The best software for editing videos for YouTube

The logos of the best software for editing videos for YouTube on a blue background
(Image credit: Apple/Adobe)

With more and more people making video content these days, one of the most common questions we get asked is: "What's the best software for editing videos for YouTube?" Our answer comes in the form of this article, which brings together the best options available today, in one easy place. 

We've compiled our guide by examining our list of the best video editing software overall, and picking the tools that work best for YouTubers. We've also drawn on our video editing experts' wide experience in using and testing all of these softwares on real-world projects, and taken pricing into account too.

1. Premiere Pro: best overall
30-day free trialRead more below

1. Premiere Pro: best overall
Premiere Pro is our pick as the best professional software for editing videos for YouTube. This industry standard program is regularly adds new features and works on both PC and Mac. Try it first with a 30-day free trial.
Read more below

2. Final Cut Pro: best subscription-free option 90-day free trialRead more below

2. Final Cut Pro: best subscription-free option
Got a Mac and want professional-level software but don't want a subscription? Apple's Final Cut Pro is an industry favourite with great organisational tools, a reasonable one-off payment and a generous 90-day free trial.
Read more below

3. Premiere Elements: best for beginners
free 30-day trialRead more below

3. Premiere Elements: best for beginners
We recommend that newbies to YouTube start with Premiere Elements, a simplified version of Premiere Pro that still lets you create very professional results. You can get a free 30-day trial to test it out.
Read more below

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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Adobe Premiere Pro scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesIndustry-standard tools and new AI features.★★★★★
UsabilityQuite a steep learning curve.★★★★
PricingSubscription model requires annual or monthly payment.★★★★
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Final Cut Pro scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesFull professional editing capabilities but updates have been lacking★★★
UsabilityGreat organisational features but may feel intimidating for beginners★★★★
PricingNot cheap, but there's no subscription★★★★
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Premiere Elements scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesSolid basic editing features.★★★
UsabilityClean, intuitive interface.★★★★★
PricingReasonable one-off price.★★★★★
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DaVinci Resolve scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesPro-level editing, effects and colour grading all in one place.★★★★
UsabilityThere's a lot to learn, and it's more than many YouTubers need★★★
PricingGreat value (or even free!).★★★★★
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PowerDirector 365 scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesLacks many pro features, but has plenty for basic YouTube videos, including new AI tools.★★★
UsabilityMore straightforward than pro editing programs★★★★★
PricingGood value subscription, plus free version★★★★★
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Adobe Premiere Rush scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesCross-platform software with limited but effective and intuitive editing tools.★★★
UsabilityA simple interface makes Premiere Rush easy to use on a phone.★★★★
PricingRequires a monthly subscription.★★★
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Pinnacle Studio scorecard
AttributesNotesRating
FeaturesA wide range of editing tools but fine-tuning is limited★★★
UsabilityEasy to use interface.★★★★
PricingAvailable for free but premium tools require a subscription.★★★
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