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15 Best Adobe Video Editor Alternatives | Free, Online & Paid

Last Updated on Mar. 31, 2023 – by David Morgan
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Are you a video editing enthusiast looking for an alternative to Adobe Video Editor? If you are, then you've come to the right place. Adobe Video Editor is a popular choice for professional video editors, much like Adobe Photoshop is for photo editing. However, the software can be quite expensive and may not be the best fit for everyone, especially beginners.

But don't worry, there are plenty of Adobe Video Editor alternatives available that are just as powerful and user-friendly. In fact, we've compiled a list of the 15 best Adobe Video Editor alternatives that are free, online, and paid options. So whether you're on a budget or just starting in the world of video editing, you're sure to find an option that suits your needs.

Keep reading to learn more about these top-tier Adobe video editing software alternatives that can help you create stunning videos without breaking the bank.


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PowerDirector App

The best full-featured video editor

Top 3 Alternatives to Adobe Video Editor

PowerDirector Logo

1. PowerDirector - Best Overall

PowerDirector offers simple tools and powerful effects. Cutting-edge AI features help save you time by taking the tedious work out of some of the more difficult editing and effects techniques. It's great for beginners and professionals as it offers easy one-click solutions while allowing more advanced users to dive deeper for more intricate control over their projects. Detailed Review >

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DaVinci Resolve Logo

2. DaVinci Resolve - Best for Independent Filmmakers

DaVinci Resolve is the first and only industry standard software tool that integrates editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio post-production in one packaged software. The software is designed for producing Hollywood-Level films and TV shows. Detailed Review >

Avid Media Composer Logo

3. Avid Media Composer - Best for Advanced Users

Avid Media Composer is a great alternative to Adobe video editing software for those looking for an even more professional solution to edit feature films and television. It is fully customizable to suit your workflow and comes in varying price points and degrees of difficulty. Detailed Review >

How to Choose an Alternative to Adobe Video Editor

When it comes to choosing software to edit videos, there are a few things you need to consider:

Budget

The most obvious place to start is with your budget. How much can you afford to spend to edit videos? Even if you have all the money in the world, always remember that the most expensive isn’t always the best. You should also decide if you want to invest in something long-term or only need a temporary solution.

Compatibility

What operating system do you use? Adobe video editing software is only available on Windows and Mac. It also requires a powerful computer with plenty of available RAM. When deciding on an alternative to Adobe Video Editor, be sure to check your computer against the software’s system requirements. 

Skill Level 

How much experience do you have with video editing? If you're a beginner, you'll want something simpler to use. If you're more experienced, you might be able to edit videos with a more complex program.

15 Best Adobe Video Editor Alternatives | Free, Online & Paid

1. PowerDirector - Best Overall

PowerDirector 365 Interface

Compatibility: Windows, macOS

PCMag Rating: 5 / 5

Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $4.33/month

Key Features

  • Object Detection: Easily detect and isolate specific objects in your photos with object detection tools.
  • Video Denoise: Improve the quality of your videos with video denoise tools that can automatically remove noise and grain.
  • Millions of Royalty-Free Stock assets: Access millions of royalty-free stock assets, including photos, videos, graphics, and more.
  • Blending Modes: Enhance your photos and designs with blending modes that can blend multiple images or elements together in a variety of ways.

Who It’s For

PowerDirector is the ideal video editing software for people who are serious about their videos and want to do more with their clips without needing a degree in film. Even professionals find that it has everything they need, while beginners can edit videos immediately with no learning curve.

Why We Picked It

Content creators and busy influencers can use PowerDirector’s PiP designer to add animated stickers, shapes, and callouts to their videos. With a dedicated Title Designer, users can quickly create stunning and unique motion titles and credits sequences. You’ll find effects similar to those in Adobe video editing software, such as a mask designer, chroma key, and AI-powered tools like Sky Replacement and Motion Tracking. All of PowerDirector’s advanced tools can be applied in one click, with manual options for more experienced users.

Bottom Line

This Adobe Video Editor alternative is quick and comprehensive, with pro-level features available at consumer-level simplicity. PowerDirector has been renowned for being on the cutting edge of speed and support for new video formats and effects. In fact, it has been PCMag Editors' Choice for years. Even though it comes packed with features, the program’s interface is straightforward and not as daunting as other professional software suites.

Pros
  • Fast to use and edit videos: Quickly edit and enhance your videos with fast, intuitive tools that make video editing a breeze.
  • Clear, concise interface: Enjoy a clear and concise interface that makes it easy to navigate and use the software.
  • Tons of advanced tools and effects: Access a wide range of advanced tools and effects to enhance your videos, including color correction, audio editing, and more.
Cons
  • Requires a large amount of hard drive space: The software may require a large amount of hard drive space to store all of its downloadable content, which may be a concern for those with limited storage capacity.

