7 Best Alternatives to Adobe Premiere Elements in 2024 [Windows, Mac]

Adobe Premiere Elements is one of the most popular video editing tools for beginners. But unfortunately, you might find that Adobe Premiere Elements isn't the best option for you as its simplicity limits the kinds of projects it can handle. Or you might not like its user interface, which feels a bit dated.

Fortunately, plenty of other video editing software options will give you what you need without being so limiting or behind the times. Here are the seven best Adobe Premiere Elements alternatives in 2024. So whether you are a novice or looking to move into professional editing, you'll find software on this list to meet your needs.

• Top 3 Alternatives to Adobe Premiere Elements Snapshot
• What is Adobe Premiere Elements?
• 7 Best Alternatives to Video Pad Video Editor
1. PowerDirector – Best Overall
2. iMovie - Best for Amateurs on Mac
3. Shotcut Video Editor - Best for Amateurs on Windows
4. Movavi Video Editor - Best for Intermediate Users on Mac
5. Corel VideoStudio - Best for Intermediate Users on Windows
6. Final Cut Pro - Best for Professionals Using Mac
7. Adobe Premiere Pro - Best for Sticking with Adobe
• Best Alternatives to Adobe Premiere Elements Comparison Chart
• How to Edit With an Alternative to Adobe Premiere Elements
• Download the Best Alternatives to Adobe Premiere Elements for Free
• Adobe Premiere Elements FAQs

Top 3 Alternatives to Adobe Premiere Elements Snapshot

What is Adobe Premiere Elements?

Adobe Premiere Elements is a scaled-down version of the professional video editing software Premiere Pro and is intended for novice editors. Adobe also offers a scaled-down version of Photoshop called Photoshop Elements.

When we looked at Adobe's consumer video editor, we found it simple and offered many helpful tutorials. When put up against competitors, though, it fell short in features and rendering speed. 

Adobe markets its consumer-targeted video editing software, Premiere Elements, to people who want to document their most cherished memories. However, this product is perfect for anyone looking to make compelling videos with little prior knowledge of professional applications such as Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. 

The program trails behind other software on our list in regards to how many video formats it supports, rendering speed, and available effects - but what it lacks in those categories is made up for by how user-friendly and accessible the software makes itself. Of course, our top three picks are also incredibly easy to use.

7 Best Alternatives to Adobe Premiere Elements

1. PowerDirector - Best Overall

Compatibility: Windows, Mac

Overall Rating: 10 / 10

Beginner-friendly: 10 / 10

Key Features

• All basic video editing tools
• Thousands of templates
• Royalty-free stock library
• Massive selection of video effects
• AI-powered video enhancements

PowerDirector is a perfect editing program with the tools, features, and special effects you need to craft an excellent video every time. This easy-to-use program allows even beginners to make high-quality movies at home. It provides every tool imaginable, from AI object detection to sky replacement, so that you can focus on what matters most -your story- instead of worrying about tedious editing work. 

PowerDirector is always at the forefront of new formats and technologies. It meets the needs of everyone who wants to make a high-quality movie making it perfect for beginners and experts alike. With so many features at your disposal, there's no need to look elsewhere when you want an affordable yet powerful video editor - PowerDirector will take care of everything from start to finish! 

2. iMovie - Best for Amateurs Using Mac

Image from DesignBuckle.

Compatibility: Mac

Overall Rating: 8 / 10

Beginner-friendly: 9 / 10

Key Features

• 4K Support
• Title animations
• Video filters

iMovie comes bundled with every new Mac computer. It is just one of many easy-to-use software that simplifies video creation. You can do everything from importing footage to editing and exporting without previous editing experience or knowledge. It is a perfect option for cutting together some home movies. 

One of the best aspects of iMovie is that it saves all your projects in Apple's cloud, allowing you to edit your videos on almost any device—from an iPhone or iPad to a MacBook. Obviously, if you are a Windows user, iMovie is not a viable option for you. Also, iMovie is not a good choice for professional projects.

3. Shotcut Video Editor - Best for Amateurs Using Windows

Image from Shotcut.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux

Overall Rating: 8 / 10

Beginner-friendly: 8 / 10

Key Features

• Video and audio effects
• Keyframe animation
• Multi-format timeline

Shotcut is a multiplatform video editor that was initially designed for Linux machines. The result is an interface that initially is a bit confusing but offers many features. For example, the timeline adjusts as you add new files it. In addition, specific settings can be set depending on the quality you want or need - such as resolution, aspect ratio, codecs, frames per second, and scanning mode. 

