16 Best Filmora Alternatives & Competitors For Editing Videos
Imagine you’re eager to edit a new video to share with friends, family, or followers. But as you open Filmora, you notice it takes ages to load and begin feeling dread. What if it doesn’t respond well to my computer’s specs? What if it crashes during the edit? What if I can’t find the tools I need? What if I can’t get it to work at all? While Filmora has been a popular choice for video editing, especially for beginners, it’s not the only option. There are many Filmora alternatives for editing videos that can ease your stress and get you to your goal sooner. In this article, we’ll explore the best Filmora alternatives and competitors, especially those that use AI for video editing.
WrapVideo has a solution that can help you get on the right track. Their AI video art tool can help you achieve your video editing goals quickly and easily, so you can focus on creating instead of worrying about the editing process.
Why Consider a Filmora Alternative For Video Editing
Many people start using Filmora because of its beginner-friendly interface. As users develop their editing skills, they often find the software lacks the advanced tools they need for more complex projects.
For instance, motion tracking and professional-level color grading are either missing or underpowered compared to what’s available in other editing software. If you want creative flexibility in your projects, Filmora can feel like hitting a ceiling.
Export Quality Concerns
Another common issue lies in export quality. Some users report that the final rendered videos don't match the clarity of what they saw in the editor, especially when dealing with noise reduction. Tools like the image noise filter often underperform, leaving videos looking rough even after trying to clean them up.
Not Ideal for Lower-End Systems
If you're using a low-spec computer, Filmora can become frustrating. The software demands a decent amount of system resources; without them, you might run into lag, crashes, or failed exports. It's not always the lightweight, beginner-friendly tool it's marketed to be, especially for users with older machines.
Expensive for Occasional Creators
While Filmora offers a free version, it comes with a catch: watermarks on your videos unless you subscribe. And that subscription? It's not cheap, especially for small creators or hobbyists. If you just want to post casually on YouTube or share with friends, paying extra to remove a watermark can feel like a frustrating paywall.
Overwhelming for Beginners
Ironically, despite being beginner-focused, Filmora can sometimes be overwhelming for new users. With so many transitions, effects, and built-in assets, it can be hard to know where to start. It may look simple on the surface, but there's a learning curve that can surprise people who expected a more streamlined experience.
Why People Look Elsewhere
At the end of the day, while Filmora does many things right for a casual audience, some users outgrow it or find it doesn’t quite meet their needs. Whether it’s a lack of advanced features, export limitations, system compatibility, or pricing frustrations, these roadblocks are often what push people to look for a more fitting alternative.
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16 Best Filmora Alternatives & Competitors for Editing Videos
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2. HitFilm: The Best Free Editor for Advanced Users
If you don’t have much experience with video editing software, HitFilm may feel a little advanced at first. It’s used to produce Hollywood-style films, but it’s worth the learning curve, as it’s the best all-in-one free video editor available. (HitFilm does ask you to share a social media status update when you download the software, but that’s a small price to pay.)
HitFilm includes animation tools for creating and editing audio and video transitions without requiring composite shots, which is a huge time saver. It also has cool 3D effects for films, music videos, and even YouTube videos, plus features you’d typically find in a paid video editing software, such as 360-degree editing and a library of special effects.
Available for:
Mac
Windows
Price:
Free ($12.99 per month for HitFilm Pro, when billed yearly)
Watermark? No
HitFilm features:
Motion tracking, color pickers, and cropping tools
Composite shot feature
Auto-stabilizer to smooth shaky footage
An adaptive trimmer to re-trim clips after adding them to the timeline
Smart attribute copy and paste
Audio mixer for fine-tuning sound output
Various transition options, including:
Push
Zoom
Dissolve
3. Lightworks: A User-Friendly Filmora Alternative
Lightworks includes a simple and intuitive interface, so it’s easy to pick up and use. It also offers a collection of detailed video tutorials, making it one of the more accessible video editing software options on this list. Lightworks works with Linux and has a suite of original stock videos and music clips licensed. It’s a simple but powerful piece of software that can add polish to any marketing video.
Available for:
Windows
Mac
Linux
Price:
Free ($27.99 per month for Lightworks Pro)
Watermark? No.