Try PowerDirector for free today by clicking the link below.

Free Download
Secure Download
Download from the App Store for iOS and Android.

PowerDirector App

The best full-featured video editor

2. DaVinci Resolve - Best for Independent Filmmakers

DaVinci Resolve Interface

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux

TechRadar Rating: 4.5 / 5

Price: Free
*Premium version available for $295

Key Features

  • Color Grading: Adjust the color and tone of your videos with color grading tools that can create a desired look and feel.
  • AI-Based Magic Mask: Use AI-based magic mask tools to isolate specific elements in your videos, making it easy to edit specific parts of the image.
  • Multicam Editing: Edit multiple camera angles at once with multicam editing tools, making it easy to switch between different shots and create a polished final product.

Who It's For

DaVinci Resolve is a powerful alternative to Adobe video editing software used by professionals in the film industry. Some movies that have used it for post-production are Avatar, Dune, and Snakes on a Plane. We love DaVinci Resolve for independent filmmakers because it has a robust free version filled with pro-level tools.

Why We Picked It

This video editing software is divided into Pages, which are dedicated workspaces for each post-production stage from cutting to delivery. It includes a powerful Audio engine with support for 2,000 tracks, precise color grading tools, and high-quality visual effects.

Bottom Line

DaVinci Resolve is a handy video production toolkit that comes with all the features that professionals need for every aspect of post-production. However, this alternative to Adobe video editing software is not for the faint of heart and should only be used to edit videos by experts.

Pros
  • Many precise tools: Access a wide range of precise tools to enhance your videos, including color correction, audio editing, and more.
  • Excellent user interface: Enjoy an excellent user interface that is intuitive and easy to navigate, making it a joy to use.
Cons
  • Requires lots of computational power: The software may require a lot of computational power to run effectively, which may be a concern for those with older or less powerful computers.
  • Very complex for new editors: The software may be very complex for new editors, making it challenging to learn and use effectively.

3. Avid Media Composer - Best for Advanced Users

Avid Media Composer Interface

Image from TechRadar.

Compatibility: Windows, macOS

G2 Rating: 4.1 / 5

Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions start at $23.99/month

Key Features

  • Multicam Editing with 64 angles: Edit up to 64 camera angles at once with multicam editing tools, making it easy to switch between different shots and create a polished final product.
  • Motion Effects: Add motion effects to your videos to create dynamic and engaging content.
  • Advanced Color Correction: Correct and adjust color with advanced color correction tools, including tone mapping, color grading, and more.

Who It's For

Avid Media Composer is for you if you want to work in a more professional environment than Adobe Video Editor. It has a similar interface and price, but unlike Adobe, it is fully customizable. Avid Media Composer also has a completely free version you can use as long as you’d like, but even the free version has a steep learning curve and is best left to the pros.

Why We Picked It

We found this video editing software is packed with tools to make cutting large projects easier. For instance, the Timecode tool allows users to overlay timecode on a video clip, and FrameFlex enables users to change the aspect ratio of a video without re-rendering or cropping the image.

Bottom Line

Avid Media Composer is the industry standard used to edit videos. However, this professional software also has a professional price and learning curve. While Avid and DaVinci are good Adobe Video Editor alternatives for professionals, we recommend PowerDirector for editing enthusiasts and content creators who didn’t attend film school. While it has similar features to the other products, it is much easier to use and learn.

Pros
  • Customizable: Enjoy a high degree of customization, allowing you to tailor the software to your specific needs.
  • Optimized for editing Hollywood films and television: The software may be optimized for editing Hollywood films and television, making it an excellent choice for professional video editors.
Cons
  • Complicated to use: The software may be complicated to use, making it challenging for new or less experienced editors.

4. Final Cut Pro - Best for Apple Users

Final Cut Pro Interface

Image from BolderVideo.

Compatibility: macOS

TechRadar Rating: 4 / 5

Price: $299

Key Features

  • Supports 360-degree footage: Edit and enhance 360-degree footage with tools designed specifically for this type of content.
  • Object Tracker: Track specific objects in your videos with object tracker tools, making it easy to follow moving elements in your footage.
  • Motion Graphics: Add motion graphics to your videos to create engaging and dynamic content.

Who It's For

Final Cut Pro is an excellent alternative to Adobe video editing software for professionals seeking a one-time purchase versus a subscription. Apple loyalists will enjoy Final Cut Pro’s many advantages, such as support for videos shot in Cinematic mode on an iPhone, optimization for Apple Silicon, and unrivaled performance on MacBook Pro and Mac Studio.

