Best Video Editing Software for Windows in 2022 - Login Lockdown

Best Video Editing Software for Windows in 2022

Katy Smith
April 22, 2022

Windows is the most sought after operating system for video editing tools.

No doubt, there are so many editing programs which are well compatible with this platform.

But more often than not, these leads Windows users to a bigger dilemma, which is:

“Which software should I go with?”

And that’s exactly what I’m gonna talk in this post.

I’ll bring to you the best video editing tools for Windows along with their substantial benefits and flaws.

So if you’re ready for it, then let’s get started with the first option, i.e.,

1. Adobe Premiere Pro

Premiere Pro Homepage 1

Adobe Premiere Pro needs no introduction. It’s the widest known video editing tool among movie makers.

The software is loaded with features and come out as a complete package for any user.

You can add effects, work with 3D objects, edit VR clips, include clips from multiple angles, and whatnot.

Above all, it integrates well with other Adobe Creative Cloud Products, and you get the luxury to work on tools like After Effects or Premiere Rush without leaving the software.

However, usability is an area of concern, and novice users may have a difficult time in the beginning.

Adobe Premiere Pro Pros

#1. Let’s start with the most essential part of any video editing tool, which is its editing capabilities. And Premiere Pro leaves no stone unturned in this section.

The software is equipped with a plethora of features that enable you to manipulate your clips in almost any way you want.

Since it’s a modern editing program, let’s skip directly to the advanced functions it’s known for.

Using its multicam module, you can view a clip in several angles and include the best one in your project.

Similarly, it has a separate suite for VR clips that allows users to edit and add effects explicitly made for the 360° videos.

Premiere Pro is also a go-to choice for videographers when it comes to working on 3D objects.

It equips some special 3D effects and titles. And the best part is you can always send your file to After Effects for creating some custom made graphics and then come back to Premiere Pro to add them to your project.

Similarly, you can send your files to other Adobe products, too, because Premiere Pro is a part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud.

Apart from this, some other notable functions are actioncam mode, Chroma Key, color grading, audio mixing, and more.

#2. Premiere Pro is a step ahead of most of the other advanced editing tools. And an excellent example of this is how it supports ultra high definition videos.

Thanks to the different codecs it supports, you can open, edit, and export videos in 8K resolution. Whereas, most of the software can’t play clips beyond 4K resolution.

#3. Now, once you’ve finished working on your videos, you can share them on social media sites directly from the software.

Premiere Pro share image 1

Moreover, there’s option to burn your files into DVDs and Blu-ray disc so that you can play them on your TV or other devices.

#4. With cross-platform support, Premiere Pro is compatible with both platforms – Windows and macOS.

#5. An additional benefit of investing in Premiere Pro is the cloud space that comes with it.

Since Premiere Pro is a part of Adobe’s Creative Cloud division, you get anywhere from 100GB to 1TB of cloud storage as you sign up for its subscription plans.

Adobe Premiere Pro Cons

#1. What might turn off many users, especially newbies, is the complex interface of Premiere Pro.

premiere pro interface 1

The interface has several different sections and a variety of editing functions that you need to be familiar with to start working on the program.

Now, if you’re a neophyte, it would definitely take you a few days to get the hang of it.

#2. You’re not gonna like this software if you often use your smartphone to shoot videos and post them on social media.

Why?

Because even though it integrates well with Premiere Rush and there is a Premiere Pro time tracking software, there’s no Premiere Pro application for Android and iOS users.

Adobe Premiere Pro pricing plans and payment methods

Premiere Pro is a subscription-based product, and you need to sign up for Adobe’s Creative Cloud to avail the software.

Premiere Pro plans 1

The cheapest in cost is the ‘Single App’ plan where you can get Premiere Pro in just $20.99/month (billed annually). Under this membership, the total cloud space you get is 100GB.

On the other hand, if you’ve no issues spending big, then I would recommend the ‘All App’ plan of Adobe that costs $52.99/month (again, billed annually) and renders you 1TB of cloud storage.

All these plans come with Adobe’s 14-days money-back guarantee and 7-day free trial option.

So you always have the option to try the software before buying and return it after purchase if anything goes wrong.

Finally, for payments, Adobe accepts only credit/debit cards and PayPal.

2. HitFilm Pro

hitfilm pro homepage

HitFilm Pro is a one-stop-shop for any serious movie maker.