Lightworks features:
Simple trim function for precise video editing
Speed optimization that lets you edit while importing content
Multicam editing for syncing clips from multiple cameras
Share projects in real time with your team
4. iMovie: A Classic Video Editing Software
Popular standby Apple iMovie comes bundled with macOS. Like many native Apple apps, iMovie is uncomplicated and uses a simple drag-and-drop interface for moving files from your drive to your workstation. It’s an easy way to build powerful videos that boost your YouTube marketing efforts.
A significant advantage of iMovie is that files are saved on Apple’s cloud, meaning you can work on a project interchangeably across iPhone, iPad, or Mac. iMovie is also constantly updated so that you can look forward to new features and improvements.
Available for:
Mac
iOS
Price:
Free
Watermark? No
iMovie features:
4K resolution
Cloud storage
Studio-quality title and credits animations
Video filters for specific genres
Built-in music and sound effects library
Voice-over recording
Speed controls for action scenes and slow-motion highlights
5. DaVinci Resolve: An All-In-One Video Editor
DaVinci Resolve combines professional 8K editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production into a single production tool, which is why it’s the software of choice for many professional editors of films, television shows, and commercials.
DaVinci allows offline and online editing, and its high-performance playback engine saves time when trimming clips, even with processor-intensive file formats such as H.264 and RAW. DaVinci Resolve’s complex features may be too extensive for some users, but its free version is perfect for mid-level projects.
Available for:
Windows
Mac
Linux
Price:
Free ($235 for the full Studio version)
Watermark? No
DaVinci Resolve features:
Dual timeline for quick navigation and cuts
Dedicated trimming interface
Intelligent auto-editing to sync audio and video
Picture-in-picture, stabilization, and dynamic zoom
Facial recognition and an automatic people-sorting tool
Motion estimation speed changes and frame rate conversions
6. VSDC: A Free Video Editing Software for Windows
VSDC’s desktop video editing software is available in free and paid versions. Although the free version has reduced features, it still comes with VSDC’s full video editing suite, including a masking tool and chroma key functionality for green-screen video effects. VSDC is a popular free video editing software used for GoPro footage.
Suppose you have the funds to spring for the full version. In that case, the suite of tools expands to include video stabilization, robust post-production effects, slideshow/presentation capabilities, 3D diagram templates, and direct social media publishing.
Available for:
Windows
Price:
Free ($29.99 for the pro version)
Watermark? No
VSDC features:
Color-correction
A full library of transitional effects
Masking tools for hiding, blurring, or highlighting
HEVC/H.265 (advanced video-compression standard)
7. OpenShot: A Simple Filmora Alternative
OpenShot’s easy-to-use user interface makes it an excellent video editing program for beginner and intermediate editors. While more complex tools may offer more editing components, OpenShot’s minimal design is perfect for simple editing jobs.
OpenShot is an efficient option for small businesses that must make ads and social media posts. It’s best for clip resizing, scaling, trimming, snapping, and rotation. It also offers credit scrolling, frame stepping, time mapping, audio editing, and real-time previews.
Available for:
Windows
Mac
Linux
Price:
Free
Watermark? No
OpenShot features:
Unlimited layers for backgrounds and audio tracks
Customizable title-card templates
Digital video effects, including chroma key compositing
Key-frame animation for animated videos
8. Shotcut: A Free Open-Source Video Editor
Shotcut is an open-source, cross-platform video editor with a vast collection of tutorial videos. It also supports various formats, including:
FFmpeg
4K
ProRes
Shotcut was initially designed for Linux, so some may find the interface quirky. Despite this, it’s still a top-notch editor. Shotcut also has extensive audio editing options, making it ideal for audiophiles. Its fine-tuning audio tools let users make bass and treble adjustments, create bandpass filters, adjust gain, add dynamic compression, and more.
Available for:
Windows
Mac
Linux
Price:
Free
Watermark? No
Shotcut features:
File format support with FFmpeg
Native timeline editing
Advanced audio filters, including bandpass filters and compressors
AV1 decoding and encoding support
9. Clipchamp: The Best Online Video Editor
Microsoft Clipchamp comes preinstalled on Windows 11. It’s one of the more intuitive video editors on this list, with neat time-saving features such as batch editing, auto captions, and text-to-speech.
