PowerDirector

16 Best Free Video Editing Software for Windows PC in 2024

Last Updated on Mar. 22, 2024 – by David Morgan
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Best Free Video Editing Software for PC

In today's digital landscape, videos reign supreme. Whether you edit videos for YouTube or Vimeo or craft snappy clips for TikTok or Instagram Reels, everyone is dabbling in content creation.

Perhaps you're eager to jump into video editing but feel overwhelmed by the vast array of Windows video editors available. The last thing you want to do is invest time in the wrong software.

Not to worry - we've done the legwork for you and have compiled a list of the best free video editing software for Windows currently on the market.


Snapshot of Our Top 3 Free Video Editing Software for Windows PC

PowerDirector Logo

1. PowerDirector Essential - Best Overall

Designed for beginners and professionals alike, PowerDirector is the best free video editing software for Windows available. This video editor for PC and Mac is easy to learn and will enable you to edit videos in no time with drag-and-drop effects and AI-assist tools. Detailed Review >

Blender Logo

2. Promeo - Best For Templated Video Ads for Social Media

Promeo is one of the best free video editing software for Windows if you need to edit videos for social media. Create an ad to grow your brand in seconds using this Windows video editor’s template-based, 3-step process. Detailed Review >

DaVinci Resolve Logo

3. DaVinci Resolve - Best for Experts

DaVinci Resolve is the best free video editing software for Windows for professional video editors. This video editor for PCideo editors. This video editor for PC is a one-stop shop for all your post-production needs. Detailed Review >

How to Choose a Free Video Editing Software for Windows PC

Don’t waste time learning to edit videos on a Windows video editor for PC that isn’t the right fit for you or your projects. Below are several factors to consider before choosing a free video editing software for Windows.

Your Experience Level

The free video editing software for Windows on our list covers everyone from first-time editors to experienced professionals. If you are a beginner, make sure you edit videos with a beginner-friendly Windows video editor with plenty of templates and guided edits. If you are a more advanced user, choose a video editor for PC with professional tools and manual controls controls for more precision.

System Requirements

You’ll need free video editing software for Windows that works with your PC, but also make sure it has enough RAM and CPU so you can edit videos without any lag.

Format Support and Video Resolution

Does your free video editing software for Windows support the format your camera shoots? Will it work with your webcam, external mic, or video capture card? Check the maximum resolution your video editor for PC will support, and make sure that includes the free version. If you spent good money on a 4K camera, you won’t want to upload a video downgraded to 780p.

Tools and Features

Free video editing software for Windows come with vastly different feature sets for different kinds of video projects - from social media posts to feature films. Write a list of the features most important for your needs and make sure your Windows video editor has what you require.

pdr download

How We Test the Free Video Editing Software for Windows PC on This List

Why should you trust our opinion to find the best free video editing software for Windows? Below we explain how we test and rank the Windows video editors on this list.

Product Testing

First, we test the Windows video editors ourselves. We edit videos with the same essential editing tools on all software so we can compare apples with apples. We compare ease of use, format support, number of features, accuracy of tools and effects, and more.

Compare Versions

If the free video editing software for Windows has paid versions, we compare them to see what is included at each price point and decide which Windows video editors give you the most bang for your buck.

Publisher Reviews

We read reviews written by the best critics in the business to make sure our findings reveal an accurate picture of each video editor for PC. To remove bias, we take the most common rating out of 5 from the publisher reviews to help rank our products.

User Reviews

We scan user reviews to find out what consumers are saying about the free video editing software for Windows and make a note of the most common pros and cons.


