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12 Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac [Incl. M1/M2] 2024
The best free video editing software for Mac lets you create pro-level videos without breaking the bank.
Maybe this is your first time trying to edit a video on Mac, and you're not ready to invest in expensive software. Or perhaps you want to create professional-looking videos without paying for pricey programs like Premiere Pro.
There are a number of fantastic free Mac video editor's available today. But beware, many free choices can be hit-or-miss; some only offer the most basic of features, while others let you edit videos with the same tools found in expensive, pro-level programs.
With that in mind, we have crafted a list of the best free video editing software for Mac. Learn the pros and cons of each to help you determine which option is the best free video editor for Mac for your needs.
- Snapshot of the Top 3 Free Video Editing Software for Mac
- 12 Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac [Incl. M1/M2] 2024
- How to Choose the Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac
- How We Test the Free Video Editing Software for Mac on This List
- Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac Comparison Chart
- Download the Best Video Editing Software for Mac for Free
- Free Video Editing Software for Mac FAQ
Snapshot of the Top 3 Free Video Editing Software for Mac
1. PowerDirector Essential - Best Overall
PowerDirector Essential offers advanced features usually found in paid programs, without any cost. It has an intuitive interface that makes it easy to use,while still providing powerful tools for more experienced editors. Detailed Review >
Click the link below to download PowerDirector Essential for free today.
2. VideoProc Vlogger
VideoProc Vlogger is one of the best free editing software for Mac for adding motion and speed effects to action footage. Detailed Review >
3. VideoPad
VideoPad is a free video editor for Mac with some advanced tools. It is beginner-friendly with a capable free version. Detailed Review >
12 Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac [Incl. M1/M2] 2024
- PowerDirector Essential
- VideoProc Vlogger
- VideoPad
- Shotcut
- iMovie
- Kapwing
- Animoto
- HitFilm
- Avidemux
- DaVinci Resolve
- Lightworks
- OpenShot
1. PowerDirector Essential
Best For: Users of any skill level who want to edit videos on Mac with ease
Key Features:
- Remove objects, blend clips, and create unique visual effects with a Mask Designer
- Edit videos on Mac quickly with thousands of customizable video templates
- Apply fun and striking visual effects to moving people with AI body effects
- Add captions and subtitles automatically with AI Speech to Text
PCMag Rating: 5/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $4.58/month
Why We Picked It
No matter your experience level, you won't have any issues using the best free video editing software for Mac, PowerDirector. It's designed to be simple enough for beginners yet powerful enough for professionals. Its wide range of editing tools includes a video collage designer, speed controls, chroma key, and a title designer.
If you want to edit videos on Mac, you'll find PowerDirector has everything you need, from audio editing tools to color correction. It features thousands of drag-and-drop effects, so you can produce pro-level content in a few simple clicks.
Bottom Line
PowerDirector offers more features in its free version than other free Mac video editors plus a 30-day free trial of its premium features, and a very affordable paid version. This allows the software to advance with you as your editing skills and budget grow. It also has advanced features for intermediate/professional users while staying beginner-friendly for new editors. For these reasons, we think PowerDirector is the best free video editing software for Mac.
Download PowerDirector - PC Mag Editor's Choice for the Best Video Editing Software - for free by clicking the link below, and edit a video on Mac today.
2. VideoProc Vlogger
Best For: Action cam footage
Key Features:
- Choose from a library of over 60 transitions
- Change speed manually or apply one of 20 speed presets
- Remove extraneous sounds with background noise removal
Compatibility: Windows, Mac
Capterra Rating: 4.4/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4.5/5
Price: Free
Why We Picked It
VideoProc Vlogger is the best free video editing software for Mac if you often shoot with an action camera or drone. It has fisheye removal to correct the lens aberrations that are a side effect of using a wide-angle lens. It is beginner-friendly, yet filled with advanced motion and color correction tools.
Bottom Line
This free video editor for Mac is an excellent choice for anyone with a travel vlog since it has amazing tools for GoPro, drones, and other action-style footage . However, VideoProc Vlogger has slow rendering and lacks editing features needed by professionals and advanced users.