Why We Picked It

The latest version of Final Cut Pro has a sleek, modern interface without tracks in the timeline.

This Magnetic timeline allows you to edit clips without destroying the original footage. It also utilizes Compound Clips, which allow users to bundle video and audio clips into a movable package. This makes it easy to rearrange your project without having to move each clip individually.

Bottom Line

In our test, we found Final Cut Pro has a relatively simple and more flexible interface than Adobe Video Editor. However, it is very different from Adobe video editing software and other traditional video editors, so if you have previous editing experience, it will take some time to get used to. If you don’t have previous editing experience, it will also take time to get comfortable with the software, as it has a steep learning curve.

Pros
  • Magnetic timeline: Enjoy a magnetic timeline that makes it easy to organize and edit your videos.
  • Very stable software: The software is known for its stability, making it a reliable choice for video editors.
Cons
  • Not traditional: The software may not be traditional, making it challenging for those used to more traditional video editing software.
  • Has a big learning curve: The software may have a steep learning curve, making it challenging for new or less experienced editors to learn and use it effectively.

5. Blender - Best Free Option for Advanced Users

Blender Interface

Image from Blender Artists.

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux

PCMag Rating: 4 / 5

Price: Free

Key Features

  • Live preview: Preview your audio edits in real-time, making it easy to see the changes you are making.
  • Waveform visualization: Visualize your audio tracks with waveform visualization tools, making it easy to see the shape and structure of your audio.
  • Realistic simulations: Achieve realistic simulations of real-world sound sources with tools that model the behavior of sound in different environments.

Who It's For

Blender is a free and open-source video editing software with many features you would expect to find in an advanced paid program. Blender excels in the area of 3D animation and is the perfect Adobe Video Editor alternative for animators or VFX artists on a budget.

Why We Picked It

Video editors interested in animation will love Blender’s animation toolset, which includes modeling and sculpting tools, a character animation pose editor, and motion paths that can be applied to character bone joints. This alternative to Adobe video editing software is also a full video editor, with adjustment layers, speed controls, and audio mixing tools among others.

Bottom Line

Blender is loaded with tons of capabilities, from video editing to 3D animation. It is the equivalent of combining Adobe After Effects and Adobe Video Editor, but instead of paying over $50 a month for Adobe products, Blender is entirely free. While we highly recommend Blender for animators, if you are simply looking to edit videos, this is not the tool for you. Blender is highly complicated and filled with tools unnecessary for most video projects.

Pros
  • Packed with advanced features for 3D animation: The software is packed with advanced features for 3D animation, making it an excellent choice for professional animators.
  • Entirely free: The software is entirely free, making it a cost-effective choice for those looking to create 3D animations.
Cons
  • Complicated to learn: The software may be complicated to learn, making it challenging for new or less experienced animators.

6. Corel VideoStudio - Best for Editing Enthusiasts

Corel VideoStudio Interface

Compatibility: Windows

PCMag Rating: 4 / 5

Price: $79.99 for Pro and $99.99 for Ultimate

Key Features

  • Split-Screen templates: Use split-screen templates to create visually engaging videos, combining multiple elements on the same screen.
  • Color Grading: Adjust the color and tone of your videos with color grading tools that can create a desired look and feel.
  • Motion Tracking: Track specific elements in your videos with motion tracking tools, making it easy to follow moving elements in your footage.

Who It’s For

Corel VideoStudio is an Adobe Video Editor alternative for nonprofessionals such as students, teachers, influencers, and YouTubers. Really anyone looking to create content for the fun of it will enjoy VideoStudio’s many features. 

Why We Picked It

Make unique and exciting home videos with 3D and 360-degree capability, stop-motion animation, animated AR stickers, and interesting face effects. Content creators will enjoy the handy speech-to-text tool, GIF creator, and project templates that allow you to edit videos quickly.

Bottom Line

Intuitive and feature-packed, Corel VideoStudio is a good video editing program for consumers. We placed it above the other enthusiast-level software, iMovie, because VideoStudio has more features. However, both remain below PowerDirector, which has the best balance of advanced features and ease of use.

Pros
  • Quick rendering: Enjoy quick rendering times, allowing you to create and export your videos faster.
  • Filled with unique features: The software is filled with unique features that can help you create visually engaging and dynamic videos.
Cons
  • Limited audio editing: The software may have limited audio editing capabilities, making it challenging for those who need to create and edit audio tracks.
  • Can be gimmicky: The software may be considered gimmicky by some, making it less suitable for professional video editors.

7. iMovie - Best for iPhone Videographers

iMovie Interface

Image from DesignBuckle.