Free Video Editing Software for Windows PC Comparison Chart

Software/App Best For Notable Feature Price Download Link
PowerDirector User-friendly video editing at any skill level AI-powered tools and drag-and-drop effects for beginners; precise adjustments and advanced features for pros Free; Premium $4.58/month
Free Download
Secure Download
Promeo Templated video ads for social media TThousands of customizable templates for social media and transparent or custom backgrounds for product displays Free;Premium $2.50/month
Free Download
Secure Download
DaVinci Resolve Experts who need a one-stop shop for post-production Professional color-correction, a full digital audio workstation, and a node-based VFX editor Free;Premium $295 Download
Blender 3D modeling and rendering Ultra-realistic particles, textures, and simulations Free Download
VideoProc Vlogger Action cam footage Motion presets to simulate movement, like pan, zoom, dolly, and more Free Download
Kapwing Adding captions to videos AI-generated videos from text Free;Pro$16/month Business$50/month Download
Lightworks Advanced editing at any skill level Automatic QC for broadcasters Free;Create$9.99/month Pro $24.99/month Download
Animoto Small businesses with a tight turnaround Hundreds of drag-and-drop video templates Free;Basic$15/monthProfessional $24/month Professional Plus $65/month Download
OpenShot Learning video editing Drag-and-drop or advanced editing timelines for a wide range of users Free Download
Shotcut Users ready to move up from beginner software Frame accurate seeking and native editing for a wide range of formats Free Download
VideoPad Easy edits 3D and 360-degree VR editing features Free;Master’s Edition$7.72/month Download
HitFilm Editing gaming videos Aesthetically-pleasing 3D light leaks, glows, and lens flares Free;Creator $7.99/month Pro $12.99/month Download
Avidemux Quick cuts Video and audio converter Free Download
VSDC Free Video Editor Outdated PCs Advanced color correction with sub-pixel accuracy Free; VSDC Pro $19.99/year Download
WeVideo Screen recording Screen recording from your browser with direct uploads to YouTube Free;Power$4.99/monthUnlimited $7.99/month Professional $19.99/month Business $36.99/month Download
Avid Media Composer First Screen recording Screen recording from your browser with direct uploads to YouTube Free;Power$4.99/monthUnlimited $7.99/month Professional $19.99/month Business $36.99/month Download
Clipchamp Budding professionals Video stabilizers for shaky footage and bulk editing support Free; Media Composer $23.99/month Media Composer Ultimate$49.99/month Download

PowerDirector vs

Best For

User-friendly video editing at any skill level

-

Notable Feature

AI-powered tools and drag-and-drop effects for beginners; precise adjustments and advanced features for pros

-

Price

Free; Premium $4.58/month

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The Best Free Video Editing Software for Windows PC in 2024

1. PowerDirector Essential

Best For: User-friendly video editing at any skill level


PowerDirector is the best free video editing software for Windows for all skill levels,offering users easy, one-click AI tools and precise, manual adjustments. Beginners can edit videos immediately using PowerDirector’s easy-to-use tools, effects, transitions, and titles, while more advanced editors will appreciate a high level of creative control with hundreds of customizations. We found this video editor for PC and Mac was a perfect fit for YouTubers, TikTokers, video podcasters, and more with AI tools like speech enhancement, speech-to-text, object detection, and body effects.

PowerDirector continues to rank at the top of our list thanks to constant improvements and additions. Since our last review, they added generative AI tools and a redesigned launcher with shortcuts to the most used features. PowerDirector is a long-time winner of the prestigious PC Magazine Editors' Choice award and is highly recommended by TechRadar Pro. This Windows video editor includes user-friendly tools to help you quickly edit videos into studio-quality masterpieces.


Pros
  • Has a user-friendly interface making it easy for beginners to edit videos immediately
  • Offers a comprehensive set of basic and advanced features for any skill level
  • Updated monthly to provide users with access to the latest features and creative packs
Cons
  • Access to stock libraries requires a paid subscription

Key Features:

  • Edit videos with access to millions of royalty-free stock videos, images, and music
  • Amaze your friends with thousands of drag-and-drop video effects
  • Accurately pin graphics to moving objects with AI motion tracking
  • Adjust the tone of your video with color grading and correction tools

Compatibility: Windows, Mac


PCMag Rating: 5/5


Price: Free
*Premium features available for free for 30 days, then $4.58/month


Download our pick for the best free video editing software for Windows and Mac by clicking the link below.


2. Promeo

Best For: Templated video ads for social media


Promeo is the best free video editing software for Windows for content creators. Beginners and serious influencers alike will love the simplicity of Promeo’s 3-step process for designing high-quality videos and motion graphics. Simply pick a template, customize it, and share. Templates are organized by type, including Reels, Stories, Videos, Posts, and many more. Use a template as-is, or personalize it with animated stickers, stock images, color filters, motion titles, and background music.

Promeo’s free version is extremely robust and comes with 1 million stock videos and 2 million images, and if you decide to upgrade, the premium version is very affordable. Since our last test, this video editor for PC added a generative AI feature for creating custom backgrounds. We love this for marketing and e-commerce purposes, as it lets you put your products/subjects in any setting you can imagine.


