No matter how proficient you are at video editing, if your video editing app lacks top-notch features and versatility, your creativity will not have the freedom to express itself and the end product may eventually fall well short of expectations. Fortunately, there is no dearth of video editing software on the market. However, if your search for the best Windows 10 video editors seems to be in a fix and you can’t decide which one to choose, this short roundup can help you make the right decision. Here are the 10 best Windows 10 video editing apps that you should check out in 2020.
Best Windows 10 Video Editors (Updated July 2020)
Before putting your money on a video editor and spending hours on learning it to edit your videos, there are a few crucial things you need to keep in mind so that you don’t end up with the app that is not in line with your expectations. So take a quick glance at all the apps and learn what kind of video editors would be the best for you.
- For Amateurs and Pro Users
- Free and For Beginners
Fix Your Priority Before Choosing a Video Editor
It’s always good to be very clear of what your need demands. For instance, if you are looking for Windows 10 video editors to just create fun-loving videos for sharing on social sites like Facebook and Instagram, then you don’t need to go for a powerful software with tons of pro tools. A simple video editor can live up to your task without costing an arm and a leg. And oh, there are also some pretty good free apps that are designed to get the job done elegantly.
Likewise, if your demand calls for an advanced editor, go through all the top-of-the-line Windows 10 video editors and choose the one that ticks off most boxes as per your needs. That said, let’s find out what the top video editors for Windows 10 have in store for you!
Windows 10 Video Editors for Amateurs and Pro Users
1. Adobe Premiere Pro
No roundup of the best Windows 10 video editors would be complete without Adobe Premiere Pro as it’s always been a powerhouse. Whether you are a filmmaker, YouTuber, or videographer, you will find Premiere Pro a solid option. Apart from boasting high-end tools, the app sports an interface that is easy to navigate. Packed with some really handy automated tools, it ensures your workflow remains smooth.
Another area where it excels is the ability to edit footage in many modern formats like 8K and virtual reality. With the support for several formats, Premiere Pro offers you the liberty to take control of any video at your own pace. It brings the Lumetri color tools to enhance selective color grading elegantly. Also, of all the video editors that I have tried, I have found Premiere Pro to be better at the ability to get rid of background noise. It offers some really crisp built-in tools that make it easier to deal with unwanted noise.
It also brings the support for VR 180 and allows you to create videos in Google VR180 format. As a YouTuber, you would find this feature immensely helpful. Besides, the library of over 130 desktop fonts and more than 800 web fonts add more wings to your creativity. However, what has made me use Premiere Pro is the seamless integration with other popular apps such as “After Effects” (free trial) and “Audition” (free trial). To say the least, it will be super handy for your productivity and workflow.
Pros:
- Feature-rich and extremely powerful
- Supports 8K and virtual reality
- High-end tools kits
- Several third-party integrations
Cons:
- Slow to process videos
- Quite Expensive
Supported Input Formats: MP4, MPEG, MPE, MPG (MPEG-1, MPEG-2), M2V (DVD-compliant MPEG-2), MTS (avchd), MOV, FLV, AVI
Supported Output Formats: H.264: AAC, 3GP, MP4, M4V, HEVC (H.265), MPEG-2 and MPEG-4, among others
Install: One-week free trial, the premium version starts at $20.99/month
2. Avid Media Composer First
If there is a Windows 10 video editing software that can give Adobe Premiere Pro a run for its money, it has to be the Avid Media Composer. For those unfamiliar with its rich legacy, this app played a major role in editing movies and TV show like Captain Marvel, Bohemian Rhapsody, and Game of Thrones. As compared to Premiere Pro, Avid’s interface looks a bit more inviting. On the editing front, it has got a plethora of professional tools that let you edit videos immaculately.
Many a time, it becomes a bit tricky to get rid of the unwanted parts like camera shake and even remove redundant dialogue. But with Avid, you won’t have any problem in tracking down the errors that are threatening to spoil your creativity and remove them straight away. You can easily remove the awkward camera shake and also adjust exposure.
Thanks to impressive audio effects, it will also let you create unique sound effects and dialogue. With the virtual recording studio at your disposal, you can effortlessly create voice-overs and edit audio. There are also dozens of effects and presets which can endow visual appeal to your movie instantly.
Besides, you can take advantage of transitions and filters to ramp up scenes. Another great feature of this app is the massive community of professional and creative people. You can explore the creative videos and also interact with like-minded people to share thoughts.
