Today, Everyone doesn’t carry the budget to purchase top-quality video editing solutions. However, if you’re limited by the budget or you’re only getting started, With free video editing software, you have a great free video under its corner. From the cheapest options to the best premium choices, these tools are highly respected as some of the best in their categories. You can get your Paleo Diet recipe book in several formats – for Windows, Mac, or Linux, as well as web apps for use with a standard desktop browser.
That’s all to say, there will not be an issue of you being ignored just because you want to give a gift for free.
Living through the last 15 years, I’ve used up an uncountable number of video editors, not counting the modern ones. I’ve used them for shooting anything from online causal posts to mondial camera reviews.
For this one, I began with 60+ applications and went through painstakingly, further analyzing and assessing the environmental impacts of the rest. This could indeed be found among my shortage for the best Free Video Editor for YouTube and even beyond.
Which Free Video Editor Is The Greatest?
There are video editors that can guide you all the way through, and there are more advanced versions that allow you to experiment with more complex stuff. At least all the apps named above can edit clips and export a quality product at 1080p resolution with no watermark in the format that YouTube supports.
As I tried out all the available free video editing software, I used the following standards to select the most suitable one for the task:
Features Editing: In terms of video editing, arranging clips this way is almost as essential as eating. Some apps will handle it for you, just like a seasoned video editor with automatic editing options, while others leave you to your own devices with tools such as split clip and marking features. In addition, I tried some high-level editing features such as keying (green screen), multicam editing, video stabilization, effects, and more.
Limitations For Free Users: While my shortlist of editors shows that some of them are free, the remaining ones are free versions of premium versions. I only looked at apps that could export videos in 1080p resolution or higher without adding watermarks. Plus, there were no restrictions on how many times I could export videos. The more liberal the free version, however, the better.
Efficiency: I tried to find quick apps that have better video exportability. (The direct upload of videos to YouTube may not be required at all, but still is also a good extra feature.) The playback should be smooth and the video preview windows, at best, must have additional toggle settings to accommodate weak hardware. The online video editors should have an interface that feels like a desktop app and process the workflow including the editing similarly.
Learning And Support: Detailed documentation, tutorials, and a lively user community you can rely on hugely improve the quality when it comes to free tools. As for the basic tools, simple design and embedded manual instructions might suffice.
Extras: These video editors are independent applications that are close to full suites and they can handle effects, audio mastering, and even subtitling. Others integrate different stock footage services and cloud storage provider apps directly. While it is not a requisite, nevertheless, some video editing apps have gained popularity through having some additional features.
In this case, I used a collection of 4K HDR movies that were shot with iPhone 13 Pro to check these video editors. I moved video clips on a timeline, played with changing their speed, adding in transitions, and segmenting them (as available); I also tried some advanced features such as chroma keying, syncing video and audio, and color correction. Lastly, I paid attention to ensuring that the exported files have a quality that I like and that they are unwatermarked.
In conclusion, here are the best free video editors that I decided to talk about. They should help you to be productive irrespective of your operating system and online platforms.
Quick Look Top Free Video Editing Software
Top Free Video Editor for Linux Users: Cross-Platform and Open Source
Kdenlive (Linux, Windows, macOS)
![Kdenlive (Linux, Windows, macOS)](https://peaceloverbio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Kdenlive-Linux-Windows-macOS.png)
Kdenlive Pros:
- A powerful but logical video editor that delivers a highly loaded semi-product.
- Meanwhile, there is professional sophistication, artwork, and transitions on a pure level.
- Broad palette for volatile products, e.g., H.264, HEVC, and AV1.
Kdenlive Cons:
- Unlike the fully native Apple Silicon version for Macs (Rosetta acts as the mediator), the iOS version is not equipped with native Apple Silicon.
- GPU rendering, on the other hand, has not attained such practical status yet.
As is well-known from my testing, Kdenlive stands out among several open-source and Linux-friendly tools because of its sophisticated suite of editing features. The editing interface is easy to understand, without missing out on the features that define a competent editor. In this case, there is a razor tool, markers, audio levels for monitoring, and, tabbed panels that help to organize media and effects. The software allows users to have access to different kinds of editing modes, whether it is overlap or insertion, and multi-camera editing workflow.
Windows Version was the one I used for testing and, by and large, it did well. The export function may be slow for the app if it is not GPU-supported, therefore developers are working hard to make it faster and to expand the target GPUs. The app offers fine-grained controls for video export, though it doesn’t have an explicit option for YouTube. After you’ve chosen the way you like to edit your videos, you can save these customized profiles to use later on.