Clipchamp lets you edit videos from screen recordings and uploaded video files. It offers drag-and-drop editing tools and a range of well-designed templates and music tracks that you can add to your creations.
Available for:
Windows
Price:
Free
Watermark? No
Clipchamp features:
Speaker coach
Unlimited 1080p exports
AI editing features
Royalty-free music library
10. Vimeo Create: An AI Video Maker for E-Commerce
Vimeo Create, free editing software that connects directly to your Shopify store, automatically turns your existing product images and text into polished e-commerce videos; no video experience is needed. You must answer a few questions about your product, add your footage and logo, and choose style customizations. Vimeo Create then automatically edits your video in minutes (though you can also choose your styles or start from scratch).
The AI software even suggests colors, themes, music, and fonts. It’s beneficial for creating videos at scale (say, for example, you want to start a channel for your business to make money on YouTube and want to streamline the creation process). Because Vimeo is an all-in-one solution, you can manage, host, and distribute all your videos from one place, streamlining your workflow.
Available for:
iOS
Android
Price:
Free (Advanced features start at $12 per month)
Watermark? No
Vimeo Create features:
More than 1,000 templates
Facial recognition feature
Auto-cropping
iStock integration for unlimited stock images
Commercially licensed music library
11. KineMaster: A Powerful Video Editor for Mobile Devices
If you’re video editing on the go, consider KineMaster your go-to software. This free (subscription model optional) yet powerful video editing app is perfect for mobile devices. With KineMaster, you can shoot, edit, and upload footage from your phone or tablet. Mobile editors usually sacrifice advanced tools to simplify video creation, but KineMaster does the opposite.
With KineMaster, you can easily cut, splice, crop, and combine videos, with over 2,500 downloadable transitions and effects. Use color filters and adjustments to correct and enhance videos so they stand out. When finished, easily share to YouTube, TikTok, Reels, Stories, and more.
Available for:
iOS
Android
Chromebook
Price:
Free ($8.99 per month for the paid plan)
Watermark? Yes
KineMaster features:
Project backup feature for added security
Blending options to create artistic video effects
Tool for focal shifts and in-camera transitions
Edit and export 4K videos at 60 FPS
12. Movie Maker Online: The Best Browser-Based Video Editor
Movie Maker Online is the best browser-based video editor. It’s a free tool for people who want to create videos, but some drawbacks exist. Ads support the tool, so you’ll have to navigate around them to edit your videos. It also has a 10-minute maximum duration, which should be OK for most use cases.
The interface also has some quirks. Like traditional video editors, the video and audio timelines are positioned vertically, instead of horizontally. It’s a bit challenging to get used to at first.
Free Browser-Based Editor
It’s easily accessible on multiple devices because it’s completely browser-based. Movie Maker Online gives you all the basics to make a video for free. You also get free music, videos, and photos, which is a nice bonus.
Available for:
In-browser use
Price:
Free
Watermark? No
Movie Maker Online features:
Royalty-free music, photo, and sound effect library
Built-in support
13. Movavi: Another Solid Filmora Alternative
With Movavi Video Editor, you can make polished, professional videos with various dynamic features. This software is excellent for beginners because of its easy-to-use interface and intuitive features, but it also has advanced features that will appeal to those making social media reels.
The software can create videos that work with virtually any file format, another reason why Movavi Video Editor is an excellent choice for people who want to create high-quality videos without spending a lot of time learning how to do it.
Available for:
Windows
Mac
Price:
Free (trial version only)
Watermark? Yes
Movavi features:
Visual enhancement library
Superimpose video over backgrounds
Audio balancing
Add multiple layers of video, audio, and effects
14. ActivePresenter: A Free Tool for E-Learning Videos
ActivePresenter is an all-in-one screen recording and video editing software, available in free and paid versions. Developed by Atomi Systems, it serves the video editing niche of instructional and e-learning videos.
