Verdict: Openshot is an open source Mac video editing software. It may remind iMovie with its easy to use drag-and-drop interface. However, Openshot contains more features than iMovie, including an unlimited number of layers and sound mixing. This free video editor for Mac offers a good balance between advanced features and a simple interface.
Content creators rely on good video editing software as much as they do on their camera gear and other accessories. This is because the footage can only be enhanced further with impressive effects, filters, crops and much more. While there are literally tons of options available on the web, only a few are impactful and have everything that creators look for. For this reason, in this article, we will be taking a look at the best video editing software for Mac and one that you should consider right away.
Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac and iOS If you are a Mac user, Apple iMovie is a classic free video editor to use. It's a user-friendly tool for basic video editing with support for 4k resolutions with a wide range of features. W ith video editing, both Mac and Windows machines can give you good performance. However, if you're editing with Final Cut, you'll need a Mac, and it's no secret that Adobe's Premiere Pro is a bit better optimized for Mac too. Therefore, for a smooth and fast experience, you'll want to get the best Mac for video editing possible.
#1. Apple Final Cut Pro
If you're a Mac user, then the Apple Final Cut Pro needs to special introduction. It has been a go-to choice for many vloggers and content creators out there. The software offers advanced colour grading, HDR support and much more to be termed as the best video editing software for Mac.
Since it's an Apple product, the software is well optimised for MacBooks and offers better control over the editing and output. It offers faster renders and the new Metal engine allows you to edit more complex projects and works with higher frame rates and more effects.
Price: $299.99
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#2. Adobe Premiere Pro
This is a top video editing software for Mac from a reputed brand like Adobe has everything that most users are looking for. It can edit 8K and virtual reality content, making it unique and one of a kind in the segment.
Since it's an Adobe product, it works with Photoshop, After Effects, Adobe Audition and others. The Adobe Premiere Pro has been used to edit feature films, such as Deadpool, Gone Girl, Terminator Dark Fate and many more.
Price: $20.99/Month
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#3. iMovie
Another product from Apple is iMovie. It supports 4K content editing and supports cross-platform, meaning you can start editing on Mac and finish it on the iPhone or iPad. There are tons of animated title and credit templates that can be used for your footage.
Apple iMovie offers over 10 different filters to add a cinematic look. There's support for voice-recorder to add your own voice, built-in sound effects and more. It is one of the best Mac video editing software that comes by default on most Apple products.
Price: Free
Download
#4. Filmora
This Wondershare Mac video editor software has a simple drag and drop interface with over 800 effects and 4K resolution. It is equipped with the most basic functions like noise removal, speed-up, reverse, Gif, and more.
It's no secret that most content creators use green screen during production and Filmora supports changing of background and create special effects using the Chroma key tool. There's support for colour tuning, stabilise the footage and multiple formats.
Price: Free
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#5. DaVinci Resolve 16
Right from 8K video editing to colour correction, audio post-production and many more, DaVinci Resolve 16 got it all. It features a neural engine that uses machine learning to enable facial recognition, distinguishing itself from others in the list.
DaVinci Resolve 16 rocks VFX features to further enhance and spice up your video footage. It offers over 500 royalty-free foley sounds from Blackmagic Design. The software also supports Dolby Vision and HDR10+ projects. it is easily one of the top video editing software for Mac.
Price: Free
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#6. Adobe Premiere Elements 2020
Best Video Editing Software Mac
Another noted video editing software from Adobe suite is the Premiere Elements 2020. It is capable of automatically arranging the videos and photos and creating final output, thanks to the Adobe Sensei AI.
The Adobe Premiere Elements 2020 can seamlessly create dynamic time-lapse videos using a series of photos and videos. Creators can replace the static skies to moving objects for a more eye-catching effect. It supports multiple aspect ratios as well.
Price: $99.99
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#7. Adobe Premiere Rush
Adobe Premiere Rush is one of the best video editors for Mac. This simple video editing app from the family of Adobe is the company's gift to those of you who do not want to learn and explore the higher end Adobe Premiere Pro CC. The Premiere Rush projects on Mac can be shared across other platforms via Creative Cloud.
You can make the videos more interesting using the custom titles and video effects. The app also lets you add music, record voiceovers besides packing the advanced tools that are backed by Adobe Sensei artificial intelligence.
Premiere Rush is a perfect choice for the vloggers and travellers because if the battery gets exhausted in one of the devices, you can continue editing on the other device.
