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7 Best Alternatives to OpenShot Video Editor in 2024 [Windows, Mac]
OpenShot Video Editor is one of the most popular open-source video editors. It has been an excellent option for more tech-savvy users over the years.
Unfortunately, no matter how great it is, open-source software typically comes with some issues. These issues range from a lack of documentation and helpful guides for new users, being feature-focused while lacking a solid core foundation, and programmers making the software geared towards their needs instead of the general population. Finally, and most importantly, open-source programs tend to be tricky to set up and use.
With this in mind, we decided to compile a list of the 7 top alternatives to OpenShot Video Editor. So whether you're a beginner needing more accessible software or a professional wanting a more reliable program, you'll find a solution on this list to suit your needs.
- Top 3 Alternatives to OpenShot Video Editor Snapshot
- What is OpenShot Video Editor?
- 7 Best Alternatives to OpenShot Video Editor
- PowerDirector – Best Overall
- Adobe Premiere Elements – Best for Amateurs on Windows
- iMovie – Best for Amateurs on Mac
- Pinnacle Studio – Best for Intermediate Users on Windows
- Movavi Video Editor – Best for Intermediate Users on Mac
- Adobe Premiere Pro – Best for Professionals Using Windows
- Final Cut Pro – Best for Professionals Using Mac
- Best Alternatives to OpenShot Comparison Chart
- How to Edit With an Alternative to OpenShot
- Download the Best Alternative to OpenShot for Free
- OpenShot Video Editor FAQ
Top 3 Alternatives to OpenShot Video Editor Snapshot
1. PowerDirector - Best Overall
PowerDirector is the best choice for creating professional videos quickly. It is a breeze to use thanks to its state-of-the-art technology and AI-powered tools that help reduce the complexity of editing. No software bridges the gap better between beginner-friendly and Hollywood-level quality. Detailed Review >
2. Adobe Premiere Elements – Best for Amateurs on Windows
Adobe Premiere Elements is a scaled-down version of its professional video editing software Premiere Pro. It's intended for home use by novice editors. Detailed Review >
3. iMovie - Best for Amateurs on Mac
iMovie is a timeline-based video editor, which means it provides all the basics required to create home videos from start to finish; such as adding titles and credits, text overlays, transitions (both slow and fast), trimming clips down and exporting the final cut. Detailed Review >
What is OpenShot Video Editor?
OpenShot Video Editor is a free, open-source video editor that allows you to make high-quality video projects from photos, audio, and video files. It supports a wide range of formats and is highly adaptable. It can add subtitles, transitions, and effects. You can export for YouTube, Vimeo, Xbox 360, and DVD. It is accessible in over 70 languages.
7 Best Alternatives to OpenShot Video Editor
1. PowerDirector - Best Overall
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Overall Rating: 10 / 10
Beginner-friendly: 10 / 10
Key Features
- Thousands of video templates
- Royalty-free stock library with millions of videos, photos, and songs
- Massive selection of easy-to-use video effects
PowerDirector is user-friendly video editing software that's simple enough for inexperienced editors without losing the powerful capabilities sought by experts. It is a perfect editing program with all the features and effects you need to craft stunning, viral-worthy videos.
With unique, transformative tools like AI object detection and sky replacement to video intro and collage designers, you can create a professional video in no time.
Plus, PowerDirector is always at the forefront of new formats and technologies. So you'll be a step ahead of everyone else with the most exciting new features with monthly updates.
PowerDirector lets you focus on the story you want to tell while it takes care of everything else!
PowerDirector App
The best full-featured video editor2. Adobe Premiere Elements - Best for Amateurs on Windows
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Overall Rating: 7 / 10
Beginner-friendly: 9 / 10
Key Features
- Adobe Sensei AI technology
- Guided Edits
- Smart Tags and facial recognition
Adobe Premiere Elements is video editing software designed for anyone who wants to cut home movies. It is simple to use and offers helpful tutorials. You can generate amusing creations or mix various clips and photographs into fun little videos.
The editing interface has three mode tabs: Quick, Guided, and Expert. While the Quick and Guided are accurately named, Expert does not necessarily deliver expert-level results. Adobe Premiere Elements trails behind the other software on our list regarding video format support, rendering speed, and available effects - but what it lacks, it makes up for in user-friendliness and accessibility.
3. iMovie - Best for Amateurs on Mac
Image from DesignBuckle.
Compatibility: Mac
Overall Rating: 7 / 10
Beginner-friendly: 8 / 10
Key Features
- Magic Movie
- Storyboards
- Cinematic mode editing
iMovie allows you to change and improve video color settings, crop and rotate a video clip, stabilize shaky videos, add video transitions and change the pace of clips. In addition, it includes video effects such as using chroma key to remove a subject and replace the background with a separate clip, creating a split-screen, and creating a picture-in-picture effect.
With iMovie, you can also adjust and enhance a project’s audio by decreasing background noise and increasing the audio levels of quiet segments. Unfortunately, iMovie has limited advanced features and is not intended for professional-level projects.
4. Pinnacle Studio - Best for Intermediate Users on Windows
Image from TechRadar.
