Top 12 Free Video Editing Software for Mac in 2024

The best free video editing software for Mac lets you create pro-level videos without breaking the bank. 

Maybe this is your first time trying to edit a video on Mac, and you're not ready to invest in expensive software. Or perhaps you want to create professional-looking videos without paying for pricey programs like Premiere Pro.

There are a number of fantastic free Mac video editor's available today. But beware, many free choices can be hit-or-miss; some only offer the most basic of features, while others let you edit videos with the same tools found in expensive, pro-level programs.

With that in mind, we have crafted a list of the best free video editing software for Mac. Learn the pros and cons of each to help you determine which option is the best free video editor for Mac for your needs.

• Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac Comparison Chart
• 12 Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac [Incl. M1/M2] 2024
• How to Choose the Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac
• How We Test the Free Video Editing Software for Mac on This List
• Download the Best Video Editing Software for Mac for Free
• Free Video Editing Software for Mac FAQ

Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac at a Glance

12 Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac [Incl. M1/M2] 2024

1. PowerDirector Essential
2. VideoProc Vlogger
3. VideoPad
4. Shotcut
5. iMovie
6. Kapwing
7. Animoto
8. HitFilm
9. Avidemux
10. DaVinci Resolve
11. Lightworks
12. OpenShot

1. PowerDirector Essential

Best For: Users of any skill level who want to edit videos on Mac with ease

Key Features: 

• Remove objects, blend clips, and create unique visual effects with a Mask Designer
• Edit videos on Mac quickly with thousands of customizable video templates
• Apply fun and striking visual effects to moving people with AI body effects
• Add captions and subtitles automatically with AI Speech to Text 

Compatibility: Mac, Windows

PCMag Rating: 5/5

Beginner-Friendly Tools: 5/5

Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $4.58/month

Why We Picked It 

No matter your experience level, you won't have any issues using the best free video editing software for Mac, PowerDirector. It's designed to be simple enough for beginners yet powerful enough for professionals.

One of the standout features for me is its wide range of editing tools, including a video collage designer, speed controls, chroma key, and a robust title designer. I love how I can create stunning video collages and adjust playback speed seamlessly. Plus, the audio editing tools and color correction features are fantastic for fine-tuning your projects. The thousands of drag-and-drop effects available allow you to produce professional-level content with just a few clicks, making the editing process not only efficient but also enjoyable.

Bottom Line

PowerDirector offers more features in its free version than other free Mac video editors plus a 30-day free trial of its premium features, and a very affordable paid version. This allows the software to advance with you as your editing skills and budget grow. It also has advanced features for intermediate/professional users while staying beginner-friendly for new editors. For these reasons, we think PowerDirector is the best free video editing software for Mac. 

Download PowerDirector - PC Mag Editor's Choice for the Best Video Editing Software - for free by clicking the link below, and edit a video on Mac today.

2. VideoProc Vlogger

Best For: Action cam footage

Key Features: 

• Choose from a library of over 60 transitions  
• Change speed manually or apply one of 20 speed presets
• Remove extraneous sounds with background noise removal 

Compatibility: Windows, Mac

Capterra Rating: 4.4/5

Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4.5/5

Price: Free

Why We Picked It 

VideoProc Vlogger is the best free video editing software for Mac, especially for those who frequently shoot with action cameras or drones. I’ve found its fisheye removal feature to be a game changer. It effectively corrects the lens aberrations that come with wide-angle lenses, giving my footage a more polished look.

What I appreciate about VideoProc Vlogger is its balance between being beginner-friendly and still offering advanced tools for motion and color correction. As someone who enjoys experimenting with different editing techniques, I find the interface easy to navigate while still having access to the features I need to elevate my videos.

Bottom Line

This free video editor for Mac is an excellent choice for anyone with a travel vlog since it has amazing tools for GoPro, drones, and other action-style footage . However, VideoProc Vlogger has slow rendering and lacks editing features needed by professionals and advanced users. 