Price: $9.99/Month
Download
#8. Lightworks
Lightworks is the perfect choice for those who want to edit videos in a simple interface on Mac. Despite the simplicity of the interface, the software doesn't compromise the quality of output.
It provides you access to a plethora of amazing effects and royalty-free media right from the timeline. This best video editing software on Mac comes with a set of tutorial videos. Lightworks lets you export the content to a wide range of formats.
Price: $24.99/Monthly
Download
#9. CameraBag Pro
With its wide range of one-click filters that can be applied to photos and videos, CameraBag Pro is undoubtedly one of the top video editing software for Mac. It's not overstuffed with a lot of pointless features like higher-end apps. And at the same time, it is not very light either.
CameraBag Pro sports a tile-based interface in which all the changes can be made non-destructively. After inserting the adjustments as a tile in the bottom tray, you can even reorder and alter them. It is more robust than a regular editing interface.
Price: $50.00
Download
#10. Capto
Just as the name sounds, you can capture and edit the video on Mac using Capto. The app lets you capture the content in both full screen and partial screen modes. You can also make the videos interesting with a crystal clear audio.
After recording, Capto lets you cut, trim and join the video clips. You can also drag and drop the images to make the videos more informative in this best video editing app. After arranging and editing all the clips, you can export the content to other apps in a single click.
Price: $17.99
Download
Signing off..
These were some of the best video editing software for Mac. They offer features like 8K video editing, VR playback, automatic clip arranging, sound and VFX effects and more. Apple MacBooks are usually known for their well optimised macOS operating system that can run programs butter smooth without any unexpected crashes or stutters, which is what required for content producers.
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So, which of the best video editing software mentioned above you liked the most, and which will you be trying? Let us know in the Comments section below.
The founder of iGeeksBlog, Dhvanesh, is an Apple aficionado, who cannot stand even a slight innuendo about Apple products. He dons the cap of editor-in-chief to make sure that articles match the quality standard before they are published.
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Summary: We will discuss top 5 best video editing software for mac in this article, include each video editing software's pros & cons, and audience for, go and get the trial version to decide which is the best one for you.
// Review of the Top 5 Best Video Editing Software for Mac
1. TechSmith Camtasia
2. Filmora Mac Video Editor
3. iMovie
4. Apple Final Cut Pro X
5. Movavi Video Editor for Mac
// Conclusion
Why You Need a Best Video Editing Software for Mac
This is the age of video consumption, where people don't only love watching and sharing video content but also actively engage in the creation of videos. Thanks to powerful video editing tools and movie-making programs, anyone with a spark of creativity and the desire to learn can turn ordinary videos into exciting content.
In fact, popular YouTubers are great examples of people who started out with nothing other than a camera in hand and now have professionally created videos watched by millions of people. If you're in a similar boat and hope to create outstanding video content, you'll need to try your hands on some of the best video editing softwares.
These programs offer a variety of options and features that you can use to turn ordinary videos into professionally edited content, however, since they all differ in terms of pricing, options, and functionality, you'll need to choose which suits your needs the best. Some of the programs are great for beginners looking to step into the world of video editing while others are designed for professional users, requiring you to have a basic understanding of video editing methodologies while using them. YouTube is the best teacher so if you want to learn how to use any of the following software, simply browse through some good videos and you're all set to kickstart your video editing journey.
Being a Mac user, you're in for a good experience since creatives always vouch for Mac to be the best machine if you want to get good graphics work done. This review enlists the top best video editing software for Mac, so go ahead, download these and use them on trial versions to decide which is the best one for you.
Review of the Top 5 Best Video Editing Software for Mac
#1. TechSmith Camtasia
Educational, informative or instructional videos (such as tutorials, how-tos etc) need to be created using a professional screen recording and video editing software. One of the most powerful screen recording and video editing software is TechSmith Camtasia, a favorite of both Windows and Mac users alike.
Camtasia lets you record your screen, your audio as well as your headshot as needed to create effective online tutorials. This is the go-to software for most online tutors who want the combination of screen recording, audio recording along with cam recording.
What sets Camtasia apart from other Mac video editors and makes it the most preferred video editing program for online tutorials is its multiple editing features. The most useful is the annotations that you can use to mark or highlight important areas in the video. You can also use titles and multiple callout styles to create dialogues to create instructional content with the video. Moreover, you can make use of the transitions, zoom in/out and effects to give your video the professional touch it needs. Unlike other Mac video editing programs, Camtasia has all the necessary tools to help you create demonstrative video content.