Compatibility: Windows
Overall Rating: 8 / 10
Beginner-friendly: 7 / 10
Key Features
- Stop motion animation
- Video stabilization
- Key-frame controls
While less well-known than other competitors on this list, Pinnacle Studio's Windows-optimized editing software includes visual and audio effects tools for HD and 4K video editing. It's a sleek, fast editing experience suitable for intermediate users and professionals.
With Pinnacle's outstanding lineup of editing tools, you can take on some of the most intense visual challenges. You can also transform your videos' colors or manipulate their speed. However, despite a large volume of capabilities, professional editors agree it lacks some advanced features, making it ideal for intermediate users.
5. Movavi Video Editor - Best for Intermediate Users on Mac
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Overall Rating: 8 / 10
Beginner-friendly: 7 / 10
Key Features
- Chroma-key
- Motion tracking tools
- Picture-in-picture tools
Movavi Video Editor is a video editing software with many special effects that will enhance the look of your videos. Furthermore, its functionality is straightforward, allowing you to edit your video with a little learning curve.
Buttons along the left rail switch between modes for Importing, Filters, Transitions, Titles, Stickers, and other features. Color Adjustments, Crop and Rotate, Pan and Zoom, Stabilization, Slow Motion, and Chroma-Keying are all included in this category.
6. Adobe Premiere Pro - Best for Professionals Using Windows
Image from Adobe Premiere Pro.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Overall Rating: 9 / 10
Beginner-friendly: 5 / 10
Key Features
- Simultaneous projects
- VR editing
- Auto reframe
While Premiere Elements is consumer-friendly and great for at-home projects, Premiere Pro takes a giant leap into the professional video editing world. Unfortunately, it is not a simple transition between the two. If you are new to video editing or currently using Premiere Elements, be aware that Premiere Pro has a very steep learning curve and a costly subscription.
That said, Adobe Premiere Pro is an industry standard and a top choice among professional video editors. It can handle Hollywood features and TV shows without a problem. This is an excellent option if you desire a career as a pro filmmaker.
7. Final Cut Pro - Best for Professionals Using Mac
Image from BolderVideo.
Compatibility: Mac
Overall Rating: 9 / 10
Beginner-friendly: 5 / 10
Key Features
- Color grading and delivery
- Cinematic mode editing
- 8K color grading
Final Cut Pro delivers impressive performance and efficiency on Mac machines with Apple silicon. It speeds up post-production with fantastic new capabilities and a magnetic timeline.
Using highlighted clip ranges in the timeline, you can quickly see any audio or video that appears more than once in your project. Final Cut Pro covers everything from basic editing to complex color correction to help you obtain a competitive advantage in an ever-changing business.
Best Alternatives to OpenSot Comparison Chart
| Software | OS | Beginner-friendly | Intro Designer | AI Tools | Stock Content | Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerDirector | Windows, Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Adobe Premiere Elements | Windows, Mac | Yes | No | Yes | No | Download |
| iMovie | Mac | Yes | No | Yes | No | Download |
| Pinnacle Studio | Windows | No | No | Yes | No | Download |
| Movavi Video Editor | Windows, Mac | No | No | Yes | No | Download |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | Windows, Mac | No | No | Yes | At additional cost | Download |
| Final Cut Pro | Mac | No | No | Yes | No | Download |
PowerDirector
vs
OS
Windows, Mac
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Beginner-friendly
Yes
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Intro Designer
Yes
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AI Tools
Yes
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Stock Content
Yes
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How to Edit With an Alternative to OpenShot
Let's look at how we can edit videos using an alternative to OpenShot Video Editor, PowerDirector.
PowerDirector App
The best full-featured video editor- Open PowerDirector after downloading and installing it on your Windows or Mac computer.
- Upload the video files you want to modify by selecting the Import Media Folder in the top left corner.
- Drag your video clips, audio files, and any image or audio files to the timeline in the sequence you want.
- Trim or split your video clips as needed.
- Add transitions between your clips from the Transition Room.
- Go to the Title Room to add a customizable title to your video.
- Continue to edit until you are happy, then Produce your video.
Download the Best Alternative to OpenShot for Free
PowerDirector comes with a selection of thousands of video templates, advanced AI technology for stunning enhancements, and straightforward design for quick, professional video creation. It is a perfect choice for both novices and advanced video editors.
It also has access to a stock library with millions of videos, photos, and music tracks. In addition, it is updated monthly to ensure you have the most cutting-edge features.
Find out why PCMag picks it as an Editor Choice year after year.
PowerDirector App
The best full-featured video editorOpenShot Video Editor FAQ
1. Is OpenShot the best video editor?
No, PowerDirector is the best video editor for users of all skill levels and on all devices.
2. What is better than OpenShot?
PowerDirector is a better video editor because it is much easier to learn and includes far more advanced features.
3. Is OpenShot Video Editor free?
OpenShot Video Editor is a free, open-source video editing software for Windows, Mac, and Linux, initially released in August 2008.
4. Does OpenShot have a watermark?
No, OpenShot Video Editor does not include a watermark on exported videos. It is a free, open-source video editing software.
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