Pros
  • Easy, 3-step video creation
  • Access to thousands of customizable social media templates
  • New content is added daily
Cons
  • Background music library is only accessible with a subscription

Key Features:

  • Access millions of free images and videos from world-renowned stock libraries
  • Add eye-catching motion graphics titles to videos in seconds
  • Use AI to extract objects from images and create transparent backgrounds
  • Edit videos with color LUTs and change the mood of your video instantly

Compatibility: Windows


Google Play Rating: 4.6/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $2.50/month


Click the link below and try this Windows video editor for yourself.


3. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve Interface

Best For: Experts who need a one-stop shop for post-production


Even some professional editors find DaVinci Resolve frustrating since it lacks ready-made tools that come standard in other Windows video editors, such as export presets. However, we found this video editor for PC, Mac, and Linux is constantly improving, and each version is becoming more user-friendly. If you edit videos by trade, you should consider this free video editing software for Windows over expensive professional software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Avid.


Pros
  • Highly robust Windows video editor for professional video editing
  • Includes a powerful audio engine with 2,000 tracks
Cons
  • Requires expert-level knowledge and experience
  • Needs a powerful computer with high-end specifications to run smoothly


Key Features:

  • Edit skin tones, eye color, and lip color with intelligent color-correction
  • Automatically identify and isolate objects in a clip with AI Magic Mask
  • Edit videos and upload directly to YouTube, TikTok, Vimeo, and more

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux


TechRadar Rating: 4.5/5


Price: Free
*Premium version available for $295


4. Blender

Blender Interface

Best For: 3D modeling and rendering


Blender is the best free video editing software for Windows, Mac, and Linux if you are an animator, illustrator, or VFX artist. In our testing, we found this video editor for PC excelled in 3D rendering, using the Cycles engine for ultra-realistic shading, lighting, textures, and more. Blender includes many modeling, sculpting, and rigging tools you’d be hard-pressed to find in other free Windows video editors.

We moved Blender up to #4 on our list of best free video editing software for Windows, because it gets closer to professional VFX software with each version. The recent release of version 4.0 is no exception, adding highly advanced color and shading tools. Specialized 3D software is typically much more expensive than standard video editing software, and Blender’s loyal band of users are extremely grateful it remains free of charge. However, this Windows video editor has an extremely high learning curve, so if you simply need to cut and combine clips, look elsewhere.


Pros
  • Users can customize the interface to suit their preferences
  • Supports a wide range of visual effects, including 2D and 3D compositing, animation, and motion graphics
Cons
  • Has an extremely steep learning curve
  • Can be glitchy, especially with complex visual effects or high-resolution footage


Key Features:

  • Isolate objects for special effects or color correction with ultra-precise masking tools
  • Add realistic particle effects and simulations, including hair, cloth, liquids, and fire
  • Edit audio by adjusting volume, equalizing, and reducing background noise

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux


Trustpilot Rating: 4.4/5


Price: Free


5. VideoProc Vlogger

VideoProc Vlogger Interface

Best For: Action cam footage


VideoProc Vlogger is free video editing software for Windows aimed at beginners, hobbyists, and adventure seekers who often edit videos from an action camera/GoPro. This Mac and Windows video editor can correct the fish-eye distortion these wide-lens cameras often produce. It also has advanced speed adjustment tools, over 20 speed presets, time-lapse tools, and motion simulation for applying tilt, roll, and dolly effects.

We found that VideoProc Vlogger has a simple interface filled with powerful VFX and motion tools. While this free video editing software for Windows is much easier to use than DaVinci Resolve or Blender, it lacks the 3D capability and collaboration tools that advanced users may need. As the name suggests, it is the perfect tool for vloggers, especially those with a sports or travel channel. 


Pros
  • Runs smoothly on computers with lower specifications
  • No watermarks or ads
Cons
  • Slow rendering, resulting in long wait times
  • Lacks pro-level functionality


Key Features:

  • Extract audio tracks from videos
  • Eliminate unwanted noise or grain from videos
  • Quickly color correct/color grade videos and photos, including HDR and 4K

Compatibility: Windows, Mac


Capterra Rating: 4.4/5


Price: Free



6. Kapwing

Kapwing Interface

Best For: Adding captions to videos


Kapwing is a browser-based free video editing software for Windows that offers auto-translation, text-to-speech, and a subtitle generator. With these tools, you can add captions to your posts with the click of a button, making them more accessible and growing your audience. We liked that you could use fun title presets for captions, making them more appealing. Other notable tools include screen recording, transitions, green screen effects, and video templates.