Since Camtasia video editor caters to online educational content, it also gives you options to create quizzes, record and import presentations as well as pan animations to your recording screen. A powerful video editing program for Mac, Camtasia comes at a price tag of $249.00 which is a far heftier price tag than its other counterparts. The program does come with plenty of useful tutorials so if you're planning to start an online course or tutorship, this is one of the best video editing tools to use on Mac, although it is not as professionally cut out for video editing as Premiere or Final Cut Pro X. Nevertheless, this Mac video editing software is aimed at professionals and newbies may need some time understanding and figuring out the program.
You can read the full review of Camtasia video editor, to learn detailed features of it, and how to make the professional tutorials or how-to videos with ease.
Pros:
• Screen, cam and audio recording simultaneously. Good for live tutorials.
• A range of effects and feature set you can use to create professional content.
• Direct social sharing available.
Cons:
• Some deeper features may require editing of the UI.
• Expensive price tag.
Audience:
• The best video editing software for who wants to create professional tutorials or demonstrative content on Mac.
#2. Filmora Mac Video Editor
Filmora has gained quite a popularity with users, those who are looking for an easy-to-use video editing tool for Mac that doesn't cost them hundreds of dollars and can get basic stuff done. Sporting a more of a DIY option, Filmora is designed for the casual user. With pre-defined musical tracks, great design themes and plenty of graphical tidbits to choose from, Filmora is a great video editor for Mac if you want something to get the job done. It also allows for easy screen recording, so if you're hoping to record a cool video and get it edited without wasting too much time, Filmora is good.
There are multiple annual plans for you to choose from starting from $44.99 to $79.99 with the last one giving unlimited downloads to stock footages from the Filmstocks library. You can also try the program with all its features in the Trial option, but your final product will have a huge watermark over it. For beginners, Filmora gives the best of both world editing and aesthetically pleasant content. You may be interested in reading the review of Filmora video editor.
Learn how to edit videos with Filmora from this video:
Pros:
• Plenty of themes and design options to choose from.
• Easy-to-use interface and requires no former training.
• Available at affordable price plans.
• Lifetime purchase available $59.99.
Cons:
• Limited features for those seeking extensive options.
• Limited stock footages in the Filmstock library.
• Not recommended for highly professional work.
Audience:
• Entrepreneurs, DIY users who want an easy-going video editing software on Mac.
#3. iMovie
iMovie is the video editing software comes along with all macOS devices. The program has a slick interface and is a great starting point for users who are absolutely new to video editing and are looking for free options before they invest in full-fledged video editing software. The iMovie can help you get basic editing done with pre-defined title designs, transition designs and backgrounds. You can add audio, maintain color balance, perform color correction, crop videos, and apply filters to videos using given options. You're even given fourteen design themes to start from where you simply enter videos and titles letting the theme do its magic.
Learn how to edit videos with Filmora from this video:
Pros:
• Plenty of themes and design options to choose from.
• Easy-to-use interface and requires no former training.
• Available at affordable price plans.
• Lifetime purchase available $59.99.
Cons:
• Limited features for those seeking extensive options.
• Limited stock footages in the Filmstock library.
• Not recommended for highly professional work.
Audience:
• Entrepreneurs, DIY users who want an easy-going video editing software on Mac.
#3. iMovie
iMovie is the video editing software comes along with all macOS devices. The program has a slick interface and is a great starting point for users who are absolutely new to video editing and are looking for free options before they invest in full-fledged video editing software. The iMovie can help you get basic editing done with pre-defined title designs, transition designs and backgrounds. You can add audio, maintain color balance, perform color correction, crop videos, and apply filters to videos using given options. You're even given fourteen design themes to start from where you simply enter videos and titles letting the theme do its magic.
Being a free Mac video editor, the Apple iMovie has an impressive set of tools for media organization, color and speed optimization along with professional audio options for your video. Not to mention, it also has green-screen effects and supports 4K video although it still needs to provide support for 360-degree video. With a great interface, easy-to-use designs and theme options, the iMovie program is the best entry-level video editing software for Mac users. If you're starting out and have absolutely no budget for investing in a professional video editing program, the iMovie is a perfect choice. The only setback to the iMovie is that you cannot record a screen and will need to use another screen recording program to record the screen and then import it into iMovie for editing.
Learn iMovie video editing tutorial for beginners:
Pros:
• Highly efficient interface.
• Multiple editing options.
• Free for all Mac users.
• Plenty of audio and design tools.
Cons:
• Has limited video track options.
