7 Best Free Video Editing Software of 2024 (Mac & Windows)

In today’s digital age, video editing has become an indispensable tool across various sectors.

Whether you’re a content creator, a marketing professional, or simply looking to enhance your videos, the best video editing software can help you maintain a high level of professionalism and clarity in digital communication.

However, high-quality video editing software can come with a substantial cost. Luckily, there are plenty of free video editing software options that are compatible with both Mac and Windows users.

In this comprehensive guide, we ranked and reviewed the 7 best free video editing software, highlighting their features, strengths, and any potential drawbacks.

What is the Best Free Video Editing Software?

Here are our picks for the best free video editing software to try this year.

1. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a free leading video editing tool in the video editing world.

This software is renowned for its Industry-standard editing capabilities, offering a robust suite of tools catering to beginners and advanced users. Its intuitive interface allows users to cut, trim, and splice clips with ease.

On top of that, DaVinci Resolve supports a wide range of formats and resolutions, making it versatile for various projects.

DaVinci Resolve is ideal for those who are looking for Professional quality video editing software without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

• Industry-leading colour grading tools that allow you to create stunning, unique images.
• Comprehensive audio post-production suite.
• Integrated motion graphics and visual effects.
• It enables multiple users to collaborate on the same project in real time.
• You can easily access and apply over 100 transitions, effects and title templates.
• Supports multiple video formats editing and delivery. Plus, you can adjust the output sizing of your project

Pros:

• Its intuitive interface is fast to learn and easy for new users.
• Regular updates with new features and improvements.
• With DaVinci Resolve you don’t have to learn multiple apps or switch software for different tasks.

Cons:

• Requires a powerful computer for optimal performance.

2. HitFilm Express

HitFilm Express is a popular choice among video editors due to its wide range of features and user-friendly interface. It’s an all-in-one solution that combines video editing and visual effects in one package.

Based on its powerful capabilities and versatility, HitFilm Express is one of the best free video editing tools out there. The software is compatible with both Windows and macOS.

Whether you’re a beginner looking to learn video editing or an experienced creator seeking advanced tools, HitFilm Express suits you.

Key Features:

• As a beginner, you’ll appreciate its user-friendly interface and drag-and-drop tools.
• Their Pro plans offer a comprehensive suite for creating professional-quality videos.
• Advanced Editing Tools for cutting, trimming, and merging videos your way to perfection.
• You can easily add subtitles to your video and create amazing 2D and 3D titles.
• A large number of visual effects and presets to make your videos stand out.
• The software helps you quickly create movies and slideshows using professional templates.

Pros:

.Free plan with optional paid plans for advanced features.
.Regular updates and a supportive community forum to help you learn the software and overcome challenges.
.User-friendly interface.
.Powerful Compositing and VFX to help you create visually complex scenes.

Cons:

.The free version limits video exports to HD.
.Can be resource-intensive on lower-end computers.

3. Shotcut

Shotcut is a popular video editing platform that offers a robust feature set for creating compelling video projects. It is an open-source video editing software that helps users of all skill levels create attractive video projects.
Plus, Shotcut runs seamlessly on Windows, Mac, and Linux, offering flexibility for your workflow.
If you want a free video editing platform that’s easy for beginners and helps you create professional-looking videos, Shotcut is the perfect solution.

Key Features:

• Easy to use and intuitive interface.
• Offers support for various media formats including video, audio, and images.
• Comprehensive audio editing tools to ensure consistent sound throughout your video.
• They offer a variety of filters and effects to enhance your videos.
• Layer-based editing with multiple tracks, allowing you to organize your video and audio elements on separate tracks for a clearer editing workflow.

Pros:

• Free, open-source and beginner-friendly.
• It offers all the necessary tools for creating great social media content.
• Consistent updates and ongoing development.
• Extensive audio and video format support.

Cons:

• Their free version might lack advanced features like high-end color grading tools.
• Limited built-in effects compared to other video editors.

What is Video Editing Software?

Video editing software is a tool that allows users to edit, manipulate and rearrange video files to create polished final videos.

These tools provide a range of functionalities, from simple tasks like trimming and cutting to more complex operations like colour correction, special effects, and sound editing.

They are essential for producing high-quality videos, whether for personal projects, social media content, or professional film production.

Here are some key features of video editing software:

• Overlaying text and titles over video clips to provide information or branding.
• Adjusting audio levels, and incorporating sound effects.
• Adding background music, speech, and audio clips to your video.
• Adding Transitions to blend clips smoothly.
• Enhancing the quality of your video by adjusting colour balance, saturation, and other visual elements.

Why Choose Free Video Editing Software?

Free video editing software provides a variety of benefits, making it a popular choice for many creators. Here’s why you should consider using free video editing software:

• Cost-Effective – Free software allows you to create high-quality videos without breaking the bank. This is ideal for beginners who are just starting their video editing journey or those with limited budgets.
• Ease of Use – Another important factor to consider is how easy it is to edit videos without technical knowledge. The right software should be intuitive and user-friendly, allowing you to begin video editing effortlessly.
• Wide Range of Features – Despite being free, many free video editors offer a surprisingly rich set of features. From basic editing functions like trimming and merging clips to advanced features like audio editing, transitions, and special effects, free video editors can provide all the tools you need to create professional-quality videos.
• No Commitment – With free software, there’s no commitment. You can download it, try it out, and see if it fits your needs. If you find limitations, you can always explore paid options later.

Which is the Best Free Video Editing Software?

Choosing the right free video editing software depends on your needs, skill level, and the platform features and capabilities.
Whether you are just starting your video editing journey or a seasoned editor seeking a budget-friendly solution, The seven options mentioned above can help you meet your goals.

After reviewing and testing multiple free video conferencing software, we believe that DaVinci Resolve is the best overall free video editor.

Looking to edit your videos on a Mac? Apple iMovie is a top contender.

If you are a beginner looking for a free and easy-to-use solution with numerous features, consider Shotcut.

We hope this article provided valuable insights into the top free Video Editing Software. You might also be interested in checking out our list of the best small business software.