Shotcut offers customizable filters and effects - such as color correction and noise removal - along with various other capabilities, including 4K video support. Unfortunately, the software lacks more advanced editing tools for more complicated projects.

4. Movavi Video Editor - Best for Intermediate Users on Mac

Compatibility: Windows, Mac

Overall Rating: 8 / 10

Beginner-friendly: 7 / 10

Key Features

• Transitions with sound
• Motion tracking
• Picture-in-picture tools

Movavi offers a pretty good set of features packaged in a relatively easily accessible interface. With basic tools like chroma key and titles, you can create movies quickly without jumping through unnecessary hoops. 

It's not as fast or powerful as some competitors, but it does its job well enough. It is a great option if you are looking to upgrade from Elements but do not want a super-advanced software.

5. Corel VideoStudio - Best for Intermediate Users on Windows

Compatibility: Windows

Overall Rating: 7.5 / 10

Beginner-friendly: 8 / 10

Key Features

• Multipoint motion tracking
• Color grading
• Stop-motion tool

Every day, video editors are faced with a new challenge. Whether they are working with 3D, 4K, or 360-degree VR footage, the innovative technology we rely on to edit them can't be stagnant. Fortunately, Corel VideoStudio Ultimate has stepped up to deliver its latest release packed with everything you could need in a home editing suite - including stop motion support and auto-captions using speech-to-text algorithms. 

VideoStudio offers good performance from quick rendering times, a clear and simple interface, and features like multi-cam editing and face masking tools for fine-tuning your projects just how you want them.

6. Final Cut Pro - Best for Professionals Using Mac

Image from BolderVideo.

Compatibility: Mac

Overall Rating: 8 / 10

Beginner-friendly: 6 / 10

Key Features

• Multicam support
• Motion graphics and effects
• Color correction and grading

Final Cut Pro, Apple's popular and high-quality video editing software, is coveted by professionals who need tools to help them edit their work. Though Final Cut Pro will initially cost you quite a bit, it remains one of our top recommendations as it has all the tools for experienced filmmakers. 

The newest version supports iPhone 13's Cinematic video mode and contains intelligent motion tracking. If you want to take editing more seriously and invest the money and a lot of time to learn a software, you can't go wrong with Final Cut Pro.

7. Adobe Premiere Pro - Best for Sticking with Adobe

Image from Adobe Premiere Pro.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac

Overall Rating: 8 / 10

Beginner-friendly: 5 / 10

Key Features

• Color correction
• Direct camera to cloud transfer
• Built-in Adobe Stock

Despite both Premiere Elements and Premiere Pro being made by Adobe, there is a giant leap between the two. It is not an easy transition between the two. If you are currently using Elements or are new to video editing, you need to be prepared to spend a lot of time learning Premiere Pro.

Having said that, Premiere Pro is an excellent choice for professional-level projects. If you dream of having a film and TV career, this is a great program to start you on your journey.

Best Alternatives to Adobe Premiere Elements Comparison Chart

How to Edit with an Alternative to Adobe Premiere Elements

Let's look at how we can edit videos using an alternative to Adobe Premiere Elements, PowerDirector.

1. Download PowerDirector for free and start a new project.
2. Click the Import Media button at the top left of the page and choose what media you want to edit from your computer.

3. Drag your videos, photos, and audio tracks to the timeline in order of preference.
4. To trim your clips, put the timeline play head in the position on the timeline where you would like to cut. Then click the Split icon above the timeline to cut the clip at that position. Finally, delete the portion you don't need.

5. Open the Transition Room. Drag and drop a transition to where you want it applied to a clip.

6. Add a title to your video by choosing one in the Title Room and dragging it to the timeline. Double-click on it to open Title Designer to edit your title.

7. Continue editing until you are happy with your project, then Produce it.

Download the Best Alternative to Adobe Premiere Elements for Free

PowerDirector is a perfect fit whether you are brand new or have been editing videos for years. Its advanced AI technology, video templates, and straightforward design facilitate quick, professional video creation. With almost no learning curve, you can jump right in and start creating. Plus, it is up-dated-constantly with all the most cutting-edge professional features. 

Try it out now for free to see what you can create.