As computer hardware continues to evolve, it can support increasingly advanced software used for various industries. And PC video editing software is no exception, with new, increasingly capable products released yearly.
With numerous companies vying to create the best editing software, many options are available on the market, potentially making it difficult to choose the right option for you. To help, we've created this brief guide to the 10 best video editing software for PC in 2022.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe is the largest name in the digital media industry, offering a wide range of state-of-the-art software platforms. Adobe created Premiere Pro with professional video editors in mind, so the platform is packed full of powerful editing features. For example, the platform offers a huge range of colour tools, output options, collaboration tools, and effects that will satiate any pro's needs.
Adobe Premiere Pro can also be used on Windows or macOS, giving you flexibility in how you work. Good speed also helps video editors get work done, while the numerous organizational tools also help make this platform a favourite among pros.
While Adobe Premiere Pro is an excellent choice for professionals, it is probably not the best option for less advanced users. The interface can be intimidating, and some might become overwhelmed with all the features. This PC video editing software also includes no sound effect samples.
Adobe Premier Pro is available on a monthly subscription basis. 4 plans are available, starting at $20.99/month and increasing to $84.99/month
VideoPad
VideoPad makes a great option for YouTubers and others who need simple video editing software. Users can choose from a range of choices for YouTube videos, ranging from 480p to 4K. In addition to having useful features for YouTube, VideoPad also works well with other platforms like Dropbox, Facebook, Flickr and Google Drive.
Another appealing feature of this app is its easy-to-use nature. It doesn’t come with many of the whistles and bells many other options offer, but this adds to the simplicity that helps make this software ideal for non-advanced users. Not only that, but you can also use it on Mac or PC.
There is a free version of VideoPad that offers all many YouTubers could need, although you will have to put up with the occasional notification. A Home edition is also available for $39, and a Master’s edition for $69.
CyberLink PowerDirector
CyberLink PowerDirector is one of the best video editing software for PCs for new users. The interface is clear and intuitive, and the platform also offers plenty of advanced features for professionals.
Although a great option for beginners, CyberLink PowerDirector also has plenty to offer to professionals. Some might even find the number of options overwhelming. Regardless, users get access to many effects and AI tools, screen recording, Multicam and motion tracking, and other features that help make this PC video editing software popular among YouTubers and video editing professionals.
CyberLink PowerDirector is available at $99.99 for a lifetime licence or $139.99 for the Ultimate version. Monthly plans are also available for just $19.99/month.
DaVinci Resolve
If you're looking for free-to-use video editing software for a PC that is still packed with professional tools, DaVinci Resolve might be just what you need. The power of DaVinci Resolve is often used by professional television studios and other editing professionals that need the best software available.
DaVinci Resolve can also be used on Mac, Windows and Linux, making it a great option for people who work across operating systems. The platform also comes with audio and motion graphics editing. While this movie editor software is a favourite among many pros, its complexity is probably not the best option for many beginners. DaVinci Resolve can also be demanding on resources, so you will need a higher-end computer to use the software productively.
You can choose a free version of this PC video editing software packed with plenty of features for many professionals. If you need more, a full studio version is available for $269.
Corel VideoStudio
Corel VideoStudio makes a popular choice for its ease of use despite having a range of powerful features. It is especially popular among amateur photographers and social media content creators and comes with some powerful motion-tracking tools.
Users can also access plenty of cool effects, colour grading, and a useful stop-motion tool. This platform is also known for its very fast rendering, which can appeal to people who need to be productive. Downsides include poor support for high-DPI monitors and sub-standard audio editing abilities.
Corel VideoStudio is available for $79.99, and an Ultimate version is available for $99.99. There is no free version, but a free 30-day trial is available.
HitFilm Express
HitFilm Express is another solid option for people looking for free PC video editing software. As well as being free, this option is also popular thanks to its helpful drag-and-drop tools and customizable interface. Some users might find the learning curve a little steep, to begin with, but most people will pick it up before long.
Features include an auto-stabilizer that helps make otherwise shaky footage look smooth and professional. An audio mixer and unlimited audio and video timeline track creation are also available.
HitFilm Express is available in 4 plans, including the free plan. Paid plans start from $7.50/month, up to custom pricing for enterprise clients.
Lightworks
Lightworks is a good option for new users, thanks partly to its easy-to-use interface. But despite being easy to use, it also has powerful features and has even been used to help edit numerous award-winning movies. Stock videos and audio will also help relative novices create videos that could have been made by seasoned pros.
This platform offers various basic and advanced features helping to make it suitable for people of all skill levels. Social media content creators might also find the fast exporting to social media platforms appealing. In addition, Lightworks users have access to an active user forum where they can find further information and advice on how to get the best possible results.
Lightworks offers a free version with all the features most people could need. However, if you're a more advanced user who needs more, the Pro plan is available for $437.99. Alternatively, you can pay $24.99/month or $174.99/year.
Adobe Premiere Elements
Adobe Premiere Elements is a great choice for beginners, with easy-to-use features that help newcomers learn. In some aspects, this PC video editing software is a watered-down version of Adobe Premier Pro, which is overkill for users who don't need the more advanced tools. Despite its ease of use, Adobe Premiere Elements also has some very powerful editing tools.
This platform also offers a full suite of effects and offers social media outputs. You can use solid text tools and plenty of video effects. Adobe Premiere Elements can also have cross-platform support.
Adobe Premier Elements is available for $99.99, and a 30-day free trial is also available.
Pinnacle Studio
Pinnacle Studio is a popular option, thanks partly to its easy-to-use interface. Despite the intuitive interface, Pinnacle Studio also packs features that many pros will use, making it a good choice for people looking for advanced features.
The platform also offers plenty of effects and a range of audio tools. A powerful title editor, masking tools, and Multicam editing are available. This platform also offers fast rendering, ideal for video editors with heavy workloads. The downsides of this PC video editing software include limited motion tracking, and it is only available on Windows.
Pinnacle studio offers 3 paid plans, starting at $54.95 and increasing to $109.95 for the Ultimate edition. The company does not offer a free trial version.
Movavi Video Editor
Movavi Video Editor is another easy-to-use option that's great for beginners, although more advanced users might find the platform doesn't have all they need. This movie editing software is particularly popular among YouTubers and casual video editors, helped by its competitive pricing.
Users will have access to chroma-key capability, transitions with sound, and a quick movie-creation tool. While Movavi Video Editor has some tools for advanced users, others might need to look elsewhere for the needed features.
Movavi Video Editor offers 3 plans. Prices start at $49.95 for 1 year and up to $89.95 for 1 year. A 7-day free trial is also available.
Picking the best video editing software
Above is just a small sample of the best video editing software options available in 2022. Of course, what works for one person may not necessarily work for you. With this in mind, it's best to shop around until you find the platform that offers all you need.
Before looking for PC video editing software, it can help if you first determine what you need from it. This information will help you in your search, helping you find a solution that meets your needs. As usual, your budget will also often be a deciding factor, but novice users should find that most free options have what they need. It is also a good idea to look out for free trials to give a platform a trial run before deciding which works best for you.
About the Author
Jamie is a contributing writer for HP Tech Takes. He’s an experienced writer with more than 20 years of writing under his belt. His main niche is online marketing topics but enjoys writing on pretty much any subject under the sun. In his spare time, Jamie enjoys gaming, virtual reality workouts, and relaxing with friends and family.
