If you plan on working with 4K or higher video content, make sure you choose a video editing application that's fast at rendering output files (see Gathering Speed section below). Most of the applications here now can import and export HEVC, but there are still a few holdouts. The same holds true for the H.265 High Efficiency Video Coding (HEVC) standard. For example, some but not all the applications can import Sony XAVC and XAVC-S formats, which are used by Sony's popular DSLRs, mirrorless cameras, camcorders, and professional video cameras. The support for 4K and higher formats varies among the consumer products. Read on after the product summaries to find our guide to choosing the best video editing software for your needs. Here we share your best options for video editing software. Another plus if you're a nonprofessional is that you often get features that, in the pro world, are relegated to separate apps, like motion graphics and color grading. This trend is a boon to hobbyist movie editors and vloggers, because the software designed for them simplifies procedures that are complex in the pro-level software. Multicam editing, motion tracking, and advanced color grading have all made the leap. Increasingly, features trickle down from professional-level software to the consumer category. It also must work with 4K video, since current smartphones and cameras are now capable of producing 4K content and even higher resolutions. The best video editing software works for professionals and nonprofessionals alike and keeps up with newer formats such as HEVC (High Efficiency Video Coding), HDR, and VR. Couple that trend with the ever-increasing availability of devices capable of high-resolution video recording-smartphones, GoPros, DSLRs and mirrorless cameras-and the case for powerful video editing software becomes clear.

That's why digital video continues to grow in importance online, whether on news sites, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube. When you want to make a strong impression, nothing works quite like moving images with sound. Read our editorial mission (Opens in a new window) & see how we test (Opens in a new window). Since 1982, PCMag has tested and rated thousands of products to help you make better buying decisions.

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Best online free video editor