The software is packed with editing features and is an excellent place to create Hollywood style movies or animated videos.

What’s more?

Its multi-core GPU accelerated system enables you to perform any function within seconds and makes it one of the most powerful editing software out there.

Here are some more exciting features of this tool:

HitFilm Pro Pros

#1. What makes HitFilm Pro so popular among Windows users is the wide range of editing features available in this tool.

Whether you want to do some basic cutting, trimming, and mixing or add cutting-edge VFX effects to your videos, it can perform almost anything.

To top it off, it offers a complete 360° package that consists of an improved viewing panel and special VR effects and transitions.

Besides this, you would also love the 3D editing suite that enables you to import 3D videos, add 3D layers, and use 3D objects as particles.

Additionally, you can also slap some 3D effects and texts to your dull 2D videos to heat them up. And this is not all, you also get the facility to convert a 2D image into a 3D scene with camera movement included.

hitfilm pro 2d to 3d

#2. HitFilm Pro is loaded with an extensive set of editing functions, and such heavyweight software needs a robust system to perform everything smoothly. And it seems like HitFilm has just that.

Thanks to its multi-core GPU accelerated system, you never face any lag while working on the software. And performance-wise, the Pro version of HitFilm is 8X faster than the other variants.

hitfilm pro performance

Whether you’re importing videos, applying high-end graphics, or rendering clips, everything happens in a jiffy.

#3. Producing high-resolution movies on this software is like a piece of cake. Not only, it supports 4K UHD clips, but you can also open and edit 8K resolution videos and export it to your PC.

This quality is super handy for pro videographers who often use their DSLRs to shoot videos.

#4. HitFilm Pro is faster than many of the big names when it comes to rendering speed. Once again, the credit goes to its power-packed system, which makes exporting videos just a matter of a few minutes.

And the best part?

You can continue working on the software while your file is being rendered in the background, which is phenomenal if you’ve more than one file to complete.

Moreover, there’s this facility to share your creation directly to social media sites right from within the software.

hitfilm pro export

Wanna burn your files into DVDs and make different copies?

You can do that too.

#5. And finally, when it comes to device compatibility, the program is available on Windows as well as Mac computers.

And with a single user license, you’re allowed to install the software on three different computers.

HitFilm Pro Cons

#1. Just like Premiere Pro, HitFilm too is not suitable for entry-level users.

The software is a bit tricky for newbies. And requires you to go through the video tutorials if you’ve never worked on a modern-day video editing tool.

#2. It is not available on mobile phones. Plus, there’s no cloud storage facility available with this software.

HitFilm Pro pricing plans and payment methods

The parent company has set a very straightforward one-off price for HitFilm Pro.

hitfilm pro pricing

You pay an upfront amount of $299, and the software is yours forever. They accept PayPal and credit/debit cards as a mode of payment.

hitfilm pro payment options 1

That being said, there’s also a free version of the software available. Even though it has the same editing capabilities, I don’t recommend going for that.

Because even though you get the same experience, you’re not allowed to export files while working with the free license.

So it’s better to go with the paid one unless you want to test the software before investing your money.

3. VideoStudio Ultimate

VideoStudio homepage

VideoStudio Ultimate is a steal of a deal.

It comes with the same capabilities as any modern tool but in a fraction of the price. In fact, VideoStudio Ultimate is the cheapest in the list of advanced video editing programs.

Though the low price doesn’t deprive you of any editing function.

And above all, the best thing about this software is anyone, from a newcomer to experienced user, can pick the software effortlessly.

Here are some other reasons why VideoStudio Ultimate should be in your video editing software wishlist as a Windows user.

VideoStudio Ultimate Pros

#1. Unlike most of the editing programs in this post, VideoStudio Ultimate is easy to pick up.

The software has a clean and straightforward interface. It has been further classified into three different tabs – Capture, Edit, and Share to help users work more efficiently.

videostudio interface

‘Capture’ covers the initial activities such as creating new projects, naming it, setting frame speed, importing files, etc.

Now, the main action happens in the ‘Edit’ tab. This is where you actually edit your videos and add all the spices. And once you’re done, you can jump into ‘Share’ to export your files or share them directly on social sites.

This system of dividing interface under different tabs is also handy for navigating the software as each tab contains only the relevant toolset.

So in a nutshell, usability is never an issue with this software because it is suitable for all kinds of users.

#2. It won’t be wrong to call VideoStudio Ultimate a complete package in terms of editing features.