Compatibility: macOS

Tom’s Guide Rating: 4 / 5

Price: Free

Key Features

  • Green screen effect: Use green screen tools to replace the background of your videos, making it easy to create professional-looking videos.
  • Speed adjustment tools: Adjust the speed of your videos with speed adjustment tools, allowing you to create fast-paced or slow-motion effects.
  • Picture-in-Picture: Create picture-in-picture effects, allowing you to combine multiple elements on the same screen.

Who It's For

iMovie is the perfect video editing software for nonprofessionals who want to create a home-style video, such as a child's sports game or a family vacation. Like Final Cut Pro, it is fully optimized for iPhone footage. With this free Adobe video editor alternative, you can adjust the strength of Cinematic Mode, and even shift focus between subjects. You can easily share videos with all of your Apple devices and edit footage on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Why We Picked It

Beginners who don't have much experience editing videos can jump right in with the Storyboards feature. This is a feature that allows you to create a rough draft of your video by piecing together clips in a sequence. Then there’s the Magic Movie tool, which identifies the best parts of your footage and automatically edits a cut with a few clicks.

Bottom Line

iMovie helps people create beautiful digital movies quickly and easily. This is definitely a top alternative to Adobe video editing software for any Mac users who have never tried editing a video. However, in our test, we found our top choice PowerDirector to be more intuitive. And while iMovie won’t grow with you as your editing skills progress, PowerDirector has advanced features to help you bridge the gap between novice and pro.

Pros
  • Simple and effective: The software is simple and effective, making it easy to use for those with little video editing experience.
  • Improved speed with Apple Silicon integration: The software benefits from the improved speed with Apple Silicon integration, making it faster to use.
Cons
  • Limited features: The software may have limited features, making it less suitable for those who need more advanced video editing tools.
  • Irregular updates: The software may have irregular updates, making it difficult to rely on for long-term use.

8. Shotcut - Best Free Option for Intermediate Users

Shotcut Interface

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux

TechRadar Rating: 4 / 5

Price: Free

Key Features

  • Keyframing: Use keyframing to create precise and detailed animations, adjusting elements over time to create a desired movement or effect.
  • Audio Mixing: Mix and edit your audio tracks with audio mixing tools, allowing you to create professional-sounding audio for your videos.
  • Blending Modes: Use blending modes to combine multiple elements on the same screen, creating unique and visually engaging effects.

Who It’s For

There are 3 open-source Adobe Video Editor alternatives on our list, and Shotcut falls in the middle. It has fewer advanced features than Blender, but more than OpenShot. It is also easier to use than the former, but not as beginner-friendly as the latter, making it our best choice for intermediate users.

Why We Picked It

With Shotcut, you have access to advanced editing features completely free of charge, including 360-degree video filters, color correction and grading tools, and over 40,000 templates. It also offers excellent format support and a wide variety of device and transport options.

Bottom Line

Shotcut is a free, mid-range video editor that is updated regularly to fix bugs and add the newest trends and technology. It is full of features but is missing a few key tools, such as direct uploads to social media and the ability to preview effects. It also has a slight learning curve, so brand-new editors looking for an open-source option should try OpenShot.

Pros
  • Customizable: The software is customizable, allowing you to adjust and personalize your editing experience.
  • Support for batch editing: The software supports batch editing, allowing you to make changes to multiple elements at once.
Cons
  • No preview for effects and transitions: The software may not have previews for effects and transitions, making it difficult to see the final result before exporting.
  • Lags: The software may experience lags, making it slow and frustrating to use.

9. HitFilm - Best for VFX Hobbyists

HitFilm Pro Interface

Compatibility: Windows, macOS

TechRadar Rating: 4 / 5

Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions are available for $7.99/month for Creator and $12.99/month for Pro

Key Features

  • Audio effects: Use audio effects to enhance the audio in your videos, creating professional-sounding audio tracks.
  • Light leaks and lens flares: Add light leaks and lens flares to your videos, creating a desired look and feel.
  • Social media presets: Use social media presets to quickly create videos that are optimized for popular social media platforms.

Who It’s For

We recommend HitFilm for YouTubers and amateur filmmakers interested in VFX. This Adobe Video Editor alternative has over 180 editing effects which include keying, motion tracking, and 3D compositing. It also offers plug-in support to further expand its VFX capabilities.

Why We Picked It

VFX artists can edit videos from start to finish with HitFilm’s standard editing features like trim, crop, split, and flip, as well as drag-and-drop transitions, stock music, and text tools.

Bottom Line

HitFilm list of features may sound daunting, but there are plenty of easy-to-find tutorials right on the UI, making it a good choice for beginners to learn to edit videos with VFX. It is also much easier to use than other VFX-heavy software on our list. However, if you are a professional or advanced video editor looking for an Adobe Video Editor or After Effects alternative, you should try Blender or DaVinci Resolve.

