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10 Free Final Cut Pro Alternative for Windows in 2024
Apple debuted its first editing software in 1999, revolutionizing the industry with its non-linear editing style. Initially aimed at hobbyists and independent filmmakers, Final Cut Pro has since been used to edit major films like X-Men Origins: Wolverine, 500 Days of Summer, and The Social Network, which won an Oscar for Best Editing.
However, Final Cut Pro is not available for Windows and comes with a hefty price tag. For those seeking a high-quality editor without the cost, we've compiled a list of the best free alternatives for Windows.
Keep reading to discover the top alternatives and find the one that best suits your video editing needs.
- Top 3 Free Alternatives to Final Cut Pro for Windows
- Best Free Final Cut Pro Alternative for Windows
- Final Cut Pro for Windows Alternatives Comparison
- How to Choose the Best Free Final Cut Pro Alternative
- How We Test Free Alternatives to Final Cut Pro
- Download the Best Free Final Cut Pro Alternative
- Free Final Cut Pro Alternatives FAQ
Snapshot of the Top 3 Free Alternatives to Final Cut Pro for Windows
1. PowerDirector Essential - Best Overall
PowerDirector is the best alternative to Final Cut Pro for free. PowerDirector offers even more advanced features to edit videos but is much easier to learn for beginners. Detailed Review >
Download this free alternative for Windows.
2. Blender - Best for Animation
An open-source alternative to Final Cut Pro for Windows, Mac, and Linux that specializes in animation tools and motion effects. Detailed Review >
3. Lightworks Free - Best For Control Over Effects
Lightworks Free is a professional alternative to Final Cut Pro for free. It has simple and advanced settings to cover a wide range of users. Detailed Review >
Best Free Final Cut Pro Alternative for Windows - Ranked
- PowerDirector Essential
- Blender
- Lightworks Free
- Avid Media Composer First
- DaVinci Resolve
- VideoProc Vlogger
- HitFilm
- Luxea Video Editor
- Shotcut
- VSDC Free Video Editor
1. PowerDirector Essential - Best Overall
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
PCMag Rating: 5/5 Excellent
Advanced Features: 5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $4.08/month
Key Features:
- AI Tools: Sky replacement, motion tracking, object detection, body effects, and more
- Animated Titles: Use automatic presets or the title designer to tweak colors, borders, shadows, 3D effects, and animation styles
- Green Screen Effects: Use chroma key to change your world - with or without a green screen
- Mask Designer: Remove unwanted objects, blend clips, or enhance footage
Who It’s For
PowerDirector is the best alternative to Final Cut Pro for Windows. Both are PCMag winners for Best Editing Software in 2024, with PowerDirector taking the top spot. While Final Cut Pro can be costly, PowerDirector offers a free version, PowerDirector Essential, which provides access to almost all the features of the premium version. Plus, PowerDirector is easier to use, making it a great option for beginners.
Why We Picked It
PowerDirector provides professional-grade tools such as 360-degree editing, motion tracking, multicam editing, and motion graphics—many of which were introduced before Final Cut Pro added them.
The software also includes a vast stock library of videos, photos, sound effects, and music, along with hundreds of transitions, stickers, titles, and effects. PowerDirector renders videos four times faster than Final Cut Pro, making it a faster choice for editing.
Bottom Line
PowerDirector offers a streamlined interface familiar to seasoned users, combined with an intuitive workflow and professional tools. It’s user-friendly, perfect for beginners, and allows you to try it for free.
Download the #1 alternative to Final Cut Pro for free by clicking the link below.
2. Blender - Best for Animation
Image from Blender Artists.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
G2 Rating: 4.6/5
Advanced Features: 5/5
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Powerful Curves-Based Hair System: Includes 26 built-in hair assets to create any kind of realistic hair or fur
- Cycles Render Engine: CPU and GPU rendering with support for HDR lighting and VR
- Motion Tracking: Auto and manual tracking with real-time preview
Who It’s For
Blender is an open-source alternative focused on advanced motion graphics and animation. It offers more special effects and compositing tools than Final Cut Pro—completely free. Blender also excels in animation support, including onion skinning, modeling, and sculpting.