The software has a broad range of editing features like multicam editing (up to 6 camera angles), Picture in Picture, Chroma Key, motion graphics, and more.

You can perform everything from basic trimming & cutting to advanced editing functions.

For example, it has over 2000 effects and transitions that help you jazz up your videos. And in case, you still need some additional aid, you’re always open to refer to NewBlue FX plug-in for more advanced effects.

Similarly, there are different editing suites for VR and 3D videos that help you work with 360° clips and 3D objects which are often complicated in nature.

#3. Though it’s slightly disappointing to know that VideoStudio is unable to open 8K resolution videos, you can still work with 4K UHD clips using the software.

#4. Just like all the other editing tools, VideoStudio has a range of sharing options available.

You can share your files either to social media sites like Facebook, Flickr, Vimeo, and YouTube, or burn them into DVDs for playback on TV.

videostudion sharing

Additionally, it lets you export VR videos into 360° format, YouTube 360, or Vimeo 360.

#5. If you create online courses or video tutorials, then there’s another reason to love this software

That’s because you get the luxury to record your computer screen and webcam simultaneously using the software.

VideoStudio Ultimate Cons

#1. The most notable drawback of VideoStudio is the inexistence of a mobile version of the program.

What makes the matter worse is its rigid license policy which allows you to install the software on only one computer at a time.

#2. Unlike Premiere Pro, the cloud storage facility is not available with VideoStudio Ultimate.

VideoStudio Ultimate pricing plans and payment methods

As I mentioned earlier, VideoStudio is the cheapest service in the lot.

videstudio full version pricing

It comes for a one-off fee of $99.99, and this price dips even lower for those who already have one of its previous versions.

It costs just $79.99 to upgrade your old VideoStudio Ultimate license to the latest one.

videostudio upgrade pricing

And Corel (the parent company of the software) bundles this unbeatable price with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

At last, you can complete your order by paying through PayPal, debit/credit card, or wire transfer.

4. Video Pro X

video pro x homepage 1

Magix is not a new name among video editing enthusiasts, and Video Pro X is the most advanced program they’ve ever built.

The software can outshine any modern-day video editor with its incredible power and performance. And it provides you with every feature you need to create stunning feature movies.

The best part?

Video Pro is easy to operate and developed specifically for Windows users.

Here’s what else you get with the software:

Video Pro X Pros

#1. With dozens of pre-designed editing templates, working on Video Pro X gets super-easy even for newbie users.

These templates are pre-loaded with effects, transitions, and motion graphics. So, all you need to do is choose a template, plug-in your video, and you’re done.

That’s video editing in steroids!

You get a high-quality video within a few minutes, which is generally not possible if you take the traditional editing route.

Finally, the best part about these templates is that they are highly customizable, and you can alter them according to your taste and nature of the project.

#2. You’re never gonna face any issues editing a video because there’s no shortage of editing functions in this software.

Its multicam mode allows you to capture up to 9 camera angles at a time and you can also add slow-motion effects using the actioncam module.

Besides this, the advanced audio mixing and color grading system is where you can control the color contrast and audio properties.

Now, if you’re movies often require a heavy dose of VFX, you would love the hundreds of effects and motion graphics they have in their repository.

At last, some more notable features of this software are Lookup tables (LUTs), Chroma Key, Picture in Picture effect, and more.

#3. As you grow further as a video editor, you get to work with more complex projects like 3D animation movies or VR videos.

And to help you tackle such tough work, it provides a complete 360° and 3D package.

video pro x 360 editing

The 360° package includes stitching, screen rotation, special VR effects & transitions, and also lets you stabilize shaky clips.

Similarly, the 3D package of Video Pro enables you to work with 3D objects, add 3D titles, and edit 3D clips on the software.

So in short, no matter how complex your project is, Video Pro is well capable of dealing with it.

#4. Fan of high-resolution videos?

Well, Video Pro got you covered. Since it’s loaded with latest codecs like H.264 and H.265, you can open, edit, and export videos up to 6K UHD.

#5. And finally, once you’re done working on your videos, you can upload them on Facebook, YouTube, Vimeo, and other social sites straight from the tool.

Disc authoring facility is also there if you want to burn everything into a disc and distribute it among friends & family.

video pro x disc burning 1

Video Pro X Cons

#1. The only snag in this software is limited device compatibility and lack of cloud repository.

