Top 8 Adobe Premiere Pro Alternatives for Windows and Mac

There’s no doubt that Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the best video editing tools that is out in the market right now. It is the go-to choice for many video professionals including many famous YouTubers along with professionals working in the movie and TV industry (Dust to Glory, Superman Returns, Avatar, Deadpool are some examples). That speaks volumes about the power of Adobe Premiere Pro. However, like any other piece of software, it is not flawless and it has its own fair share of problems.

For example, Adobe Premiere Pro has a history of compatibility issues with the macOS operating system. Just a few months back, a new bug was found which wreaked havoc and caused heavy thermal throttling in the new Macs. I also don’t like the fact that Adobe Premiere Pro comes with a subscription pricing which means I have to pay a monthly fee of $19.99 if I want to keep using this software. Adobe Premiere Pro is also very resource hungry which means that you can only use it if you have a powerful setup.

All these reasons and more means that Adobe Premiere Pro is not the best video editing tool for many users out there. That’s why, in this article, we are going to bring a list of the 8 best video editing software that you can use as an alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro:

Top 8 Adobe Premiere Pro Alternatives

1. Avid Media Composer | First

Avid Media Composer is the go-to video editing tool for most of the movie professionals who have to deal with big projects. Some of your favorite movies including the Guardian of Galaxy (vol. 2), the Martian, and the Baby Driver have been edited using Avid Media Composer. When you get Avid Media Composer, you know you are getting one of the best video editing tools that are available in the market right now. And while this tool is too costly to recommend to normal users, it has a free version called “Avid Media Composer | First” and it’s the most powerful free video editor that you can get.

1. Avid

99% the things that you are doing with Adobe Premiere Pro today can be done with Avid Media Composer | First, that too for free. I have personally been using this software for quite some time now and I still haven’t found a feature which I need but is locked behind a paywall. If you are looking for a professional grade editing software which can go head to head with Adobe Premiere Pro and is totally free, click on the link below and download the Avid Media Composer | First.

Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS
Supported Input Formats: MPEG, DV, DVPRO, H.264, XDCAM, MPEG-4, AVCHD, and more (click here to learn more)
Supported Output Formats: MPEG, DV, DVPRO, H.264, AVC, AVC-Intra, MP4, and more (click here to learn more)

Pros:

  • Fully featured video editing tool
  • Support for all the major audio and video formats
  • Powerful enough to manage even long projects

Cons:

  • Has a longer learning curve

Download: Free

2. Final Cut Pro X

If you are a Mac user who has been using Adobe Premiere Pro for reasons which I will never be able to comprehend, you should switch to Final Cut Pro X as there’s no better video editing tool for Macs when it comes to performance and stability. Since Final Cut Pro X has been designed in-house at Apple, it just works. Final Cut Pro X is just so in sync with their hardware that you get the best possible performance. I mean, I can easily edit 4K footage on my 13-inch MacBook Pro 2016 using Final Cut Pro when I can’t even dream of doing it with Adobe Premiere Pro or any other video editing software for that matter.

2. final cut pro

Final Cut Pro X not only performs well but it also brings a big set of features allowing you to easily manage projects irrespective of their size and requirements. When it comes to features, Final Cut Pro X is as good as the Adobe Premiere Pro. Also, if you are just starting out, you will be happy to know that it is also one of the easiest video editing software to learn as far as professional grade video editing software is concerned. The bottom line is if you are looking for Adobe Premiere Pro alternatives and you use a Mac, stop searching and install the Final Cut Pro X.

Supported Platforms: macOS
Supported Input Formats: H.264, Apple Animation codec, Apple ProRes (all versions), AVHCD, DVCAM, DVCPRO, and more
Supported Output Formats: Apple Pro-res, H.264, HDV, MPEG, and HDV among others

Pros:

  • Fully featured video editing tool
  • Highly optimized for macOS operating system
  • Easy to learn as far as professional grade video editing is concerned

Cons:

  • Has a high up-front cost
  • Only available for macOS

Download: $299.99

3. Hit Film Express

Hit Film Express is a full professional grade video editor which also happens to be completely free. Hit Film Express cannot only be used for your normal video editing needs but it can also be used to apply could video effects. And I am not just talking about your normal video effects rather about the proper VFX effects that you see in the movies including green screen effects, lighting effects, 3D-models, shootout effects, and much more. If your work requires to use video effects, Hit Film Express is the software that you should go with. Do note that it is a full professional grade video editing software so you will need to invest quite a bit of time before you can make use of all its powers. That said, on the plus side, unlike Adobe Premiere Pro, the software is totally free and there are no ads to ruin your experience.

