What should you look for in video editing software for Mac? That is a question you may ask when looking for an application to edit your videos. But the better question is–where do you plan to use your videos? The answer can help you choose, as some solutions are simpler than others, allowing for the quick creation of professional-quality presentation or tutorial videos. Other platforms are the more advanced types, with an array of high-tech tools suitable for use by commercial video/film producers and editors.
You’ll be surprised at the diverse range of video editing software for Mac in the market today. If you research all of them, you’ll need to take a few days of leave from work. Don’t worry; we have done the heavy lifting for you and came up with a lineup of the 12 best video editing software for Mac. These best video editing tools are either intuitive to casual users or powerful for pros, while some are scalable so that they can be used by both types of users. We also highlight the key features of each software to make it easier to compare them.
What are the best 12 video editing software solutions for Mac?
MacBook is one of the top 3 laptop brands in the United States, used by 23% of consumers. Eighteen percent of MacBook users expressed that they use the device to advance their careers. This is strongly related to the results of a survey wherein most employees would choose Mac for work: 97% believe that it increases their productivity. Further, 95% believe that Mac helps with their creativity, something which professionals like video editors need.
Source: Statista 2020
Since there is a significant preference for MacBooks, it makes sense for video editing software companies to develop applications for Mac. Fortunately, there are reliable names in this domain, specifically the best video editing software for Mac listed below. If your requirements are not Mac-specific, you can browse this list of the 20 best video editing tools for more options.
1. Filmora
Filmora is an intuitive video editing platform that is easy enough to use for novices and flexible enough for professional video editors. Equipped with tools ranging from video trimming, color correction, and keyframe editing to video stabilization and motion tracking, this solution allows creators to prepare engaging professional-level videos. It even integrates with social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, and Vimeo for a faster and easier uploading process.
In addition to the abovementioned features, Filmora also comes with more advanced tools such as 4K resolution support, green screen support, and noise removals. Moreover, built-in audio editing solutions are provided so you can ensure that your videos not only look great but sound good too.
Should you be interested in this platform, the vendor offers a free trial plan so you can give its features a closer look. For pricing plans, they offer different rates depending on your needs ranging from $39.99/year to $155.88/year. There’s also a cheaper plan for students at $7.99/month.
Key Features of Filmora
- Video stabilization, motion tracking, audio editing, and other advanced tools
- Extensive media library, color grading presets, visual effects options, and dynamic transitions
- 4K resolution editing support
Detailed Filmora Review
2. Camtasia
Camtasia is both a video editing software and a screen recording solution. Because it incorporates the two, users can create content that integrates video captured from cameras and screen records. Moreover, the platform is equipped with features that optimize the creation of eLearning materials such as quizzes and surveys that can be embedded in your videos. This is especially beneficial to educators or users who produce tutorial videos. Mac users can also look forward to Camtasia running smoothly on their machines. It can operate without trouble even when video editors only meet the minimum specifications.
If you are interested in checking what Camtasia has to offer, the software has a free trial. When that period expires, you need to sign up for a license, which starts at $249.99. This can already unlock the full feature set of Camtasia. But if you prefer an all-around solution, you can look at digital asset management software instead.
Key Features of Camtasia
- Screen recording with audio
- Video templates
- Music and audio library
Detailed Camtasia Review
3. InVideo
InVideo is ideal for brands, publishers, and marketing agencies that need an affordable and easy-to-use video editing platform. The software is known for its wide selection of video templates that are suited for various promotional content, such as Facebook videos, invitation videos, campaigns, and even real estate ads. You can then customize these templates, add additional scenes, text, and audio, and repurpose them for different channels.
Moreover, InVideo comes with powerful video editing features to help you create attention-grabbing videos in a breeze. It includes basic features found in most video editing software, such as scene trimming, resizing, transitions, animations, and audio, as well as an automated speech-to-text option. Plus, you can use different text styles to keep your viewers hooked and engaged with your promotional videos.
Key Features of InVideo
- Extensive media library
- User-friendly features
- Fun, engaging stickers and text style options
4. Movavi Video Editor
Movavi Video Editor is an easy-to-use powerful video editor for both Windows and Mac users. It is packed with features that allow users to make their home video, presentation, or indie film look professional. Movavi Video Editor includes presets for filters, adding titles, transitions, and ready-made intros. Also, the platform is really easy to use. For people who have experience using video editing software, they can just jump right in and do work using Movavi.
There are two main versions of Movavi Video Editor for Mac and PC.
First is the basic Movavi Video Editor 2020 targeted at beginners. It has all the basic features including some built-in intros, backgrounds, music, and sounds. It also has a few filters and transitions available. The edition is great for hobbyists creating home videos for family and friends. And, it is free.
