Creating high-quality videos is no longer a luxury reserved for professional studios. In today’s digital landscape, a plethora of cheap video editing software empowers anyone to produce stunning visuals without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a budding YouTube star, a social media influencer, or a small business owner looking to elevate your marketing game, these affordable tools can help you achieve your video editing goals.
This article explores seven of the best cheap video editing software options you can consider in 2023. We’ll delve into their functionalities, strengths, and weaknesses to help you identify the perfect fit for your needs.
1. DaVinci Resolve – Best Free Option for Powerful Video Editing
DaVinci Resolve is a revolutionary software that shatters the price barrier for professional-grade video editing. Developed by Blackmagic Design, DaVinci Resolve offers a comprehensive suite of editing tools, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio mixing – all completely free! This software is a favorite among professional editors and YouTubers alike, thanks to its robust features and intuitive interface.
Key Features:
- Professional Editing Tools: DaVinci Resolve boasts a wide range of editing tools, including multi-cam editing, color correction, and audio mixing, allowing you to create polished and engaging videos.
- Visual Effects & Motion Graphics: Unleash your creativity with DaVinci Resolve’s extensive library of visual effects, transitions, and motion graphics templates. Breathe life into your videos and add a touch of Hollywood magic.
- Collaboration Tools: DaVinci Resolve fosters seamless collaboration, allowing multiple editors to work on the same project simultaneously. This is a valuable feature for teams working on larger video projects.
Pros:
- Completely free to use, with no hidden fees or limitations on features.
- Offers a professional-grade editing experience with powerful tools.
- Extensive library of visual effects, transitions, and motion graphics templates.
- Supports collaboration, allowing multiple editors to work on a project simultaneously.
- Continuously updated with new features and bug fixes.
Cons:
- Can have a steeper learning curve compared to simpler editing software.
- The free version limits video exports to 1080p resolution and removes some advanced features like noise reduction.
- Requires a powerful computer to run smoothly due to its resource-intensive nature.
Pricing:
- Free: Offers a comprehensive suite of professional editing tools for free, but limits video export resolution and some advanced features.
- Paid Upgrade: DaVinci Resolve Studio ($295 one-time purchase) unlocks additional features like advanced noise reduction, HDR grading, and stereoscopic 3D editing.
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2. HitFilm Express – Free Option with Powerful Effects
HitFilm Express emerges as another free video editing software that packs a powerful punch. While it might not boast every advanced feature you’d find in pricier options like DaVinci Resolve, HitFilm Express shines with its user-friendly interface and a truly impressive library of special effects. This software is ideally suited for aspiring filmmakers and YouTubers who crave the ability to add a touch of Hollywood magic to their videos without the hefty price tag typically associated with such capabilities.
Key Features:
- Intuitive Interface: HitFilm Express boasts a clean and user-friendly interface, making it easy for beginners to learn the ropes of video editing.
- Extensive Effects Library: Unleash your creativity with HitFilm Express’s vast collection of special effects, including compositing tools, green screen keying, and 3D effects.
- Compositing Tools: Layer different video clips and graphics to create visually stunning and complex scenes.
- Animation Tools: Breathe life into your videos with HitFilm Express’s animation tools, allowing you to create titles, motion graphics, and even 2D animations.
Pros:
- Completely free to use, with no hidden fees or limitations on features in the free version.
- User-friendly interface makes it easy for beginners to learn video editing.
- Extensive library of special effects for creating visually stunning videos.
- Compositing and animation tools offer advanced creative possibilities.
- Continuously updated with new features and bug fixes.
Cons:
- Lacks some of the advanced editing features found in professional software like multi-cam editing and advanced color correction.
- The free version includes watermarks on exported videos, which can be removed with a paid upgrade.
- The vast library of effects can be overwhelming for beginners.
Pricing:
- Free: Offers a full-featured editing experience with a watermark on exported videos.
- Paid Upgrade: Starting from $34.99 (one-time purchase) removes watermarks and unlocks additional effects and presets.
