A Creator’s Guide to the Best Movie Editing Software for 2021

Best Movie Editing Software

Masterfully edit your video clips into something amazing with the right tools and this guide to the best movie editing software for 2021.

Whether you record videos on your 2015 smartphone or on a high-tech professional camera, the right movie editing tools can make all the difference. When using the right software, you have the tools to make professional-looking films that rival those made by Hollywood. 

However, with so many different software options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which are the top choices.

Keep reading to learn about some of the top contenders for the best movie editing software heading into 2021.

Choosing the Best Movie Editing Software: What Are Your Needs?

Before looking at some of the different editing software, you should first have an idea of what you’ll need it to do.

If you’re a casual video maker, there’s no reason to fork over hundreds of dollars on a product you won’t be able to appreciate. More expensive video editing software has advanced features meant for industry professionals and professional content creators.

Yet if you are a professional editor, more basic programs might not have all of the features you need or want. It might be better to invest a little money to get a return later on. 

Often, you can find programs that come with a balance between price and features. Some programs also offer a basic package for free, with the ability to buy extra features later on. This can help you only spend money on what you’ll need and use.

What Makes a Video Editing Software Good?

There are a number of different factors that make a software program better than others. This can include ease of use, functionality, performance, and sharing options. Some developers also update their software regularly, while others do not. 

In the end, however, some users may like certain editing software more for subjective reasons. If you’ve used a program for several years, it can be hard to switch to something else, even if the other software has more advanced features. 

Depending on the person, the “best” software can also be different. A content creator on YouTube might find one software program useful, while someone who makes home videos might not. Likewise, a Mac user and a Windows user can also prefer different programs. 

Most video editors create MOV files, but other file types such as MKV are becoming more popular. Check out this guide on how to convert MOV files

Top Movie Editing Software 

Although different users will prefer different software types, there are some that stand out from the rest. Here are 5 different choices. 

iMovie

If you’re an Apple user, odds are you’ve come across iMovie on your computer. This free-to-use software comes preinstalled on new Macs and has a number of features that’ll let you make great movies. 

Like other Apple products, iMovie features a simple yet elegant design. It also works with other Apple apps, such as iTunes. You’ll be able to drag your music into your movies. It also lets you AirDrop projects and files from other devices, such as your iPhone and iPad.

Although it’s great for novice users, it’s limited to Apple users. It also lacks some of the more professional features that other programs offer. 

VideoPad

iMovie is limited to Macs, but VideoPad is not. You’ll be able to run it on Macs and PCs alike. This makes it more accessible to users who prefer different operating systems.

VideoPad is easy to learn and intuitive. It comes in three versions: a non-commercial free version, a Home Edition for $39, and a Master’s Edition for $69. The Home Edition limits the number of audio tracks you can use and also doesn’t allow plugins. The Master’s Edition doesn’t have these limitations. 

VideoPad lacks some of the flashiness of other software programs, but it’s still a powerful editing software that can do a lot. 

Adobe Premiere Pro 

Adobe is an industry leader in software development. Photoshop, Illustrator, and Acrobat are all high-quality products. Adobe Premiere Pro is no different. 

It features a number of editing options that set it apart from its competitors. The Lumetri Color Tool allows color manipulation on a level comparable to Photoshop. It also comes with tilting options, an easy-to-use interface, and connections with other Adobe apps such as After Effects.

Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the more expensive editing software options, coming in at $19.99 per month. However, if you plan on using the extensive number of features, the cost will be worth it. 

Final Cut Pro 

Another Mac exclusive program, Final Cut Pro offers a level of professionalism that far surpasses that of Apple’s other editing program, iMovie.

If you’re willing to dish out $299, you can make the transition from iMovie to Final Cut Pro. With recent updates, Apple has made this process less painful than ever. The app features touch bar support, as well as a magnetic timeline. The UI will take some getting used to, however. 

If money isn’t an issue and you’re looking for a solid and reliable editor, consider splurging on Final Cut Pro. 

Pinnacle Studio 

Another top-tier editing program, Pinnacle Studio ships for $129.95. Cheaper than Final Cut Pro and Adobe but full of features, it can be a great compromise between price and power.

It comes equipped with 4K support, VR support, motion tracking, multi-cam, and a number of other features. It also has an intuitive and user-friendly interface that won’t take long to get used to. 

Aside from having excellent features, Pinnacle Studio is also one of the fastest editing software programs available. 

Choose the Best Movie Editing Software for You

The right movie editing software can take an amateur home video and turn it into a professional-looking work of art. By following this guide, you’ll be able to assess your needs and find the software right for you. 

Do you have any other recommendations on the best movie editing software? Let us know!

For more tech-related guides and tips, don’t forget to check out some of our other articles.

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