3. VideoPad
Best For: Beginners
Key Features:
- Create title text animations in seconds using templates
- Add slow motion and fast motion effects to videos
- Remove the background of your video without a green screen
Compatibility: Mac, Windows
Capterra Rating: 4.3/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium versions available for $70 for Home and $129 for Master's
Why We Picked It
VideoPad is one of the best free video editing software for Mac for beginners because it offers some pro-level tools that are easy to use. It has advanced Pure Digital tools for audio editing, 360-degree and 3D editing, video stabilization, and green screen effects.
Bottom Line
VideoPad is one of the best free video editing software for Mac because, like our top choice PowerDirector, it offers some advanced tools in a beginner-friendly package. It is second on our list of the best free video editing software for Mac because it offers fewer features than PowerDirector, and its free Mac video editor is not available for commercial use.
4. Shotcut
Best For: Intermediate editors
Key Features:
- Mix and match frame rates and resolutions in the same video
- Balance, fade, mix, and more with a full suite of audio editing tools
- Create composites with a variety of blending modes
Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux
G2 Rating: 4.2/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4/5
Price: Free
Why We Picked It
Shotcut is one of the best free video editing software for Mac for editors who have moved on from base-level software like iMovie. The program is open source, so once you download it, you will have access to all its features and you can customize the interface to your liking. In addition, this free video editor for Mac has unlimited undo and redo for edits, including a history view.
Bottom Line
Shotcut is the best free video editing software for Macs for intermediate editors who want professional features without a professional price tag. However, the program can lag and freeze when dealing with large files. It also has a slight learning curve, so beginners who edit videos on Mac should stick with one of our top 3 options.5. iMovie
Best For: Basic video editing for beginners
Key Features:
- Utilize split-screen & picture-in-picture effects for a broadcast feel
- Remove your video's background and choose from a library of replacements
- Find 100 smart music tracks that automatically fit your video length
Compatibility: Mac
App Store Rating: 4/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4/5
Price: Free
Why We Picked It
iMovie is a convenient choice to edit videos on Mac since it comes pre-installed. It includes a set of easy-to-use audio and editing tools that can produce polished videos for free. This is one of the best free video editing software for Mac for iPhone footage, since it supports adjusting the focus on videos taken in Cinematic mode.
Bottom Line
If you have never tried to edit videos on Mac before, this is one of the best free video editing software for Mac you could try. However, if you do have editing experience, iMovie lacks the advanced features and tools you can find in other free Mac video editors, such as PowerDirector.
6. Kapwing
Best For: Automatic subtitles
Key Features:
- Add visual sound waves with an AI audio waveform generator
- Change the aspect ratio, add padding, and show safe zones for popular platforms
- Edit videos with fun effects like freeze frame, glitch, or TV static
Compatibility: Web Browser
Product Hunt Rating: 3.4/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 4.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscription available for $16/month
Why We Picked It
This is the best free video editor for Mac for adding automatic captions and subtitles to videos. It includes AI-generated speech-to-text, an auto-translator, and text-to-speech tools. With this free Mac video editor, you can edit videos quickly using beautifully-designed templates including intros and end screens for YouTube, green screen templates, lower thirds, ads, and many more.
Bottom Line
Kapwing is one of the best free video editors for Macs for beginners to edit videos, with AI tools and templates. Sadly, the free version is watermarked and has restrictions on video length and resolution (only videos under 7 mins, and only export up to 720p). The paid version is expensive and has far fewer advanced tools than more reasonably-priced professional software.
7. Animoto
Best For: Fast and easy video creation with templates
Key Features:
- Record, upload, and edit voice-over
- Save your logo, colors, and fonts in a Brand Kit for repeated use
- Go from vertical to square to landscape in a few clicks
Compatibility: Web Browser
Capterra Rating: 4.3/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools:
3.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $15/ month for Basic, $24/ month for Professional, and $65/m onth for Professional Plus
Why We Picked It
Animoto is a cloud-based free video editor for Mac with free and paid versions. This program is the best free video editor for Mac for busy influencers who need to churn out a lot of content quickly. Animoto has hundreds of time-saving templates that adhere to social media best practices.
Bottom Line
Choose Animoto as your free video editor for Mac if you don't have the time and/or skills to make creative decisions on your social media videos. It is not the best free video editing software for Mac for long-form or narrative videos, nor is it for anyone who likes creative control over videos.
