If you’re searching for a free video editing app for your Mac, iMovie might seem like a decent option. It’s easy to use and comes with some decent features, but there are plenty of other alternatives out there that offer much more without breaking the bank. This guide highlights five of the best free video editors that surpass iMovie in terms of features and capabilities, all while remaining completely free to download and use. These aren’t just basic, low-effort options; each app is a serious contender in the video editing world and could easily justify charging a fee.
DaVinci Resolve
You’ve likely heard of DaVinci Resolve, a renowned name in video editing, even among Hollywood studios and production teams who use it for finalizing movies and TV shows. While a paid version exists, the free edition stands on its own as a fully-fledged video editing powerhouse. It excels in video editing, color correction, audio enhancements, motion graphics, and visual effects, making it a comprehensive post-production tool. If you desire higher resolutions, frame rates, noise reduction, lens correction, advanced coloring tools, and more, the paid version is worth considering. However, for most users, the free edition offers ample features, making it the top choice as a free iMovie alternative.
Lightworks
Lightworks strikes a fantastic balance between professional features and a beginner-friendly interface. The free version is tailored towards new users, with the option to upgrade to a paid version if your needs evolve. Packed with features, Lightworks goes beyond simple video editing, excelling in audio refinement, visual effects creation, color corrections, and editing. It also includes built-in sharing tools to easily distribute your work. Although two paid versions exist with additional tools, the free version is more than capable for most users, making it a great option for a free iMovie alternative.
Blender
Blender is a well-known name in the video editing world, primarily due to its vast array of tools and features, all available for free. There isn’t even a paid version with locked features – everything is unlocked from the start without any costs. But Blender is more than just a video editor; it’s a versatile tool for creating 2D and 3D animations, sculpting models, rendering scenes, and crafting stories. Its extensive scripting support allows for customization, and its interface can be tailored to your preferences. This makes Blender a fantastic value for money. As an open-source application, anyone can freely use and develop its code, surpassing the capabilities of iMovie in terms of flexibility and potential.
HitFilm
Starting with a new video editing app can be daunting, but HitFilm makes the learning curve smoother with its extensive collection of tutorials and guides. There’s no guesswork or frustrating dead ends, allowing you to quickly get up to speed and start creating. HitFilm offers numerous free assets, alongside a suite of professional-grade visual effects that can enhance your footage. You’ll find powerful color correction and grading tools, audio effects, text manipulation features, and more. While paid versions offer additional assets, higher resolution exports, and remove watermarks (Pro version only), the free version is a powerful iMovie competitor that excels in video editing.
Shotcut
Like Blender, Shotcut is free and open-source, eliminating the need to pay for any of its features. Everything is available from the start, making it a budget-friendly option. While the needs of professional and hobbyist video editors differ, Shotcut is a solid choice for both. Its straightforward interface allows you to dive right into editing without convoluted workflows or confusing features. One of Shotcut’s strengths lies in its flexibility. It works with hundreds of audio and video formats, imports footage from various sources, and offers a customizable interface to suit your workflow. While not the most advanced video editor on the market, its flexibility and ease of use make it a great choice for beginners and intermediate users seeking a user-friendly video editing app.