It’s not available on mobile phones, neither it offers any cloud storage facility to the users.

Video Pro X pricing plans and payment methods

Just like HitFilm Pro and VideoStudio Ultimate, Video Pro X, too, come for a one-off fee.

However, the price is a bit higher than the other two. It costs you $399 for a single user license of Video Pro X.

video pro x pricing

Though the price looks a bit overwhelming, the variety of editing functions of this software justify that price tag.

As for payment methods, you can pay via PayPal or use your credit/debit card to complete the order.

5. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve homepage

DaVinci Resolve is the only software in this list that doesn’t cost anything.

But contrary to general belief, just because it has this free tag, doesn’t make the program a second fiddle to other options.

In fact, DaVinci Resolve can render you the same power and flexibility like other cutting edge tools, and some of its features are unique to its own.

The software is actually a 4-in-1 combo of a color grading system, compositor, audio mixer, and VFX tool.

And what makes this program different from its counterparts is the ability to communicate with team members within the software.

That’s one of the prime reasons (along with its editing prowess) why DaVinci is a favorite for many Hollywood movie makers.

Apart from that, here are some other reasons why DaVinci could be an ideal choice for any editor using Windows computers.

DaVinci Resolve Pros

#1. As usual, like many other advanced video editing tools, the primary target audience of DaVinci Resolve is seasoned and semi-pro videographers.

The software is a little tough to pick up for novice editors but thanks to its ‘Cut page’ feature that simplifies the busy interface.

Basically, ‘Cut page’ is a separate editing area designed to make some quick edits. It brings all the essential functions under a single-window so that you can create high-quality videos within minutes.

DaVinci Cut 1

This feature is handy for users like YouTubers, news broadcasters, and agency owners who need to produce multiple videos in a day.

#2. While most of the tools are designed for solo use, DaVinci is the only program in this list which can be termed as a team software.

It doesn’t matter whether you work alone or have a team, you can use the in-built chat to communicate with your colleagues and collaborate on a project in real-time.

However, the only catch is you will have to upgrade to DaVinci Resolve Studio – the paid version of the software – to avail this astonishing function.

#3. In-house communication is just a small aspect of DaVinci. It never fails to surprise you with more such powerful attributes.

For example, its cutting edge color grading system helps you make your movies more picturesque and brings out even the smallest of details.

Similarly, the full-fledged digital audio workstation called ‘Fairlight’ has an audio mixer, ADR tools, sound library, audio plugins, dynamic processing, and more to help you create stunning sound clips.

DaVinci Fairlight

You also get the luxury to mix 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos, SMPTE 2098, and Audio 3D.

What’s more?

With over 250 built-in tools and the vast majority of VFX and motion graphics, you can heat up any dull movies.

Also, the developers have introduced a new advanced 3D compositing GPU accelerated system for all 3D operations.

#4. DaVinci supports a variety of codecs that help this software open even the highest quality videos without any snag.

You can open and save videos up to 8K UHD resolution.

#5. The only area where DaVinci needs some development is its distribution channels.

Though there aren’t many sharing options available, you can still publish your clips directly to YouTube and Vimeo straight from within the software.

DaVinci sharing

Also, you can burn files into DVDs or Blu-ray disc to play your creation on TV or other multimedia devices.

#6. Although this post is about video editing tools for Windows, it’s still worth mentioning that DaVinci is also available for Linux and Mac computers other than Windows.

And the best part?

You can use a single license to install the software on three different machines at a time. Extremely useful for those who work on more than one computer.

DaVinci Resolve Cons

#1. The software is full of amazing features, but it’s far from perfect.

You might want to skip this tool if you often edit videos on your phone and rely on cloud storage to keep your files.

DaVinci Resolve pricing plans and payment methods

Technically, DaVinci Resolve is a free product.

But if you need multi-user collaboration, HDR grading, and other such advanced functions, you can upgrade to their paid program – DaVinci Resolve Studio.

The studio version is available for just $299, and you can pick any payment method between PayPal and debit/credit card to complete the order.

Conclusion

Video editing software companies have always been biased towards Windows users.

That’s why there are dozens of options available for people who own Windows PCs.

But in this post, I have picked the crème de la creme video editing programs for Windows computers.

And the best part about these five tools are?

All of them have equal editing capabilities giving you the freedom to choose a program that suits your budget and specific requirements.

So, it doesn’t matter which one you pick, you can never go wrong with either of them.