8. HitFilm
Best For: Visual effects for beginners
Key Features:
- Attach graphics to a moving object with motion tracking
- Edit videos on Mac with high-quality light leaks and lens flares
- Add subtitles or create 3D titles with advanced text tools
Compatibility: Mac, Windows
TechRadar Rating: 4/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $7.99/month for Creator and $12.99/month for Pro
Why We Picked It
If you enjoy editing with effects, but also need a free video editor for Mac with basic editing tools, HitFilm is your one-stop-shop. It comes with everything you need to edit videos on Mac from start to finish, such as transitions, stock music, audio tools, and presets for social media. Future VFX artists and hobbyists will love trying out over 180 editing effects, including compositing and 3D tools.
Bottom Line
If you are interested in learning how to edit videos on Mac with visual effects as a profession, HitFilm makes a great starting software. However, its not the best free video editor for Mac for beginners who don't need VFX-heavy software, and it's not advanced enough for professional editors.
9. Avidemux
Best For: Converting video
Key Features:
- Tweak contrast, brightness, and saturation, and adjust red/green/blue
- Add subtitles with a built-In subtitle processor
- Use a Joblist queue to automate videos for bulk processing
Compatibility: Windows, Mac, Linux
Capterra Rating: 4.2/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3/5
Price: Free
Why We Picked It
This free video editor for Mac has all the basic tools you need to edit videos like rotate, flip, join, cut, copy, and delete. It also has a wide array of export options. We think it is one of the best free video editing software for Mac because it can convert and save video or audio in almost any format.
Bottom Line
This free video editing software for Mac is strong, capable, and beloved by long-time users. However, even though Avidemux is a pretty bare-bones software, we found it can still take time to get used to. It is also pretty outdated and doesn't come with many trending tools like stickers, filters, or AI-powered tools.
10. DaVinci Resolve
Best For: Industry professionals
Key Features:
- Utilize drag and drop or traditional three point editing tools to arrange and adjust clips
- Automatically match the color, contrast, and brightness of any clip with Shot Match
- Build simple titles from scratch, or use a professionally-designed title template
Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux
PCMag Rating: 4/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3/5
Price: Free
*DaVinci Resolve Studio available for $295
Why We Picked It
DaVinci Resolve is one of the best free video editing software for Mac because of its high-quality, pro-level tools and features. Professionals will love the software's organization and timeline management tools. It offers a wide range of advanced features, including intelligent color correction, motion graphics, and visual effects.
Bottom Line
This free video editor for Mac is not for beginners as it is designed for industry professionals. If you are thinking of buying Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro for professional jobs, you should give DaVinci Resolve a try first. It could save you hundreds of dollars and potentially better fit your editing style.
11. Lightworks
Best For: Aspiring professionals
Key Features:
- Edit videos on Mac with multi-point and asymmetric trimming, slide, ripple, roll, etc.
- Choose from 100s of pro-level pre-set transitions
- Mix audio with clip-based audio leveling with midi control
Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux
G2 Rating: 3.5/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3.5/5
Price: Free
*Premium subscriptions available for $9.99/month for Create and $23.99/month for Pro
Why We Picked It
With this free video editing software for Mac, you can import just about any common type of media file. It has increased performance with optimized proxy files from HD, 4K, and 8K media. Plus, you can edit videos directly from your cloud storage.
Bottom Line
We think Lightworks is one of the best free video editing software for Mac for intermediate to advanced users. It is easier to use than DaVinci Resolve or Avid Media Composer First, but much harder than most free editing apps for Mac. It's one of the best free video editors for Mac for anyone with dreams of being a professional editor, as you can learn advanced software at no cost, but upgrade when you are ready.
12. OpenShot
Best For: Beginners
Key Features:
- Split audio from video, display waveforms, and render waveforms as part of your video
- Manually animate the speed and direction of your clip with keyframes
- Choose from 40+ customizable vector title templates
Compatibility: Mac, Windows, Linux
Creative Bloq Rating: 3/5
Beginner-Friendly Tools: 3.5/5
Price: Free
Why We Picked It
OpenShot is free video editing software for Mac that simplifies advanced features you would see in more expensive programs. Beginners will find the built-in templates, real-time previews, and advanced timeline features helpful in learning the ropes of editing, while intermediate users will appreciate the unlimited layering options this free video editor for Mac has to offer.