Pros
  • An impressive list of tools: The software has an impressive list of tools, making it suitable for various video editing tasks.
  • Improved, fully-customizable user interface: The software has an improved, fully-customizable user interface, making it easy to use and personalize.
Cons
  • High system requirements: The software may have high system requirements, making it difficult to use on older or lower-end computers.
  • Not for professionals: The software may not be suitable for professional video editors, as it may lack the advanced features needed for professional-level work.

10. Lightworks - Best Format Support

Lightworks Interface

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux

G2 Rating: 3.5 / 5

Price: 3.5
*Premium subscriptions available for $9.99/month for Lightworks Create and $24.99/month for Lightworks Pro

Key Features

  • Multicam editing: Use multicam editing tools to edit and switch between multiple camera angles, creating a seamless and professional-looking video.
  • Cloud storage: Store your projects and media in the cloud, allowing you to access your work from anywhere.
  • Motion graphics: Use motion graphics tools to create animated elements and effects, bringing your videos to life.

Who It’s For

Lightworks is an alternative to Adobe Video Editor for users who need to incorporate different types of media into their videos. It will accept almost any type of media imaginable and allows you to sign in directly to a host of services to retrieve your files (including Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, and more). Lightworks covers a range of users with versions at different price points and skill levels.

Why We Picked It

Lightworks can be used to edit videos for social media or the big screen. It has simple social media export options and advanced metadata tools. It’s also a good choice for broadcast editors. A feature we found unique to Lightworks was Automated Quality Control, which automatically ensures your videos meet all major delivery requirements in every country.

Bottom Line

While we were impressed with the tools available in Lightworks’ free version, we were disappointed that it caps exports at 720p. All versions have a learning curve, and it rises with the price point.

Pros
  • Community forum built-in: The software has a built-in community forum, allowing you to connect with other users and find support and advice.
  • Automatic QC: The software includes automatic quality control, ensuring that your videos meet the highest standards.
Cons
  • Free version only exports to 720p: The free version of the software may only export to 720p, making it less suitable for those who need to export at higher resolutions.
  • Learning curve: The software may have a steep learning curve, making it difficult for new users to get started and use the software effectively.

11. Adobe Premiere Elements - Best for Organizing Media

Adobe Premiere Elements Interface

Compatibility: Windows, macOS

PCMag Rating: 3.5 / 5

Price: $99.99

Key Features

  • Auto-Reframe: Use the auto-reframe feature to automatically adjust your video to different aspect ratios, ensuring that your content looks great on any screen.
  • Stop-Motion Animator: Use the stop-motion animator to create stop-motion animations, bringing your photos to life.
  • Guided Edits: Use guided edits to learn how to use the software, even if you have no prior experience. The software will guide you through the process step-by-step.

Who It’s For

Adobe Premiere Elements is a great tool for busy influencers who need a quick and easy way to create and organize content. The software will automatically tag your photos and videos so you can find them easily, or you can create your own folders and tags. Premiere Elements has embraced AI and automation so you can edit videos with as few clicks as possible.

Why We Picked It

Even though this is not professional software like Adobe Video Editor, Premiere Elements has all the tools most people need to create high-quality content. A recent update saw the addition of fun artistic effects, new slideshow templates in modern designs, and 100 more audio tracks added to the stock library.

Bottom Line

This is also a good choice for anyone loyal or familiar with Adobe video editing who is looking for a cheaper and easier alternative. However, if you have a Creative Cloud subscription, you will have to pay extra for Adobe Premiere Elements, as it is not included. What you gain in user-friendliness, you lose in features - you won’t find Multicam, 360-degree, or 3D editing in this video editing software.

Pros
  • Simple to use: The software has a simple, user-friendly interface, making it easy to use, even for those without experience.
  • Lots of AI-Powered tools: The software has many AI-powered tools, making it suitable for various video editing tasks.
Cons
  • Limited features: The software may have limited features, making it less suitable for those who need more advanced tools.
  • Slow rendering: The software may have slow rendering times, making it less suitable for those who need to work quickly.

12. InVideo - Best for Templates

InVideo Interface

Image from hindustantimes.

Compatibility: Web browser

Digital Camera World Rating: 3.5/5

Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $15/month for Business and $30/month for Unlimited

Key Features

  • 40+ fluid animations: Choose from over 40 fluid animations to add visual interest to your presentations and videos.
  • Record voice-over: Record a voiceover directly in the software, making it easy to narrate your presentations and videos.
  • Team collaboration tools: Use team collaboration tools to work together with others, even if you're in different locations. The software makes it easy to share your work and get feedback from others.

