When you’ve got a video-editing Mac, you also need capable software that can handle your post-production needs. However, with a plethora of options to choose from, it can be quite overwhelming to choose the best video editing software for Mac. Well, you need not break a sweat as we’re here to help you pick the best video editor based on your skill level and project requirements. We’ve handpicked 5 video editing software that offer unique offerings to meet the requirements of first-time video editors as well as professional video producers.
1. Adobe Premiere Pro: Best Cross-Platform Video Editing Software
Adobe Premiere Pro is the industry standard for professional and cross-platform video editing. It’s a powerhouse known for its powerful suite of features, flexible interface, and a vast library of eye-catching effects. Adobe keeps updating its already comprehensive feature set, and the Frame.io integration allows you to collaborate on projects in real time. This video editing software for Apple Silicon Macs has a tight integration with other Adobe products like Rush, Photoshop, and After Effects. Also, you can work with a wide range of third-party plug-ins and panels.
You can work with top-notch color refinement tools, effects, motion graphic templates, AI-based audio tagging, VR editing, and more. With a single click, Adobe Premiere Pro allows you to publish your videos to your favorite social media platforms with accurate keywords and captions. You can also use Look Up Tables (LUTs) to deliver a unique style across your clips. To sum up, if you need the best pro-level video editing software for Mac that works across platforms, look no further than Adobe Premiere Pro.
Pros Cons Unmatched flexibility & control Can be overwhelming for non-professionals Vast library of collaboration tools and eye-catching effects Deep learning curve Create professional-quality animated titles Recurring subscription costs AI-powered Remix to auto-fit audio to clips
2. Apple Final Cut Pro: Best Video Editing Software for Professionals
The longstanding favorite video editing software among Apple users, Final Cut Pro offers an unparalleled, non-linear editing experience custom-made for Mac. Its unconventional but remarkable magnetic timeline is a game-changer for video editors who value accuracy and creative flow. Final Cut Pro is a leader in the video editing space with its support for advanced 8K RED RAW and ProRes 244 standards, advanced Multicam editing tools, intelligent motion tracking, and powerful third-party app integrations. With an intuitive design and a robust set of features, this video editing software for Mac can meet all your professional storytelling demands.
Although it’s a pro-grade video editor, Adobe Premiere Pro is also suitable for amateurs who wish to create some impressive video projects. The best part is that Apple Final Cut Pro doesn’t have a steep learning curve or recurring subscription costs like its competitor Adobe Premiere Pro. Optimised for macOS and Apple Silicon, Final Cut Pro allows you to harness the power of Apple hardware at incredible speeds. So, if you’re eyeing the best video editing software for M2 or M3 Macs, this Apple-made editor is a solid option.
| Pros | Cons |
| One-time purchase with free upgrades | Limited collaboration features |
| Magnetic timeline | The non-traditional timeline might be not please longtime video producers |
| Advanced Multicam editing | |
| Support for 360-degree video editing and powerful third-party apps integration | |
| Smooth ProRes performance |
3. DaVinci Resolve: Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac
DaVinci isn’t just the best free video editing software for Mac, it’s one of the best video editors out there. Rather than a single application, DaVinci Resolve is a well-packed suite that combines video editing, visual effects, color coding, and audio post-production in a single software. Thanks to the industry-standard color grading system, extensive audio tools, and node-based special effects system, DaVinci Resolve delivers the highest-quality output. This video editor a top pick for television professionals and has been used in various movies and TV shows, including Top Gun: Maverick, Deadpool 2, and Pirates of the Caribbean. So, it’s just perfect for professionals or anyone with serious editing demands.
The one thing that makes Da Vinci Resolve stand out from its competitors is the extremely capable free version that lets you do a lot. The premium version unlocks facial recognition, temporal and spatial noise reduction, lens blur, lens flare, photorealistic optical quality motion effects, stereoscopic 3D, and other advanced effects. At first, the interface may seem complex, but it’s not overwhelming and there are plenty of support materials that can help you learn everything. Putting it simply, DaVinci Resolve is amongst the best video editors for YouTube and beyond.
Pros Cons A supremely capable free version Might be overkill for beginners Well-designed interface Takes time to learn and need commitment to unleash the true potential Offers plenty of tools and features Multi-platform compatibility
4. iMovie: Best Mac Video Editor for Beginners
If you’re new to video editing, iMovie is a great option that offers everything you need to put your clips together and make mini-movies. This free film editing software for Mac features a clean and intuitive interface that’s easy to use even if you haven’t touched any video editor before. With a tight integration with the Apple ecosystem, iMovie makes it super easy to import videos from your iPhone. Thanks to the seamless connectivity, you can even start editing videos on the iOS or iPadOS version and then move to the macOS version anytime you wish to.
Despite its simplicity and free availability, iMovie features a unique trackless timeline interface (like Final Cut Pro) and boasts a set of advanced features like color matching, chroma-keying, noise reduction, video stabilization, and more. In addition, the Storyboard and Trailers features are invaluable for beginners to learn how to create compelling stories. Apple iMovie may not be designed for professional video editors, but it’s unarguably a fantastic option for hobbyists and users starting their video editing journey.
Pros Cons Great for beginners Limited capabilities compared to others Free Features aren’t regularly updated Easy to learn and use iCloud Photo Library integration and support for iPhone video features
5. Adobe Premiere Rush: Best for Editing Social Media Videos
For users who are looking for the best video editor for Mac to make quick edits, it’s just hard to beat Adobe Premiere Rush. While Adobe Premiere Pro has evolved to be the gold standard of modern video editors, Adobe Premiere Rush offers a simple experience so you can edit videos in record time. The best thing about this Mac video editor is that it’s not overloaded with features. That said, it offers ample effects, titles, color correction, audio tools, and other features to create visually pleasing videos. The software is also compatible across platforms, so you can start editing on iPhone and fine-tune everything on Mac.
Premiere Rush is an indispensable tool for vloggers and social media content creators who want to quickly edit videos on the go. You just have to select your clips in the order you want, click Create, and this video editor will edit the footage for you. You can then make adjustments and add audio before exporting. It’s worth knowing that to enjoy this level of ease, you have to compromise with the more advanced features like chroma keying. If this doesn’t bother you, Premiere Rush is gonna be your favorite video editor for social media.
Pros Cons Easy to use Requires subscription Multi-platform compatibility Lacks advanced features Easy sharing to social media platforms Allows you to make quick edits
Those were some of the best video editing software for Mac that should be on your radar in 2024. Apart from the basic video editing tools, they also offer Artificial Intelligence features to provide smarter editing tools and more capable workflows. Furthermore, the collaboration tools allow you to collaborate with multiple users in real time. All of the mentioned video editors are good, in their way, and you will easily find one that meets your requirements.
Anshuman Jain
