and Plans

• Perpetual License: $139.99
• For Content Creators: $54.99/year
• For Directors: $99.99/year

4. Apple Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro is Apple’s native paid editing software, which has been used for Oscar-winning films like Parasite.

Video Editing Features

Final Cut Pro is known for the Magnetic Timeline, which streamlines the editing process and allows for seamless clip arrangement without collision worries. The app’s intuitive UX makes it easy to get the most out of every feature.

Key features include:

• Multicam editing to sync and edit footage from multiple cameras.
• Compounding clips into a single entity for easier organization.
• Color grading tools to achieve stunning visuals with precise color control.
• Audio editing tools
• 360° video editing to immerse viewers 
• A vast library of effects and transitions
• Integration with Motion and Compressor

Pricing and Plans

• One-time payment: $299.99

5. Wondershare Filmora

Filmora has over 100 million global users across 150 countries.

Video Editing Features

Filmora is primarily an editing software, so its video editing features are some of the most advanced. The software allows you to trim, split, and merge clips. It also offers premium editing options like keyframing, motion tracking, and color correction. 

Moreover, Filmora has a vast library of effects, transitions, titles, and music. Recently, it has transitioned into an AI editing tool with features like vocal remover, text-to-video, smart cutouts, and much more.

Pricing and Plans

• Free: $0
• Annual: $49.99/year 
• Perpetual: $79.99 (one-time purchase)
• Bundle (Filmora + Filmstock): $109.87/year

6. Apple iMovie

Apple iMovie is one of the most popular editing software, primarily used by small and medium-sized businesses.

Video Editing Features

iMovie is the perfect editing platform for beginners or small businesses hoping to make minor changes to their raw footage. Trimming and splitting clips is a breeze, while its color correction tools help you achieve the perfect aesthetic.

Some standout features include:

• Cinematic Mode editing: Adjust the focus and depth of field in your iPhone 13 or later footage for a professional touch.
• Themed templates: Offers multiple styles and layouts to give your videos a polished look with minimal effort.
• Ken Burns effect: Adds a touch of drama with slow zooms and pans across your photos.
• Video and audio effects: Built-in tools to enhance your visuals with filters and adjust your soundscape.

Pricing and Plans

• Apple iMovie is free to use.

7. Corel VideoStudio Ultimate

Corel VideoStudio Ultimate is included in Microsoft Windows as it’s native video editing software.

Video Editing Features

Corel VideoStudio Ultimate’s multi-timeline editing is a real game-changer for organizing complex projects, allowing you to keep everything tidy as you piece together your final video. The software also offers a ton of transitions and effects.

Key features of the VideoStudio Ultimate include:

• Lens correction tools to get rid of fisheye distortion and other lens imperfections 
• Color grading controls to fine-tune the mood and atmosphere of your footage with precise color adjustments
• Audio ducking to automatically lower background music during dialogue
• Motion tracking to attach text, graphics, or effects to moving objects 

Pricing and Plans

• Full: $64.99 (one-time payment)
• Upgrade: $49.99 (one-time payment)

8. Movavi Video Editor

Movavi Video Editor holds a market share of 10.20% in the Video Editors category, ranking as the third best video editing tool in the market.

Video Editing Features

Movavi Video Editor is chock-full of tools for both beginners and seasoned pros. There’s an audio editor with tools to adjust levels, apply effects, and even eliminate background noise. And if you’re struggling with shaky footage, the stabilization feature will smooth things out.

Here’s a rundown of some key features:

• AI-powered tools: Remove backgrounds, track motion, and even clean up noisy audio with a few clicks.
• Keyframing: Animate effects, titles, and more with precise control.
• Picture-in-picture: Layer multiple videos on top of one another for a dynamic look.
• Chroma key: Replace green screens with backgrounds of your choice.
• Slow-motion and fast-motion: Speed up or slow down footage for dramatic effect.

Pricing and Plans

• Free: $0
• Video Editor: $19.95
• Video Editor Plus: $69.95
• Video Suite Plus: $94.95

9. Kaltura

Kaltura is trusted by over 60% of Fortune 100 companies, with over 4,000 clients in the US alone.

Video Editing Features

This browser-based editor enables basic video editing tasks like trimming, clipping, and adding captions – ideal for simple projects. You can also create personalized viewing experiences with branching paths, quizzes, and interactive elements.

For more complex editing needs, Kaltura integrates with third-party editing tools like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro. The app’s AI tool can automate tasks like transcription, translation, and highlight reel creation. 

