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17 Best Adobe® Premiere Pro® Alternatives [Free]
If you’re looking for a free Adobe® Premiere Pro® alternative, we’ve got you covered. Based on market research and rigorous testing, we’ve compiled a list of our 17 favorite video editors that will take you from idea to upload in no time, all without spending a dime.
Quick summary
Best all-around editor: Movavi Video Editor
Movavi Video Editor is the best of everything. From intuitive edit controls to advanced video effects, Movavi Video Editor delivers performance high enough for the pros and easy enough for the novice. No matter what your next video project demands, Movavi Video Editor can handle it.
Most optimized for Mac devices: FinalCut Pro
When it comes to Mac-optimized video editors, nothing compares to FinalCut Pro. With an intuitive interface and powerful features, FinalCut Pro is a cut above the rest. So if you’re looking for the best editor on your Mac, give FinalCut Pro a try.
Most powerful online-only software: Canva
A few years ago, no one thought of Canva when considering video editors. Nowadays, that’s changed. Canva’s video editor may be limited, but it delivers consistent results in a humble package. Plus, it’s purely online, meaning you don’t have to occupy precious computer storage to get started.
At Movavi, we’re committed to providing you with verified information only. Here’s what we do to ensure this:
When selecting products to include in our reviews, we research both demand and popularity.
All products mentioned in this article have been tested by Movavi Content Team.
When testing, we compare key parameters, including video and audio trimming, visual effects, stabilization, video quality adjustments, saving and sharing videos, and other significant features.
We study user reviews from popular review platforms and make use of this information when writing our product reviews.
We collect feedback from our users and analyze their opinions of Movavi software as well as products from other companies.
Best free Adobe® Premiere Pro® alternatives for desktop
Best for: quick-fire editing with powerful AI tools to streamline your process.
OS: Mac, Windows
PCMag rating: 4 out of 5 stars
An intuitive non-linear Premiere Pro® alternative compatible for both Mac and Windows. With dozens of tools, titles, and transitions, Movavi Video Editor is the solution to overcomplicated video editors that will turn your ideas into videos in no time. Plus, it’s the solution that’s used by industry pros and first-timers alike because it’s ready for feature length films, YouTube Shorts, and everything in between.
Key features:
Pros:
Intuitive and easy to learn interface
Dozens of AI features to enhance your videos
Direct upload to social media sites
Cons:
Limited features in free version
Slower rendering speeds for larger videos
Not compatible with Apple M1 chip
Best for: Mac users who want the best out of their machine, online video creators, and independent filmmakers.
OS: Mac
PCMag rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
When it comes to a Premiere Pro® alternative for Mac users, there’s no better choice than Final Cut Pro. Used by industry pros, this software boasts excellent performance, HDR workflows, and high level video and audio grading.
Key features:
Pros:
Optimized for Mac
Free and paid versions available
ProRes RAW quality for videos
Cons:
Not optimized for Windows
Demands large file storage for projects
High performance computer required
3. Kdenlive
Best for: solo creators with limited resources, independent filmmakers, and beginners who want to learn the fundamentals.
OS: Windows, Mac
MK’s Guide rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Kdenlive is an open-source premiere pro alternative that packs a lot in a humble package. Created to be accessible and editable by anyone, Kdenlive is the Adobe® Premiere Pro® alternative that will fill all of your video editing needs. With endless interface configuration, a beginner-friendly multi-track video and audio editing, and advanced color grading, Kdenlive will get the job done.
Key features:
Pros:
Configurable interface and shortcuts
Great for beginners
Available to Linux users
Cons:
Limited support
Only one version to choose from
Few educational resources
Best for: short films, feature films, projects with color, sound, and graphics needs.
OS: Windows, Mac
TechRadar rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
DaVinci Resolve is easily one of the most complete Premiere Pro® alternatives on the market. Featuring powerful editing, industry-setting color grading, and tons of effects, DaVinci Resolve is the Adobe® Premiere® free alternative software you’ve been looking for.
Key features:
Pros:
Most advanced color grading on the market
Easy-to-use but powerful editor
Free version is plenty for most creators
Cons:
Frequent crashes
Steep learning curve for beginners
Complicated interface
Best for: independent filmmakers, online video creators, podcasters.
OS: Windows, Mac
PCMag rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If you’re in the market for an AI-powered Premiere Pro® alternative, look no further. Cyberlink PowerDirector boasts both a free and paid version that will get you creating incredible videos fast. It’s definitely one of the best Adobe® Premiere® alternatives out there. Don’t skip this Adobe® Premiere Pro® alternative free.
Key features:
Pros:
Free version is plenty for most users
Endless video effects
Powerful editing and exporting capabilities
Cons:
Learning curve for beginners
Overwhelming interface at first
Frequent bugs and crashes
6. Shotcut
Best for: small content creators, independent filmmakers, those with programming experience.
OS: Windows, Mac
TechRadar rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Shotcut is a free, open-source Premiere Pro® alternative that packs a lot in a small package. Whether you’re a YouTuber or filmmaker, Shotcut is one of the best free video editing software like Premiere Pro® on the market. With customizable workflow and cross-platform capability, Shotcut is a force to be reckoned with.
