7 Best Alternatives to OpenShot Video Editor in 2024 [Windows, Mac]

OpenShot Video Editor is one of the most popular open-source video editors. It has been an excellent option for more tech-savvy users over the years. 

Unfortunately, no matter how great it is, open-source software typically comes with some issues. These issues range from a lack of documentation and helpful guides for new users, being feature-focused while lacking a solid core foundation, and programmers making the software geared towards their needs instead of the general population. Finally, and most importantly, open-source programs tend to be tricky to set up and use.

With this in mind, we decided to compile a list of the 7 top alternatives to OpenShot Video Editor. So whether you're a beginner needing more accessible software or a professional wanting a more reliable program, you'll find a solution on this list to suit your needs.

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

Top 3 Alternatives to OpenShot Video Editor Snapshot

What is OpenShot Video Editor?

OpenShot Video Editor is a free, open-source video editor that allows you to make high-quality video projects from photos, audio, and video files. It supports a wide range of formats and is highly adaptable. It can add subtitles, transitions, and effects. You can export for YouTube, Vimeo, Xbox 360, and DVD. It is accessible in over 70 languages.

7 Best Alternatives to OpenShot Video Editor

1. PowerDirector - Best Overall

Compatibility: Windows, Mac

Overall Rating: 10 / 10

Beginner-friendly: 10 / 10

Key Features

• Thousands of video templates
• Royalty-free stock library with millions of videos, photos, and songs
• Massive selection of easy-to-use video effects

PowerDirector is user-friendly video editing software that's simple enough for inexperienced editors without losing the powerful capabilities sought by experts. It is a perfect editing program with all the features and effects you need to craft stunning, viral-worthy videos. 

With unique, transformative tools like AI object detection and sky replacement to video intro and collage designers, you can create a professional video in no time. 

Plus, PowerDirector is always at the forefront of new formats and technologies. So you'll be a step ahead of everyone else with the most exciting new features with monthly updates. 

PowerDirector lets you focus on the story you want to tell while it takes care of everything else! 

2. Adobe Premiere Elements - Best for Amateurs on Windows

Compatibility: Windows, Mac

Overall Rating: 7 / 10

Beginner-friendly: 9 / 10

Key Features

• Adobe Sensei AI technology
• Guided Edits
• Smart Tags and facial recognition

Adobe Premiere Elements is video editing software designed for anyone who wants to cut home movies. It is simple to use and offers helpful tutorials. You can generate amusing creations or mix various clips and photographs into fun little videos.

The editing interface has three mode tabs: Quick, Guided, and Expert. While the Quick and Guided are accurately named, Expert does not necessarily deliver expert-level results. Adobe Premiere Elements trails behind the other software on our list regarding video format support, rendering speed, and available effects - but what it lacks, it makes up for in user-friendliness and accessibility. 

3. iMovie - Best for Amateurs on Mac

Image from DesignBuckle.

Compatibility: Mac

Overall Rating: 7 / 10

Beginner-friendly: 8 / 10

Key Features

• Magic Movie
• Storyboards
• Cinematic mode editing

iMovie allows you to change and improve video color settings, crop and rotate a video clip, stabilize shaky videos, add video transitions and change the pace of clips. In addition, it includes video effects such as using chroma key to remove a subject and replace the background with a separate clip, creating a split-screen, and creating a picture-in-picture effect. 

With iMovie, you can also adjust and enhance a project’s audio by decreasing background noise and increasing the audio levels of quiet segments. Unfortunately, iMovie has limited advanced features and is not intended for professional-level projects.

4. Pinnacle Studio - Best for Intermediate Users on Windows

Image from TechRadar.

Compatibility: Windows

Overall Rating: 8 / 10

Beginner-friendly: 7 / 10

Key Features

• Stop motion animation
• Video stabilization
• Key-frame controls

While less well-known than other competitors on this list, Pinnacle Studio's Windows-optimized editing software includes visual and audio effects tools for HD and 4K video editing. It's a sleek, fast editing experience suitable for intermediate users and professionals. 

With Pinnacle's outstanding lineup of editing tools, you can take on some of the most intense visual challenges. You can also transform your videos' colors or manipulate their speed. However, despite a large volume of capabilities, professional editors agree it lacks some advanced features, making it ideal for intermediate users.

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

Compatibility: Windows, Mac

Overall Rating: 8 / 10

Beginner-friendly: 7 / 10

Key Features

• Chroma-key
• Motion tracking tools
• Picture-in-picture tools

Movavi Video Editor is a video editing software with many special effects that will enhance the look of your videos. Furthermore, its functionality is straightforward, allowing you to edit your video with a little learning curve. 

Buttons along the left rail switch between modes for Importing, Filters, Transitions, Titles, Stickers, and other features. Color Adjustments, Crop and Rotate, Pan and Zoom, Stabilization, Slow Motion, and Chroma-Keying are all included in this category.

6. Adobe Premiere Pro - Best for Professionals Using Windows

Image from Adobe Premiere Pro.

Compatibility: Windows, Mac

Overall Rating: 9 / 10

Beginner-friendly: 5 / 10

Key Features

• Simultaneous projects
• VR editing
• Auto reframe

While Premiere Elements is consumer-friendly and great for at-home projects, Premiere Pro takes a giant leap into the professional video editing world. Unfortunately, it is not a simple transition between the two. If you are new to video editing or currently using Premiere Elements, be aware that Premiere Pro has a very steep learning curve and a costly subscription.

That said, Adobe Premiere Pro is an industry standard and a top choice among professional video editors. It can handle Hollywood features and TV shows without a problem. This is an excellent option if you desire a career as a pro filmmaker.

7. Final Cut Pro - Best for Professionals Using Mac

Image from BolderVideo.

Compatibility: Mac

Overall Rating: 9 / 10

Beginner-friendly: 5 / 10

Key Features

• Color grading and delivery
• Cinematic mode editing
• 8K color grading

Final Cut Pro delivers impressive performance and efficiency on Mac machines with Apple silicon. It speeds up post-production with fantastic new capabilities and a magnetic timeline.

Using highlighted clip ranges in the timeline, you can quickly see any audio or video that appears more than once in your project. Final Cut Pro covers everything from basic editing to complex color correction to help you obtain a competitive advantage in an ever-changing business.

Best Alternatives to OpenSot Comparison Chart

Download the Best Alternative to OpenShot for Free

PowerDirector comes with a selection of thousands of video templates, advanced AI technology for stunning enhancements, and straightforward design for quick, professional video creation. It is a perfect choice for both novices and advanced video editors. 

It also has access to a stock library with millions of videos, photos, and music tracks. In addition, it is updated monthly to ensure you have the most cutting-edge features. 

Find out why PCMag picks it as an Editor Choice year after year.