Best video editing
Best Video Editing Software
From free colour-grading powerhouses to beginner-friendly editors — the video tools worth using, ranked.
Updated Aug 28, 2026
DaVinci Resolve
Best free & colourDaVinci Resolve is the most powerful free video editor ever made — a full professional suite with the industry’s best colour grading, and a one-time Studio upgrade.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Best pro overallAdobe Premiere Pro is the industry-standard video editor — deep, polished and unrivalled for professional collaboration, if you accept the subscription.
Final Cut Pro
Best for MacFinal Cut Pro is the fastest, most fluid editor on a Mac — a one-time purchase with superb Apple Silicon performance and the unique Magnetic Timeline.
Filmora
Best for beginnersFilmora is the friendliest way into video editing — easy, fun and packed with effects and AI, ideal for beginners and casual creators.
Camtasia
Best for tutorialsCamtasia is the go-to for tutorials and training videos — screen recording plus easy editing in one tool, purpose-built for how-tos and courses.
The best video editing software, reviewed
1. DaVinci Resolve – best free & colour (4.7/5)
DaVinci Resolve is the most powerful free video editor ever made — a full professional suite with the industry’s best colour grading, and a one-time Studio upgrade. Its biggest strengths are astonishingly capable free version, industry-leading colour grading and all-in-one: edit colour VFX & audio, while the main thing to weigh is steep learning curve. Read the full DaVinci Resolve review →
2. Adobe Premiere Pro – best pro overall (4.5/5)
Adobe Premiere Pro is the industry-standard video editor — deep, polished and unrivalled for professional collaboration, if you accept the subscription. Its biggest strengths are industry-standard used everywhere, deep Adobe ecosystem integration and strong Firefly AI editing features, while the main thing to weigh is subscription only (ongoing cost). Read the full Adobe Premiere Pro review →
3. Final Cut Pro – best for Mac (4.4/5)
Final Cut Pro is the fastest, most fluid editor on a Mac — a one-time purchase with superb Apple Silicon performance and the unique Magnetic Timeline. Its biggest strengths are one-time purchase (no subscription), blazing Apple Silicon performance and magnetic Timeline is fast & fluid, while the main thing to weigh is macOS only. Read the full Final Cut Pro review →
4. Filmora – best for beginners (4.2/5)
Filmora is the friendliest way into video editing — easy, fun and packed with effects and AI, ideal for beginners and casual creators. Its biggest strengths are very easy to learn, huge effects templates & stock library and lots of handy AI tools, while the main thing to weigh is not for advanced/professional work. Read the full Filmora review →
5. Camtasia – best for tutorials (4.1/5)
Camtasia is the go-to for tutorials and training videos — screen recording plus easy editing in one tool, purpose-built for how-tos and courses. Its biggest strengths are screen recording + editing in one, purpose-built for tutorials & training and easy to learn polished results, while the main thing to weigh is pricey for its niche. Read the full Camtasia review →
How to choose video editing software
The right editor depends on your skill level, your computer, and what you are making. My checklist:
Skill level. Beginners want something friendly like Filmora; professionals need the depth of Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve.
Platform. Final Cut Pro is Mac-only; DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro and Filmora are cross-platform. Check before you buy.
One-time vs subscription. Premiere Pro is subscription-only; Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve Studio are one-time purchases, and Resolve’s free version is astonishingly capable.
What you are making. Tutorials and training → Camtasia. Social and casual clips → Filmora. Cinematic work and colour grading → DaVinci Resolve.
Hardware. Serious editing wants a capable GPU and plenty of RAM. Resolve in particular rewards a strong machine.
Export and delivery. Check the formats and resolutions you actually need — vertical social clips, 4K, or broadcast codecs. All five handle common formats; Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve go furthest for professional delivery.
Video editing FAQ
What is the best free video editor?
DaVinci Resolve — its free version is a genuine professional suite with the industry’s best colour grading, not a stripped-down trial. It is the best free editor by a wide margin.
What is the easiest video editor to learn?
Filmora is the friendliest way in, with a simple layout and lots of effects and AI helpers. For tutorials specifically, Camtasia pairs easy editing with built-in screen recording.
Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve?
Premiere Pro is the collaborative industry standard tied to the Adobe ecosystem; DaVinci Resolve is a one-time purchase with unmatched colour tools. Both are pro-grade — Resolve wins on value, Premiere on team workflows.
Do I need a powerful computer to edit video?
For HD and light projects, a mid-range machine is fine. For 4K, effects and colour grading you will want a capable GPU and 16GB+ of RAM for smooth playback.
Can I edit video on a laptop?
Yes — for HD and lighter projects a modern laptop is fine. For smooth 4K, effects and colour grading, look for a dedicated GPU and 16GB or more of RAM.
Compare the top video editors
See how the two top-rated video editors stack up, head to head.