Who It’s For

InVideo is an online video editor for those who don’t want to install software on their computer. This Adobe Video Editor alternative has over 5,000 professionally-designed templates in easily searchable categories. These fully-customizable templates make InVideo ideal for beginners or those with fast-approaching deadlines to edit videos.

Why We Picked It

InVideo comes with a unique text-to-video editor where you can convert a blog, article, or script into a video. There are over 50 themes to choose from that will animate your text and add eye-catching colors. If you prefer more creative control, you can work from scratch to create your video, and even incorporate your brand kit.

Bottom Line

This is a quick and easy option for people who edit on the go since it is entirely online and accessible anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection. The biggest hurdle we found when trying to edit videos with this software was the export quality. The free version only exports videos at 720p, while the paid versions only go up to 1080p.

Pros
  • Nothing to download: The software is web-based, so there's nothing to download, making it easy to get started right away.
  • Large number of templates and stock assets: The software has many templates and stock assets, making it easy to create professional-looking presentations and videos.
Cons
  • Requires a strong internet connection: As the software is web-based, it requires a strong internet connection to use it effectively.
  • Lower quality output than most video editing software: The software may have a lower quality output than most video editing software, making it less suitable for those who need high-quality videos.

13. VEGAS Pro - Best Paid Option for Intermediate Users

Vegas Pro Interface

Compatibility: Windows

TechRadar Rating: 3 / 5

Price: $12.99/month for Vegas Edit, $19.99/month for Vegas Pro, and $29.99/month for Vegas Post

Key Features

  • Text-to-Speech tool: Use the text-to-speech tool to convert text into speech, making it easy to add audio to your presentations and videos.
  • Color LUTs: Use color LUTs to color grade your videos, giving them a professional look and feel.
  • Royalty-Free stock content: Choose from a large selection of royalty-free stock content, including audio, images, and video, to enhance your presentations and videos.

Who It's For

VEGAS Pro falls right in the middle of other Adobe Video Editor alternatives on our list as far as ease of use, price, and feature set, making it a great choice for intermediate editors. It offers team collaboration tools and pro-level color grading but is easier to use than DaVinci Resolve or Avid Media Composer.

Why We Picked It

This alternative to Adobe video editing software also has advanced audio editing tools you can use to record podcasts and voice-overs, create sound effects, mix audio, and remove background noise. We enjoyed using the AI tools, which allowed us to apply effects like style transfers, colorization of black-and-white footage, and content upscaling with one click.

Bottom Line

Vegas Pro goes beyond the basics while remaining a viable option for editing enthusiasts. However, the interface is not very intuitive, and tutorials for the software are hard to find, so beginners will struggle. We recommend PowerDirector as a better alternative. It also comes with AI tools and advanced color and audio features, but it remains easy enough for first-time users. It also offers all of its tools for about a third of the price of VEGAS’s lowest-tier software. 

Pros
  • Advanced color and audio tools: The software has advanced color and audio tools, making it suitable for those who need more control over the look and sound of their videos.
  • AI-Powered features: The software has many AI-powered features, making it easier to use and more efficient.
Cons
  • Confusing interface: The software may have a confusing interface, making it difficult to use, especially for those without experience.
  • Some tools are hard to use: Some of the tools in the software may be hard to use, making it less suitable for those who need a simple solution.

14. Openshot - Best for Beginners

Openshot Interface

Compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux

Creative Bloq Rating: 3 / 5

Price: Free

Key Features

  • Support for over 70 languages: The software supports over 70 languages, making it accessible to a large and diverse audience.
  • Audio waveforms: Use audio waveforms to visualize audio data and edit audio tracks.
  • 40+ vector title templates: Choose from over 40 vector title templates to add eye-catching titles to your videos.

Who It’s For

OpenShot is another free, open-source video editing software with a simple layout and refreshingly spartan UI, which makes it unintimidating for beginners. However, with so many hidden tools, most people who use OpenShot won’t discover all it has to offer. Beginners will also love the easy drag-and-drop effects and transitions, and appreciate the easy-to-use advanced features like time effects and 3D animation.

Why We Picked It

Though most users won’t go above the 5-track default, OpenShot allows you to add an unlimited number of tracks for audio, photos, overlays, and more. It comes with a background remover, color inverter, title editor, and everything a beginner would need to create high-quality videos.

Bottom Line

OpenShot is beginner-friendly with some advanced features, and it is lightweight on computer resources. It is an excellent way to edit videos for anyone just starting or wanting to learn more about the editing process. However, it is below other beginner-friendly options like PowerDirector and iMovie because it is not very stable, and many effects are hit-or-miss.

