5 Best Editing Software for YouTube in 2024
Editing is essential for YouTube content creators. Here are our top 5 recommended editing software options for both casual and serious YouTubers.
5 Best Editing Software for YouTube in 2024
Here are our recommendations for the best editing sofware for YouTube in no particular order.
1. Adobe Premiere Pro2. Davinci Resolve
3. Apple Final Cut Pro
4. CapCut
5. iMovie
6. Wondershare Filmora
7. Hitfilm
1. Adobe Premiere Pro
Price:
$22.99/mo - Subscription
Available:
Windows, Mac
Pros:
- Clear and well-designed interface
- Great tooling and regular updates
Cons:
- Subscription Model
- Strong PC required
- Learning Curve
Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the top choices for novice, experienced, and professional editors. It provides a wide range of tools for all kinds of editing styles and content.
One challenge with this software is that the learning curve can be difficult for new editors, so it may take some time for them to become familiar with it. Another challenge is that it requires a powerful computer, and more advanced tasks will require even more computing power.
Additionally, the software is only available through a subscription model, which means that you will not own the software. However, if you manage to earn a few hundred dollars per year, you can essentially use the software for free.
2. Davinci Resolve
Price:
Free ($249 for Pro Version)
Available:
Windows, Mac, Linux (Has Issues)
Pros:
- Amazing free version
- Professional Tooling
- 1 time purchase for Pro version
Cons:
- Strong PC required
- Learning Curve (However plenty free resources!)
Davinci Resolve 18 is an excellent video editing software for YouTubers, packed with powerful features. It is famous for its highly developed, extensive, and professional color grading features.
The free basic version of Davinci Resolve 18 includes an extensive suite of professional tools and standard features. However, most users will find the basic free version sufficient, and the paid version is priced at $295 and is aimed at professionals.
Davinci Resolve is a powerful video editing software that offers various features such as color grading, motion graphics, audio mastering/mixing, and visual effects. However, one drawback is that it has a steep learning curve. Nevertheless, there are numerous free tutorials available on the internet that can help overcome this issue. In my opinion, Davinci Resolve is the best free alternative for YouTubers who want to create excellent videos.
3. Apple Final Cut Pro
Price:
$300
Available:
Mac
Pros:
- Great Performance
- Magnetic Timeline
- Purchase to own
Cons:
- An unconventional timeline
- Only on Apple Products
Final Cut Pro is a high-quality video editing software for only Mac/Apple users. With its advanced features, such as 360-degree video editing capabilities, a magnetic timeline, and a user-friendly interface, it is a good option for YouTubers who are looking to enhance the quality of their videos. You’ll be amazed by how quickly you can produce high-quality videos that are sure to impress your audience.
Final Cut Pro also provides a one-time purchase with no worries about paying a subscription. This is great for people who wish to own their products.
4. CapCut
Price:
Free (Contains Pro Version)
Available:
Windows, Mac, IOS, Andriod
Pros:
- Easy to learn/use
- Free and good editing capabilities
- TikTok Direct Support
Cons:
- Pro Version
- Limited effects
CapCut is a video editing app for mobile and desktop that offers a surprising amount of great tools and features. However, some of the more advanced features are only available in the pro version. One of the biggest selling points of CapCut is its ease of use and simple workflow, making it accessible to almost anyone. With CapCut, creating a decent-looking video is easy, and it even supports direct sharing to TikTok.
5. iMovie
Price:
Free
Available:
Apple Products
Pros:
- Easy to use
- Preloaded on Apple Products
- Integration with Apple CLoud
Cons:
- Limited to 16:9
- Limited Tooling
- Apple/IOS only
It’s really difficult not to recommend iMovie when the software is free and available on all Apple products. For beginners, it has all the necessary basic features for editing software. Plus, its integration with iCloud makes for a smooth and easy workflow.
Although it is a great starting editing software, it lacks advanced tools such as multicam support and the ability to have more than two tracks, which makes it less ideal for professional or experienced editors.
6. Wondershare Filmora
Price:
Subscription or one-time payment
Available:
Windows, Mac
Pros:
- Quality Toolset
- Royalty-free stock images and videos integrated
- Good UI/UX
Cons:
- Disappointing AI
- Performance
- Missing some advanced features
Wondershare Filmora 12 is a cost-effective YouTube editor with advanced features, though its tooling may not be as refined as other editing software. Some great features include integrated royalty-free stock images and videos, transitions, effects, and templates.
It contains standard editing tools such as audio, color correction, AI tools, and more. It’s a good budget option for people looking to get decent software.
7. Hitfilm
Price:
Free, (Subscription tiers)
Available:
Windows, Mac
Pros:
- Good Tooling
- Free tier
Cons:
- Need a strong computer
Hitfilm is a decent video editor that offers many standard features like audio editing, color grading, trimming, camera tracking, and some more advanced features. However, some of the advanced features are only available in the paid version of the software. This can be disappointing for people who are looking for free editing software. If you don’t mind paying for it, Hitfilm can provide good value for your money.