Best Video Editing Software for Mac iMore 2020

Your Mac is a great tool for editing video, but the software needed can get a little pricy. 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 editors for Mac should get the job done.

The Granddaddy: Adobe Premiere Pro CC (one-year subscription)

Staff favorite

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. For this, you also gain access to Premiere Rush, which allows you to capture footage and start editing on all your devices.

$240 at Amazon

For consumers: Adobe Premiere Elements 2019

Considered a less powerful (and cheaper) sibling to Premiere Pro, Premiere Elements is available on Mac and Windows and allows you to do basic and intermediate edits. And yes, you only have to pay for it once -- until a new version is released, of course.

$90 at Amazon

Signature selection: Apple Final Cut Pro

If you're looking for an option 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.

$300 at Apple

Apple's freebie: iMovie

Available for 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 iOS version on the iPhone and iPad.

Free at Apple

Universal choice: Lifeworks Pro (one-month subscription)

Available for Mac, Windows, and Linux, Lifeworks Pro is ideally suited for anyone just stepping into video editing as well as long-time users. You can download a free version with output format restrictions or purchase a monthly or yearly subscription that unlocks everything.

$25 at Lifeworks

A packed freebie: DaVinci Resolve 16

The free version of DaVinci Resolve 16 offers editing, visual effects, motion graphics, color correction, and audio post-processing. For $300, 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.

Free at Blackmagic Design

Free and open-source: 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.

Free at Blender

Easy to learn: OpenShot

Also open-source, OpenShot is a quick-to-learn, yet powerful video editor. Offering 3D animations, trim and slice, video effects, and much more.

Free at OpenShot

Two in one solution: Camtasia

Both a screen recorder and video editor, Camtasia allows you to combine or split clips, trim, and speed up or slow down footage. From there, you can preview your masterpiece through the video editor. 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.

$250 at TechSmith

Lots of choices

Video editing software for Mac comes at various price points, with some even being open-source. Our favorite, Adobe Premiere Pro CC, is the most complete solution available. For this, however, you're going to pay monthly. With this, you'll also receive Premiere Rush, which lets you capture footage on all your devices.

We also highly recommend Apple's extensive Final Cut Pro and the consumer offering, iMovie. All the ones on this list are worth taking a look. Both let you stay in the Apple ecosystem and avoid Adobe products. The choice is yours.

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