Like Promeo,Kapwing has recently added generative AI tools to its arsenal. This includes a video generator and the ability to turn articles and documents into videos with a few clicks. We also enjoyed the collaboration tools, which let members of your team edit simultaneously, similar to Google Docs. The main issue with this video editor for PC is the price. The paid version is more expensive than other consumer-level Windows video editors, and we found the free version very limiting, both in the number of tools available and the number of times you can use each tool. This free video editing software for Windows also has restrictive export limits, including a max resolution of 720p.


Pros
  • Auto-Generated subtitles and text-to-speech
  • Themed templates for all popular platforms
Cons
  • Highly restrictive export limits in the free version
  • Many users complain of stability issues, sometimes resulting in a total loss of work


Key Features:

  • Automatically remove silences from your video with Smart Cut
  • Generate images and videos from text with AI
  • Quickly create posts with a variety of templates for memes, videos, collages, and more

Compatibility: Web Browser


Product Hunt Rating: 3.6/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $16/month for Pro and $50/month for Business


7. Lightworks

Lightworks Interface

Best For: Advanced editing at any skill level


Why We Picked It

Lightworks is a free video editing software for Windows users who want to leap into advanced video editing without the steep learning curve. It has a universal timeline with drag-and-drop functionality for beginners, or advanced editing for pros. This video editor for PC, Mac, and Linux can handle footage of any size, frame rate, and quality, and offers helpful tools for professional workflows, such as background processing, instant autosave, and automatic QC.

Last time, we said Lightworks was the best free video editing software for Windows for intermediate to advanced users, but we’d like to amend our statement to include beginners. While it’s known as the Windows video editor used to cut Martin Scorcese’s films, Lightworks has been rebranding as a beginner-friendly tool for content creators. They’ve added Custom Layout Creation, which allows users to personalize the interface. We should also note that the free version has a smaller feature set and is aimed strictly at new users, however, it only allows exports up to 720p.


Pros
  • Established 30-year reputation
  • Filled with helpful time-savers for busy professionals
Cons
  • Restrictive export limits in free version


Key Features:

  • Showcase aural creativity with audio filters like reverb, chorus, and distortion
  • Add movement with over 700 customizable titles and motion graphics
  • Imbue a cinematic quality to footage with pre-built or custom LUTs

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux


Software Advice Ratin: 4.3/5


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


8. Animoto

Animoto Interface

Best For: Small businesses with a tight turnaround


Animoto is one of the best free video editing software for Windows users with no design or video editing experience. Edit videos quickly with hundreds of time-saving templates. Drag-and-drop your images and videos from your computer or cloud storage, use the built-in screen recorder, or choose stock from Animoto’s Getty Images library. This Windows video editor has preset aspect ratios for landscape, square, and vertical, so you can repurpose your videos for any platform with a few clicks.

Animoto is a good video editor for PC for social media posts, ads, and events, but not for long-form or plot-driven YouTube videos. While we like it for those with little design know-how, most of the reviews we found complained of the lack of creative control, an issue we also came across in our test. The free video editing software for Windows is watermarked with an export limit of 720p, and the prices of the paid versions have almost doubled since our last writing.


Pros
  • Includes a range of templates, presets, and stock content for quick video creation
  • Royalty-free stock music is available without a subscription
Cons
  • Templates are restrictive and limit creative freedom
  • Users have reported difficulty canceling their subscription


Key Features:

  • Capture your computer screen for tutorials, software demos, or gameplay
  • Remove unwanted portions and adjust the framing of shots with trimming and cropping tools
  • Add title screens, lower thirds, and captions to videos with over 40 professional fonts

Compatibility: Web Browser


Capterra Rating: 4.3/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $15/month for Basic, $24/month for Professional, and $65/month for Professional Plus


9. OpenShot

Openshot Interface

Best For: Learning video editing


Why We Picked It

OpenShot is a free video editing software for Windows, Mac, and Linux, that gives beginners access to advanced video editing tools. It’s as easy to pick up as a template-based editor but set up like a professional video editor for PC, which is why we think it’s a great learning tool. The universal timeline allows for dragging and dropping, with advanced timeline editing available when your skills develop.