Available for:
Windows
Mac
iOS
Android
Price:
Free (paid version starts at $199)
Watermark? No
ActivePresenter features:
Record in full screen, window, or locked application
Screenshots hot key
Picture-in-picture (PIP), text-to-speech (TTS), and audio normalization
Interactive quizzes
Export to SCORM and xAPI standards
15. Video Grabber: A Free Video Downloader and Editor
Video Grabber is a video downloader, converter, screen recorder, and basic video editor, making it one of this list's most versatile video creation and editing tools. With the same platform, you can download videos, convert them into different formats, record screen activities, and perform some basic video editing processes.
Available for:
In-Browser use
Price:
Free
Watermark? No
Video Grabber features:
Download videos from any online source
Convert files from a wide range of formats
Screen recording function with adjustable settings
Video subtitling tool
Batch processing feature
16. VideoPad: A Simple Video Editor for Beginners
VideoPad is a great option for anyone who wants to create high-quality videos without opening their wallet. It offers many simple and easy-to-use features, such as 3D video editing and a sound effects library, to help users try different compositions and styles.
You can edit videos with special effects, overlays, texts, and transitions, and adjust color and sound levels. You can export the videos to YouTube, Facebook, or Google Drive quickly and easily when finished.
Simple Yet Effective Free Editor
The main drawback to VideoPad is that it’s too simple for advanced video editing. It doesn’t come with as many features as some of the best free video editing software on this list, but with options to add light effects, fine-tune colors, and overlay text, there’s enough here to make it worth the free download.
Available for:
Mac
Windows
Android
iOS
Price:
Free
Watermark? No
VideoPad features:
Double-screen view
Preset export settings for Facebook, YouTube, and other platforms
Large library of customizable transitions and visual effects
Video optimization tools, including stabilization
Related Reading
- AI Video Editor for Reels
- Video Editing AI Software
- AI Video Editing Apps
- Fliki Alternatives
- Descript Alternatives
- CapCut Alternatives
Choosing The Best Filmora Alternative for Video Editing
How do you plan to use the software? Are you editing quick clips for TikTok? Putting together a polished YouTube video? Or could you produce something more cinematic for your business or brand? Understanding your goals will help you choose the right Filmora alternative for your editing project.
For example, if you want to create content for social media, look for an editor with various templates to help you get started quickly. Imitating features and styles from other videos can help you find your voice and establish your brand in your niche.
If you’re serious about quality, starting on desktop is smart. Desktop video editors (even the free ones) usually pack more punch than mobile apps, giving you the horsepower for more complex edits.
Look for Intuitive Video Editing Software
One reason people get frustrated with Filmora is the interface, and that’s something to pay close attention to when choosing an alternative. A great editor should feel intuitive.
Look for:
Express or guided editing modes for fast turnarounds
Templates to speed up your process
Helpful tutorials so you’re not constantly searching for how-to videos
You want the software to help you tell your story, not slow down.
Check for the Right Features Before You Decide
Make sure your new editor does what you need it to. Think beyond basic trimming and transitions. Depending on your projects, you might want:
Chroma key (green screen) support
Color correction and grading tools
Motion tracking, speed ramping, or even 360° editing
Drone footage enhancement, if you’re flying cameras
Don't get stuck with a flashy tool that lacks real editing depth.
Watch Out for Hidden Costs
Many tools are marketed as “free,” but that doesn’t always mean they're fully functional. Some restrict export formats, tack on watermarks, or lock away essential features unless you upgrade.
A good Filmora alternative should give you core features without constant upsells. Know what you’re getting upfront so your “free” editor doesn’t cost you later.
Customer Support Matters
Especially if you're just getting started or working on tight deadlines, it’s a big plus to have accessible support. Whether that’s a real person to talk to, a robust help center, or a forum full of other users, you want to know help is there when you need it.
Export Options and Compatibility Are Key
Your final video must look good wherever it’s going, on YouTube, Instagram, client presentations, or websites. So, ensure the software lets you export high-quality content in your desired formats.
Remember compatibility, not every editor works on every system. If you're using Windows, macOS, Linux, or even a Chromebook, ensure the tool is compatible with your setup.
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7 Best Tips For Making Engaging Videos For Your Marketing Efforts
People love watching videos on social media, YouTube, and company websites. One-third of all online activity is attributed to watching videos. That means that users spend a good chunk of time watching videos online.
Why Do People Love Videos?
