Pretty much every camera shoots video nowadays — and smartphones are doing a surprisingly good job of it too. But what do you do once you've captured that footage? Chances are you'll need to edit it. Whether you're a complete beginner or a seasoned filmmaker, here are our five favourite video editing programs in 2026.
1. DaVinci Resolve (Mac, Windows & Linux — Free)
DaVinci Resolve has become the industry standard for video editing — and the free version is genuinely extraordinary. Originally developed as a professional colour grading tool used in Hollywood productions, it has evolved into a full-featured editing suite that rivals (and in many ways surpasses) paid alternatives.
The free version includes professional-grade colour correction and grading tools, multi-cam editing, audio post-production via Fairlight, and visual effects via Fusion — all in one application. The paid Studio version adds AI-powered tools, noise reduction, and collaboration features, but most users will find the free version more than sufficient.
If you're serious about video, DaVinci Resolve is the most powerful free tool available. It has a steeper learning curve than some alternatives, but the investment in time pays off quickly.
Best for: Intermediate to advanced users, colour grading, professional productions.
2. Final Cut Pro (Mac only)
Mac users will be hard-pressed to find a more capable or polished video editing experience than Apple's Final Cut Pro. Its magnetic timeline, intuitive interface, and extensive keyboard shortcuts make it fast and enjoyable to use — and it's powerful enough to have been used on major feature films and broadcast productions.
Final Cut Pro is a one-time purchase (no subscription), which makes it excellent value compared to subscription-based alternatives. Recent updates have added strong AI-powered features including automatic scene removal, background removal, and enhanced colour tools. It integrates seamlessly with other Apple apps and hardware, including ProRes recording on iPhone.
Best for: Mac users who want a fast, polished, professional editing experience.
3. Adobe Premiere Pro (Mac & Windows)
Adobe Premiere Pro is the most widely used professional video editing software in the world, and for good reason. It integrates seamlessly with the rest of the Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem — After Effects for motion graphics, Audition for audio, and Photoshop for stills — making it the go-to choice for content creators and professionals who work across multiple disciplines.
Premiere Pro is subscription-based (available as part of Adobe Creative Cloud), which is a consideration for budget-conscious users. However, its industry-standard status means tutorials, templates, and community support are abundant. Recent AI-powered features — including automatic captions, audio enhancement, and generative extend — have made it even more capable.
Best for: Professional content creators, those already in the Adobe ecosystem, collaborative workflows.
4. iMovie (Mac & iOS — Free)
For beginners on Apple devices, iMovie remains one of the best starting points available — and it's completely free. The drag-and-drop interface, built-in transitions, and straightforward timeline make it easy to produce polished videos without any prior experience.
iMovie works across Mac, iPhone, and iPad, and projects can be handed off between devices seamlessly. It's not designed for complex productions, but for travel videos, family films, short social content, and school projects, it's more than capable. It also serves as a natural stepping stone to Final Cut Pro when you're ready to level up.
Best for: Beginners, Apple device users, quick and simple edits.
5. CapCut (Mac, Windows, iOS & Android — Free)
CapCut has rapidly become one of the most popular video editing apps in the world, particularly among social media content creators. Originally a mobile-first app, it now has a capable desktop version as well. Its strength lies in its simplicity and its extensive library of templates, effects, transitions, and auto-caption tools — all optimised for vertical and short-form video.
The free version is generous, and AI-powered features — including auto-captions, background removal, and AI-generated B-roll — make it genuinely useful for fast content creation. If you're creating content for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts, CapCut is hard to beat for speed and ease of use.
Best for: Social media content creators, short-form video, mobile editing.
Which video editing software is right for you?
The best video editing software depends on your platform, budget, and how seriously you take your video work. For beginners on Apple devices, start with iMovie and graduate to Final Cut Pro when you're ready. For Windows users or those who want the most powerful free option, DaVinci Resolve is the clear choice. For professional content creation across platforms, Adobe Premiere Pro is the industry standard. And for fast, social-first content, CapCut is unbeatable.
Browse our full range of video cameras and camera accessories online, or visit a Ted's Cameras store for expert advice on the best gear for your video projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best free video editing software in 2026?
DaVinci Resolve is the most powerful free video editing software available in 2026. It offers professional-grade colour grading, multi-cam editing, audio post-production, and visual effects — all for free. iMovie (Mac and iOS) and CapCut (all platforms) are excellent free alternatives for beginners and social media creators respectively.
What video editing software do professionals use?
Professional video editors most commonly use DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro. DaVinci Resolve is the industry standard for colour grading and is widely used in film and television. Premiere Pro dominates in broadcast and content creation. Final Cut Pro is popular in the Apple ecosystem and among independent filmmakers.
Is Final Cut Pro worth buying?
Yes — for Mac users who edit video regularly, Final Cut Pro is excellent value. Unlike Adobe Premiere Pro, it's a one-time purchase rather than a subscription, and it's fast, polished, and powerful enough for professional productions. It integrates seamlessly with Apple hardware and other Apple apps, and receives regular free updates.
Can I edit video on my phone?
Yes — modern smartphones are capable of surprisingly good video editing. CapCut is the most popular mobile video editing app, with a generous free tier and strong AI-powered tools. iMovie is available on iPhone and iPad for Apple users. For more advanced mobile editing, LumaFusion (iOS) is a professional-grade option worth considering.
What video editing software is best for YouTube?
For YouTube content, Adobe Premiere Pro is the most widely used professional option, offering excellent integration with After Effects for thumbnails and motion graphics. DaVinci Resolve is a powerful free alternative. For shorter-form YouTube content (Shorts), CapCut's template library and auto-caption tools make it a fast and effective choice.
Best Video Editing Software with a One-Time Purchase
If you'd rather avoid a monthly subscription, you're in luck — several of the best video editing tools are available as a one-time purchase. DaVinci Resolve Studio can be bought outright for a single fee, giving you lifetime access with no recurring costs. Final Cut Pro is also a one-time payment through the Mac App Store, making it exceptional value for Mac users over the long term. Magix Vegas Pro (not listed above) is another well-regarded one-time purchase option on Windows. For anyone researching the best one-time payment video editing software, these three represent the strongest choices in 2026 — professional-grade tools without the subscription treadmill.
What Is the Best Video Editor in 2026?
The best video editor depends entirely on your workflow, budget and platform. For raw power and no cost, DaVinci Resolve is the best video editing software available — full stop. For Mac users who want speed and polish, Final Cut Pro leads the pack. Beginners looking for the best video editing tools without a steep learning curve should consider Adobe Premiere Rush or iMovie as starting points. The best video editor isn't always the most feature-rich — it's the one that fits how you work. Use this guide to match your skill level, platform and budget to the right tool.
Film Editing Programs: What the Pros Actually Use
When it comes to professional film editing programs, a handful of tools dominate the industry. DaVinci Resolve is now the go-to for colour grading on major productions. Adobe Premiere Pro remains widely used across broadcast, documentary and commercial film. Avid Media Composer, while not covered in our top five, is still the standard in Hollywood for long-form film editing. For independent filmmakers, DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro offer professional-level capability at a fraction of the cost of legacy film editing programs. If you're shooting on a dedicated camera and working toward a serious production, any of these film editing programs will serve you well.