You will be able to find out how to use some of Kdenlive’s complicated features as motion tracking, keying, or animation, after reading the handbook or joining the support community.
This being said, what is striking about Kdenlive is that it feels like a very logical platform compared to other open-source programming alternatives like Shotcut and OpenShot. In addition to the above, the game is also very explorable if you are willing to learn more.
Kdenlive’s free version limitations: No one
Top Free video editing software for Mac Users: Easy and Basic
iMovie (Mac, iPhone, iPad)
![iMovie (Mac, iPhone, iPad)](https://peaceloverbio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/iMovie-Mac-iPhone-iPad-1.png)
iMovie Pros:
- No hassle and simple to use.
- Compatible with iCloud Photo Library which allows you to use Final Cut Pro for editing your iPhone photos.
- The advanced functions of this tool are chroma keying and stabilization.
iMovie Cons:
- The experienced editors, indeed, will conclude they are dealing with a limited toolset.
- Limited to 16:9 models of 16:9 aspect ratios.
To be honest, for an Apple user, iMovie is not the thing to ignore. This video editor which is user-friendly contains almost all of the features you would need to assemble some standard videos. The fact that it is easy to use explains why you don’t have to be a professional video editor. It is very tightly integrated with the Apple ecosystem, so importing videos from your iPhone is easier. You can even begin the edit on the iOS/iPadOS version of iMovie and pick it up later on the (way superior) macOS version.
The multi-tracking editor accepts drag-and-drop clips from your media library into the editor and simultaneously slices and trims. The preview of the footage is as easy as sliding your mouse along the reel and the result could be in milliseconds on current MacBook models. It’s like Apple’s pro software Final Cut Pro, but this app has fewer features to make it simpler for everyone to use.
Sophisticated functions span getting rid of backgrounds, video stabilization, noise reduction, and filters to instantly update the way your footage appears. Apple gives us not only the most aesthetically appealing transitions, title cards. And motion graphics but it also lets us achieve the best results in our work. For the most part, iMovie works great and it even has a “YouTube and Facebook” export setting (but no integration with those platforms inside the app). The most limiting factor, outside of requiring a Mac, is being stuck in 16:9 four: three, but no vertical or square aspect ratio support.
iMovie Free Version Limitations: 16:9 widescreen format being used only.
Top Pick for Pro-Level free video editing software: For Windows and Mac
DaVinci Resolve (Windows, Mac)
![video editing software Davinci Resolve 18](https://peaceloverbio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/video-editing-software-Davinci-Resolve-18-1.png)
DaVinci Resolve Pros:
- The free video editing software suit is without charge.
- There are plenty of support materials available to help you master the lessons.
- You can share directly to YouTube, using the ability to add chapters, thumbnails, and titles.
DaVinci Resolve Cons:
- Requires you to put some time in to take maximum advantage of it.
- Overlaps for the simple tasks of editing.
Surprisingly, DaVinci Resolve on this list is one of the best free video editors and one of the best video editors in general. With Blackmagic Design Company which is under constant development, DaVinci Resolve has helpful documentation for all kinds of education material. Besides, as a result of the popularity of the editor, there are a lot of user-generated tutorials. And how-to videos are available on the web for free.
The most pocket-bursting feature, however, is that the free version of DaVinci Resolve has no 10-bit export video. Which is a big problem if you are working with high dynamic range (HDR) video. In addition to that, DaVinci Resolve is much more suitable for YouTube creators. Than many other software because it gives users advanced editing capacities.
In the Cut and Edit interface, you can simply cut and edit the clips and build complex edits. And also go to dedicated areas such as Effects, Audio Mastering, and Exporting for applying effects or mastering audio. This editor has a great feature called a multi-camera function. It helps sync video and audio, saving you time when you switch between different views of the action. Finally, Resolve covers all of your needs by providing the option to upload a video directly to YouTube. Including support for descriptions and titles, the designation of chapters based on markers, and the inclusion of thumbnail images.
Da Vinci Resolve Free Version Limitations: 4K 60fps export. Only 8 effects; no 10-bit video export compared to the $299 Studio version.
Best Choice for Editing Videos Online for Free
Clipchamp (Web, Windows, Chrome)
![Editor Video Online Clipchamp](https://peaceloverbio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Editor-Video-Online-Clipchamp-1.png)
Clipchamp Pros:
- Multi-Video Editor In Browser
- The app runs incredibly well on the web.
