Best Video Editing Software 2026 (Free & Paid)

Pretty much every camera shoots video nowadays — and smartphones are doing a surprisingly good job of it too. If you want to get the most out of mobile footage, check out our tips for shooting video on your phone. 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.

Best Video Editing App in 2026 (Mobile)

If you're looking for the best app for video editing on your phone or tablet, the options have improved dramatically. CapCut is the most popular choice across iOS and Android — its free tier is generous, and AI-powered tools like auto-captions and background removal make it fast and capable for social content. iMovie remains the strongest free option for iPhone and iPad users, with a clean timeline and seamless handoff to Mac. For more advanced mobile work, LumaFusion (iOS) is a professional-grade app worth the one-time purchase — it supports multi-track timelines, colour grading, and 4K export, making it the closest thing to a desktop editor on iPad. For most Australian creators shooting on their phones, CapCut or iMovie will cover the majority of needs.

Best Value Video Editing Software Deals in 2026

If you're hunting for the best video editing software deals — particularly options that avoid ongoing subscription costs — the value case in 2026 is clear. DaVinci Resolve is free with no strings attached, making it the best deal in video editing outright. The Studio upgrade (around AU$370 once) unlocks AI tools and noise reduction with no annual fee. Final Cut Pro at AU$449.99 is a one-time purchase that includes all future updates — strong value for Mac users editing regularly. iMovie and CapCut's free tiers cost nothing. The only major subscription-based option in this list is Adobe Premiere Pro, which suits creators already invested in Creative Cloud. For anyone prioritising value, the free and one-time-purchase options here are genuinely competitive with anything subscription-based.

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?

If you also edit stills, our guide to the best photo editing software in 2026 covers the top options for photographers.

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.

Best Video Editing Software at a Glance

Not sure which to download first? If you're on a Mac and new to editing, start with iMovie — it's free and takes minutes to learn. Windows users or anyone who wants professional results without paying anything should go straight to DaVinci Resolve. The deeper breakdown for each program is in the sections above.

How to Edit Videos Fast as a Prosumer Creator in 2026

If you're a prosumer creator — serious about quality but working without a full post-production team — speed and efficiency matter as much as capability. Final Cut Pro's magnetic timeline and background rendering make it the fastest editing experience for Mac users; keyboard-driven workflows mean less time clicking and more time cutting. On Windows, DaVinci Resolve's Cut page is purpose-built for fast assembly, letting you edit without leaving the timeline. Adobe Premiere Pro's Auto Reframe and AI-powered scene edit detection can dramatically reduce repetitive tasks for creators publishing across multiple formats. Whichever platform you choose, setting up a proxy workflow for high-resolution footage (particularly 4K or higher from modern mirrorless cameras) will make the single biggest difference to your day-to-day editing speed.

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.

What is the best video editing software for documentaries?

Documentary editing has specific demands — long-form timelines, multicam interview setups, large media libraries, and precise audio sync. DaVinci Resolve is the strongest free choice: its Cut page is designed for fast assembly, and its colour tools are unmatched for maintaining visual consistency across varied shooting conditions. Adobe Premiere Pro is widely used in documentary production thanks to its deep integration with After Effects for titles and graphics, and its robust multicam and proxy workflow support. For Mac-based editors, Final Cut Pro handles large projects efficiently on Apple Silicon and offers strong organisation tools via Libraries. All three are capable of feature-length documentary work at a professional level.

Best One-Time Purchase Video Editing Software

Subscription fatigue is real — and many videographers are actively searching for the best one-time purchase video editing software to avoid ongoing fees. The standout option in 2026 is DaVinci Resolve Studio, which is available for a single payment of around AU$370 with no recurring costs. It unlocks AI-powered tools, advanced noise reduction, and multi-user collaboration on top of the already-exceptional free version. Another strong one-time purchase option is Vegas Pro (Windows), which offers a perpetual licence and a long-standing reputation in the editing community. For Mac users, Final Cut Pro is a one-time purchase of AU$449.99 — no subscription required. All three are excellent alternatives to Adobe Premiere Pro's subscription model.

Best Professional Video Editing Software in 2026

When it comes to the best professional video editing software, three names dominate: DaVinci Resolve Studio, Final Cut Pro, and Adobe Premiere Pro. DaVinci Resolve is the go-to choice for colour-critical work and is widely used in film and broadcast production. Premiere Pro remains the industry standard in many post-production houses thanks to its deep integration with After Effects and the broader Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem. Final Cut Pro is the preferred tool for many professional Mac-based editors, offering outstanding performance on Apple Silicon. Your choice ultimately comes down to your platform, workflow, and whether you prefer a subscription or a one-time licence. All three are genuinely professional-grade tools capable of handling feature film work.

Best Video Editing Software for Videography

Videographers have slightly different needs from filmmakers — fast turnaround, colour consistency across shoots, and efficient multicam or event-based workflows are priorities. The best editing software for videography in 2026 is DaVinci Resolve for its unmatched colour grading and free entry point, and Final Cut Pro for Mac-based shooters who value speed and a clean timeline experience. If you shoot a lot of weddings, events, or travel content, Adobe Premiere Pro integrates seamlessly with Lightroom for a unified photo and video workflow. For videographers who want simplicity without sacrificing quality, CapCut Pro and iMovie also deserve consideration as accessible starting points before committing to a more advanced platform.

Our guide to why photographers choose Lightroom explains how it fits into that broader Adobe workflow.

And once your editing workflow is sorted, our video lighting guide for YouTube and content creators will help you level up the quality of your footage at the source.

Best Digital Video and Content Creation Software Overview

If you're searching for the best digital video software or content creation software more broadly, the landscape in 2026 comes down to your platform and output. For high-quality digital video — whether you're shooting on a mirrorless camera, drone, or smartphone — DaVinci Resolve remains the strongest free starting point, with unmatched colour tools and broad format support. For content creators producing regular social or YouTube output, Adobe Premiere Pro and CapCut cover the widest range of content types and export formats. All the options covered in this guide support modern video formats including 4K, log footage, and vertical video — making any of them a capable choice as your primary content creation tool in 2026.