The Mac has long been regarded as an excellent tool for creative endeavors. Video editing is a natural on the Mac, but you'll need editing software in order to do anything beyond the basics. Here are some of our favorite video editors for your Mac, whether you're working on a desktop or laptop.
Adobe Premiere Pro
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.
(opens in new tab)Adobe Photoshop Elements & Premiere Elements 2022
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.
(opens in new tab)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.
(opens in new tab)Apple iMovie
Free in the Mac App Store, Apple's 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.
(opens in new tab)DaVinci Resolve
The free version of DaVinci Resolve 18 offers editing, visual effects, motion graphics, color correction, and audio post-processing. If you love it but want more, you can pay for the studio version, which adds multi-user collaboration, 3D tools, FX, and more. This software is available on Mac, Windows, and Linux.
(opens in new tab)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.
(opens in new tab)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.
(opens in new tab)The best video editing software for your Mac
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You can't go wrong with any of these titles. They'll all work great on macOS Monterey, and should also work fine on macOS Ventura as well. If you're working on the go, all of the best MacBooks on the market, including the M2 MacBook Air and M2 MacBook Pro really like these titles. Adobe Premiere Pro is top-notch, and just about the most computer editor out there. Of course, you'll have to pay a monthly subscription in order to use it. We also highly recommend Apple's extensive Final Cut Pro, which you can pay for just once, and its free consumer offering, iMovie. Both let you stay in the Apple ecosystem. If you're just starting out, I'd certainly start with iMovie, since it's free and fully integrated into your Mac's operating system. As you advance, you'll have a better idea of what you need and what's worth paying a premium for.