In our research, we found most users applaud OpenShot for its low learning curve and cost-free feature set. It even has a collaboration with our #4 Windows video editor, Blender, for adding 3D titles and animations to videos. However, most users also mention frequent lags and longer-than-average video export times. While it’s not the best free video editing software for Windows if you have a tight turnaround, it’s worth trying if you can wait around for your finished videos.


Pros
  • Comes with unlimited layers for maximum creativity
  • Has a sleek, modern interface that’s rare for open-source software
Cons
  • Frequently crashes and can run slow at times
  • Long wait times for finished videos, especially large files


Key Features:

  • Choose from 40 vector title templates and adjust the font, color, and text
  • Adjust the speed of your clips with time-mapping
  • Mix audio channels individually and display audio as a waveform

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux


Capterra Rating: 4.3/5


Price: Free


10. Shotcut

Shotcut Interface

Best For: Users ready to move up from beginner software


Shotcut is the best free video editing software for Windows users looking to take the next step in video editing as it offers advanced effects and filters to help you produce high-quality content. It may take a little bit of time to get started but it’s worth the effort once you’re up and running. This video editor for PC, Mac, and Linus supports hundreds of video and audio formats and includes a multi-format timeline where users can mix and match formats and resolutions (including 4K and 8K) within the same project.

Shotcut is an excellent next step if you have moved on from a basic-level free video editing software for Windows, but aren’t ready for a pro-level video editor for PC. We don’t recommend it for beginners, as many tools require some prior knowledge to use. It also lacks time-saving features like templates and direct uploads to popular sites.


Pros
  • Supports a wide range of video formats
  • Offers a bevy of pro-level tools and advanced effects for free
Cons
  • Many tools have a learning curve
  • Few available transitions


Key Features:

  • Allows for precise color correction and creative grading
  • Includes filters specifically designed for 360-degree videos
  • Provides pitch compensation to maintain audio quality when adjusting video speed

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux


G2 Rating: 4.2/5


Price: Free


11. VideoPad

VideoPad Interface

Best For: Easy edits


This free video editing software for Windows features a variety of basic and advanced tools within a familiar and easy-to-learn platform. With VideoPad, you’ll find a wide variety of transitions, video templates, audio tools, and export options. It also has AI speech-to-text for automatic subtitles, video stabilization, and plugin support for users who need more advanced effects.

Based on our tests, we felt this video editor for PC offers everything you need to edit videos without much expertise. VideoPad performs most of the fundamental functions you can expect in free video editing software for Windows but doesn’t go too far beyond that. It is a great place to start but eventually, you may outgrow it and want to upgrade.


Pros
  • Offers a straightforward and user-friendly platform
  • Allows for direct uploads to popular social media platforms, saving time and effort
Cons
  • Lacks certain advanced editing features and capabilities
  • Users may experience stability issues and slow exports


Key Features:

  • Edit videos with tools and features specifically designed for 3D and 360-degree videos
  • Enhance sound quality with audio effects and filters
  • Remove or replace backgrounds with green screen effects

Compatibility: Windows, Mac


G2 Rating: 4.1/5


Price: Free
*Premium versions available for $80 for Home Edition and $139 for Master’s Edition


12. HitFilm

Hitfilm Express Interface

Best For: Editing gaming videos


This Windows video editor includes one of the biggest free VFX toolkits on the market, including color adjustments, keying effects, lens flares, and light swords. While it’s not professional VFX software like Blender or DaVinci Resolve, we found it was perfect for content creators looking to edit videos for their gameplay channels. This video editor for PC supports direct uploads to YouTube and offers free sound effects (25 in Free, 100 in Creator, 200 in Pro) and intro templates. You can incorporate webcam footage into your gameplay, adjust the shape and borders of your picture-in-picture effect, and change the opacity of your backgrounds.

Our biggest concern with this free video editing software for Windows is that it hasn’t changed much over the last few years. As a VFX-heavy video editor for PC, you’d think HitFilm would need to keep up with modern tools and technology, but it is slipping behind. For instance, it lacks AI speech-to-text tools that now come standard on most Windows video editors, forcing you to waste time writing captions manually. We also noticed the company hasn’t added any content to its YouTube channel, Twitch, or online blogs in over a year - making us wonder if FXhome still stands behind its product.