Key features:
Pros:
Free and customizable
Cross-platform and open-source
Consistent updates and improvements
Cons:
Slower performance compared to competitors
Limited features
Frequent bugs
7. iMovie
Best for: small content creators, hobbyists, Mac uses with limited resources.
OS: Mac
PCMag rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Are you an independent creator who’s looking for a powerful but free Premiere Pro® alternative? iMovie is the editor you’ve been looking for. Whether you need a super easy interface, powerful instant editing, or built-in storytelling guides, iMovie’s got you covered. Featuring everything you’d need and more, iMovie is the Premiere Pro® alternative that will turn your ideas into magic.
Key features:
Pros:
Super easy-to-use interface
Powerful instant editing features
Storytelling guides like “Storyboards” built in
Cons:
No multicam or motion tracking
Too limited for more experienced creators
Limited to only two video tracks
Best for: online video creators, filmmakers with limited resources, gamers, and podcasters.
OS: Windows, Mac
PCMag rating: 4 out of 5 stars
There are dozens of Premiere Pro® alternatives out there, but there’s only one VideoStudio Pro. Packed with tons of video effects and features, this nonlinear Adobe® Premiere Pro® alternative will transform your ideas into movies before you know it. With powerful effects, 360-degree video support, and instant edit tools built right into the software, don’t look past VideoStudio Pro. You might just discover the Premiere Pro® alternative that unlocks your next creative win.
Key features:
Pros:
Dozens of fun, interactive effects
Support for 360-degree video and motion tracking
Instant edit tools for quick turnaround
Cons:
Weaker audio capabilities compared to video
Limited performance
Frequent bugs
9. Vegas Pro
Best for: video content creators, filmmakers, 3D graphics artists.
OS: Windows
PCMag rating: 3 out of 5 stars
Since the early-2000s, Vegas Pro has been a staple in the video editing world. Since those days, Vegas has been iterating and pushing the envelope in exciting ways. Whether we're talking about exhaustive color grading, industry-standard rendering capabilities, or impressive 3D effects, Vegas is still pushing the envelope today. So, if you’re on the hunt for a powerful yet easy-to-use Premiere Pro® alternative, Vegas Pro is your one-stop shop for making ideas come to life.
Key features:
Pros:
Exhaustive color grading tools
High rendering capabilities
Impressive 3D effects library
Cons:
No free version, just a trial
Frequent crashes
Complicated interface for non-professionals
10. Blender
Best for: animators and video creators, effects artists, programmers.
OS: Windows, Mac
PCMag rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Blender is the industry’s go-to animation and VFX powerhouse, and for years, that’s what people have known it for. However, in recent years, Blender wanted to go further, so they invested into their nonlinear video editor. Since then, they’ve become a contender in the video editor race. With industry-setting animation features, high-end rendering and post-production capabilities, and an open source feel, free Adobe® Premiere Pro® alternatives like Blender never looked this good.
Key features:
Pros:
Industry-setting animation features
High-end rendering and post-production
Free and open-source
Cons:
Limited video editing capabilities
Some tools are paid add-ons
Limited support for video editors over animators
11. Pinnacle Studio
Best for: gamers and podcasters, online video content creators, independent filmmakers.
OS: Windows
PCMag rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Need a Premiere Pro® alternative that can capture your gaming for an audience and edit in a flash? Pinnacle Studio is your solution. As far as Adobe® Premiere Pro® alternatives are concerned, this is a formidable contender. It features a professional-level non-linear editor, an intuitive interface that anyone can pick up and play, and countless video effects to choose from. Whether you’re a pro or a newbie, Pinnacle Studio is a great choice.
Key features:
Pros:
Professional non-linear Premiere Pro® alternative
Easy-to-use interface
Tons of video effects to choose from
Cons:
No free version, only 15 days long trial
Limited motion tracking
Frequent bugs
12. Hitfilm Express
Best for: independent filmmakers, solo video creators, vloggers, and YouTubers.
OS: Windows, Mac
TechRadar rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Whether you’re making your first YouTube video or fourth feature film, Hitfilm Express offers so much in a free package. With a robust community to learn from, advanced color grading, and pro-motion tracking, Hitfilm Express should be on your list of Adobe® Premiere® alternatives.
Key features:
Pros:
Large community to lean on and learn from
Advanced color grading and editing
Pro motion tracking
Cons:
Bugs due to high volume of features
High system requirements
Learning curve, especially for beginners
13. Lightworks
Best for: independent filmmakers, YouTubers and content creators, beginners and pros.
OS: Windows, Mac
TechRadar rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Looking for a Premiere Pro® alternative that can serve both YouTube and Hollywood? Look no further than Lightworks, an all-in-one editor that can handle projects big and small. With extensive tutorials, a powerful free version, and cross-compatibility, Lightworks is ready for your ideas.