3. Kapwing – Free & Cloud-Based Editing for Simple Projects
For beginners and social media content creators who crave a streamlined video editing experience, Kapwing offers a free, cloud-based editing platform that simplifies the process. Kapwing’s intuitive interface and drag-and-drop functionality empower you to create engaging videos specifically tailored for various social media platforms in a matter of minutes. This makes it a perfect choice for content creators who are constantly on the go and need an editing solution accessible from any device.
Key Features:
- Cloud-Based Editing: Edit your videos from any computer with an internet connection, eliminating the need for software downloads.
- Drag-and-Drop Functionality: Kapwing’s intuitive interface allows for easy video editing through simple drag-and-drop actions.
- Social Media Templates: Leverage Kapwing’s library of pre-made templates specifically designed for popular social media platforms like Instagram, YouTube Shorts, and TikTok.
- Basic Editing Tools: Perform basic editing tasks like trimming, cutting, and adding text overlays, and music to your videos.
Pros:
- Completely free to use for basic editing features.
- Cloud-based editing allows for accessibility from any device with an internet connection.
- Drag-and-drop functionality makes editing intuitive and user-friendly.
- An extensive library of social media templates streamlines video creation for specific platforms.
- Integrates seamlessly with various social media platforms for easy sharing.
Cons:
- Lacks advanced editing features found in professional software.
- The free version has limited export resolution and storage capacity, with paid plans offering higher limits.
- Watermark is present on exported videos in the free version (removed with paid plans).
Pricing:
- Free: Offers basic editing features with limited export resolution and storage, watermarked videos.
- Paid Plans: Starting from $6 per month unlock higher export resolution, storage, and removal of watermarks.
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4. OpenShot – Best Free and User-Friendly Option for Beginners
OpenShot is a free and open-source video editor that prioritizes user-friendliness. This makes it a perfect choice for beginners or those who are new to the world of video editing. OpenShot boasts a clean and intuitive interface that allows you to quickly grasp the basics of editing and start creating videos right away. Despite its focus on user-friendliness, OpenShot packs a surprising punch with a good range of features for basic to moderate video editing tasks.
Key Features:
- User-Friendly Interface: OpenShot’s clean and intuitive interface makes it easy for beginners to learn the ropes of video editing.
- Basic and Advanced Editing Tools: Perform common editing tasks like trimming, cutting, and adding text overlays, transitions, and effects to your videos. OpenShot also offers more advanced features like keyframe animation for more creative control.
- Free and Open-Source: As a free and open-source software, OpenShot is completely free to use with no hidden fees or limitations. Additionally, the open-source nature allows for a strong and supportive community that can provide help and resources.
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: OpenShot is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux, making it a versatile option for users regardless of their operating system.
Pros:
- Completely free and open-source, with no hidden fees or limitations.
- User-friendly interface with a gentle learning curve for beginners.
- Offers a good range of features for basic to moderate video editing tasks.
- Cross-platform compatibility ensures accessibility on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- The active community provides support and resources for users.
Cons:
- Lacks some of the advanced editing features found in professional software.
- May not be as powerful or feature-rich as some paid options.
- Project rendering times can be slower compared to higher-end editing software on less powerful computers.
Pricing: Free: OpenShot is completely free to use with no limitations or hidden fees.
5. VideoPad – Feature-Rich Option for Budget-Conscious Creators
VideoPad is a feature-rich video editing software that offers a good balance between affordability and functionality. This makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious creators who require more than the bare-bones features offered by free software, but don’t want to break the bank on professional editing suites. VideoPad boasts a user-friendly interface and a vast library of effects, transitions, and royalty-free music to elevate your video projects.
Key Features:
- User-Friendly Interface: VideoPad offers a clean and intuitive interface that allows users to learn the ropes of video editing with minimal difficulty.
- Extensive Editing Features: Perform basic and advanced editing tasks with VideoPad, including trimming, cutting, adding text overlays, transitions, and effects. You can also leverage features like green screen keying and color correction for professional-looking results.