3. HFE

Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS
Supported Input Formats: MP4, H.264, AVCHD, QuickTime Import, AVI, M2T, M2TS, MTS, MXF (DVCPro HD), DV, HDV, and WMV among others.
Supported Output Formats: MP4, H.264 among others

Pros:

  • Fully featured video editing tool
  • Goode visual effects tools
  • Free to use

Cons:

  • Visual effects application is harder to learn

Download: Free

4. DaVinci Resolve 15

Just a few months back, Blackmagic Design released the latest version of their video editing software, the DaVinci Resolve. Dubbed as the DaVinci Resolve 15, it is one of the best video editing tools out there and can certainly replace the Adobe Premiere Pro for users who are looking for a replacement. DaVinci Resolve has always been the best video editing software for color correction and with the new update, the software has become even better. Now, not only the software can be used for video editing and color correction, but it can be also be used for post-production of audio, visual effects, and more. The new VFX tools are especially great as they allow you to use node-based editing template which is far easier than using multi-timeline editing. Overall, the DaVinci Resolve 15 is very powerful and has become an all-in-one solution for all your video editing, audio post-production, and visual effects needs.

4. DaVinci Resolve 15

Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS
Supported Input Formats: QuickTime, AVI, R3D, MXF, Prores, DNxHD, MXF, DPX, CIN, EXR and others
Supported Output Formats: H.264, HDV, MPEG, and others

Pros:

  • Combines video editing, visual effects, and audio editing features
  • Offers best color correction tools in the business
  • Node editing for visual effects is really good

Cons:

  • Too many tools can complicate things for beginners

Download: Free, contact for full pricing details

5. OpenShot

One of the biggest drawbacks of Adobe Premiere Pro is that there’s no Linux version available. That means if you are a Linux user or are planning to switch to the open-source operating platform, you will have to switch. The good thing about this whole ordeal is that most of the software that are available for Linux are themselves open-source and hence completely free. When it comes to video editing software for Linux, we have chosen OpenShot as the best free Adobe Premiere Alternative. The software brings an easy to learn interface which is complemented well with its set of professional video editing features including 3D-rendering, video effects, animations, keyframes, and more. One of the good things about this software is that it is very easy to get used to. It’s also regularly updated with devs introducing new features from time to time. Overall, I quite like this software and consider it the best free video editing tool for Linux users.

5. OpenShot

Supported Platforms: Windows, macOS, and Linux
Supported Input Formats: Based on FFmpeg hence supports most of the video formats
Supported Output Formats: H.264, WebM, ProRes, MPEG-2, and others

Pros:

  • Available for all the major operating system
  • Easy to learn
  • Free to use

Cons:

  • Not as powerful as some of the other tools in the market

Download: Free

6. Sony Vegas Pro 16

I have always love Sony Vegas Pro as it is one of the few video editing software in the market which come with a full-fledged audio editing interface. While Adobe Premiere Pro gives you some control over your audio, if you want total control, Sony Vegas Pro is the way to go. The software also brings tons of video editing features including HDR color support, video stabilization, motion tracking, 360-degree video editing, automatic subtitle creation, multi-cam editing, and more. With its latest version; Sony Vegas Pro 16, new features such as streamlined editor, extensive file backups, hover scrub, high DPI scaling and more have been introduced. Sony Vegas Pro 16 is a very powerful video editor and no Adobe Premiere Pro alternative list can be complete without mentioning it.

6. Sony Vegas Pro 16

Supported Platforms: Windows
Supported Input Formats: DV, HDV, AVCHD, NXCAM, MOV, MP4, WMV, MPEG-1/2/4, H.264/AVC, and more. 
Supported Output Formats: DVD, Blu-ray Disc, AVCHD Disc, (DV-)AVI, MJPEG, MXF, MOV, WMV, XAVC, XAVC S, MPEG-1/2/4, H.264/AV, and more

Pros:

  • Good professional grade video editing tools
  • Brings full blown audio editor
  • Support for extensive file backups

Cons:

  • High upfront cost

Download: Starts at $399

7. Edius Pro 9

Edius Pro 8 is relatively unknown video editor when compared to the likes of Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro X, however, it is one of the most powerful video editors on the market. The software brings all the usual editing tools that you expect from a video editing software along with pro tools including motion tracking, image stabilization, slow-motion effects, OFX support, H.265/HEVC decoding, 4K video editing, and more. It also supports Multicam editing of up to 16 different sources simultaneously along with support for unlimited video, audio, title, and graphics tracks. The whole editing UI is quite user-friendly and I don’t think it will take anyone much time to get acclimated with the software.

