Best Video Editing Software: What Actually Works

Let's cut through the noise. You need video editing software, and there are too many options with too much marketing fluff. I've tested these tools extensively, and I'll tell you exactly what's worth your money—and what isn't.

Here's the reality: the "best" video editing software depends entirely on your skill level, budget, and what you're actually making. A YouTuber making vlogs has completely different needs than someone producing corporate training videos or a filmmaker working on a documentary.

Quick Picks: The Best Video Editing Software

Adobe Premiere Pro: The Industry Standard

Adobe Premiere Pro is what most professional editors use, and there's a reason for that. It handles virtually any video format, integrates seamlessly with After Effects and Photoshop, and has the deepest feature set of any video editor.

Premiere Pro Pricing

The pricing structure is straightforward but not cheap:

Students and teachers get significant discounts on the full Creative Cloud suite.

What's Good About Premiere Pro

What Sucks About Premiere Pro

Bottom line: If you're doing this professionally and need maximum flexibility, Premiere Pro is hard to beat. But if you're a hobbyist, you're paying a premium for features you'll never use.

DaVinci Resolve: The Best Free Video Editor

DaVinci Resolve is genuinely incredible for a free product. Originally designed as color grading software for Hollywood, Blackmagic Design has built it into a full-fledged editing suite that competes with paid options.

DaVinci Resolve Pricing

The free version supports up to Ultra HD 3840x2160 at 60fps. That's more than most people need.

What's Good About DaVinci Resolve

What Sucks About DaVinci Resolve

Bottom line: If you're serious about video editing and don't want to pay a subscription, DaVinci Resolve is a no-brainer. The free version is legitimately professional-grade.

For those just getting started, check out our guide on free video editing software for more budget-friendly options.

Final Cut Pro: Best for Mac Users

Final Cut Pro is Apple's professional video editor, and it's built to take full advantage of Mac hardware. If you're on a Mac, particularly one with Apple Silicon, Final Cut Pro delivers exceptional performance.

Final Cut Pro Pricing

There's no student discount on Final Cut Pro itself, but educational institutions often provide access.

What's Good About Final Cut Pro

What Sucks About Final Cut Pro

Bottom line: If you're a Mac user who wants professional results without subscription fatigue, Final Cut Pro is excellent value over time.

Descript: Best for Content Creators and Podcasters

Descript takes a completely different approach to video editing. Instead of working with a traditional timeline, you edit your video like a text document. This is incredibly powerful for podcasters, YouTubers, and anyone who works heavily with spoken content.

Try Descript

Descript Pricing

Note: Descript recently switched to a media minutes + AI credits system, which can get confusing.

What's Good About Descript

What Sucks About Descript

Bottom line: If you make podcasts or talking-head videos, Descript will save you hours. For anything requiring complex visual editing, look elsewhere.

For more on Descript, check out our Descript pricing breakdown and full Descript review.

Filmora: Best for Beginners

Wondershare Filmora is designed for people who want professional-looking results without spending months learning a complex tool. It's the sweet spot between basic free editors and professional software.

Filmora Pricing

What's Good About Filmora

What Sucks About Filmora

Bottom line: Perfect for YouTubers, small business owners making marketing videos, and anyone who values simplicity over maximum control.

Other Options Worth Mentioning

Canva Video Editor

If you're already using Canva for design work, their video editor is surprisingly capable for simple projects. Check out our Canva pricing guide for details on what's included with different plans.

PowerDirector

CyberLink's PowerDirector offers professional features at a budget-friendly price—starting around $5.83/month. Good for enthusiasts who want more than beginner tools without the Premiere Pro price tag.

Lightworks

A free version is available, with Lightworks Pro at $24.99/month. Has professional roots (used on actual Hollywood films) but requires time to learn.

CapCut

Free and owned by ByteDance (TikTok's parent company). Great for social media content but not suitable for longer or more complex projects.

How to Choose the Right Video Editing Software

Consider Your Skill Level

Consider Your Budget

Consider What You're Making

Final Verdict: What Should You Actually Buy?

Here's my honest recommendation:

If you're just starting out: Download DaVinci Resolve Free. It's free, has no watermarks, and you'll never outgrow it. The learning curve is real, but you're building skills on professional software.

If you're a Mac user: Final Cut Pro is excellent value. $299 once is cheaper than two years of Premiere Pro.

If you make podcasts or talking-head videos: Descript will change your workflow. Nothing else comes close for this use case.

If you need to collaborate with a team or clients: Adobe Premiere Pro's ecosystem is hard to beat, despite the subscription cost.

If you need something simple now: Filmora gets you editing quickly without the learning curve.

The worst choice is to get stuck in analysis paralysis. Pick something, start creating, and upgrade later if you hit limitations. Most professional editors have used multiple tools throughout their careers.

For more software comparisons and honest reviews, check out our guides on screen recording software and free screen recording options.