Your Mac is a great tool for editing video, but the software needed can get a little pricey. If you're looking for something less expensive, or at least want to see what is on the market, you've come to the right place. These video editing software for Mac titles should get the job done. Each works very well on macOS Big Sur, and the best MacBook on the market really likes these titles!
Best video editing software for Mac: Adobe Premiere Pro CC
The leading video editing software for film, TV, and the web, Adobe Premiere Pro CC is also one of the most expensive. Plus, it's now only available through monthly or yearly subscriptions. Video editing tools powered by Adobe Sensei, Premiere Pro works with other Adobe apps and services, including After Effects, Adobe Audition, Adobe Stock, and hundreds of third-party extensions. Currently, it's our favorite video editing software for Mac.
Edit footage in any modern format, from 8K to virtual reality.
Best video editing software for Mac: Adobe Premiere Elements 2021
Considered a less powerful (and cheaper) sibling to Premiere Pro, Premiere Elements is available on both Mac and Windows, and allows you to do basic and intermediate edits. With intelligent editing Adobe Sensei AI technology, Premiere Elements lets you edit, create, organize, and share photos and videos. You can also add motion to your static images, colorize photos, and select a subject with one click. And yes, you only have to pay for it once — until a new version is released, of course.
Pay once and get ready to create, then share your finished projects with the rest of the world.
Best video editing software for Mac: Apple Final Cut Pro
If you're looking for an option that is not owned by Adobe, you should consider Apple's Final Cut Pro. Ideally suited for professionals, this software combines video editing and media organization. Extend your capabilities by adding third-party workflow extensions.
Apple's entry into the video-editing space is pricey, but it gets the job done.
Best video editing software for Mac: iMovie
Free in the Mac App Store, iMovie features classic themes, chroma-keying, audio tools, and a brilliant yet simple interface. You can enhance your iMovie experience by using the mobile version on the iPhone and iPad.
For everyday users, iMovie is absolutely free when you purchase your Mac.
Best video editing software for Mac: DaVinci Resolve 17
The free version of DaVinci Resolve 17 offers editing, visual effects, motion graphics, color correction, and audio post-processing. For $295, you can purchase the studio version, which adds multi-user collaboration, 3D tools, FX, and more. This software is available on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
With DaVinci Resolve 17, you get editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics, and audio post-production all in one software tool.
Best video editing software for Mac: Blender
With Blender, you receive a free and open-source 3D creation suite. Tools are available for video editing, modeling, rigging, animation, simulation, rendering, compositing and motion tracking, and game creation. If you're looking for something a little bit different that is supported by professionals and hobbyists alike, this is the one to check out.
If you're looking for a free solution that includes various disciplines, you've come to the right place — Blender has it all
Best video editing software for Mac: Camtasia
Camtasia allows you to combine or split clips, trim, and speed up or slow down the footage with both a screen recorder and video editor. From there, you can preview your masterpiece through the video editor and add effects to add polish to your videos. Camtasia is available for Mac and Windows and is available for free through a 30-day trial.
Camtasia is quick to learn. You don't need a big budget or fancy video editing skills. Simple start with a template or record your screen and add a few effects.
Video editing software for Mac
Video editing software for Mac comes at various price points, with some even being open-source or free. Our favorite, Adobe Premiere Pro CC, is the most complete solution available. For this, however, you're going to have to pay continuously to continue to use it. We also highly recommend Apple's extensive Final Cut Pro and its consumer offering, iMovie. All the ones on this list are worth considering. Both let you stay in the Apple ecosystem and avoid Adobe products. The choice is yours.
Do you have any questions and concerns about our list? Are there titles we should have added? Let us know in the comments.
Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.
