iMovie is one of the best free video editing software for Mac users, which is simple and easy-to-use. But you know, there are other choices for Mac users to edit videos like a pro, yet easily and quickly. So if you are looking for width="900" alternatives to free video editing software for Mac, you are in the right place. No need to search around the internet, here you can get top 15 mac free video editing software listed below that are sure to accomplish all your video editing needs. Edit a wide variety of video file formats, add effects, subtitles/text, images, music, animations...you name it. We have compiled and categorized these best free video editing software in terms of their overall key features, compatibility with the Mac OS version, their ideal usage and some of their positives and negatives.
- Part 1: 15 Free Video Editing Software for Mac
- 1. Filmora Video Editor for Mac
- 2. Apple Final Cut Pro
- 3. Apple iMovie
- 4. Cyberlink PowerDirector
- 5. Adobe Premiere Elements
- 6. OBS Studio
- 7. Hitfilm Express
- 8. Lightworks
- 9. Shotcut
- 10. Camtasia
- 11. Other Five Options
- Part 2: Conclusion
#1. Wondershare Filmora
Wondershare Filmora is so often the go-to video editing software for users getting used to this skill for the very first time. Its intuitive user interface makes it easy to perform basic tasks and lets its users dig in to find more finetuning controls. We'd like to say that Filmora is also the best video editing software for mac.
Unlike Adobe Premiere Pro and CyberLink PowerDirector, Filmora put a layout in front of you that you will adjust to immediately. This layout makes it a great choice of video editing software for both beginners and experts.
Compatibility:
Mac OS 10.14 to Mac OS 12. Supports Apple M1 Chip
Key Features:
- Simple video editing tools including cut, trim, merge video
- Easily add transition/image/audio/transition/overlay/elements
- Advanced video & audio editing features including speed ramping, motion tracking, color match, keyframing, masking, audio ducking, auto synchronization, etc
- Easy-to-use and drag-n-drop interface
- Quick video processing and direct sharing to social media
- Numerous free stock media from Giphy, Unsplash and Pixabay
Best for:
Beginners, enthusiasts and experts
Reasons to buy:
- Easy motion tracking, speed ramping, color match, keyframing, masking, auto beat sync tool
- Friendly and drag-n-drop user interface
- Fast processing and preview
Reasons to avoid:
- No Multicam option
- No 3D video editing
- No 360-degree editing
How to edit a Video with Filmora for Mac
1. Split, rotate, flip, merge videos
Once you've imported your media files, you can now start editing, including arranging clips in your timeline, cleaning up your footage, editing out unwanted parts, and more.
2. Add text in video
To add text or titles to videos, click the "Titles" button above the "Media library" to choose the adorable one. Drag and drop it to the timeline. By double-click on it, you can preview each effect on the preview window. After you've open the text setting up window, you can customize the text properties (such as font, spacin, size and more) on under the text editing window.
3. Crop videos on Mac
Ycan also very easily crop the image size of your video. Click on the video to select it and click on Crop tool above timeline. It will open a new work panel and you can drag the highlighted borders of the image to select the area to focus on. Once you are done, click Ok. Now the part of the video will be zoomed in with your selected focus of the image frame.
For more straightforward video editing requirements, you can also use other lighter software. Some of these provide a simplistic way of making specific types of videos.
#2. Apple Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro is the official and professional standard video editing software for Mac users by Apple. Due to its simplistic nature and excellent performance on Mac systems, it is very popular among consumers and prosumers alike and is considered is one of the best video editing software for Mac.
Like other next-gen video editing software for Mac, Final Cut Pro allows its users with in-depth control to bring pleasant changes to their videos.
Compatibility:
Mac OS 11.5.1 or later
Key Features:
- Apple’s official professional level video editing software for Mac users
- Good support for third party extensions
- Supports multi-cam video editing
- Compatible with Apple iMovie
- Supports 4K video editing
- Price: Free trial (USD 299.99 one-time fee for complete version)
Best for:
Professional video and film-makers
Reasons to buy:
- Supports 360-degree video editing
- Multi-cam option
- Fast video processing
Reasons to avoid:
- No video stabilization
- No 3D video editing
- No motion tracking
#3. Apple iMovie
iMovie by Apple is yet another video editing software for Mac but it is more targeted towards consumers than professionals. This means that in comparison to Final Cut Pro, iMovie has fewer functions.