One important thing worth mentioning is that Avid offers this video editing software in four versions: Media Composer First, Media Composer, Media Composer Ultimate, and Media Composer Enterprise. Should your need demands a good Windows 10 video editing app without burning a hole in your pocket at all, Media Composer First would be a smart pick for you.
But if you are a pro user who has to deal with large video files and always like to have the luxury of plenty of high-end editing tools to make your creativity standout, then Media Composer/Ultimate would be the better way to go. As for Enterprise variant, it’s self-explanatory and specifically developed to suffice high-end enterprise demand.
Pros:
- Professional-grade software
- Top-notch library of transitions and effects
- High-end editing toolkits
- Create unique sound effects
- Stabilize footage
Cons:
- Expensive
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)
Install: Free, the price of the premium version starts at $23.99/month
3. Lightworks
Lightworks has been around for more than 25 years and it’s been used on some of the most successful films like The Wolf of Wall Street, LA Confidential, Pulp Fiction, Heat and more. What sets this video editor app apart from many rivals is the simplicity; that too without compromising on the advanced editing tools. The entire interface feels very familiar right from the start. Thus, you won’t have to spend plenty of time to master the editing tools or get a good hold of the software.
Beyond the praiseworthy UI, the support for a number of file formats (including variable frame rate media) makes it pretty much in line with the best in the business. Another thing that I like a lot in it is the ability to edit files without any loss of quality. If you are a purist who never wants to compromise with the quality, it would live up to your expectations admirably.
With royalty-free media including music and videos, you get a bit more liberty to experiment. The app also boasts tons of stunning effects that would not only play a pivotal role in boosting the visual appeal but also hiding errors. One thing worth mentioning is that the free version of the app offers you access to all the tools, however, it has restrictions on output formats. To break this limitation, you will have to get the pro version of Lightworks.
Pros:
- Features packed the brim
- Access royalty-free media
- Excellent UI
- Variable frame rate editing
- Stunning effects and filters
Cons:
- Need to learn even the basic tools
- Expensive
Supported Input Formats: MPEG-2 I-Frame SD, Apple Pro Res, DVCAM / DVCPRO 25, AVCHD (M2T, M2TS, MPEG4, H.264) and others
Supported Output Formats: Web-compatible file (MPEG4/H.264), WebM, Blu-ray and others
Install: Free, the pro version is available for $24.99/month
4. DaVinci Resolve
Should your priority lies with impressive 8K editing and flawless color correction, try out DaVinci Resolve. The best part about this software is the capability to efficiently combine 8K editing, stunning visual effects, color correction, and audio post-production. As a result, you will be able to amp up your multitasking without any hassle.
Another notable feature of this software is multi-user collaboration. If you often have to collaborate with entire team and want everyone involved to seamlessly work on a project, you would be hard-pressed to find a better alternative to it.
DaVinci Resolve 16 has a cut page which comes in handy for speeding up the project. Basically, it’s an alternate edit page featuring a streamlined interface to let you edit, add transitions, titles a lot faster. Depending on your needs, you can create multiple timelines with different resolutions, frame-rates, and even output settings.
Times where you want to work with more flexibility, the custom timeline settings would make your task more convenient. What’s more, it also uses machine learning to quickly recognize people in the video and automatically creates bins. So, getting started with a project doesn’t seem to be time-consuming.
Not to mention the adjustment clips which you can use to easily apply effects and grades to your video. And with the image stabilization tool, it analyzes each shot and enables you to apply accurate stabilization.
To me, GPU acceleration is a must especially when you have to deal with large media files and want the production to proceed with the desired speed. Therefore, you would be really glad to find a full-on GPU acceleration tool that offers you more control and also plays a vital role in accelerating your task.
Pros:
- Best for color correction
- 8K support
- Multi-user collaboration
- Custom timeline settings
- Supports GPU acceleration
- Stabilization
Cons:
- Not for beginners or amateurs
Supported Input Formats: QuickTime, AVI, R3D, MXF, Prores, DNxHD, MXF, DPX, CIN, EXR and others
Supported Output Formats: H.264, HDV, MPEG, and others
Install: Free, the full version is available for $299
5. Sony Vegas
Whether you are a professional video editor or a beginner who has just taken on video editing, “Sony Vegas” is one of the better options for you. If you are a novice, the guided video creator and model-based workflow can go a long way in helping you master many tricks of the trade. What puts it at the forefront is the ability to offer more flexible video production, depending on the type of movie you would like to create.