3. VideoPad

Best For: Beginners 

Key Features: 

• Create title text animations in seconds using templates
• Add slow motion and fast motion effects to videos
• Remove the background of your video without a green screen

Compatibility: Mac, Windows

Capterra Rating: 4.3/5

Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4.5/5

Price: Free

*Premium versions available for $70 for Home and $129 for Master's

Why We Picked It 

VideoPad is one of the best free video editing software for Mac for beginners because it offers some pro-level tools that are easy to use. I appreciate its advanced Pure Digital tools for audio editing, as they make tweaking soundtracks a breeze. The software also supports 360-degree and 3D editing, which has been fun to experiment with. Additionally, the video stabilization and green screen effects are impressive for a free editor.

Bottom Line

VideoPad is one of the best free video editing software for Mac because, like our top choice PowerDirector, it offers some advanced tools in a beginner-friendly package. It is second on our list of the best free video editing software for Mac because it offers fewer features than PowerDirector, and its free Mac video editor is not available for commercial use. 

4. Shotcut

Best For: Intermediate editors

Key Features: 

• Mix and match frame rates and resolutions in the same video
• Balance, fade, mix, and more with a full suite of audio editing tools
• Create composites with a variety of blending modes

Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux

G2 Rating: 4.2/5

Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4/5

Price: Free

Why We Picked It 

Shotcut is one of the best free video editing software for Mac for editors who have moved on from base-level software like iMovie. I love that it’s open-source, which means once I download it, I have access to all its features right away. The ability to customize the interface to my liking is a big plus; it really lets me tailor my workspace for optimal efficiency. Plus, the unlimited undo and redo for edits, along with a handy history view, gives me the freedom to experiment without the fear of making irreversible mistakes.

Bottom Line

Shotcut is the best free video editing software for Macs for intermediate editors who want professional features without a professional price tag. However, the program can lag and freeze when dealing with large files. It also has a slight learning curve, so beginners who edit videos on Mac should stick with one of our top 3 options.

5. iMovie

Best For: Basic video editing for beginners  

Key Features: 

• Utilize split-screen & picture-in-picture effects for a broadcast feel 
• Remove your video's background and choose from a library of replacements
• Find 100 smart music tracks that automatically fit your video length

Compatibility: Mac

App Store Rating: 4/5

Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4/5

Price: Free

Why We Picked It 

iMovie is a convenient choice to edit videos on Mac since it comes pre-installed. It includes a set of easy-to-use audio and editing tools that can produce polished videos for free. One of the standout features for me is its ability to support footage taken in Cinematic mode on my iPhone, allowing me to adjust the focus and create professional-looking videos with minimal effort.

Bottom Line

If you have never tried to edit videos on Mac before, this is one of the best free video editing software for Mac you could try. However, if you do have editing experience, iMovie lacks the advanced features and tools you can find in other free Mac video editors, such as PowerDirector. 

6. Kapwing

Best For: Automatic subtitles 

Key Features: 

• Add visual sound waves with an AI audio waveform generator 
• Change the aspect ratio, add padding, and show safe zones for popular platforms 
• Edit videos with fun effects like freeze frame, glitch, or TV static 

Compatibility: Web Browser

Product Hunt Rating: 3.4/5

Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4.5/5

Price: Free

*Premium subscription available for $16/month

Why We Picked It 

This is the best free video editor for Mac for adding automatic captions and subtitles to videos. It includes AI-generated speech-to-text, an auto-translator, and text-to-speech tools. With this free Mac video editor, you can edit videos quickly using beautifully-designed templates including intros and end screens for YouTube, green screen templates, lower thirds, ads, and many more.   

Bottom Line

Kapwing is one of the best free video editors for Macs for beginners to edit videos, with AI tools and templates. However, I do find it disappointing that the free version comes with a watermark and restrictions on video length and resolution (only allowing videos under 7 minutes and exports up to 720p). While the paid version offers more features, I feel it’s a bit pricey for what it provides, especially compared to more reasonably priced professional software out there.