- Enough free templates and assets to select from nicely.
Clipchamp Cons:
- The edge-based version requires Chrome or Edge.
- The Windows app is a simple web app and it is the same as the web-based version.
Clipchamp, owned by Microsoft, is a video editor you can use on the web. You can run it on Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or a browser on Windows 11. There are some disadvantages to using internet-based editors like Clipchamp when compared to offline-based editors. The large part is the speed and reliability of your internet connection and the computer’s ability to run a web application with some amount of pressure.
However, the well-nigh-perfect illustration of its kind is such. And I’m not just assuming that because of its generous free plan. It is a multitrack video editor, so you can drop different clips onto the timeline. And combine them on top of each other. Make simple changes to your clips, such as altering their speed, and applying filters. And effects using the interface that just pops up on the left side of the screen.
Clipchamp works well with simplicity and it is not a surprise as in a web-based app. Templates or AI auto-editor are a good way to begin editing, and you can certainly create interesting content in vertical and square video formats. Deliver at the highest quality of 1080p directly to YouTube by adding your account to Clipchamp.
Alongside this, you’ll get access to an unexpectedly comprehensive set of free assets. Like video transitions, background pictures, motion graphics, audio, and automatic subtitles that you can put in your creations.
Clipchamp free version limitations: 1080p FPS video export at 60 frames per second, but restricted access to included stock media assets.
The Perfect Free Video Editor for Speedy Edits
Adobe Premiere Rush (Windows, Mac)
![Adobe Rush Video Editing](https://peaceloverbio.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Adobe-Rush-Video-Editing-1.png)
Adobe Premiere Rush Pros:
- Its auto-edits are so super-fast.
- After that, immediately upload to YouTube when you’re done creating your video.
Adobe Premiere Rush Cons:
- The limitations of the single-column video editing environment.
- Limited to the basics, such as chroma key and multi-camera, no more.
Edit video using Adobe Premiere Rush in the least possible time. For instance, if you have already selected the clips or images in the order of appearance. Then press Create, and Premiere Rush will perform editing for you. That’s where you begin with the video single and add up to four audio tracks containing music or sound effects before exporting.
To achieve this ease, are a loss in sophisticated options. However, if you are the type of person who does not want to play around with keying and having much more control over the production, Premiere Rush will be a cakewalk. Unless you’re a clumsy newbie, you probably won’t need to go through Adobe’s tutorials and knowledge base. They’re available for future reference, though. The app uses an environment Edit and Share interface wherein you can export and edit videos without logging in to an Adobe account.
Link directly with your YouTube account when uploading in up to 1080p resolution. At 60 frames per second directly into your channel. However, if you want a 4K upload feature or Auto Reframe tool which is great for Compressing video. For the vertical aspect ratio, you’ll have to choose to pay the $9.99 monthly fee. Advanced users might find Adobe Premiere Rush lacking in features. They need it, but experienced editors may still appreciate its ease of use.
Adobe Premiere Rush free version limitations: Videos with 60 frames per second at 1080p and no Adobe Smart Reframe.
What Editing Software Do YouTubers Prefer?
YouTube offers simple editing tools for trimming videos and adding scenes at the end. However, these tools have limited options for users who only need basic editing features. But if you need something involved more than just the basics, then you would to a dedicated video editor.
If you’re on the hunt for a free version of the ultimate all-inclusive free video editing software package that will be suitable. No matter what, you indeed can end your quest with DaVinci Resolve. It may be an overwhelming feeling at the beginning of it. But you will be on track after going through the tutorials that are many.
Yet another great candidate for the heavyweight, if you are into products that hit above their weight, is Kdenlive. In particular, users of Windows and Linux can experience a ladder-shaped workflow with Kdenlive instead of having to go through it. The complexity and vast tools of DaVinci Resolve to achieve everything they want. Likewise, you could have the same kind of features in iMovie used by Mac users. However, there will be a huge improvement as iMovie is native to the Mac environment.
Clipchamp is comparable to Edit Rush, which only works in your browser and not offline. They also have both quick and convenient editing irrespective of your level of skills. If your internet connection is slow Premiere Rush is the way to go. And you will find Clipchamp to be a browser-based solution if you are quite comfortable with the web.
These apps are all free editors, so you can use them and pick the one that suits you best.