Still, the software is completely free and very easy to use. That makes it a very attractive proposition for beginners especially.
Compatibility:
Mac OS 10.15.6 or later
Key Features
- Apple’s official consumer-level video editing software for Mac users
- Pre-installed in Mac systems
- Surface level video editing
- Suitable for beginners
- Simple looking user interface
- Price: Free
Best for:
Beginners and users who only want to use basic video editing options
- iOS 14.0 or later
Reasons to buy:
- Good collection of basic transitions, effects and filters
- Decent audio adjustment options
- Chroma key feature is included
Reasons to avoid:
- No 360-degree video editing
- You can only add two video tracks
- No multi-cam or motion tracking
#4. CyberLink PowerDirector
On the spectrum, CyberLink PowerDirector stands next to Adobe Premiere Pro but more nearer to consumer needs. It means PowerDirector is yet another strong video editor capable of producing high-quality videos.
It has a simpler layout and functionality than the Adobe Premiere Pro and that makes CyberLink PowerDirector a bit more consumer-level user friendly.
Compatibility:
Mac OS 10.14 or later
Key Features
- A balanced video editing software for consumers and professionals
- Fully featured in terms of editing tools
- Supports screen recording input
- Multi-cam editing
- Supports motion tracking
- Price: Free (USD 19.99/month and USD 69.99/year for complete version)
Best for:
Consumers and prosumers who want to grow their video editing skills
Reasons to buy:
- Provides perhaps the quickest video rendering
- A good set of advanced editing tools
- Clear user interface
Reasons to avoid:
- No keyword tagging media
- Windows version has some features which are missing from the Mac version
- Limited text animation presets
#5. Adobe Premiere Elements
Adobe Premiere Elements is to Adobe Premiere Pro, what iMovie is to Final Cut Pro. It is more consumer inclined and lightweight software by Adobe for video editing. It is equipped with the most commonly used and basic video editing options.
What it lacks in functions, Adobe Premiere Elements makes up for it by offering a nice and clean user interface. It is also very easy to use for first-timers.
Compatibility:
Mac OS 10.15 or later
Key Features
- Adobe’s video editing software with lesser capability
- Targeted towards consumers
- Uses Adobe Sensei AI Technology
- Supports cross-platforming
- User friendly
- 4K video editing
- Price: Free trial (USD 99.99 one-time fee for complete version)
Best for:
Beginners and intermediates
Reasons to buy:
- Good range of video effects
- Supports motion tracking
- Supports keyword tagging media
Reasons to avoid:
- Video rendering speed is not fast enough
- No screen recording
- No 360 degree VR and 3D video editing
#6. OBS Studio
OBS Studio is one of the most popular open-source video editing software available for Mac-based systems in 2022. Unlike some other software on this list, OBS Studio provides an equal measure of video recording and editing.
Hence, OBS Studio is not the most advanced video editing software out there but in terms of video recording, it is one of the best software around. That is precisely the reason why OBS Studio is the choice of video editor and recorder within the gaming community.
Compatibility:
Mac OS 10.13 or later
Key Features
- Video recording, editing and live streaming suite
- High-performance video capture that is perfect for recording gaming sessions
- Ability to add an unlimited number of scenes or tracks
- Audio mixer with noise suppression tool
- Completely flexible user interface
- Hotkey assigning for every function
- Price: Completely free to download, use and distribute
Best for:
Gamers
- New users to video editing
- Users who want to use an open-source video editing software for Mac
Reasons to buy:
- Ability to stream a high-quality video smoothly
- Modular dock-based user interface that can be changed entirely
- Powerful broadcasting system
Reasons to avoid:
- The user layout looks a bit outdated
- Audio input through the mic is not stable enough
- The screen recorder sometimes becomes somewhat glitchy
#7. HitFilm Express
HitFilm Express is another well-known video editing software for Mac. This software appeals more to experienced video editing professionals due to its well-rounded capabilities.