7. Animoto

Best For: Fast and easy video creation with templates 

Key Features: 

• Record, upload, and edit voice-over
• Save your logo, colors, and fonts in a Brand Kit for repeated use
• Go from vertical to square to landscape in a few clicks

Compatibility: Web Browser

Capterra Rating: 4.3/5

Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3.5/5

Price: Free

*Premium subscriptions available for $15/ month for Basic, $24/ month for Professional, and $65/m onth for Professional Plus 

Why We Picked It 

Animoto is a cloud-based free video editor for Mac with free and paid versions. This program is the best free video editor for Mac for busy influencers who need to churn out a lot of content quickly. The program offers hundreds of time-saving templates that are designed to adhere to social media best practices, which is a lifesaver when on a tight schedule.

Bottom Line

Choose Animoto as your free video editor for Mac if you don't have the time and/or skills to make creative decisions on your social media videos. It is not the best free video editing software for Mac for long-form or narrative videos, nor is it for anyone who likes creative control over videos. 

8. HitFilm

Best For: Visual effects for beginners

Key Features: 

• Attach graphics to a moving object with motion tracking 
• Edit videos on Mac with high-quality light leaks and lens flares
• Add subtitles or create 3D titles with advanced text tools 

Compatibility: Mac, Windows

TechRadar Rating: 4/5

Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3.5/5

Price: Free

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

Why We Picked It 

If you enjoy editing with effects, but also need a free video editor for Mac with basic editing tools, HitFilm is your one-stop-shop. I love how it comes packed with everything needed to edit videos from start to finish, including transitions, stock music, audio tools, and presets tailored for social media. As someone who's interested in VFX, I’ve had a great time experimenting with over 180 editing effects, including compositing and 3D tools, which really elevate my projects.

Bottom Line

If you are interested in learning how to edit videos on Mac with visual effects as a profession, HitFilm makes a great starting software. However, its not the best free video editor for Mac for beginners who don't need VFX-heavy software, and it's not advanced enough for professional editors. 

9. Avidemux

Best For: Converting video

Key Features: 

• Tweak contrast, brightness, and saturation, and adjust red/green/blue 
• Add subtitles with a built-In subtitle processor 
• Use a Joblist queue to automate videos for bulk processing 

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux

Capterra Rating: 4.2/5

Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3/5

Price: Free  

Why We Picked It 

This free video editor for Mac has all the basic tools you need to edit videos like rotate, flip, join, cut, copy, and delete. It also has a wide array of export options. We think it is one of the best free video editing software for Mac because it can convert and save video or audio in almost any format.

Bottom Line

That said, I did find that Avidemux is pretty bare-bones and can take some time to get used to. It feels a bit outdated, especially since it lacks many of the trending tools that other software offers, like stickers, filters, or AI-powered features. While it gets the job done, those looking for a more modern editing experience might want to explore other options.

10. DaVinci Resolve

Best For: Industry professionals 

Key Features: 

• Utilize drag and drop or traditional three point editing tools to arrange and adjust clips 
• Automatically match the color, contrast, and brightness of any clip with Shot Match
• Build simple titles from scratch, or use a professionally-designed title template

Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux

PCMag Rating: 4/5

Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3/5

Price: Free

*DaVinci Resolve Studio available for $295

Why We Picked It 

DaVinci Resolve is one of the best free video editing software for Mac because of its high-quality, pro-level tools and features. Professionals will love the software's organization and timeline management tools. It offers a wide range of advanced features, including intelligent color correction, motion graphics, and visual effects.

Bottom Line

That said, I should note that DaVinci Resolve isn't exactly beginner-friendly. It’s designed with industry professionals in mind, so if you're just starting out, you might find the learning curve steep. However, if you’re considering investing in software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for professional work, I highly recommend giving DaVinci Resolvea try first. It could save you hundreds of dollars while providing tools that might better align with your editing style.

11. Lightworks

Best For: Aspiring professionals 

Key Features: 

• Edit videos on Mac with multi-point and asymmetric trimming, slide, ripple, roll, etc. 
• Choose from 100s of pro-level pre-set transitions  
• Mix audio with clip-based audio leveling with midi control 

Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux

G2 Rating: 3.5/5

Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3.5/5

Price: Free

*Premium subscriptions available for $9.99/month for Create and $23.99/month for Pro

Why We Picked It 

With this free video editing software for Mac, you can import just about any common type of media file. It has increased performance with optimized proxy files from HD, 4K, and 8K media. One feature I really appreciate is the ability to edit videos directly from my cloud storage, making my workflow more flexible.

