Video editing can be a complicated task and having the right video editing tools can make a world of difference. The good news is that Mac users have lots of video editors to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for a free video editor or a premium one that comes with a subscription, it’s important to consider multiple factors when choosing a tool that makes editing your videos a breeze.
Some of the things to consider when choosing the best video editors for Mac include the ease of use, video format support, special effects, advanced editing tools, quality customer support, and your budget.
Let’s have a close look at the best video editors for Mac.
Table of Contents
1. Final Cut Pro X
Price: Free trial available, $299.99
The best video editor for Mac that you can use whether you have a lot of experience or are just starting, Final Cut Pro X is a professional-grade tool that’s approachable enough to use as you’re growing as a video editor. Even though you may need some tutorial to get started, the software is intuitive and easy to use, and it also comes packed with lots of handy features to help you achieve the results you want.
Some of the features available with Final Cut Pro X include a multi-track timeline, a wide range of effects and 360-degree video. This is a great software for editing together video from multi-cam setups because you can easily switch between various angles. You can also create HDR content with Final Cut Pro X.
Pros
- Easy timeline model
- Feature rich
- Easy to expand via a solid plugin ecosystem
Cons
- Can be a bit overwhelming for beginners
- Expensive
Review Summary
Final Cut Pro X reviews typically mention that the software works flawlessly for beginners and professionals alike. The downside is that this is such a feature-rich software that it may be difficult for beginners to find their way around quickly.
Score: 9.9/10
Download Final Cut Pro X
2. Adobe Premiere Pro CC
Price: From $29.99 per month
Another premium video editing software that’s suitable for amateurs and professionals alike, Adobe Premiere Pro CC offers you all the tools you need to produce video content at a professional level. The software has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to create videos with maximum efficiency.
One of the reasons Adobe Premiere Pro CC is such a popular video editor for Mac is the fact that it integrates with other Adobe products for a smooth workflow. With this editor, you can open multiple projects at the same time and convert movies from one format to another.
Pros
- Non-linear video editing interface
- Powerful features
- Excellent system of working tools
Cons
- Resource-intensive system requirements
Review Summary
Reviews for Adobe Premiere Pro CC are mostly positive, and users are happy with the huge number of features included. The downside of using Adobe Premiere Pro CC is that the platform is large, and it takes up a lot of space on your hard drive.
Score: 9.7/10
Download Adobe Premiere Pro CC
3. Apple iMovie
Price: Free
An excellent choice for movie enthusiasts, Apple iMovie is a free video editing tool for macOS. You can use it to edit videos in an intuitive way, and you can also add audio effects. One of the main reasons Apple iMovie is such a popular choice is the fact that it’s free and it comes included with macOS.
With Apple iMovie, you can create a new project from scratch or use one of the trailer templates to get started quickly. Some of the features included with iMovie are Trailers, which allows you to set your videos on orchestral background music, two-video tracks, and lots of filters and effects. Using iMovie is ideal for people who are already using the Apple ecosystem and don’t need power features.
Pros
- Simple transitions and clip selection
- Text over video
- Easily share movies on social media platforms
Cons
- Lacks some features available in paid software
- Audio for video editing is limited
Review Summary
The majority of users who reviewed Apple are happy with the features available, particularly considering that this is a free video editor. Complaints are generally related to the interface and the slightly confusing way to add music.
Price: Free
Score: 9.5/10
Download Apple iMovie
Read also: Best PDF Reader/Editor for Mac
4. Shotcut
Price: Free
Another free cross-platform video editor, Shotcut supports hundreds of video and audio formats and codecs. Features include multi-format timelines, frame-rates within a project, and multiple device and transport options. With Shotcut, you can easily rearrange the workspace to suit your preferred workflow. You can also edit color, audio, and lighting effects.
Even though Shotcut is not quite the easiest software to learn, particularly if you are a beginner, there are lots of useful tutorials available to get you started. One of the best things about Shotcut is that you can run it straight from an external storage drive, which makes it a portable option.
Pros
- Lots of features for a free software
- High quality input and export support
- Good tech support
Cons
- Not as intuitive as mainstream video editors
Review Summary
Reviewers are generally happy with the features offered by Shotcut, especially taking into account that it’s a free app. Negative reviews generally mention the interface that’s not too intuitive and the lack of stock music.
Score: 9.2/10
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5. DaVinci Resolve 17
Price: Free, $300 for lifetime license
One of the most used video editors for Mac, DaVinci Resolve 17 was significantly improved in 2020 and it’s currently one of the best free video editors for Mac. This is a multiplatform software with lots of editing tools and quite a steep learning curve. However, once you get the hang of it, DaVinci Resolve is a powerful tool that allows you to create professional videos.
DaVinci Resolve 17 offers video editing, audio, motion graphics and export tools in a single package. The free version has most of the functionality, and you can also choose to pay $300 for a lifetime license.
Pros
- Excellent range of features for a free editor
- Regular updates
- Free to use with most functionality included
Cons
- Steep learning curve
- Lacks integration with external software
Review Summary
Score: 9/10
Reviews typically conclude that DaVinci Resolve is a great software suite, but they also mention that the learning curve is quite steep. It’s a great too for quick edits and businesses that don’t have a video specialist.
Download DaVinci Resolve 17
6. FilmoraX
Price: Unlimited free trial, plans starting from $39.99/year
Developed by Wondershare, Filmora is a great editing tool for beginners and enthusiasts alike. It has lots of powerful tools that make it a great contender, even when compared with mainstream paid tools. The software makes it easy to get the most out of your creativity by allowing you to customize your workflow.
Features include silence detection to remove silent pauses automatically, motion tracking, color match, video effects, blending mode, and green screen. The Mac version has hardware acceleration for a smoother editing experience, and it’s optimized for the touch bar.
Pros
- Numerous effects, preset options and overlays
- Auto color correction
- Fast rendering
Cons
- Doesn’t support vector files
- No custom animation for transitions and effects
Review Summary
Reviewers recommend FilmoraX for both beginners and video editing enthusiasts. They also mention the easy to use interface and simple learning curve. Downsides include the inability to edit two videos at the same time and the scarce audio effects.
Score: 8.8/10
Download FilmoraX