Why We Picked It
This alternative for both Windows and Linux provides tools for particle simulation, 2D/3D drawing, keyframing, and more. It also includes basic video editing features, allowing animators and VFX artists to complete their work without needing additional software.
Bottom Line
Blenderis ideal if you need advanced VFX tools without hiring outside help. However, if you don’t often require animation and visual effects, it may not be the best fit for those seeking a straightforward video editor.
3. Lightworks Free - Best for Control Over Effects
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Capterra Rating: 4.2/5
Advanced Features: 5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $9.99/month for Creator and $23.99/month for Pro
Key Features:
- Three/Four Point Editing: Make advanced edits like trim-slip, slide, ripple, roll, and more
- Motion Graphics: Hundreds of pre-made graphics are built in
- Video Mask Effects: Draw and create masks including ellipses, squares, and complex shapes
Who It’s For
Lightworks Free is a beginner-friendly version of the Hollywood classic used to edit Oscar-winning films. It offers easy access to visual effects tools, allowing precise editing and professional results without the cost.
Why We Picked It
Lightworks Free features background processing for efficient work, along with auto-saving to protect your progress. It includes an advanced transitions library, though advanced title features require the paid version.
Bottom Line
Lightworks Free supports all popular formats but limits exports to 720p, making it better suited for personal projects. Recent updates have improved its layout and workflow, enhancing its appeal as a free video editing alternative.
4. Avid Media Composer First - Best for Budding Professionals
Image from Avid.
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
G2 Rating: 4.1/5
Advanced Features: 5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $23.99/month for Media Composer or $49.99/month for Media Composer Ultimate
Key Features:
- Color Correction: Presets, HSL controls, hue offsets, luma range
- Bulk Edit: Save time by applying the same edits/effects to multiple clips at once
- Video Stabilization: Fix shaky video
Who It’s For
Avid Media Composer First is a free version of Hollywood’s popular Avid Media Composer. It’s a great alternative to Final Cut Pro for aspiring video professionals, offering many pro-level tools for free. Ideal for beginners, it’s a solid choice for those wanting to learn Avid.
Why We Picked It
This free version allows editing on up to 4 video tracks and 8 audio tracks, with color-correcting tools, audio ducking, and 4-way multicam editing. You can also publish directly to YouTube and Vimeo.
Bottom Line
Avid Media Composer First is best for those serious about pursuing a career in video editing, as it may be too complex for beginners and too limited for professionals. If you're not looking to dive into the learning curve, PowerDirector Essential offers an easier, robust alternative.
5. DaVinci Resolve - Best for Post-Production
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
PCMag Rating: 4/5
Advanced Features: 5/5
Price: Free
*DaVinci Resolve Studio available for $295
Key Features:
- Professional Edit Overlay: Insert, overwrite, replace, fit to fill, place on top, append at end, and ripple overwrite
- Transitions & Effects Libraries: 30 transitions and 65+ effects, including blurs, flares, and warps
- Shot Match: Automatically color correct by matching the color of any clip
Who It’s For
DaVinci Resolve feels like paid software with tools used by professionals in major studio films. It’s a great alternative to Final Cut Pro for Windows, offering more post-production solutions for free.
Why We Picked It
With features like motion graphics, advanced audio tools, VFX, and title-card building modes, DaVinci Resolve lets you edit on up to 2,000 tracks. The interface is divided into “Pages” to streamline the editing process, and its color grading tools are top-tier.
Bottom Line
DaVinci Resolve offers comprehensive post-production capabilities but requires a powerful computer. While it has a steep learning curve, it’s a fantastic choice for professionals seeking a robust, free Final Cut Pro alternative.
6. VideoProc Vlogger - Best for Action Cam Footage
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
One Hour Professor Rating: 4.7/5
Advanced Features: 4/5
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Voice Overs: Record narration and change the pitch of your voice in 3 different ways
- Split Screen & Picture-in-Picture Effects: Overlay or grid videos in a variety of styles
- Blend Modes: Over 20 presets for layering clips
Who It’s For
VideoProc Vlogger is one of the best free alternatives to Final Cut Pro for drone and action camera enthusiasts. It offers advanced motion tools to imitate camera movements, stabilize shaky footage, and remove the fish-eye effect.