HitFilm Express utilizes a user interface that width="900" although is very flexible, does not fill you as a beginner with much confidence. It is an unconventional looking layout and it will take time to grow on you.
Compatibility:
Mac OS 10.14 or later
Key Features
- Professional level free video editor
- Good online software support
- Supports several file formats for input and output
- Affordable pricing
- Video masking feature
- Price: Free (HitFilm Pro version for USD 349, one-time fee)
Best for:
Professional video recorder and editors
Reasons to buy:
- Flexible user interface
- Easy sharing on social media and YouTube
- 3D video editing is supported
Reasons to avoid:
- The user interface is flexible but tricky especially for beginners
- Slow video output processing
- More addons are not free
#8. LightWorks
LightWorks is another free video editor for veterans of video editing. This software has notably been used in the video editing of some Hollywood movies as well.
The free version of the software does not however exports video in very good quality. Otherwise, it has a good enough freeware.
Compatibility:
Mac OS 10.9 or later
Key Features
- Professional-grade video editing software
- Lots of tutorials
- In-depth video trimming
- Supports Multicam editing
- Screen capture option
- Price: Free (USD 9.99/month for Lightworks Create verion, USD 23.99/month for LightWorks pro verion)
Best for:
Professional and industry users
Reasons to buy:
- Unlimited number of video and audio track capability
- Multi-cam option
- 3D video editing
Reasons to avoid:
- No 4K video editing
- The interface is not so user friendly
- You will need to pay for more features and file format support
#9. ShotCut
ShotCut is one of the video editing software that truly lies in the middle. It appeals to both beginners and experts at the same time. It is an open-source video editing software that has a customizable interface.
The interface however is not like the industry standard and will take some learning. ShotCut has been known to cause problems while handling large video projects.
Compatibility:
Mac OS 10.10 or later
Key Features
- Free open-source video editing software
- Capable to run on multiple platforms
- Very customizable user interface
- Supports 4K editing of videos
- Common video and audio editing options are present
- Price: Free
Best for:
Prosumer and professionals
Reasons to buy:
- Can handle videos of 4K quality
- Most file formats are supported
- Powerful color correction tool
Reasons to avoid:
- Not too suitable for large video projects
- Difficult to learn and perform high-end tasks
- Unconventional layout
#10. Camtasia
Camtasia is a very efficient video editing software for Mac if you want to create video presentations and slideshows. It also has a very reasonable system requirement and offers a lot of editing effects.
It is a quick program that does what it claims effectively. However, do not expect to perform other more advanced tasks on Camtasia.
Compatibility:
Mac OS 10.14 or later
Key Features
- Screen recorder and video editor
- Ability to edit multiple tracks simultaneously
- Lots of effects, filters and transitions
- Editing has been made really easy
- Supports green screen effect
- Price: Free trial (USD 299.99 one-time fee for paid version)
Best for:
Making presentations and slideshows
Reasons to buy:
- Super easy to learn and handle Camtasia
- The strong screen capture tool is built-in
- Cool cursor effects best for explainer videos
Reasons to avoid:
- The price is really on the higher end
- Advance options are not present
- Users report crashing problems with the software
#11. Movavi Video Editor
Movavi Video Editor is a very well known name among Windows and Mac users. It is a stable and reliable video editor equipped with all the basic functions.
Movavi Video Editor gives you a simple layout and you will like it immensely if you are a beginner. However, as you grow as a video editor, it will not be able to keep up with more demanding video editing.
