Pinnacle Studio Ultimate is another Corel product in this test apart from its sister product VideoStudio Ultimate. But Corel position Pinnacle as a higher-end product targeting professional video editors while VideoStudio is aimed for both amateurs as well as pros.
Pinnacle also boasts more features than VideoStudio, but if we ignore the number of features, both the tools are more or less the same.
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Pros
#1 Unlimited Video editing
While the Studio and Studio Plus version of Pinnacle allows users to edit a total of 6 and 24 video/audio tracks, the Ultimate version eliminates any such limitation.
#2 3D and VR/360° editing
While 3D editing is a new feature in Pinnacle Studio Ultimate, Corel enhanced the VR/360° video editing experience in the latest version (22) of the software.
You can now add 3D titles to your videos and trim, merge, and add titles to your 360 videos. It also lets you convert your VR videos into standard videos and become the director of your own videos (in the words of Pinnacle).
#3 Compatible with 4K videos
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate supports ultra HD and 4K videos, but it fails to work with 8K videos.
#4 Upload videos directly on social sites
Using the “Export” option, you can upload videos straight on Facebook or video platforms like YouTube and Vimeo. Just click on “Export” tab…
Click on “Format” and choose “Web” from the drop-down menu. And then select the site where you want to share your videos.
#5 30-day trial and return policy
Since Pinnacle is also a Corel product, it follows the same trial and refund policy as VideoStudio.
You get a 30-day trial paired up with a 30-day return policy that guarantees a 100% refund.
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Cons
#1 Only for Windows computers
Similar to VideoStudio Ultimate, Pinnacle Studio Ultimate is also a Windows-only software. And it requires 64-bit versions of Windows 7, 8 or 10 to run smoothly.
#2 Can’t use the software on more than one computer
You can’t install the Pinnacle Studio Ultimate program on more than one PC with a single user license.
#3 Sluggish customer service
Since Corel is the parent company of Pinnacle Studio Ultimate, I had the same experience that I had with VideoStudio.
The customer service of Corel is not very sensitive, and it took them more than 24 hours to answer my email.
Again, the workaround is the same — ditch email support and use their live chat option. It’s quick and the agents are quite straightforward in answering queries (they don’t slap several curated links on your face and ask you to find the answers there).
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate Pricing Plans
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate is a one-time payment product. If you’re new, then the full version will cost you $99.95.
However, if you are already using the software and wish to upgrade to the latest version, then you’ll have to pay only $74.95.
Do I recommend Pinnacle Studio Ultimate?
Yes. I do recommend Pinnacle Studio Ultimate, especially to Windows users who wish to have a professional level tool with an affordable price and user-friendly interface.
When you compare the minor one-off price of this application with the array of editing tools and tutorials it provides, it seems like a steal of a deal.
But the only flaw is it doesn’t have anything for Mac users, and cloud space is omitted. So, if you’re Mac user or looking for lots of cloud storage, then you better switch to Adobe Premiere Pro.