Pros
  • Lightweight: The software is lightweight and easy to use, making it suitable for those who need a simple solution.
  • Unlimited layers: The software supports unlimited layers, giving users the flexibility to create complex projects.
Cons
  • Freezes/lags with longer videos: The software may freeze or lag when working with longer videos, making it less suitable for those who need to edit large projects.
  • Rendering times can be slow: The rendering times for the software can be slow, making it less efficient for those who need to complete projects quickly.

15. Nero Video - Best Playback

Nero Video Interface

Image from Nero Video.

Compatibility: Windows

PCMag Rating: 3 / 5

Price: $59.95

Key Features

  • Multitrack timeline: The software has a multitrack timeline, allowing users to edit multiple audio and video tracks simultaneously.
  • AI upscaling: The software has AI upscaling, making it possible to improve the resolution of videos and photos.
  • Green screen effect: The software has a green screen effect, making it easy to replace the background of videos and photos.

Who It’s For

Nero Video is a much cheaper and easier alternative to Adobe Video Editor for beginners on a budget. We found you can playback your footage on any screen at full-size. Nero comes with an Extended Screen option that automatically eliminates the black bars found in widescreen. You can also import vertical videos taken on your smartphone and edit them with perfectly staged vertical templates.

Why We Picked It

With this video editing software, you can edit videos in Express Mode (Storyboard view) or Advanced Mode (traditional timeline), depending on your skill level. Beginners will also appreciate the 1,000+ video templates and automatic movie options, while more advanced users will like the range of video effects. Effects include tilt shift, slow motion, keyframe animations, and more.

Bottom Line

Nero Video offers lots of tools at a fraction of the price of some of the other Adobe Video Editor alternatives on our list. But as usual, you get what you pay for. Nero lacks advanced tools, has an outdated interface, and has slow performance. If you are looking for an inexpensive and easy-to-use alternative to Adobe video editing software, we recommend PowerDirector.

Pros
  • Inexpensive: The software is inexpensive, making it a cost-effective option for those who need a video editing tool.
  • Support for HD, 4K, and 8K video: Supports HD, 4K, and 8K video, making it suitable for those who need to edit high-resolution videos.
Cons
  • Slow rendering: Has slow rendering times, making it less efficient for those who need to complete projects quickly.
  • Outdated UI: The software has an outdated user interface, making it less intuitive for those who are used to modern software.

Best Alternative to Adobe Video Editor Comparison Chart

Software OS Beginner-friendly Comparison to Adobe Video Editor Regular Updates User Interface Free Download
PowerDirector Windows, Mac Yes Great for beginners to pros Yes, Monthly Intuitive, streamlined
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DaVinci Resolve Windows, Mac, Linux No Video production toolkit Yes Excellent user interface for pros Download
Avid Media Composer Windows, Mac No More professional, but more complicated Yes Customizable, but steep learning curve Download
Final Cut Pro Mac No Magnetic timeline No Sleek Download
Blender Windows, Mac, Linux No A free option for VFX and animation Yes Difficult interface to learn Download
Corel VideoStudio Windows Yes Great for TikTok and YouTube content No Straightforward Download
iMovie Mac Yes Simple and practical No Storyboards Download
Shotcut Windows, Mac, Linux Yes Good for Linux users Yes Spartan, takes some time to find things Download
HitFilm Windows, Mac No Better for audio effects and 3D compositing No Clunky Download
Lightworks Windows, Mac, Linux No Built-In community forum No Clean, but there’s a learning curve Download
Adobe Premiere Elements Windows, Mac Yes Adobe’s consumer version Yes Very basic Download
InVideo Web browser Yes Online alternative Yes All through a webpage Download
VEGAS Pro Windows No Text to speech No Not intuitive Download
Openshot Windows, Mac, Linux Yes Better choice for amateurs Yes Simple Download
Nero Video Windows Yes Cheaper and easier No Outdated Download

PowerDirector vs

OS

Windows, Mac

-

Beginner-friendly

Yes

-

Comparison to Adobe Video Editor

Great for beginners to pros

-

Regular Updates

Yes, Monthly

-

User Interface

Intuitive, streamlined

-

How to Edit Videos With an Alternative to Adobe Video Editor

Here is a quick tutorial on how to edit videos using PowerDirector. Click the link below to download our #1 video editing software and follow along.

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Download from the App Store for iOS and Android.