Some experts attribute it to the variety of content. Video platforms offer a diverse selection of content that TV does not. You can find videos on nearly anything on YouTube.
People also love authenticity. Users can make their own videos and upload them to YouTube. Viewers love to see content that people just like them post online. Video appeals to all kinds of audiences. If you create videos on your website, users will be drawn to them. This is a great marketing tactic to get visitors engaged with your brand.
How to Make Great Videos
Videos increase the amount of time a person stays on a page. Instead of skimming through an article of text, people watch videos and absorb the information. Statistics show that 65% of viewers will watch a video more than 75% of the way. More than half of the people watching your video will watch it nearly to the end.
1. Define Your Target Audience
Before you start filming, it’s essential to pinpoint who your audience is. Understanding your target market will help you create engaging content that aligns with their interests and preferences. Do your research and make a detailed outline of your ideal audience.
Consider demographics like:
Age
Gender
Income level
Location
Think about their specific interests, preferences, and pain points. The more you know about your audience, the easier it will be to create video content that appeals to them.
2. Make a Plan
Creating high-quality video content hinges on thorough planning and preparation. Investing time in carefully shaping your video's concept, message, and structure is crucial for setting the stage for a successful production. Here’s how you can approach the planning phase effectively:
Draft a Script or Outline
Begin by mapping out your video's key points and structure. If a scripted format suits your content, write a detailed script that covers dialogues, narration, and any on-screen actions.
Highlight the Main Points
Identify the core message you want to convey. What are the essential points you need to communicate to your audience? Clearly defining your objectives will help you keep your content focused and aligned with your marketing goals.
Assemble the Necessary Resources
Consider what resources or equipment you’ll need to bring your video idea to life. This might include camera gear, props, actors or presenters, shooting locations, or other elements critical for a smooth production.
3. Tap Into Emotions
When viewers feel an emotional connection to a video, they become more invested and eager to see how it resolves or concludes. Incorporating emotive language in your video script is one way to create resonant content. It’s equally important to consider your audience's emotional responses to other elements, such as:
Soundtrack
Color scheme
Actors
Setting
Overall style of your video
The choice of actors can evoke different emotions:
A CEO narrating a brand story in an explainer video can instill a sense of confidence
An employee sharing a personal work experience can build trust
A customer in a testimonial can convey authenticity
By tapping into fundamental emotions like humor, sadness, excitement, fear, anger, happiness, or playfulness, you can draw viewers in and foster a connection with them.
4. Include Meaningful Interactions
To make your video more engaging and ensure viewers stay invested, incorporate interactive elements like:
360-degree views
Clickable buttons
Links
Quizzes
Checklists
These features encourage active participation, helping viewers feel more connected and motivated to complete the video and apply what they’ve learned. For an even more immersive experience, consider adding a layer of gamification. Scenario-based videos, allowing viewers to influence the storyline based on their choices, can make the content more personalized and engaging.
5. Use Striking Visuals
Humans love graphics. The human brain can identify and process entire images within 13 milliseconds. Hence, we are all naturally more attracted to visuals than text. Use striking visuals when creating videos. To captivate your audience, ensure that every image you incorporate serves a clear purpose.
Think about how visuals can amplify the impact of your script. Integrate elements like animations, motion graphics, dynamic transitions, and kinetic typography to add depth. Don’t forget to experiment with colors, contrasts, and color grading to evoke the right mood or emotional response.
6. Respond to Your Audience
Take the time to read through the comments on your videos and interact with your audience. Responding to their questions and showing genuine interest makes them feel valued, which increases the likelihood they’ll pay attention to your future content.
Addressing their questions offers valuable insight into what content resonates with them. Dedicating 30 minutes to this task can significantly boost engagement on your upcoming videos.
7. Make Content Accessible
Making your video content more accessible by adding closed captions and audio descriptions can help you reach a wider audience and make them engage with your videos. It broadens your content’s reach by making it more inclusive and engaging for a diverse audience. Closed captions are exceptionally vital for individuals who are hard of hearing, enabling them to fully understand and enjoy your content.
Similarly, audio descriptions that narrate visual elements cater to the visually impaired. By addressing the needs of these groups, you not only comply with accessibility standards but also foster a more inclusive environment, showing a commitment to making your content available to everyone.
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