Pros
  • Has a customizable user interface, enhancing workflow efficiency
  • Plugin support for Foundry 3D Camera Tracker, Mocha, and Boris 3D Objects
Cons
  • The interface is too complex for beginners, but tools aren’t advanced enough for pros
  • The system requirements are high and require a powerful computer


Key Features:

  • Add effects to moving objects with motion tracking
  • Incorporate 3D simulations into videos, adding depth and visual interest
  • Apply displacement and distortion effects to video clips

Compatibility: Windows, Mac


TechRadar Rating: 4/5


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


13. VSDC Free Video Editor

VSDC Interface

Best For: Outdated PCs


VSDC Free Video Editor is one of the best free video editing software for Windows if you have an outdated PC or laptop. It has the lowest system requirements of any Windows video editor, and hardware acceleration means you can edit videos lag-free and export them quickly. But lightweight does not mean basic, as VSDC is filled with tools, including multicam editing, text animation, green screen effects, and advanced color correction. It offers precise edits with subpixel accuracy.

While the free video editing software for Windows is missing some helpful tools like video stabilization, multi-color chroma key, and motion tracking, the paid version is pretty affordable. In our last review, we mentioned that this video editor for PC had a complex interface with many tools hidden behind menus. However, in a recent update, VSDC Free Video Editor optimized navigation, making it a little easier to find what you need.


Pros
  • Exports videos directly to popular social networks
  • Allows users with less powerful computers to edit videos without performance issues
Cons
  • It will take new users significant time to learn


Key Features:

  • Easily edit keyframes for simplified motion graphics and color correction with the Key Editor window
  • Browse an expanded template collection including gradient backgrounds, YouTube presets, and graphic elements
  • Remove or replace backgrounds with chroma key effects

Compatibility: Windows


Trustpilot Rating: 3.8/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $19.99/year


14. WeVideo

WeVideo Interface

Best For: Screen recording


WeVideo is one of the best free video editing software for Windows for webinars, how-tos, and training videos thanks to the built-in screen recorder. Record your screen directly from your browser, then export directly to YouTube, Google Drive, and more. You can also save your file and use the free video editor for PC to add polish. Trim recordings, add voiceovers and music, create motion titles, and browse over 1M stock media assets.

WeVideo moved down our list of the best free video editing software for Windows from #8 to #15. As we dove deeper into what was included in each version, we realized how limited WeVideo’s free Windows video editor is. We previously lauded WeVideo for its templates, but have discovered that templates aren’t included in the free version. Neither are green screen effects, cropping, speed adjustments, and many more. The free video editor for PC only includes screen recording, a GIF creator, and VO recording. The paid option is great for content creators, but the free version is unusable, with export limits at 480p resolution and only 5 minutes of content a month.


Pros
  • Responsive customer support and helpful resources available to users who need assistance
  • Supports a wide range of video formats
Cons
  • Most users will find they need to pay for a subscription, as the freeWindows video editor is too limiting
  • Can be slow to import video footage, particularly for larger files or high-resolution content


Key Features:

  • Record your screen for video tutorials, demonstrations, or gameplay videos
  • Choose from a collection of 50 transitions such as crossfades, wipes, and fades
  • Add dynamic and engaging animations to videos, like text animations, motion graphics, and visual effects

Compatibility: Web Browser


G2 Rating: 3.6/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $4.99/month for Power, $7.99/month for Unlimited, $19.99/month for Professional, and $36.99/month for Business


15. Avid Media Composer First

Avid Media Composer First Interface

Best For: Budding professionals


Avid Media Composer First is the free version of Avid Media Composer, a popular program Hollywood professionals use to edit videos. Although aimed at beginners, the free version of this Windows video editor is still challenging to learn, which is why we recommend it for budding professionals willing to put in the time. It has a pared-down set of features compared to the paid versions, but even the basic tools you’ll encounter are best-in-class, including trim tools, audio editing, and color correction. This free video editing software for Windows has also thrown in some advanced tools like video stabilization, bulk edit features, and multicam editing.

While Avid Media Composer is an industry-standard video editor for PCs, we think Avid Media Composer First will only appeal to a small group of users. Not robust enough for pros, but too difficult for beginners, it hits the spot for novices interested in editing as a career. The paid versions are also very expensive, so hopefully, by the time these users are ready to upgrade, they’ll be getting paid to do so.  


