Creating videos, movies and clips is a hobby many partake in frequently, and it can be turned into a full-time job. Getting involved with video creation can be expensive and costs can easily snowball considering you need good recording equipment, a computer with good hardware, and licenses.
The biggest names in professional video editing include Adobe Premiere Pro and Sony Vegas, however, the required cost of these programs can be daunting for beginners. The good news is that there is a plethora of free video editing software available that offer many of the same professional features without the steep costs.
Number 1 Choice: DaVinci Resolve
First and foremost, DaVinci Resolve is easily the strongest and best free video editor. When considering Resolve, it’s incredibly easy to undersell the strengths of DaVinci Resolve and it is arguably more than just a Premiere Pro or Sony Vegas alternative. DaVinci Resolve provides professional-level video editing combined with an easy-to-understand interface to your desktop. DaVinci Resolve offers a full version that is a single payment for a perpetual license and doesn’t require a subscription-based service.
Pros:
- Node-based compositing (Fusion)
- Hollywood Studio level of color correction
- Professional Sound Mixing (Fairlight)
- Easy-to-use interface
Cons:
- Requires a strong PC
- Many features the average user won’t use.
Best Beginner Editor: Microsoft Movie Maker
When it comes to simplicity and a perfect introduction to video editing, Microsoft’s Movie Maker is perfect for getting your toes wet. Microsoft’s Movie Maker has been around for decades and is free for any windows user. Microsoft’s Movie Maker won’t be able to make any blockbuster films, but it is undoubtedly perfect for any beginner editor to learn the ropes.
Pros:
- Lightweight
- Perfect beginning stepping stone
- Free for any Windows user
Cons:
- Incredibly Basic
- Effects are lackluster
Multiplatform: Kdenlive
Kdenlive is a powerful, open-source video editor that works on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Kdenlive is proof that collaborative projects can compete with paid giants such as Sony Vegas. The open-source nature of this program also allows for the combining and collaboration with other open-source software such as FFmpeg and movit.
Pros:
- Library of transitions and effects
- Multi-platform
- Open Source
- Customizable Shortcuts
Cons:
- Difficult learning curve
- Requires decent hardware
Conclusion
Overall, DaVinci Resolve is the best as it provides Hollywood-level editing for free with the caveat being its learning curve. The two other mentioned programs work fantastic in their regard, and are in our opinion, better than many of the other free video editors out there.