PowerDirector App

The best full-featured video editor

  1. Open up the software and upload the video(s) you wish to edit by clicking the Import Media Files icon in the top left of your screen.
  2. PowerDirector - Import Media
  3. Once your video files are in the Media Library, drag and drop them onto the Video Timeline.
  4. Trim clips by moving the Video Timeline Slider to the place where you want to trim your video. Click the Scissors icon above the timeline to Trim. If you want to split your clip, click the Cutter icon. 
  5. PowerDirector - trim your video
  6. Click on the Transition Room icon which looks like a lightning bolt and can be found in the left-hand vertical menu. Here you can preview transitions, then drag your favorite between two clips.  
  7. PowerDirector - Transition Room
  8. Enter the Title Room (letter T icon) and drag your preferred title template to the title track. You can customize your text using the Text Designer.
  9. PowerDirector - Text Designer
  10. Select Media Content, then Background Music to add a background track to your video. Download your favorite, then drag it to the audio track on your timeline.
  11. PowerDirector - Media Content
  12. Click the Produce tab from the top left of your screen to export your video. Once you’ve selected your output format and location, hit Start to produce and save your video. 
  13. PowerDirector - Produce Media

For more information on how to edit videos with PowerDirector, visit the Learning Center.

Download the Best Alternative to Adobe Video Editor for Free

PowerDirector is the best alternative to Adobe Video Editor. Like Adobe, PowerDirector offers a wide range of advanced tools and features that home video creators, social media influencers, YouTubers, and independent filmmakers can use to edit videos from start to finish. However, PowerDirector is much easier to use and costs much less. 

Of all the alternatives to Adobe Video Editor on this list, PowerDirector is #1, with the best combination of value, features, and user-friendliness. 

It is free to download, so you can check it out for yourself by clicking the link below. See why PCMag named PowerDirector “The best enthusiast-level video editor money can buy.

Free Download
Secure Download
Download from the App Store for iOS and Android.

PowerDirector App

The best full-featured video editor

Alternatives to Adobe Video Editor FAQ

1. What is Adobe Video Editor?

Adobe Video Editor is a video editing software part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of tools. Professionals use it to edit video footage for TV, films, and web videos.

2. What is Adobe Video Editor mainly used for?

Adobe Video Editor is mainly used to edit videos for TV, films, and YouTube.

3. Is Adobe Video Editor good for beginners?

Adobe Video Editor is mainly aimed at professionals with a lot of video editing experience. The software is not suitable for most beginners. If you are looking for a beginner-friendly alternative, try PowerDirector.

4. Can you buy Adobe Video Editor permanently?

Adobe Video Editor is only available on a monthly subscription basis. You can get it on its own, or as part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite of tools. It is not possible to buy it permanently.

5. Which is easier Adobe Video Editor or Final Cut Pro?

Final Cut Pro is a more beginner-friendly video editing software than Adobe Video Editor. It has a simpler interface and is easier to use overall. However, PowerDirector would be a better choice than both for first-time editors.

6. How much is Adobe Video Editor?

Adobe Video Editor is available on a subscription basis. The monthly subscription for the Adobe video editing software on its own costs $20.99. To get it as part of the Adobe Creative Cloud suite (which includes PhotoShop and AfterEffects) costs $54.99 per month.

7. Is Adobe Video Editor Free?

Adobe Video Editor is not free. It offers a 7-day free trial, but after the trial you must purchase a monthly subscription.

8. How to cancel Adobe Video Editor?

You can cancel by logging into your account and going to the 'Plans' section. From there, you can select the 'Cancel Plan' option.

9. How to uninstall Adobe Video Editor?

Open the Creative Cloud, go to the 'Apps' section, and find Adobe Video Editor. Select 'Uninstall' from the drop-down menu.

10. Is Adobe Video Editor worth it?

That depends on a number of factors such as skill level, profession, and budget. If you are a professional video editor and make a good living editing videos for clients, then a professional software such as Adobe Video Editor is a good investment. 

However, for hobbyists or casual editors, the monthly fee and time it would take to learn the software would make it a poor choice. For these users, we recommend an enthusiast-level software such as PowerDirector.

11. What is the best video editor for beginners?

PowerDirector is the best video editing software for beginners. It has a clean, easy-to-navigate user interface, Guided Edits, and a Storyboard Mode beginners can use while they get used to a traditional editing timeline. Even though all of PowerDirector’s tools are easy to find and use, it offers tons of tutorials and blogs with step-by-step instructions on using every feature. 

Best of all, PowerDirector has a wide range of AI-Powered tools, so beginners can apply advanced effects with one-click.

12. What do YouTubers use to edit their videos?

There are many video editing software alternatives to Premiere Pro that you can use, depending on your needs and budget. One of the best alternatives to Premiere Pro is PowerDirector, which is a popular video editing software that offers many advanced features, including multi-cam editing, 360-degree video editing, and support for 4K video resolution. PowerDirector is also more affordable than Premiere Pro and offers a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to use for beginners.

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