Best video editing software in 2026

Video editors range from free beginner apps to professional suites used in film and TV. Newer tools add AI features such as automatic captions and editing by transcript.

1. 1
   adobe.com Free trial

   Adobe Premiere Pro: Professional video editing used in film, TV and YouTube

   Key features: Multi-track timeline, Color and audio tools, Text-based editing, Adobe integration, AI features.

   Best for: Professional editors and serious creators. / Windows, macOS
2. 2
   apple.com Free trial

   Final Cut Pro: Apple professional video editor with a one-time price

   Key features: Magnetic timeline, Fast rendering on Apple silicon, Color grading, Multicam, Plugins.

   Best for: Mac users who want pro editing without a subscription. / macOS, iPad
3. 3
   blackmagicdesign.com Freemium

   DaVinci Resolve: Professional editing, color, effects and audio with a powerful free version

   Key features: Editing, Industry-leading color grading, Fusion effects, Fairlight audio, Collaboration.

   Best for: Creators and professionals who want pro tools for free. / Windows, macOS, Linux, iPad
4. 4
   capcut.com Freemium

   CapCut: Easy video editor for short-form social videos

   Key features: Templates, Auto captions, Effects and filters, AI tools, Mobile and desktop.

   Best for: TikTok, Reels and Shorts creators. / Web, Desktop, iOS, Android
5. 5
   descript.com Freemium

   Descript: Edit video and podcasts by editing the transcript

   Key features: Text-based editing, Filler word removal, Studio Sound, Screen recording, AI voice.

   Best for: Podcasters and talking-head video creators. / Windows, macOS, Web
6. 6
   apple.com Free

   iMovie: Free, simple video editor from Apple

   Key features: Simple timeline, Templates and trailers, Titles and effects, Green screen.

   Best for: Beginners on Mac, iPhone and iPad. / macOS, iOS, iPadOS
7. 7
   techsmith.com Free trial

   Camtasia: Screen recording and video editing for tutorials and training

   Key features: Screen recording, Simple editor, Cursor effects, Quizzes, Templates.

   Best for: Educators, trainers and software tutorial makers. / Windows, macOS
8. 8
   filmora.wondershare.com Freemium

   Wondershare Filmora: Beginner-friendly video editor with effects and AI tools

   Key features: Drag-and-drop editing, Effects library, AI tools, Screen recording, Templates.

   Best for: Hobbyists and YouTubers wanting an easy desktop editor. / Windows, macOS, iOS, Android
9. 9
   loom.com Freemium

   Loom: Quick screen and camera recordings you can share with a link

   Key features: Screen and camera recording, Instant share links, Comments and reactions, AI summaries, Basic editing.

   Best for: Teams replacing meetings with short async videos. / Desktop, Web, Browser extension, iOS, Android
10. 10
    runwayml.com Freemium

    Runway: AI video generation and editing tools for creators

    Key features: Text and image to video, Video editing tools, Motion brush, Green screen, Lip sync.

    Best for: Video creators and filmmakers experimenting with AI. / Web, iOS
11. 11
    synthesia.io Freemium

    Synthesia: Create videos with AI avatars from a script

    Key features: AI avatars, 140+ languages, Templates, Screen recording, Collaboration.

    Best for: Training, onboarding and internal communication videos. / Web
12. 12
    heygen.com Freemium

    HeyGen: AI avatar videos and video translation

    Key features: AI avatars, Video translation and lip sync, Custom avatars, Templates, API.

    Best for: Marketing and sales teams creating personalised videos. / Web