Why We Picked It
This beginner-friendly video editor also has advanced features like color grading with 3D LUTs, HSL adjustments, and audio editing tools with 3 audio analysis modes to sync with the beat.
Bottom Line
VideoProc Vlogger is great for editing motion and speed effects, but it has slower rendering times. For faster rendering and a more balanced feature set, PowerDirector is a top alternative that matches it in ease of use and advanced tools.
7. HitFilm - Best for Visual Effects
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
TechRadar Rating: 4/5
Advanced Features: 4.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $7.99/month for Creator and $12.99/month for Pro
Key Features:
- Transitions: Professional, drag-and-drop transitions to get you from scene to scene
- Stock Assets: Videos, music, sound effects, and templates
- Text Tools: Add subtitles or customize 3D titles
Who It’s For
If you love making sci-fi, superhero, and action videos with lots of visual effects. It offers tools for animating images, visualizing audio with waveforms, importing 3D models, and applying behavioral effects. Plus, it supports unlimited audio and video tracks, giving you creative freedom.
Why We Picked It
HitFilm has distortion effects in 4 categories: Heat, Energy, Smoke, and Fluid. It also includes 3D muzzle flashes, sci-fi effects like lasers, and a puppet tool for natural motion on graphics, shapes, and text.
Bottom Line
While packed with effects, using the most advanced ones adds a watermark to your videos. HitFilm requires significant hard drive space and has a similar learning curve to Final Cut Pro. It’s suited for intermediate users like YouTubers and editing enthusiasts, but not ideal for beginners or professionals.
8. Luxea Video Editor - Best for Recording
Image from PCMag.
Compatibility: Windows
TechRadar Rating: 4/5
Advanced Features: 4/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $29.99/year or $79.99 for a Lifetime License
Key Features:
- Blend Modes: Includes 25 blend modes with adjustable opacity
- Overlay Effects: Add overlays such as snow, light leaks, and even countdown timers on top of, before, or after your videos
- Movement Behaviors: Choose unique behaviors to animate clips and transitions
Who It’s For
Luxea Video Editor from ACDSee is a simple alternative for Windows, perfect for beginners and intermediate users. It’s ideal for vloggers and YouTubers who need an easy tool to record and edit videos. It includes a free screen recorder, webcam capture, real-time MP4 creation, and audio recording for voiceovers.
Why We Picked It
Luxea offers VFX features like chroma key, video filters, and custom animations, with unlimited tracks for audio, video, and images.
Bottom Line
Luxea is great for beginners and hobbyists, though not suited for professionals. The free version includes a short intro and outro in exports, but no watermark.
9. Shotcut - Best Format Support
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
TechRadar Rating: 4/5
Advanced Features: 4/5
Price: Free
Key Features:
- Notes Panel: Helpful feature to keep editing notes or VO scripts handy
- Blending Modes: Track compositing features such as overlay, dodge, burn, saturate, etc.
- Audio Filters: Many built-in filters including reverb, pitch, balance, and delay
Who It’s For
Shotcut is a free, open-source, cross-platform alternative to Final Cut Pro for Windows. It’s great for those who need broad format support and device options, including screen and webcam capture.
Why We Picked It
Shotcut offers green-screen effects with simple and advanced chroma key options, multi-track audio mixing, color correction, and keyframing. However, the interface isn’t as intuitive as some other free alternatives like PowerDirector or HitFilm.
Bottom Line
While Shotcut is highly customizable, it has a steeper learning curve and lacks easy sharing options, making it better for beginners who don’t mind spending extra time learning the software.
10. VSDC Free Video Editor - Best for Presentations
Compatibility: Windows
Trustpilot Rating: 3.7/5
Advanced Features: 4/5
Price: Free
*Premium version is $19.99
Key Features:
- Powerful Chroma Key: Remove any color, not just green
- Blending Modes: Blend colors with adjustable parameters, or apply a pre-made filter
- HK & HD Export: Get similar quality to Final Cut Pro for free
Who It’s For
If you're looking for a free alternative to create business presentations, VSDC Free Video Editor could be a great fit. It’s especially useful for creating charts, removing backgrounds, and adding effects like split-screen and picture-in-picture, making it a solid option for business use.