Bottom Line

We think Lightworks is one of the best free video editing software for Mac for intermediate to advanced users. It is easier to use than DaVinci Resolve or Avid Media Composer First, but much harder than most free editing apps for Mac. It's one of the best free video editors for Mac for anyone with dreams of being a professional editor, as you can learn advanced software at no cost, but upgrade when you are ready. 

12. OpenShot

Best For: Beginners 

Key Features: 

• Split audio from video, display waveforms, and render waveforms as part of your video 
• Manually animate the speed and direction of your clip with keyframes
• Choose from 40+ customizable vector title templates 

Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux

Creative Bloq Rating: 3/5

Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3.5/5

Price: Free

Why We Picked It 

OpenShot is free video editing software for Mac that simplifies advanced features you would see in more expensive programs. Beginners will find the built-in templates, real-time previews, and advanced timeline features helpful in learning the ropes of editing, while intermediate users will appreciate the unlimited layering options this free video editor for Mac has to offer.

Bottom Line

OpenShot is lightweight, easy to use, and has some advanced features. However, I did experience some frustrating moments with the software freezing and certain effects not working properly, which detracted from the overall editing experience. Still, it’s a solid choice for beginners and intermediate users looking for a free option.

How to Choose the Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac

How can you find the best free video editing software for Mac for your needs? Here are a few essential things to look for:

Compatibility - The best free video editor for Mac will support your operating system and export in the video, image, and audio formats you need.

Skill Level - The best free video editing software for Mac will be appropriate for your skill level. Getting a professional-level program when you have never edited before can cause a lot of trouble and waste valuable time. Instead, look for the best free video editing software for Mac that caters to beginners. These free Mac video editors will have an intuitive user interface, AI-powered tools, and plenty of one-click presets.

Features - The best free video editor for Mac will include all the features you use on a regular basis. For example, a chroma key tool if you use green screen effects, or a video stabilizer if you film lots of action footage.

As you read through our list of best free video editing software for Mac, keep these things in mind to help find your ideal choice.

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

Why should you trust us to provide an impartial list of the best free video editing software for Mac? Read below to see the process we go through to test free Mac video editors and how we rank them.

Test Similar Features - With so many free Mac video editors to go through, we need to choose a few basic tools as a control to compare apples with apples. We edit videos with the same core functions on each free video editing software for Mac: importing video clips, arranging them on the timeline, trimming, adding transitions, adding text and background music, and exporting.

Test Unique Features - Now it’s time to see what makes each free video editing software for Mac stand out from the others. We test and compare all the other features such as effects, color correction, audio editing, etc. 

Check Outside Reviews - Once we've formed our own opinions on the free Mac video editors, we check outside reviews to see if our findings line up. This helps eliminate any user errors on our end by causing us to re-test tools that had major discrepencies. We also include phrases in our reviews like “users reported” to show things we may not have seen but that are a common problem for others.

Rank the Software - Now that we have our group of the best free video editing software for Mac, it's time to rank them. First, we assign a score for “Beginner-Friendly Tools.” This number is based on both the number of features and the user-friendliness of the tools. Second, we include an outside review rating in our rankings to eliminate impartiality. And finally, we look at our testing notes and compare quality, format support, ease of use, bang for buck, customer support, and more.

Download the Best Video Editing Software for Mac for Free

Dozens of free Mac video editors exist on the market today, but not all of them offer the same features and high-quality results. We think PowerDirector is the best free video editing software for Mac because it not only has advanced, pro-quality features, but it is easy to use, intuitive, and has an affordable paid version.

PowerDirector is always up-to-date with the latest technology and trending design packs that are added monthly. This free video editing software for Mac appeals to every skill level. 

Click the link below to try out PowerDirector today and edit videos on Mac with ease.