Secondly, the Movavi Video Editor Plus 2020, is packed with more features for advanced video editing. It is perfect for prosumers and professionals whose jobs require them to create fast and engaging video presentations. Additional Plus features include a media bin for quick access of project files, adjustable filter intensity, and keyframe animation of video stickers and titles among others. Moreover, it trumps the basic version when it comes to the complexity of editing allowed. This is because unlike the basic edition that only allows six tracks on the Timeline, the Plus version allows 99. The Movavi Video Editor Plus 2020 is priced at $59.95.
There are also other Movavi offerings like the Movavi Video Suite 2020 which comes with a series of nifty video features like an editor, converter, and screen recorder, among others.
Detailed Movavi Video Editor Review
Key Features of Movavi Video Editor
- Automatic video creator for a quick and easy content fix
- Fast processing of HD and 4K videos
- Built-in intros, backgrounds, videos, sound, and music
5. Final Cut Pro
Next on our list of 12 best video editing software for Mac is Final Cut Pro. It is Apple’s premier professional video editing software for macOS users. The application is built to tap into the robust processing core, graphics card, and VRAM that power the latest Mac machines. With the software harnessing multi-core and multi-thread hardware capabilities of Macs, together with a huge set of cutting-edge editing tools, the result is smooth and accelerated post-production work from start to finish.
Final Cut Pro gives you the ability to import, share, and edit videos from a variety of cameras and devices with support for multiple formats. It has numerous tools for editing and timeline, trimming, effects, audio enhancement, color correction, closed captions, multimedia management, and project workflow. It can handle VR headset playback and 360-degree video editing, as well as HDR and ProResRAW sources. The software allows you to integrate dozens of third-party tools, devices, content, and plug-ins to give you an extendable platform.
The software is a standalone, on-premise solution priced at $299 (one-time payment). While it is locally deployed, the software allows you to upload, organize, and download files from online storage and stock media sites for project collaboration and sharing. It is designed for iMac and MacBook computers with macOS 10.13.6 or later versions of the operating system.
Detailed Final Cut Pro Review
Key Features of Final Cut Pro
- Advanced tools for video/audio editing, motion graphics, and delivery
- Built on 64-bit architecture for handling complex projects and effects
- Extendable workflow via integration with dozens of external tools
6. Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is a video editing software for professionals and enthusiasts. Its claim of being “a cut above the rest” has an element of truth about it. That’s because it has become a popular tool for filmmakers, videographers, TV editors, and YouTube content creators. It has evolved into an industry-standard not only in video editing but also in workflow automation and media asset management. It supports all kinds of cameras, all types of formats, and any platform, including Mac and PC. This would make an excellent platform to use in conjunction with content marketing software, which could assist you in reaching out to your audience.
From its extensive R&D and the suggestions of its horde of users, Adobe Premiere Pro is a continually improving product with new features rolled out for every new release. It offers a new Freeform view for organizing and viewing storyboard and media files; rulers and guides for the precise layout of clips, text, and graphics; auto-Ducking for adding ambient sounds into your audio mix; faster mask tracking; and a dozen other enhancements on audio and video.
Of course, all the other features Adobe Premiere is known for are still there, including precise color grading, motion graphics, and animation, instant audio improvement, and integration with hundreds of partner technologies. The software also works seamlessly with its sibling Adobe products like After Effects, Audition, Photoshop, InDesign, and others. The software is part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud, which means it is accessible online from any connected device. It has several packages for business, students, and schools. For individuals, the plan is pegged at $29.99/month or $239.88/year.
Detailed Adobe Premiere Pro Review
Key Features of Adobe Premiere Pro
- Established industry leader
- Multi-platform, multi-format, compatibility
- Regular roll out or updates and new features
7. Videobolt PRO
Videobolt PRO is a cloud-based video editing platform. It has an easy-to-use interface that allows both novice and seasoned editors to create professional-level videos. Its intuitive interface allows users to quickly create videos for daily social media posts, seasonal marketing campaigns, and even personal video greetings. Its main video editing features include customizable templates designed by professional animators, a project management module, and a media library. Moreover, because of being completely web-based, you can keep your computer free of video rendering load. Your video is rendered on Videobolt’s onsite servers. No expensive hardware investment and maintenance required.
Even though the platform is cloud-based, users don’t even feel any interface delays as they work on their projects. There are different modules that help users create different types of videos faster as well. There are modules for Facebook and Instagram stories, music visualization, logo intros, and product promos among others. Just click on which type of video you need and multiple template options will appear. Choose the best fit and customize it to match your brand.