Sony Vegas excels in optimizing videos. In fact, there are very few Windows 10 video editors that can come close to it as far as the proficiency for video optimization is concerned. If you take special care of quality and also want the process to be done at a rapid speed, Vegas should be an obvious choice for you.
Another highly-appreciable feature of this app is that it lets you access the latest plug-ins, ensuring you always have the best possible tools to design your films. Again, if you are a fan of innovative plug-ins and depend on them heavily to create awesome videos, you should look no further than this video editor.
When it comes to video stabilization functionality, Vegas does an excellent job. As a result, you won’t have to spend much on stabilizing your shots. On the video effects front, it has got both the rich quality and variety. So, when you decide to ramp up the visual appearance of your video, you will have a good many options to try out.
Pros:
- Powerful video editing tools
- Supports third-party plugins
- Video stabilization
- Multi-panel timeline
- Excellent video effects
Cons:
- Steep learning curve
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
Install: Starts at $399
Free Windows 10 Video Editors for Beginners
6. OpenShot
If you are looking for a free video editor on Windows 10 and one that is dead simple to use then OpenShot is your best option. Apart from being completely free, the video editor is also open-source and available on multiple platforms, besides Windows 10. It has a quick learning curve and you don’t need to spend hours and learn how to apply some transitions or merge multiple clips. Keep in mind, that does not stop OpenShot to be any less powerful.
You have got a full set of advanced editing tools including trim and slice, 3D animation and keyframes, support for unlimited audio layers, video effects, and more. The best part about OpenShot is that it has a very simple user interface making you feel at home on the very first run. All in all, I would say, OpenShot ticks all the boxes of a friendly video editor and you get everything for free. So go ahead and try OpenShot on Windows 10 to get started.
Pros:
- Simple and easy to use
- Free and open-source
- Basic and advanced tools
- Multi-timeline support
Cons:
- None
Supported Input Formats: FFmpeg, WebM (VP9), AVCHD, HEVC, mp3, aac, MPEG4, ogv, Blu-ray, and DVD video
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
Install: Free
7. HitFilm Express
HitFilm Express is another powerful video editor for Windows 10 that is well-equipped with all the basic and advanced tools. FXhome is the developer of HitFilm and it offers a paid version (HitFilm Pro) and free version (HitFilm Express). However, the Express version is not bereft of premium features as it offers you professional-grade VFX tools, and also simple tools for beginners and students.
Even if you opt for the paid version which unlocks many advanced tools, it costs you a one-time fee of $349 and you can use it on 3 different machines. That’s awesome, right?
As for the features, it comes with more than 400 presets and VFX toolkit under the free version and support for unlimited tracks and transitions. Among other things, you can also do 2D and 3D compositing. To sum up, HitFilm Express hits a sweet spot for users who want a free video editor for Windows but packed with premium features and is also available for free.
Pros:
- Premium features
- Free
- Unlimited tracks and transitions
- Supports 2D and 3D composition
- Hundreds of presets
Cons:
- Learning curve can be higher for beginners
Supported Input Formats: Quicktime, AVCHD, AVI, M2T, M2TS, MOV, MP4 (AVC/H264 & AAC), MPEG-1 & MPEG-2 (TS, PS, MPE, MPG, MPEG, M2V), MTS, MXF (DVCPro HD), DV, HDV, WMV.
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
Install: Free, Pro version starts at $349
8. VSDC
VSDC is a Windows 10 video editor that is known for its free offering and simple user interface. It weighs around 80MB in size which makes it clear that VSDC is not for pro users, but for beginners who want to get started with video editing on Windows 10. That said, lately, the developer has added a wide array of video processing tools to VSDC like Chrome Key, video effects, filters and support for 360-degree video editing.
Not to mention, you have the usual multi-panel timeline, support for various codecs and file formats, stabilization, voiceover, and more. You can also export videos at 4K resolution without paying any charge. To conclude, if you are looking for a free Windows 10 video editor that has ample processing tools then VSDC is a great choice.