• Needs additional flexibility.
• Animation options would have been great.
Audience:
• Entry-level novices experimenting with video editing on Mac.
#4. Apple Final Cut Pro X
Apple's very own professional Final Cut Pro X is a powerful video editing software designed for professionals, and boasts of premium features such as 360-degree video support, face analysis, multi-cam support and many others that make it a worthy purchase at $299. Along with the price, you may also have to invest some money in purchasing various plugins (that is if you're at a professional level requiring more effects). According to many experts, Final Cut Pro X is to Apple as Adobe Premiere is to Windows which essentially means the program is designed for providing cutting edge video editing functionalities, turning your normal video shoots into professional content fit for online distribution. Some have even gone ahead to place the Final Cut Pro X above the Premiere in terms of its easy-to-use interface and sleek design.
Since it's a full-fledged video editing tool, it might not come easy for novice users which is why it's highly recommended that you look up some tutorials online and try out the trial version before making a full purchase. The Apple Final Cut Pro X has an exciting interface that lets you do some pretty amazing things with its multiple editing features. The latest version of the Final Cut Pro is the most appealing as it allows you to dabble in 360-degree VR content and provides support for HDR and HEVC video forms. Since the Final Cut Pro X is a product of Apple, you'll find it quite similar to the iMovie functioning in the same manner with of course the only difference being one is for novice users while the other is for professionals. If you're ready to take on video editing as a regular activity and want to truly master the process, Final Cut Pro X could be your best video editing software on Mac.
Final Cut Pro X full tutorial may do help for you:
Free Video Editing Programs Mac
Pros:
• Support for 360-degree videos and VR Content.
• Dozens of features and options to choose from.
• Support for the latest Mac Touchbar.
Cons:
• Lack of timeline tracking.
• Maybe a bit complicated for new users.
• An expensive price tag.
• Additional purchase for plugins.
• You will need to invest in learning about the program before using it.
Free Editing Programs For Mac
Audience:
• Professional editors who can make maximum use of the software's features.
• Those who want to take up video editing as a professional skill.
#5. Movavi Video Editor for Mac
Video editors like Camtasia, Final Cut Pro X may be difficult to master for new users which is why it is often seen to be used by professionals who are able to dig into all the important features of the tools. For the average user though, an easy option like Filmora and Movavi are good enough. Similar to Filmora, Movavi Mac video editor has almost the same features with just one or two minor differences (such as Filmora's lack of support for keyframe animation or lack of instructions within the program itself). Other than that, the price tag is the same with Movavi Video Editor Plus having a price tag of $59.95.
The plus side to the Movavi Video Editor Plus is you can captures video from TV tuners and VHS which is a great deal for people who want to digitize old video cassettes and TV programs.
Learn how to edit video on Mac with MOVAVI video editor
Pros:
• Multiple effects and options to choose from.
• Support for older OS.
• Sound normalization.
• Allows for VHS capture.
Cons:
• No social integration options.
• Not recommended for highly professional work.
Audience:
• Casual users, bloggers, and beginners who want an easy video-editing option.
Conclusion
Video editing is an exciting field and one that thousands of aspiring YouTubers, bloggers, entrepreneurs, and artists are enthusiastic about. When choosing the best video editing application for Mac, it's essential to understand what your goals are and what you expect out of the program. If you're someone who's just starting out and wants to dabble in video content at a rapid scale then options like Filmora or Movavi are great to use. They don't require any pre-understanding or experience with video editing and can easily get the job done. With cool effects, music and footage library etc, you can get most of your task done.
On the other hand, if you want to take up video editing as a skill or a profession, then you must turn towards professional programs for video editing like Adobe Premiere or Final Cut Pro which are tools professionals use. To master these tools though, you will need to invest time in online tutorials and experiment with multiple options. You also need to have a strong system that can hold these programs especially since video editing consumes RAM heavily. You will also need to invest money in buying these programs and they don't come cheap which is why it's advised that you need to be very clear on what you want and then spend your money accordingly.
To know which program suits you best, download the trial version, play around and see what features you want the most for your particular project. The trial version may have limited options and may even have watermarks at the end product, so it might be useless if you want to use it for a rare/one-time project. In that case, the iMovie makes the best choice! To record your screen for free, you can use other programs like Loom which you can download and then edit in iMovie.
Remember to always identify your needs, check and compare the video editing programs through trial versions before you make a purchase. You can also invest some time in reading user experience, reviews and suggestions by experts to see which Mac video editing software meets your expectations and goals.
