The best free video editing software

The logos of three of the best free video editing software programs on a mint green background
(Image credit: Future / Blackmagic Design / FX Home / Digiarty)

The best free video editing software can be the perfect way to get started creating content for social media, and some free video editing tools are even complete enough for professional work.

Our reviewers have spent hours painstakingly testing the best video editing software, pushing it to its limitations and trying out a range of different projects. Below, is our ultimate pick of the best free video editing tools. We've aimed to cover a range of needs, from intuitive tools for beginners to complete professional packages and options for different platforms: Mac, Windows, mobile and even Chromebooks. In some cases, the programs are completely free for ever, while others are freemium tools that require payment to unlock more advanced features.

1. Premiere Pro free for 7 days: best video editing software overall

1. Premiere Pro free for 7 days: best video editing software overall

Adobe's video editing software works on both Windows and Mac and is the industry standard, offering professional features for a subscription fee. You can try it for free for seven days – enough time to complete a project?

Get a Premiere Pro free trial

2. Final Cut Pro free for 30 days: Best video editing software for MacGet a Final Cut Pro free trial

2. Final Cut Pro free for 30 days: Best video editing software for Mac

Available for Macs only, Final Cut Pro has an excellent reputation within the TV and movie industries. It's made by Apple, and there's a generous 90-day free trial.

Get a Final Cut Pro free trial

3. Premiere Elements free for 30 days: Best video editing software for beginnersGet a Premiere Elements free trial

3. Premiere Elements free for 30 days: Best video editing software for beginners

If you're new to video editing, here's our top pick. A simplified version of Premiere Pro, Elements is easy to learn. It's also subscription-free and has a 30-day free trial.

Get a Premiere Elements free trial

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

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DaVinci Resolve scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesPro-level editing, effects and colour grading★★★★★
VersatilityCan handle everything from social media reels to films.★★★★★
UsabilitySteep learning curve★★★★
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Hitfilm scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesLots of features, but many are subscription-onlyolour grading★★★★
VersatilityThe free version is best suited to enthusiast videos and vlogging.★★★★
UsabilityEasier to use than Davinci, with lots of tutorials★★★★
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VideoProc Vlogger scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesLots of features for free★★★★★
VersatilitySuitable for basic video editing and also more advanced techniques★★★★
UsabilityClear and simple interface ideal for beginners★★★★★
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Adobe Express scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesLimited tools but covers the basics★★★★
VersatilityUseful for creating social media posts and videos★★★★
UsabilityLots of templates and basic editing tools★★★★
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Apple iMovie scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesSolid basic editing tools for Mac, iPad and iPhone★★★★
VersatilityLimited editing tools but useful for working across devices★★★
UsabilityEasy to get to grips with★★★★
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KineMaster scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesFairly wide-ranging tools for a mobile app, but those on free plans get watermarks★★★★
VersatilityAvailable for Chromebooks as well as Android and iOS★★★
UsabilityRelatively easy to pick up★★★★
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FlexClip scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
Features5,000 customisable templates★★★
VersatilityWorks with a range of projects, lacks pro features★★★
UsabilityEasy to use★★★★
Tom May

Tom May is an award-winning journalist and editor specialising in design, photography and technology. Author of the Amazon #1 bestseller Great TED Talks: Creativity, published by Pavilion Books, Tom was previously editor of Professional Photography magazine, associate editor at Creative Bloq, and deputy editor at net magazine. Today, he is a regular contributor to Creative Bloq and its sister sites Digital Camera World, T3.com and Tech Radar. He also writes for Creative Boom and works on content marketing projects. 

With contributions from