Bottom Line
OpenShot is lightweight, easy to use, and has some advanced features. However, it does not have the professional quality of other free Mac video editors such as PowerDirector, DaVinci Resolve, and HitFilm. Also, this free video editing software for Mac is prone to freezing and some effects don't work properly.
How to Choose the Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac
How can you find the best free video editing software for Mac for your needs? Here are a few essential things to look for:
Compatibility - The best free video editor for Mac will support your operating system and export in the video, image, and audio formats you need.
Skill Level - The best free video editing software for Mac will be appropriate for your skill level. Getting a professional-level program when you have never edited before can cause a lot of trouble and waste valuable time. Instead, look for the best free video editing software for Mac that caters to beginners. These free Mac video editors will have an intuitive user interface, AI-powered tools, and plenty of one-click presets.
Features - The best free video editor for Mac will include all the features you use on a regular basis. For example, a chroma key tool if you use green screen effects, or a video stabilizer if you film lots of action footage.
As you read through our list of best free video editing software for Mac, keep these things in mind to help find your ideal choice.
How We Test the Free Video Editing Software for Mac on This List
Why should you trust us to provide an impartial list of the best free video editing software for Mac? Read below to see the process we go through to test free Mac video editors and how we rank them.
Test Similar Features - With so many free Mac video editors to go through, we need to choose a few basic tools as a control to compare apples with apples. We edit videos with the same core functions on each free video editing software for Mac: importing video clips, arranging them on the timeline, trimming, adding transitions, adding text and background music, and exporting.
Test Unique Features - Now it’s time to see what makes each free video editing software for Mac stand out from the others. We test and compare all the other features such as effects, color correction, audio editing, etc.
Check Outside Reviews - Once we've formed our own opinions on the free Mac video editors, we check outside reviews to see if our findings line up. This helps eliminate any user errors on our end by causing us to re-test tools that had major discrepencies. We also include phrases in our reviews like “users reported” to show things we may not have seen but that are a common problem for others.
Rank the Software - Now that we have our group of the best free video editing software for Mac, it's time to rank them. First, we assign a score for “Beginner-Friendly Tools.” This number is based on both the number of features and the user-friendliness of the tools. Second, we include an outside review rating in our rankings to eliminate impartiality. And finally, we look at our testing notes and compare quality, format support, ease of use, bang for buck, customer support, and more.
Best Free Video Editing Software for Mac Comparison Chart
| Software | OS | Beginner-Friendly | Editing Interfaces | Direct Uploads to Social Media | Mask Designer | Free Download |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerDirector Essential | Mac, Windows | Yes | Storyboard, Timeline & Slideshow Interfaces | Yes | Yes | |
| VideoProc Vlogger | Mac, Windows | Yes | Timeline | No | No | Download |
| VideoPad | Mac, Windows | Yes | Timeline | Yes | No | Download |
| Shotcut | Mac, Windows, Linux | No | Timeline | No | Yes | Download |
| iMovie | Mac | Yes | Storyboard & Timeline | Yes | No | Download |
| Kapwing | Web Browser | Yes | Timeline | No | No | Download |
| Animoto | Web Browser | Yes | Template-Based | Yes | No | Download |
| HitFilm | Mac, Windows | No | Timeline | No | Yes | Download |
| Avidemux | Mac, Windows, Linux | Yes | Timeline | No | No | Download |
| DaVinci Resolve | Mac, Windows, Linux | No | Timeline & Multi-User Timeline | No | Yes | Download |
| Lightworks | Mac, Windows, Linux | No | Timeline | Yes | No | Download |
| OpenShot | Mac, Windows, Linux | Yes | Timeline | No | Yes | Download |
PowerDirector Essential
vs
OS
Mac, Windows
-
Beginner-Friendly
Yes
-
Editing Interfaces
Storyboard, Timeline & Slideshow Interfaces
-
Direct Uploads to Social Media
Yes
-
Mask Designer
Yes
-
Download the Best Video Editing Software for Mac for Free
Dozens of free Mac video editors exist on the market today, but not all of them offer the same features and high-quality results. We think PowerDirector is the best free video editing software for Mac because it not only has advanced, pro-quality features, but it is easy to use, intuitive, and has an affordable paid version.