Pros
  • Allows users to ease into Avid software, free of charge
  • Supports a wide range of video and audio formats
Cons
  • Exports are limited to 1080p in the free version
  • Extremely steep learning curve that is not suitable for beginners or casual users


Key Features:

  • Reduce camera shake with powerful video stabilization
  • Add motion effects like dolly, pan, and zoom to static footage
  • Slow down, speed up, and reverse footage with TimeWarp effects

Compatibility: Windows, Mac


Tom's Guide Rating: 3.5/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $23.99/month for Avid Media Composer and $49.99/month for Avid Media Composer Ultimate


16. Clipchamp

Clipchamp-screenshot

Best For: Windows 11 users with no editing expertise


Busy creators and beginners can edit videos quickly and easily using this Windows video editor. It comes with tons of AI-powered tools, allowing you to resize video, add captions, or generate voice-over with the click of a button. This free video editing software for Windows also comes with video templates for pre-packaged video creation you can personalize as much or as little as you want. Customize templates with text, filters, overlays, and transitions.

Clipchamp has replaced Windows Video Editor as the built-in video editor for PCs. This is good news for Windows users because Clipchamp is a superior product. It’s also updated more regularly, and we noticed a few fun additions since our last test. One notable addition is Speaker Coach, a webcam tool that records and analyzes your speech, tracking pace, pitch, “ahs,” and “ums.” But unlike its predecessors, this Windows video editor is not entirely free. Users can access some free stock content, filters, and effects, but 4K exports, brand kits, content backup, and premium stock assets require payment. 


Pros
  • Comes already built-in on new versions of Windows 11
  • Quick and easy video creation powered by AI
Cons
  • Best features and 4K exports require a subscription
  • Fast video creation is hampered by the slow rendering process


Key Features:

  • Upload clips, pick a video style, and use Auto Compose to create a video with AI
  • Access free audio, video, and photo stock assets
  • Automatically add captions or VO with AI text-to-speech and speech-to-text tools

Compatibility: Windows, Web Browser


PCMag Rating: 3.5/5


Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $11.99/month


Download the Best Free Video Editing Software for Windows PC

Dozens of free Windows video editors exist on the market today, but not all of them offer the same features and high-quality results. Hopefully, we’ve helped you narrow down your search for a video editor for PC.

If you are still unsure which free video editing software for Windows to try, download our top pick, PowerDirector. It is the only video editor for PC and Mac on this list that works well for novice, intermediate, and advanced editors. It’s the perfect program to develop your skills.

Download the best free video editing software for Windows, PowerDirector, by clicking the link below and become an expert-level video editor in no time.

Free Video Editing Software FAQ

1. What are the best free video editing software for Mac?

The best free video editing software for Mac are

  1. PowerDirector Essential
  2. VideoPad
  3. iMovie
  4. VideoProc Vlogger
  5. Kapwing

Check out our in-depth review of the 15 Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac [Inc. M1/M2 Macs], or click the button below to download the best free Mac video editor, PowerDirector.

2. Which video editing software is best for beginners?

PowerDirector is the best video editor for PC and Mac for beginners. It has the most intuitive platform and offers dozens of tutorials to help beginners learn the ropes. It is also filled with AI-powered tools, so beginners can edit videos with complicated-looking effects with the click of a button.

Click the link below and try the highly-rated Windows video editor that PCMag labeled “Best for Tons of Tools and Ease of Use.”

3. Should I pay for a video editor to get better results?

Free video editing software for Windows such as PowerDirector Essential, has cut home movies to independent films for years. They may not have all the bells and whistles as paid software but if you are looking to edit videos with the basics, you can’t go wrong with free.

However, if you will be editing YouTube videos regularly, it is advisable to invest in a premium video editor for PC. We recommend PowerDirector as the best option.

Click the link belowand edit videos with PowerDirector for free for 30 days. After that, you can decide to stick with the free version or upgrade to premium features.

4. What do most YouTubers use to edit their videos?

Most YouTubers use PowerDirector to edit videos. It is an affordable and beginner-friendly video editor for PC and Mac that also comes with tons of tools and pro-level features.

PowerDirector has all the tools a YouTuber needs, such as a large library of royalty-free music, templates for YouTube intros/outros, and direct uploads to the platform.

YouTubers can edit videos into clickable content today by downloading PowerDirector for free with the below link.

5. How can I learn editing?

Free video editing software for Windows like PowerDirector is a great way to learn how to edit videos without any monetary commitment. Explore and practice using different features, and read the accompanying blogs and tutorials

If you want to become a professional editor, you can pay for an online course.

Learn how to edit videos in no time at all by downloading the best free video editing software for Windows, PowerDirector, with the link below.

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