We recently published a post about the best video editing tools for beginners. This article focuses on a smaller selection of what are, in my opinion, the top video editing tools, regardless of experience level. I’m looking at the tools that provide the most power, customizability, and features. While ease of use is important, it’s not the main focus here. Let’s dive in!
1. Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is probably the biggest name in professional creative software. What’s really neat about Adobe is the Creative Cloud which allows you to mix and match software to build a suite for any creative project, no matter how demanding. Adobe tools work together, which means people with different creative skill sets can collaborate on the same project. If you’re already using Adobe programs or Creative Cloud, adding Premiere Pro is a no-brainer. However, if you don’t use Adobe’s other software, you may want to explore other solutions.
In my personal experience, I find Premiere Pro’s user interface a bit challenging to learn and customize compared to other software. However, its video effects and transitions functions strike the right balance between power and user-friendliness. Keep in mind that the business license for Adobe software is more expensive than individual licenses, so cost can be a factor as well.
Pros of Premiere Pro
- Access to Creative Cloud, which includes assets, storage, and collaboration tools
- Easy integration with other Adobe software
- Industry-standard tools: Adobe is one of the most feature-complete options, especially when combined with other creative software from the suite
- Excellent performance: Premiere Pro is well-optimized and runs smoothly
- User-friendly effects workflows
Cons of Premiere Pro
- An expensive option, especially for business licenses
- No single-payment/lifetime purchase options
- The UI and features can have a high learning curve
- Not as much stock access as some other software
2. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve is a software that provokes mixed opinions. Some people love it, while others suggest using anything else. Personally, I’m a fan. I find its user interface and features quite appealing, possibly because it’s the software I learned first. DaVinci Resolve proudly states that major Hollywood studios use it, especially for its exceptional color correction capabilities. Many professionals even use DaVinci Resolve exclusively for color grading.
In terms of raw power, DaVinci Resolve lives up to being an industry standard. What’s cool is that the base version is free, with no watermark, even for commercial use. This version includes most of the features needed for advanced tasks, although some stock options are behind the paid version. Speaking of which, the paid version is a one-time purchase with no subscription required, which is rare in the SaaS industry.
On the downside, DaVinci Resolve is not as well-optimized as other software, especially when it comes to creating effects. Performance can be an issue, and creating and modifying custom effects can feel frustrating and confusing. The “Fusion” tab, where effects are modified, is complex and resource-intensive, making it better suited for advanced users with powerful machines.
Pros of DaVinci Resolve
- Exceptional color grading capabilities
- Intuitive interface, including a helpful project manager window
- The free version is licensed for commercial use
- One-time purchase for the paid version with multiple active devices per license
- A broad library of stock effects and audio, including Foley sounds
Cons of DaVinci Resolve
- Resource-intensive and demanding on processing power and RAM
- The Fusion tab has a high learning curve and is difficult to use
- Limited customization options in the UI
- Few direct software integrations and plugins compared to Adobe
3. OpenShot
OpenShot is unique because it’s completely open-source. Being an open-source project, it offers excellent customization, plugin support, and a helpful community. While it may not be as polished as other tools, the fact that it’s free and has no watermarks makes it worth considering. Although there’s also ShotCut, another open-source editor, OpenShot made it onto this list. However, I encourage you to check out both.
With open-source software, there are tradeoffs. Support and updates may lag behind paid software, and you may encounter bugs and performance issues. However, the real strength of open-source software lies in its community. OpenShot provides in-software tooltips to guide users through the UI and offers an overall user-friendly experience for basic editing tasks. The community support is especially beneficial for intermediate users seeking experienced answers quickly. However, more advanced tasks, like custom effects and transitions, can be more challenging in OpenShot compared to paid tools.
Pros of OpenShot
- Completely open-source and free with no watermarks
- Wide compatibility with devices and formats
- User-friendly for learning the UI and basic editing tasks, with community support
- Most of the core features needed for beginners
Cons of OpenShot
- May suffer from instability and performance issues
- Updates and features may lag behind other tools
- Limited advanced functionality for effects and animations
- A limited selection of pre-created effects and no access to stock libraries
4. Cyberlink PowerDirector
PowerDirector stands out on this list because it’s specifically designed for lay users. It aims to give beginners access to the powerful tools used by advanced video editors in a learn-as-you-go environment. CyberLink describes their software as “no experience necessary,” making it an appealing choice for those new to video editing.
The free version of PowerDirector includes a watermark, but multiple licenses are available for purchase. You can choose between a lifetime license or an annual subscription at different price points. With PowerDirector, you get a streamlined, beginner-friendly experience to create videos easily.
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