- Large Library of Effects & Music: Breathe life into your videos with VideoPad’s vast collection of effects, transitions, and royalty-free music tracks.
- 360 Video Editing Support: Edit and create immersive 360-degree videos, perfect for showcasing virtual tours or travel experiences.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing compared to professional editing suites.
- User-friendly interface with a good balance of features and ease of use.
- Extensive library of effects, transitions, and royalty-free music.
- Supports advanced editing features like green screen keying and color correction.
- Offers 360 video editing capabilities for immersive content creation.
Cons:
- The free version includes a watermark on exported videos (removed with a paid upgrade).
- Lacks some of the advanced features and customization options found in high-end editing software.
- Limited customer support compared to some paid options.
Pricing:
- Free: Offers basic editing features with a watermark on exported videos.
- Paid Version: Starting from $39 (one-time purchase) removes watermarks, unlocks additional features, and offers lifetime free updates.
6. VSDC Free Video Editor – Powerful Free Option with Some Quirks
VSDC Free Video Editor emerges as another compelling free video editing software option. It boasts a surprising range of features for a free program, including multi-cam editing, color correction, and even basic audio editing tools. While VSDC might have a steeper learning curve compared to some other free options, it offers significant power and flexibility for those willing to invest some time in learning the software.
Key Features:
- Powerful Editing Features (For Free): VSDC offers a surprisingly robust set of editing features for a free program, including multi-cam editing, color correction, basic audio editing tools, and DVD-burning capabilities.
- Steeper Learning Curve: Compared to some free options like OpenShot and Kapwing, VSDC has a steeper learning curve due to its wider range of features and slightly less intuitive interface.
- Customization Options: VSDC offers a good degree of customization for editing projects, allowing you to fine-tune various aspects of your video.
Pros:
- Completely free to use, with no hidden fees or limitations on features.
- Powerful editing features for a free program, including multi-cam editing, color correction, and basic audio editing.
- Offers DVD burning capabilities for creating physical copies of your videos.
- A good degree of customization for editing projects.
Cons:
- Steeper learning curve compared to some other free options.
- The interface might feel less intuitive for complete beginners.
- Limited customer support compared to paid options.
Pricing: Free: VSDC Free Video Editor offers a full suite of features with no limitations or hidden fees.
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7. iMovie (Mac Only) – Free and Pre-Installed for Apple Users
iMovie is a free and user-friendly video editing software application pre-installed on all Macs. This makes it a convenient option for Apple users who are new to video editing or want a simple solution for creating basic video projects. While iMovie might not be as feature-rich as some of the other options on this list, it offers a streamlined interface and intuitive tools that make it easy to learn and use.
Key Features:
- Pre-Installed on Macs: For Apple users, iMovie comes conveniently pre-installed, eliminating the need for downloads or additional software purchases.
- User-Friendly Interface: iMovie boasts a clean and intuitive interface that makes it easy for beginners to learn the ropes of video editing.
- Basic and Advanced Editing Tools: Perform common editing tasks like trimming, cutting, and adding text overlays, transitions, and effects to your videos. iMovie also offers some advanced features like green screen keying and basic color correction.
- Seamless Integration with Apple Ecosystem: iMovie integrates seamlessly with other Apple products like Photos and GarageBand, allowing for easy transfer of photos, music, and audio projects into your video edits.
Pros:
- Completely free and pre-installed on all Macs, eliminating additional software costs.
- User-friendly interface with a gentle learning curve for beginners.
- Offers a good range of features for basic to moderate video editing tasks.
- Integrates seamlessly with other Apple products for a streamlined workflow.
Cons:
- Limited functionality compared to professional editing software.
- Lacks some advanced editing features found in options like DaVinci Resolve or HitFilm Express.
- Mac only – not available for Windows or Linux users.
Pricing: Free: iMovie is completely free to use with all Macs.
Final Thoughts
Unleash your creativity without draining your wallet! This article explored seven amazing cheap video editing software options, each catering to different needs. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s a budget-friendly solution to elevate your video editing game.
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