PowerDirector is always up-to-date with the latest technology and trending design packs that are added monthly. This free video editing software for Mac appeals to every skill level.
Click the link below to try out PowerDirector today and edit videos on Mac with ease.
Free Video Editing Software for Mac FAQ
1. What is video editing software?
Video editing software is a program that allows you to cut and trim videos and combine them into a longer video. It can be used to modify and manipulate footage in a wide variety of ways.
You can use it to add text, images, special effects, sound design, and color grade your videos.
2. Which video editing software is best for beginners?
PowerDirector is the best free video editing software for Macs for beginners. It is built on an easy-to-use platform that users can learn quickly. This free video editor for Mac is highly intuitive and offers dozens of tutorials to help beginners learn the ropes.
PowerDirector also has an incredibly easy installation process. Simply click the link below and follow the prompts to download PowerDirector on your Mac today.
3. Does Mac have a free video editor?
Yes, Macs come with iMovie, a basic free video editor for Mac that allows you to trim video clips, and add text, music, and simple effects. Look in your Applications folder to find it.
4. When is the best time to buy video editing software?
Our best free video editor for Mac, PowerDirector,is on sale many times throughout the year, but typically video editing software goes on sale around the end of the year, specifically during Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It is always good to check a product's website before purchasing to see if you are getting the best price.
If you're interested in PowerDirector 365, check out CyberLink.com's home page look for great deals, then click the download button below.
5. What is the best free video editor for MacBook Pro?
PowerDirector is the best free video editing software for Mac, including M1 and M2 Macs, MacBook Pro, and MacBook Air. PowerDirector makes it easy to edit videos, offers free and affordable paid versions, and is full of advanced features.
Click the download button below to get PowerDirector on your MacBook Pro today.
6. Is iMovie free for MacBook?
Yes, iMovie is free video editing software for Mac and iOS devices, including MacBook and MacBook Air.
7. What is an easy video editing software to use for Mac?
PowerDirector is the easiest free video editing software for Mac. Its interface is highly intuitive, so tools are easy to find and use. This free video editor for Mac also offers fully-automated features that work with one click, and easily adjustable sliders to tweak edits after the fact. And if you are ever stuck on the best way to use a tool, you’ll find tons of user supports at the CyberLink Support Center.
Click the link below to get PowerDirector and you can edit videos on Mac starting today!
8. Is iMovie a good video editor?
The answer is sometimes. iMovie only undergoes a major update every few years, so sometimes it feels on the cutting edge, and other times it feels outdated. This free video editing software for Mac was created with beginners in mind, and therefore has only 2 editing tracks and lacks some advanced tools available in other free Mac video editors.
9. What is the replacement for iMovie?
PowerDirector is the best free video editor for Mac and a great replacement for iMovie. It remains beginner-friendly, yet offers more editing tracks and all the advanced features that the other free video editor for Mac lacks (such as support for 360-degree footage, multicam editing, customizable transitions, and motion tracking).
Try PowerDirector for yourself today by clicking the below link and see why PCMag rates PowerDirector as a top iMovie alternative.
10. Where do I start editing videos?
Download PowerDirector Essential with the link below and edit videos on Mac right away. It is completely free video editing software for Mac and Windows, yet offers a 30-day trial of all the advanced features found in PowerDirector 365. PowerDirector is also the best free video editor for Mac for beginners, even for first-time editors. The best way to learn how to edit videos on Mac is to jump in and start practicing.
11. What is basic video editing?
Basic video editing refers to the editing functions needed to edit any type of video. They are the bare minimum and will be included in all the best free video editing software for Mac. These tools include:
- Trim
- Split
- Transitions
- Audio tools
- Captions/Subtitles
- Text tools
For a free video editing software for Mac with all of these features and many more, we recommend PowerDirector.Get it today by clicking the link below.
12. Which video editor do YouTubers use?
YouTubers love to use PowerDirector as their free video editing software for Mac for many reasons. Busy creators can quickly create and share content with YouTube presets, intro/outro templates, and direct uploads to YouTube. You can complete your film's metadata while still in the program, and use trending stickers, filters, animated titles, and graphics to make videos stand out.
Don't wait to edit videos on Mac for YouTube! Click the link below today and download the best free video editor for Mac, PowerDirector.
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