Best Free Video Editors, 2020
04 Jan 2020 - Joshua Owoyemi
I have spent some considerable time in the past 3 days looking for a quick, easy-to-use and FREE video editor. I have tested most of the recommended options on the internet;
- Filmora,
- KdenLive,
- Hitfilm Express,
- Lightworks,
- DaVinci Resolve,
- InShot (Android),
- KineMaster (Android),
- FilmoraGo (Android),
- PowerDirector (Android), and finally,
- Windows’ built-in Video Editor, formally MovieMaker.
These are my findings.
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Most of the software claim to be free but upsell you on advertisements and special features. Only DaVinci Resolve and Windows Video Editor are free in the true sense.
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None of the software is truly cross-platform. Only DaVinci Resolve comes close, but currently have issues with importing mp4 clips on Linux. KdenLive is a good alternative, and it is open source.
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I found InShot to be the best, non-intrusive, easy-to-use for the Android platform.
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On Windows, it might be surprising but the Windows Video Editor is totally sufficient for most use for any newbie who just wants to put together clips to make a simple video. However, with some creativity, it can make something really good. I think Windows is trying to make something close to iMovie on IOS here and I am really impressed. If you want more features, you should surely check out DaVinci Resolve. It is surely a professional-grade software comparable to Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro (even the free version).
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Apple users have a great advantage as they have in-built software for most creative uses such as this. I have not personally used any Apple product but I know there are iMovie and Garageband for both video and music editing respectively, all free.
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DaVinci Resolve is MY all-around best. It is professional, feature-rich, free, no upselling and still improving. The only cons are; it might be intimidating for total newbies, not available on mobile, it is resource-hungry (what do you expect).
This is a quick one. Let me know what you think or if you have a different opinion or experience. Did I miss something out? Would you like to see a video on this post? Do let me know in the comments.