There are many professionally-designed templates available especially for business. You can use Videobolt PRO for video campaigns in a wide array of industries. There are templates for gaming campaigns, e-commerce advertising, and even for musicians, labels, and producers. It has a useful music visualization module that allows you to create eye-grabbing visualizations synced with your music. Videobolt PRO pricing starts at $267 monthly billed annually at $3200.
Key Features of Videobolt PRO
- Easy and powerful cloud rendering to keep your machine free for other activities.
- Built-in easy-to-use templates for various business needs like video intros, Instagram stories, and music visualization.
- The pro version allows for team-level access so the right people can collaborate on the right issues for your video campaign materials.
Detailed Videobolt Review
8. VideoPad
VideoPad is a video editing platform created by NCH Software for Mac, Windows, iOS, and Android. Designed with freelancers, small enterprises, and mid-sized businesses in mind, this platform comes equipped with an extensive set of easy-to-use editing features. From color correcting and video cropping to video transition application and speed adjustments, VideoPad can provide you with all the tools you require. With this at your disposal, you can easily create professional-looking videos for your business.
One of the things that make VideoPad great is that it has a lower learning curve than most professional editing software. It comes with a drag-and-drop interface and straightforward usability, allowing novice users to edit their videos as well as experiment with a wide range of effects, transitions, and other visual elements. It even comes with its own audio-editing tools so you can reduce noise from videos, add sound effects, as well as mix your own musical scores directly on the platform.
These aside, it also comes with advanced functionalities that can provide flexibility for more advanced video editing professionals. These include 3D editing, 360-degree video editing, green screen support, and video stabilization. Last but not least, VideoPad has native integrations with YouTube and Vimeo, making it simpler and faster for users to upload their work on social media.
Key Features of VideoPad
- 3D and 360-degree video editing support as well as HD resolution options.
- Advanced video editing features on a drag-and-drop interface for faster post-production processes.
- Built-in audio editing tools such as multitrack mixing, narration recording, and sound effect application .
9. BeeCut
BeeCut is a simple video editing solution designed to help SMEs make professional videos with no hassle. Equipped with a WYSIWYG video editor and ready-to-use video transitions, creative masks, and filters, this platform can simplify and expedite the editing process without compromising the quality of output. It not only allows you to trim, cut, and split videos; it also supports the addition of custom video intros, the creation of multiple timeline layers, as well as background audio editing. As such, it will allow you to fine-tune your video however you prefer.
The mentioned features aside, BeeCut also has other features such as speech-to-text conversion, video stabilization, mobile editing, and picture-in-picture video support to further reinforce video editing efforts. It also supports a variety of media types to help you use whatever elements you want for your videos. Last but not least, as it can support multiple aspect ratios, BeeCut will allow you to produce video content for different publishing channels.
Key Features of BeeCut
- Beginner-friendly WYSIWYG editor with an extensive media library.
- Seamless video optimization through stabilization and multiple video aspect ratio support
- Easy mobile video editing through native Android and iOS applications.
10. Fastreel
Fastreel is a web-based video editing tool with a comprehensive set of features to help users create videos with ease. It lets you crop, cut, merge, flip, rotate, or reverse your footages as well as embellish them using different transitions and effects. This way, whether you want to create a home video, prepare a presentation for school, or produce an advertisement for your business, this solution can help you do it in just a few clicks of a button.
Aside from the abovementioned tools, the platform also comes with SRT support, watermark support, split screen options, and stop motion tools. It also has a music library where you can find copyright-free music to add to your videos.
In case you are interested in this platform, Fastrele has a free plan which allows you to use its basic functions. For those looking for more advanced tools, the vendor also offers a Single Premium pricing which costs $5.95 per video and an Unlimited Premium plan which costs $9.95/month.
Key Features of Fastreel
- Completely web-based interface that lessens the need for large disk spaces.
- Extensive library of royalty-free tracks.
- Comes with split-screen, stop motion, and SRT support functions.
11. Moovly
This web-based video editing platform is ideal for beginners as it offers users with ready-made templates, royalty-free media objects, and a user-friendly, drag-and-drop interface for creating video projects. With Moovly, users can easily customize their videos by adding visual effects and transitions, looping segments, adding overlay audio tracks, adding subtitles, and more. Other features inclue tools for splitting and/or trimming videos, resizing, rotating, cropping, adjusting the audio and playback speed, and enabling text-to-speech functionality.
Moovly also encourages collaboration among users through its user groups feature, which allows users to create groups, manage member subscriptions, and provide access to common libraries where they can have access to various media content. Sharing the videos created in Moovly is also easy as they are all ready for publishing and sharing in popular video streaming platforms, such as YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook.
Key Features of Moovly
- It offers ready-made templates.
- It has a library of royalty-free media content.
- User-friendly interface.