Compatibility:
Mac OS 11.5.1 or later
Key Features
- One of the simplest looking professional video editing software
- Clean and intuitive interface for learning
- Loads of free presets and templates
- Purchasable additional features from its official store
- Some usual advanced options are included
- Price: Free trial (USD 34.95/year for windows license and USD 29.95/year for Mac license)
Best for:
Beginners and enthusiasts of video editing
Reasons to buy:
- Really quick video rendering speed
- YouTube integration for fast sharing
- 4K video rendering
Reasons to avoid:
- Surface level color grading tool
- Editing effects cannot be copied and pasted
- Not suitable for industry-level application
#12. VideoProc Convertor
VideoProc is a digital video editing software for Mac that produces high quality 4K and HDR videos. It has a strong screen capture tool that makes this software a popular choice among gamers.
It gives you the option to record, edit, download and share videos in one software. The freeware has some glaring shortcomings tho.
Compatibility:
Mac OS 10.6.8 or later
Key Features
- Its speciality is a rapid video editing and the process of 4K and HDR videos
- Wide range of applications for this software
- GPU hardware accelerated video processing
- Video editor, recorder, downloaded and DVD burner in one
- Supports a good range of file formats
- Price: Free (USD 29.95/year for complete version)
Best for:
Professional video and film-makers
Reasons to buy:
- Lots of video codecs and filters
- Before and After comparison window panels
- Videos can be exported in high quality
Reasons to avoid:
- There are some limitations in the free version of the software
- In the freeware, you can only export a video of up to 5 minutes duration
- The video downloading feature is not very strong
#13. Blender
Blender is one of the best 3D video editing software for Mac. The software is targeted towards users who want to access 3D video editing controls. As such, most of the features of Blender are focused on 3D animation.
It allows its users to use functions like 3D modeling and sculpting. It does not however offer much in terms of other more usual video editing options.
Compatibility:
Mac OS 10.13 or later
Key Features
- One of the most coveted 3D animation designing and video editing software
- Free to download and use
- Advanced 3D modeling and sculpting capabilities
- Full of great visual effects
- Open-source video editing software
- Price: Free
Best for:
3D video makers, animated film and game designers
Reasons to buy:
- Strong 3D rendering and video editing
- No installation or internet connection is required for the operation
- Lots of VFX options are built-in
Reasons to avoid:
- When it comes to video editing, Blender is relatively surface level
- Most features are too focused on 3D animation
- Hard to understand for new users
#14. OpenShot
OpenShot is another free open-source video editing software for Mac on our list. As open-source software, it is very flexible and allows its users to perform a number of tasks. It is therefore loaded with editing options.
The user interface is also relatively more friendly and it makes OpenShot a popular choice all around. It lacks some advanced editing options and is known to pose stability issues at times.
Compatibility:
Mac OS 10.15 or later
Key Features
- Free open-source video editing software for beginners
- Very familiar looking user layout
- An unlimited number of layers can be added
- Compatible with Apple iMovie
- Supports 4K video editing
- Price: Free
Best for:
Beginners and users do not want to spend money on video editing software
Reasons to buy:
- Supports 360-degree video editing
- Cool looking 3D titles can be added to your videos
- No watermark in the exported videos
Reasons to avoid:
- The help system is not sufficient and it has very few video tutorials
- Some in-depth video editing controls are missing
- The software has stability issues sometimes
#15. Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro by Adobe is widely considered as one of the best video editing software available today. On Mac, it remains equally popular due to the array of functions that this software can perform.
The great online support and the expansive nature of the software are making it increasingly popular in the community of video editing.
Compatibility:
Mac OS 10.15 or later
Key Features
- Flagship video editing software from Adobe
- Powerful system with high-tech functionality
- Supports almost all video file formats
- Supports several third party extensions
- Supports 8K video editing
- Price: Free trial (USD 20.99/month for complete version)
Best for:
Professional and studio level filmmakers
Reasons to buy:
- Contains almost all advanced video editing features
- Video stabilization is available
- Detailed multi-cam editing options
Reasons to avoid:
- Motion tracking is surprisingly missing
- No Keyword tagging support
- No motion tracking
Part 2. Conclusion
All these and so many other video editing software for Mac are in the market because each of these provides a specific solution.
If you are wondering which one should you try out, you need to know,
- What do you want to perform?
- What is your target?
- How proficient are you with video editing?
According to your own needs, you will make a better decision.