Why We Picked It
VSDC comes with a range of advanced tools you’d expect from a professional video editor, such as motion tracking, video stabilization, and 360-degree editing. It also features a screen recorder and project templates for family video greetings, providing everything you need for both business and personal projects.
Bottom Line
VSDC Free Video Editor combines a solid set of advanced editing tools, like motion tracking and video stabilization, but its cluttered interface may make it harder for beginners to navigate. If you're looking for a more intuitive, user-friendly alternative, you might want to try OpenShot or PowerDirector.
Best Free Alternatives to Final Cut Pro for Windows Comparison Chart
| Software | OS | Beginner-friendly | Comparison to Final Cut Pro | Regular Updates | User Interface | Free Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerDirector Essential | Windows, Mac | Yes | All the advanced features of Final Cut Pro for free, with quicker updates and rendering times, and much easier to use and learn | Yes, monthly | Intuitive, streamlined | |
| Blender | Windows, Mac, Linux | No | More VFX and animation tools than Final Cut Pro for free | Yes, 3x a year | Customizable | Download |
| Lightworks Free | Windows, Mac, Linux | No | Same great features as Final Cut Pro for free, but the same large learning curve. Only outputs to 720p | Minimum | Fixed layout for short projects or fully customizable for bigger projects | Download |
| Avid Media Composer First | Windows, Mac | No | An alternative to Final Cut Pro for Windows with slightly fewer offerings, and just as hard to learn | Minimum | Streamlined, customizable | Download |
| DaVinci Resolve | Windows, Mac | No | More post-production options than Final Cut Pro for free | Annually | Divided into pages | Download |
| VideoProc Vlogger | Windows, Mac | Yes | More beginner-friendly, but lacks pro-level features | Yes | Intuitive, clean | Download |
| HitFilm | Windows, Mac | No | Far more visual and special effects than Final Cut Pro for free, but fewer basic editing features. Takes up more room on your computer | Yes | Sleek and modern | Download |
| Luxea Video Editor | Windows | Yes | Easier to use and more recording features than Final Cut Pro for free, but not as professional overall | Yes | Intuitive, simple | Download |
| Shotcut | Windows, Mac, Linux | No | An alternative to Final Cut Pro for free that is not as robust, but slightly quicker and easier to learn. | Yes, regularly by the community | Messy, customizable | Download |
| VSDC Free Video Editor | Windows | No | An alternative to Final Cut Pro for Windows with lower system requirements. It is more beginner-friendly than Final Cut, but crashes and is not as reliable | Annually | Messy | Download |
PowerDirector Essential
vs
OS
Windows, Mac
-
Beginner-friendly
Yes
-
Comparison to Final Cut Pro
All the advanced features of Final Cut Pro for free, with quicker updates and rendering times, and much easier to use and learn
-
Regular Updates
Yes, monthly
-
User Interface
Intuitive, streamlined
-
How to Choose the Best Free Alternative to Final Cut Pro for Windows
Final Cut Pro is powerful, but not ideal for everyone, especially if you need a free Windows alternative. To help you find the best option, consider your personal needs and editing style. Here are some factors to keep in mind:
Ease of Use: Look for a video editor that matches your skill level. Whether you’re a beginner or more experienced, the software should be intuitive and easy to navigate, allowing you to focus on your creative work without frustration.
Features: Think about the editing tools that are most important to you. Whether it’s color correction, audio editing, or special effects, knowing which features you need will help you find the best fit for your projects.
Support and User Community: Access to helpful support and a strong user community can make a big difference in your editing experience. Check reviews and explore online resources to ensure the software offers reliable assistance when you need it.
How We Test the Free Alternatives to Final Cut Pro for Windows on This List
To provide a fair and accurate comparison, we follow a consistent process when testing free Final Cut Pro alternatives for Windows. Here's how we evaluate each option:
User Experience: We focus on the overall user experience, examining:
- Overall Look: Is the interface visually appealing and customizable, or is it cluttered and outdated?
- Intuitiveness: How easy is it to locate and use tools?
- Ease of Use: Can effects be applied easily, and are tutorials or guided edits available?
Features: We evaluate the range of features each software offers:
- Does it provide essential tools for video editing?
- Does it include advanced or unique features beyond what Final Cut Pro offers for free?
Official Website: We research the software's website to assess:
- Customer Service: How accessible and helpful is support?