12. Lumen5
Lumen5 is a video editing platform with powerful features to help users create videos in minutes. Through its text-to-video capabilities, Lumen5 transforms articles and blog posts into videos, automatically populating storyboards with content. Assisted by AI technology, the system dynamically determines scene length and optimizes text positioning. Additionally, through natural language processing, important keywords are highlighted. Users also have the option to further automate their video marketing workflow by using RSS feeds to automatically create videos every day.
Users can also create videos from scratch using Lumen5’s built-in templates, which include templates for YouTube, Instagram stories, and social ads. Color themes, font choices, logos, and watermarks can be further customized to ensure that videos reflect company branding. A searchable media library also gives users access to milliions of free video clips, still images, and audio files.
Key Features of Lumen5
- AI-powered technology automatically populates storyboards with content and determines scene length and text positioning.
- Automatic video creation from RSS feeds.
- Customizable color themes, font choices, logos, and watermarks.
Use Free Trials to Find the Best Video Editing Software for You
Reading up on video editing software and watching demos and tutorials may not be enough. For you to find which application works best for you, you need to have hands-on experience with a platform. But subscribing to each program on your shortlist could be unnecessarily expensive. Fortunately, vendors now offer free trials of their products. You can take advantage of those to test drive tools and features.
With regard to finances, it is an easy choice to go for the most expensive video editing software from a well-known developer. This is because you can be sure it packs a punch, feature-wise. It may not be suitable for your budget, though. Still, there are other solutions on the list that could serve as an alternative to your first choice. With those, you have the powerful tools you need that will still enable you to create the best videos.
Key Insights
- Versatile Tools: The 12 best video editing software for Mac offer a range of tools suitable for both novices and professionals, ensuring that users of all skill levels can find a solution that meets their needs.
- Filmora’s User-Friendliness: Filmora stands out for its intuitive interface, making it accessible for beginners while providing advanced features like 4K resolution support and motion tracking for professionals.
- Comprehensive Options: Software like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro provide extensive features for advanced users, including multi-format support, precise color grading, and seamless integration with other creative tools.
- Educational and Marketing Tools: Solutions like Camtasia and InVideo are tailored for specific purposes, such as creating educational content and promotional videos, offering features like screen recording, quizzes, and customizable templates.
- Affordable Choices: Options like Movavi Video Editor and VideoPad provide cost-effective solutions without compromising on essential features, making them ideal for small businesses and freelancers.
- Cloud-Based Convenience: Videobolt PRO and Fastreel offer cloud-based editing, which reduces the need for powerful local hardware and provides easy access to professional templates and rendering services.
- Specialized Features: Each software has unique selling points, such as Lumen5’s AI-powered text-to-video capabilities and Moovly’s collaboration features, catering to specific user needs and preferences.
FAQ
- What is the best video editing software for beginners on Mac? Filmora and Movavi Video Editor are excellent choices for beginners due to their intuitive interfaces and comprehensive feature sets that are easy to learn and use.
- What video editing software is best for professional filmmakers using a Mac? Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro are highly recommended for professional filmmakers due to their extensive features, industry-standard tools, and support for multiple formats and high-resolution videos.
- Are there any free video editing software options for Mac? Yes, some options like the basic version of Movavi Video Editor and VideoPad offer free versions with essential features that are suitable for beginners and casual users.
- Can I use video editing software for creating social media content? Absolutely, platforms like InVideo and Lumen5 are specifically designed for creating engaging social media content with their templates and easy-to-use editing tools.
- What features should I look for in video editing software for educational purposes? For educational content, look for features like screen recording, interactive quizzes, and the ability to embed multimedia elements. Camtasia is a great option for these needs.
- Is there any video editing software that works well on both Mac and PC? Yes, Adobe Premiere Pro and Movavi Video Editor work seamlessly on both Mac and PC, making them versatile choices for users who switch between operating systems.
- How can I test video editing software before purchasing? Most video editing software vendors offer free trials, allowing you to test the features and interface before committing to a purchase. This hands-on experience is invaluable for finding the right tool for your needs.
- What are the benefits of cloud-based video editing software? Cloud-based video editing software, like Videobolt PRO and Fastreel, offer benefits such as reduced need for powerful local hardware, easy access to projects from any device, and professional-grade rendering services without the hassle of local processing.
- Can I create videos for different platforms using one software? Yes, many video editing tools, such as BeeCut and Lumen5, support multiple aspect ratios and export options, allowing you to create videos optimized for various platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook.
- What should I consider when choosing video editing software for business use? When choosing video editing software for business, consider features like template customization, ease of use, integration with other business tools, collaboration capabilities, and the availability of advanced editing options to ensure it meets your professional needs.
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