Pricing and Plans

• Contact Kaltura to get a quote

10. Clipchamp

Clipchamp has over 14 million registered users worldwide, growing rapidly every year.

Video Editing Features

Clipchamp’s editing tools give you everything you need to perfect your video content with features like:

• Trim & Crop: Get rid of unwanted bits or adjust your frame to focus on the action.
• Resize: Shape your video to fit any platform, from TikTok to YouTube.
• Green Screen: Change the background of any video.
• Audio Wizardry: Fine-tune your soundtrack, separate audio from video, or swap out a track.
• Text Overlay & Captions: Add context, punchlines, or translations to keep your viewers engaged.
• Transitions: Smooth out those scene changes with fades, wipes, or other effects.
• Speed Control: Speed up the action or slow down for dramatic effect.

Pricing and Plans

• Free: $0
• Premium: $11.99/month

How Video Editing Transforms Your Streaming Content

Successful streaming content is only possible with efficient video editing. It’s the difference between raw, amateur footage and a polished, professional stream that keeps viewers engaged.

By investing in the top video editing software, you’ll have all the tools to refine raw footage and add eye-catching AI video effects for a viewer experience that rivals traditional TV. That’s right – with over 163 million watchers in the US alone, video streaming solutions are projected to dominate the video content market pretty soon.

Live streams also benefit from AI video editing tools. The right AI video editor will take away the extra work by automatically enhancing visuals, cutting out awkward pauses, and even adding subtitles in real time. This way, your live streaming platform content looks professional from the moment you go live.

Beyond the live event, editing helps repurpose content for your online video platform (OVP) or OTT platform. You can create highlight reels, behind-the-scenes snippets, or even turn your live stream into a video-on-demand (VOD) series. 

Plus, 80% of audiences would rather watch live video content from a brand than read a blog, so investing in video editing is crucial for maximizing your live streaming success. The question is, what happens after the editing process? This is where a professional video streaming platform like Dacast comes in.

Why Choose Dacast Video Streaming Software?

Dacast is a live streaming solution and VOD platform with OTT technology features. Its services specifically cater to professional broadcasters in online sports, enterprise, and internal communications, media and entertainment, religious organizations, event production and agencies, government municipalities, and nonprofits.

Once you’ve edited your videos to perfection, it’s time to share them with the world using Dacast’s live streaming and video-on-demand hosting capabilities.

Video Hosting and Streaming 

Dacast’s online video platform allows you to broadcast your videos to several viewers with Zoom and Google Meet integrations. Since it offers HTML5 video delivery, you can stream to any device, anywhere. You can even share the links to broadcast on your social media accounts and reach a larger following. 

The platform offers diverse streaming features like multi-bitrate streaming for live video and VOD, cloud video transcoding with true adaptive bitrate streaming (ABR), and live encoding support for the top video encoders. 

Content Management System

Dacast also doubles as a video content management system (CMS). That means you’ll get full control of your video library, all in one convenient location. The videos will also be stored in an EXPO video gallery protected by a password and AES video encryption. It’s essentially a website alternative for your video content.

Analytics and Reporting

With Dacast’s advanced video analytics features, you can track various metrics in real time. The dashboard displays data like who is watching your videos, the amount of data used, your earnings, and so on. 

Video Marketing

Aside from Dacast’s detailed analytics tools, video marketers can also record live streams for playback later. Plus, you can embed CTAs into your videos and even embed the video on your own website. Since Dacast is a white-label player, you can broadcast without off-brand distractions.

Pricing and Plans

Dacast’s flexible pricing plans are suitable for all kinds of budgets, starting with the affordable Starter plan at just $39/month.

For businesses on the hunt for a more robust solution, the Scale plan at $165/month unlocks advanced features like API access, priority phone support, video monetization, and paywalls – ideal for sophisticated live video streams.  

Lastly, the Event plan at $63/month is the perfect balance of functionality and cost-effectiveness for businesses that want to use their videos to build brand awareness through live streaming.

Conclusion

There’s no doubt that the internet is turning to video content faster than ever, which is why it’s crucial for businesses to invest in robust video editing software. It can be the difference between raw, unengaging footage and a video that hooks your target viewer from the get-go!

Now that you’ve read our complete comparison, you can find the video editing platform that meets your needs and budget. Once you’ve fine-tuned your videos until they’re ready for the public, it’s time to market them on a robust streaming platform like Dacast.

On that note, why not start today with the Dacast 14-day free trial? Sign up today to begin streaming live in a matter of minutes. No credit card is required.

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