Key features:
Pros:
Expansive selection of tutorials and educational material
Powerful free version
Compatible with Mac and Windows
Cons:
Higher cost for paid versions
Can’t export to full HD in free version
Limited tools in free version
14. Openshot
Best for: independent video creators, filmmakers, YouTubers, and vloggers.
OS: Windows, Mac
Software Advice rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
On the hunt for the best Adobe® Premiere® alternative free? You’ve got to give Openshot a try. Featuring everything from 3D animations, cross-platform compatibility, and support for over 70 languages, Openshot has you covered and then some.
Key features:
Pros:
Cross-compatible between Mac, Windows, and Linux
Easy to learn and use interface
70+ language support
Cons:
Limited features and presets
Slower performance compared to competitors
Some rendering issues
Adobe® Premiere® free alternatives online
Here’s our top Adobe® Premiere® free alternatives that you can use online.
15. InVideo
Best for: online video content creators, small-budget films, vloggers, and social media influencers.
OS: any, works online
TechRadar rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Ready to create publish-worthy content without spending a fortune? InVideo is the Premiere Pro® alternative you’ve been looking for. Armed with an intuitive layout, powerful collaboration tools, and endless video templates, InVideo will get you creating in no time.
Key features:
Pros:
Collaboration tools
Intuitive layout
Powerful free version
Cons:
Can’t export videos in free version
Frequent lags in editing and rendering
Slower performance compared to competitors
16. Canva
Best for: graphic designers, YouTube video creators, small business owners.
OS: any, works online
TechRadar rating: 5 out of 5 stars
If there’s any platform that’s redefined graphic design and branding, it’s Canva. However, more and more people now see Canva’s potential as a Premiere Pro® alternative, and it shows. Canva’s been expanding their software’s video capabilities, making this genre-defining software a formidable free video editor like Premiere®. Don’t skip this alternative.
Key features:
Pros:
Simple and intuitive to use
Good selection of video element add-ons
Excellent social media asset selection
Cons:
Slower workflow for larger projects
Limited effects
Limited performance, especially for heavy projects
17. Reduct
Best for: podcasters and vloggers, entrepreneurs and business owners.
OS: any, works online
Don’t settle for trying to find that particular moment in your video. Instead, use Reduct, a Premiere Pro® alternative that combines video with transcript editing. If you were searching for free alternatives to Adobe® Premiere Pro® with strong transcription features, you found it.
Key features:
Pros:
Industry-defining transcription tools
Intuitive design friendly to beginners and experts
Robust community and education
Cons:
Limited video-editing features
Bugs due to newness of software
Slower performance compared to other video editors
How to choose the best software for you
When deciding which Adobe® Premiere Pro® alternative will get the job done, there are a few things you ought to consider.
What’s the scale and scope of your project?
Is this a film, a YouTube video, or a podcast? Where are you uploading this video, and for what purpose? Each editor has unique strengths and weaknesses, so it’s imperative that you align your goals with which software you choose. For example, a simple vlog would only require some simple editing tools, whereas a feature film or animation demands so much more.
What’s your experience level?
Some editors are beginner-friendly, whereas others have a steep learning curve before you fully utilize their strengths. iMovie is perfect for beginners but has limited features. By contrast, DaVinci Resolve would be tough for newbies but excellent for pros who have editing experience. Assess your skill level and choose which software compliments you best.
What’s your budget?
Every software on this list has a free version, although some are only trials. Because of this, you need to consider your budget before pulling the trigger on a program. If you have some money to spend, consider investing in a paid version to get the most out of your program. But if you don’t, focus only on programs that have robust free versions.
Do you use Mac, Windows, or Linux?
Most of the programs on this list are cross-compatible, but some are only available on one or two of those three operating systems. So before you download your program, confirm that the software you chose is compatible with your operating system. If you picked one that’s cross-compatible, then you won’t have to worry about this step! Just remember that each program has its own strengths depending on which OS it works on.
Are you a “do it yourself” person, or would you rather let the software do most of the work for you?
Some of the editors on this list boast powerful AI editing features that can do most of the work for you, whereas other editors put you in the driver’s seat. If you’d rather let the software do the work and you take a backseat, choose a program with robust AI features (like InVideo.) However, if you’d rather be in full control, pick one that gives you more control so that you can make the edit just right (like DaVinci Resolve.) Side note: If you’d prefer a bit of both, we highly recommend Movavi Video Editor!
In conclusion
Choosing a video editor isn’t easy, but with the explosion of different programs in the last decade, you have more options to choose from than ever. As a result, it’s crucial that you’re crystal clear on your purpose, ability, and budget for your content. Every program can do a lot, but trying to use the wrong software will only stifle your creativity. So, don’t rush! Do your research, try a few out, and you’ll find the right software for you in no time.
We know you have questions, and we have answers. Based on feedback we receive and online research, below are the top questions we see or hear all about Premiere Pro®. If you have additional questions, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Movavi Video Editor
Сreate awesome videos easily
*The free version of Movavi Video Editor may have the following restrictions depending on the build: watermark on exported clips, 60-second video or 1/2 audio length limit, and/or some advanced features unavailable when exporting videos.
References
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