Top video editing software 2024 for Windows

Video editors provide tools for merging two files into one, adding special effects, like episode-changing animation, apply filters to reach specific final effects, add or remove sounds, insert photos, add subtitles, etc.

Cost  
Trial period  
HD quality support  
Timeline  
Transition and video effects  
Image insertion  
DVD/Blue-ray/HD quality/Mobile formats/MPEG-4 support  
Stereoscopic 3D editing   
Drag and Drop  
Split-screen video creation   ? Сombine two videos to be shown in a split screen.
Effect presets  
3D title editor  
Green screen   ? Set any background to videos taken on a green background.
Video stabilization   ? Get rid of dragging and trembling in your videos.
3D video editing  
Audio recording  
Video capture  
DVD menu creation  
Output to social media   ? Create a video and publish it directly on Facebook and other social media services.
Slideshow creation  
Hardware acceleration   ? Use your PC hardware to increase speed of video processing.
DVD authoring tools   ? Assign your own signature to the created DVD file.
Multilanguage  
Modern interface  
Available for Mac  
$399.00
30 days
$59.95
30 days
$69.99
Unlimited
For personal use
-
$39.00 per year
Unlimited

Cost

$399.00

$59.95

$69.99

For personal use

$39.00 per year

Trial period

30 days

30 days

Unlimited

-

Unlimited

HD quality support

Timeline

Transition and video effects

Image insertion

DVD/Blue-ray/HD quality/Mobile formats/MPEG-4 support

Stereoscopic 3D editing

Drag and Drop

Split-screen video creation

Effect presets

3D title editor

Green screen

Video stabilization

3D video editing

Audio recording

Video capture

DVD menu creation

Output to social media

Slideshow creation

Hardware acceleration

DVD authoring tools

Multilanguage

Modern interface

Available for Mac

Vegas Pro
Vegas Pro
26 (68%) 12 (32%)
Download
Professional video and audio production utility with a customizable interface and Dolby Digital sound. It is shareware with a limited time trial version, but works with all possible video qualities, including 4K and HD ones. It costs $399, the trial period is 30 days.
Screenshot
Main Window
Highlights
  • Realtime video editing controls.
  • Modern interface.
  • Hardware acceleration.
  • DVD authoring tools.
  • Regular updates.
  • High quality video and audio processing.
  • Works on Windows 7 and higher.
Advantages

    - Professional quality.
    - Stereoscopic 3D editing.
    - High quality audio recording.
    - Editing presets for both video and audio.
    - Writes Blue-rays and double-layer DVDs.
    - Supports a long list of formats, including AAC, AVI, MPEG-1, WMV, WDP, DDS, DPX, AAF, etc.
Disadvantages

    - Video processing may take some time.
Official website:
vegascreativesoftware.com
Pinnacle Studio
Pinnacle Studio
17 (85%) 3 (15%)
A video editor with the option to create Split-Screen videos, highlight a single color, or use templates. This is a professional-level utility which you have to buy at the cost of $59.95. The trial period is 30 days.
Features
  • Template library.
  • Slideshow creation.
  • Video filters and effects.
  • A library of title and overlay effects.
Advantages

    - Record the created video on CD, DVD, Blue-ray.
    - Drag and drop.
    - Split screen video creation.
    - Timeline editing.
    - 3D title editor.
Disadvantages

    - Complicated menu structure.
    - Long file processing time.
    - No template creation.
Wondershare Filmora
Wondershare Filmora
9 (69%) 4 (31%)
Download
This is a video editor suitable for beginners. It has lots of presets which simplify the process of video creation. After the trial period is over, you will have to buy it at $69.99. The trial version is unlimited in time, but inserts a watermark into your videos.
Screenshot
Main window
Characteristics
  • 4K videos support.
  • Camera shake effects.
  • Audio mixer.
  • GIF editing.
  • Screen recording.
Strong sides

    - Green screen.
    - Noise removal.
    - Reverse your clips.
    - DIrect social networks media import.
    - Multilayer timeline.
    - Video stabilization.
    - Audio separation.
Weak points

    - Watermarks videos while in trial mode.
Official website:
filmora.wondershare.com
VideoPad Video Editor
VideoPad Video Editor
11 (92%) 1 (8%)
Download
A capable video editor which is free to use for non-commercial purposes and has a vast library of transition effects. Also, you can buy it for $60 for commercial usage.
Screenshot
Main window
VideoPad Video Editor features
  • Available for Mac.
  • 3D video editing.
  • Customizable transition effects duration.
  • Template creation support.
  • VIsual effects.
Advantages

    - Text animations.
    - Audio mixing and recording.
    - Video stabilization.
    - Burn to DVD.
    - Share online.
    - Full-HD support.
Disadvantages

    - Quality loss may occur.
Official website:
nchsoftware.com
AVS Video Editor
AVS Video Editor
7 (78%) 2 (22%)
Download
A powerful video editor for complete film creation: from video merging to menu insertion for the created file. The program is shareware, the full edition costs $69. The trial period is unlimited.
Screenshot
Main window
Features of AVS Video Editor
  • Slideshow creation.
  • High quality output files.
  • Transition effects.
  • Result preview.
  • Works with all Windows versions.
Advantages

    - Video capture.
    - Wide format list support.
    - DVD menu creation.
    - Plugins from the same developer are available.
Disadvantages

    - Trial version adds a watermark to the processed video.
Official website:
avs4you.com

Conclusion

We have two leaders on the list: Vegas Pro and Pinnacle Studio as professional-level utilities with the most feature-rich functionality. What video editor do you use? Tell us and we'll add it to our comparison list.

Comments

A
Amy 4 years ago

Thanks for sharing, but as for me, I prefer to use the Dumpmedia video converter, useful and convenient.

Reply Was it helpful? yes | no (+8)
N
Nikki67 5 years ago

I personally prefer Adobe products. They are complicated but are ideal for the professional video creation. None of these stands against them.

Reply Was it helpful? yes | no (+13)
B
bibi-89@mail.ru 5 years ago

Will you make reviews for the next version of these programs? It'll be very helpful.

Reply Was it helpful? yes | no (+7)
H
HungryHamster 5 years ago

Can I make a Hollywood-like scene with any of these editors?

Reply Was it helpful? yes | no (+11)