- Tutorials: Are resources like manuals or tutorials available?
- Pricing: What’s included in the free version, and what are the upgrade costs?
- System Requirements: What are the hardware and space requirements?
Reviews: We review user feedback and expert opinions to ensure our findings align with broader experiences. We also factor in outside reviewer ratings to minimize bias.
Download the Best Alternative to Final Cut Pro for Windows for Free
Final Cut Pro is a professional video editing tool with a complex interface, and it's unavailable for Windows. It also requires extra apps like After Effects and doesn’t include sound effect samples or searchability in the import dialog.
PowerDirector Essential is the best free alternative to Final Cut Pro for Windows. It offers similar features with a user-friendly interface, making it perfect for beginners and advanced users alike. With helpful tutorials and guided edits, you can create high-quality videos without the learning curve or cost.
Download PowerDirector by clicking the link below.
Free Alternatives to Final Cut Pro for Windows FAQ
1. What is Final Cut Pro?
Final Cut Pro is a non-linear video editing software created by Apple for Mac computers. It debuted in April 1999 as a way for hobbyists, independent filmmakers, and documentarians to edit videos.
Over the next few years, it started to gain favor with Hollywood and was used to edit some big blockbusters. However, in June 2011, it was re-released as Final Cut Pro X causing Hollywood to turn its back on the software and the search for Final Cut Pro alternatives began.
For 10 years, Final Cut Pro X tried to regain favor with professional editors, but to no avail. In November 2020, it was released again as Final Cut Pro with a complete redesign.
Final Cut Pro remains a go-to for content creators. However, it is exclusively designed for Mac users and has a high price point, leaving a considerable number of creators seeking alternative options.
2. What features should I look for in a Final Cut Pro alternative?
The top ten features you should look for in a Final Cut Pro alternative are
- Titles and transitions
- Good format support
- Direct uploads to social media
- Fast rendering speeds
- Effects and filters
- New features added regularly
- Chroma key
- Motion tracking
- Multicam editing
- Audio tools
If you’re looking for an alternative to Final Cut Pro for free with all of this and more, try PowerDirector Essential.
3. Is Final Cut Pro free?
We recommend PowerDirector Essential if you need an alternative to Final Cut Pro for free since the Apple video editor does not offer a free version, only a 90-day free trial.
4. How much is Final Cut Pro?
Final Cut Pro costs a one-time fee of $300. You cannot get Final Cut Pro for free.
5. Is Final Cut Pro worth it?
We recommend PowerDirector as the best alternative to Final Cut Pro for Windows and Mac users who don’t want to spend too much on a video editor.
Whether Final Cut Pro is worth it depends on your skill level and needs. If you have a Mac and are a professional video editor, then yes, Final Cut Pro might be worth it.
However, consumers and hobbyists have plenty of options for Final Cut Pro alternatives available on both Mac and Windows and at different price points.
6. Can you get Final Cut Pro for Windows?
o, you can’t download Final Cut Pro for Windows. PowerDirector Essential is the best alternative to Final Cut Pro for Windows, and also happens to be completely free.
7. What computer is best for Final Cut Pro?
The minimum system requirement for Final Cut Pro is macOS 11.5.1 or later, with at least 4GB of RAM and 4.5GB of available disc space. Unlike iMovie, which can be used on Macs, iPads, and iPhones, Final Cut Pro is only available for desktops. You can’t get Final Cut Pro for Windows PC.
8. How to get Final Cut Pro for free?
Since you cannot get Final Cut Pro for free, here is a step-by-step guide to downloading the #1 Final Cut Pro alternative, PowerDirector Essential:
PowerDirector Essential will begin downloading automatically.
9. Is Final Cut Pro only for Mac?
Yes. You can’t get Final Cut Pro for Windows PC, nor can you get it on iOS.
10. How much is Final Cut Pro for PC?
PowerDirector is the best option if you want to download Final Cut Pro for Windows. It has a free version that is free to use as long as you’d like, or you can upgrade for $4.08 per month.
11. How do I download Final Cut Pro for Windows 11?
To download Final Cut Pro for Windows, visit the PowerDirector Site and click either Free Download or Buy Now, depending on your preference. Then follow the onscreen prompts.
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