Pros:
- Free and has advanced tools
- Light on resources
- Multiple timeline support
- Comes with stabilization and various processing tools
- Supports 4K
Cons:
- Can be limiting for advanced users
Supported Input Formats: AVI, MP4, MKV, MPG, WMV, 3GP, FLV and others; audio files: MP3, WAV, WMA, FLAC, PCM, OGG, AAC, M4A, AMR
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
Install: Free
9. Shotcut
If you are a budding YouTuber or someone who likes to create awesome videos for sharing on social networking sites, you will love to have Shotcut. One of the biggest highlights of this app is the support for hundreds of audio and video formats. As a result, you will be able to edit almost any video file without having to run into an incompatibility issue. Besides, the multi-format timeline, frame-rates, and resolutions would play a decisive role in enhancing your productivity.
Talking about the interface, it appears to be sleek. And if you don’t appreciate heavily-loaded interface, chances are high that you would give a thumbs up to its UI. You can check detailed media properties and quickly access the recent files.
It also has a huge collection of video filters that can instantly transform the look of your video. With a host of audio filters, you will also be able to easily refine your audio. Talking about color-correction and grading functionality, it comes with three-way color wheels which are up to the mark for refining colors and grading.
When you would want to give scenes a more enchanting look, a wide range of transitions like a barn door, clock, and box would come into play really well. Plus, the support for resolutions up to 4k makes it more than a safe bet.
That’s not all, Shotcut is also designed to play nicely with capture from SDI, HDMI, webcam, JACK, Pulse audio, IP stream, X11 screen, and Windows DirectShow devices, which further solidifies its reputation as a versatile Windows 10 video editor. Oh, and did I mention that it’s completely free to use?
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Feature-rich
- Huge library of video filters
- Supports audio accessories
- Color correction
Cons:
- UI can be jarring for some users
Supported Input Formats: Based on FFmpeg hence supports most of the video formats
Supported Output Formats: H.264, WebM, ProRes, MPEG-2, and others
Install: Free
10. Microsoft Photos App
I bet not many of you are aware of the fact that the stock Photos app of Windows 10 has hidden video editing tools. If you are looking for a simple yet highly efficient video editor that can let you create fun-loving videos to share on social networking sites, it can fit into your needs with ease.
To edit videos using the native Photos app, all you need to do is open the video file in the Photos app. Simply right-click on the file and choose Open With -> Photos. When your video opens inside the app, click on “Edit & Create” option.
Now, you will have access to plenty of editing tools. For instance, you can trim the video to get rid of the unwanted portions and add a slo-mo effect to make your clip look eye-catching.
If you wish to take your creativity a bit further, you can add some artistic touch by drawing on the clip. Just be careful not to overdo it otherwise your video won’t look impressive. Not to mention, it also lets you bring in some cool customization by adding awesome 3D effects. I would strictly recommend you to save them for the times when you want your clips to have an extravagant look. And when your video is ready to be unleashed, you can share it right from this app via Skype and Mail. Super handy, isn’t it?
Pros:
- Easy to use and free
- Pre-installed on Windows 10
- Beautiful 3D effects
- Share on social media
Cons:
- Quite basic editing tools
Comes pre-installed with Windows 10
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does Windows 10 Have Video Editing?
Yes, you can use the Microsoft Photos app on Windows 10 to edit videos. It comes preinstalled on Windows 10 and works like a charm.
Q. Where Do I Find Video Editor in Windows 10?
You can either use fully-featured video editors from the list above or use the first-party Microsoft Photo app to edit videos on Windows 10. Just press the Windows key once and search for “photos” and then open it.
Q. Why Should I Care About Free Software?
If you are not a professional, there is no point getting a paid software that comes with advanced tools. For beginners who want to merge clips and sync audio, free video editors are enough and you can use them comfortably. I have listed top 5 free video editors for Windows 10 above so go through that.
Q. Which Programs Do Most YouTubers Use?
YouTubers generally use Final Cut Pro (Apple users) and Adobe Premiere Pro (Windows users). However, if Adobe Premiere Pro is too complex for you then you can take a shot at OpenShot and HitFilm.
Q. Which Programs do Professionals Use?
Final Cut Pro, Avid Media, and Adobe Premiere Pro are the three software mainly used by professionals.
Use the Best Windows 10 Video Editors
Even though I’m not a pro video editor, I’ve always liked editing videos. Mostly, I create videos to share on social sites. And for this purpose, Shotcut video editing software and Photos app are my go-to options as they make the task pretty simple. Even though they appear light on the eyes, they have got plenty of tricks up their sleeve. By the way, which is your favorite video editing software for Windows 10 and what makes it stand out for you? I would indeed be glad to have your valuable feedback in the comments below.