7. Edius Pro 8

Supported Platforms: Windows
Supported Input Formats: Sony XAVC (Intra/Long GOP)/XAVC S, Panasonic AVC-Ultra/AVC-Intra 422, Sony RAW, Canon Cinema RAW, RED RAW, ProRes, DNxHD/HR 
Supported Output Formats: H.264/AV, AVC, 4K XAVC, and others. 

Pros:

  • Easy to learn
  • Support for most of the major audio and video formats
  • Good multicam editing features

Cons:

  • No clear details on pricing

Download: Pricing and other details available at authorized resellers

8. Pinnacle Studio

The last Adobe Premiere Pro alternatives that we suggest to our readers is the Pinnacle Studio which brings one of the best video editing experience at quite a reasonable price. Starting at just $59, it is the best solution for anyone who is looking for a cheap Adobe Premiere Pro alternative. The editor brings features like multi-track video editing, enhanced color and add effects panel, wide-angle lens correction, multi-camera video editing, split screen video editing, color grading tools and a collection of over 1500+ effects, titles, and templates. Despite its low price, the software also supports most of the popular video and audio formats. The bottom line is that I quite like the features and pricing of this software and highly recommend it as Adobe Premiere Alternative to users who are just beginning their video editing journey.

8. Pinnacle Studio

Supported Platforms: Windows
Supported Input Formats: AVCHD; DivX; MKV; MPEG-1, 2, and 4, QuickTime, WMV, XAVC S and others.
Supported Output Formats: MP4, MOV, AVI, and others. 

Pros:

  • Easy to learn
  • Low upfront cost
  • Good selection of video editing tools

Cons:

  • Not as powerful as some of the other tools in the market

Download: Starts at $59

SEE ALSO: 15 Best Cameras for YouTube Videos You Can Buy

Edit Your Videos Like A Pro Even Without Adobe Premier Pro

That ends our list of the best Adobe Premiere Pro alternatives that you can use to start your video editing journey. Since I work on a Mac, I am using the Final Cut Pro X, but I would love to hear from you guys. Do let us know which is your favorite video editor from the list by writing in the comments section below. You can also share any other recommendations that you have for us. We love to hear from our readers and your inputs are always welcome.

comment Comments 15
  • Marshall says:

    Hi. AceThinker Video Master is better than Premiere Pro when it comes to video conversion because it can convert videos to MP4, AVI, FLV, MP3, and more. It also has its own video editor that you can use to add filters, effects, watermarks, audio, subtitles, etc., on the video before converting it.

  • Magic says:

    What about Lightworks?

  • Jaydeep says:

    Don’t you know about shotcut video editor?

  • breathfree says:

    anything free

    • windows says:

      windows movie maker lol

  • DroGameplays says:

    THESE ARE NOT FREE THEY ARE MORE EXPENCIVE THAN PREMIER PRO AND THE ONES THAT ARENT 500$ IS A LINK TO FILMORA WICH IS LIKE 30$ A MONTH

  • Tom Waits says:

    Spoken like a true Adobe fanboy to the max…

  • Miry says:

    You guys. HITFILM! use hitfilm

  • Vishal Grover says:

    Thanks for keeping it simple!
    I am thinking to start a new YouTube channel and was in quest of a simple but powerful and free Video Editors.
    I hope OpenShot does the work well!!

  • Me says:

    “For example, why would anyone need multi-camera editing support for editing a short film made for a college project?”

    The person who wrote this should not be evaluating video editing software.

  • a9933727@gmail.com says:

    how about openshot?

  • David says:

    Half of these are utter $hit, buggy, slow and fail to deliver anything close to Adobe Premiere…

    • Johnny Q says:

      Yes you’re right. These people don’t care about anything, they just write shit like for everything.

    • a9933727@gmail.com says:

      Does hold true for OpenShot?

      • raff says:

        k

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