The Best Video Editing Software Every Creative Business Owner Should Consider | Architectural Digest

The Best: Best free video editor for skilled editors

Pinnacle Studio

The Basics: Available for PC users only, Pinnacle Studio offers almost pro-level video editing capabilities without the complex user interface and steep learning curves associated with competing video editors. With fast processing, a full suite of features and stunning effects, multicam editing, stop-motion video, motion tracking, color correction, enhanced keyframe controls, and powerful title editing and masking tools, Pinnacle Studio appeals to near-professional video editing enthusiasts but it’s still extremely simple to learn and use. Free effects, titles, and templates facilitate a beginner video editor in creating truly impressive content for websites, social media feeds, or YouTube videos.

The Pros:

• Very good prosumer product that appeals to near pros but is easy to use
• Intuitive, easy to learn for beginners
• Growing range of features
• In-depth interface and functionality

The Cons:

• Some users might find it somewhat basic
• Had a reputation for being glitchy but has improved in recent years
• Available for Microsoft Windows only

The Cost: Available in three packages: entry-level Pinnacle Studio for $59.95, Plus for $99.95, and Ultimate for $129.95 for perpetual licenses, with no recurring subscription fee required. Upgrades from previous versions of Plus and Ultimate are offered at a $30 and $40 discount, respectively. There’s no free trial, but there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

The Best: Best novice video editor using Windows

Filmora

The Basics: Considered the best video editor on a budget, Wondershare’s Filmora offers a pleasing interface; well-designed title and text templates; standard trimming, transitions, and overlays; and a host of effects. Though it lacks 3D editing, multicam editing, and 360 VR support, Filmora does provide decent motion tracking, and it really stands out for its sound effects. Noted as one of the best video editors for sound effects, Filmora comes with a library of free basic sound effects and background music tracks that you can easily add to your video clips via drag-and-drop, and a convenient microphone button allows you to easily record a voiceover.

Available in both macOS and Windows versions, Filmora also allows users to experiment with chroma key (green screen) effects, affords impressive rendering speed, and provides convenient buttons for fast uploads to YouTube, Facebook, and Vimeo as well as DVD burning. What’s more, Filmora offers Filmora Go, specifically designed for video editing via smartphone, and Filmora Scrn, that allows you to capture and edit videos on your screen.

The Pros:

• Pleasing interface
• Decent effects, overlays, transitions, and title and text tools
• Library of free sound effects and music
• Excellent video rendering speed
• Inexpensive
• New effect collections added every month included with subscription
• Available in macOS and Windows versions