While VideoStudio was a pro-Windows product, Final Cut Pro X, a pro app from Apple, is a hardcore Mac OS software.
Final Cut Pro X looks solid on paper, but it misses many key features that you expect from a genuine video editing tool.
Let’s find out where it missed the mark and where it hit the bullseye.
Final Cut Pro X pros
#1 Unlimited video editing
Final Cut Pro X follows the same trend as all the other tools in this test, and there’s no cutback on the number of videos you can edit in the software.
#2 3D and VR editing enabled
Final Cut Pro X includes a complete toolset to work with 3D objects and edit 360° video clips. You can also add 2D and 3D titles and advanced motion effects to your VR videos.
#3 Compatible with 4K videos
You can edit 4K videos using Final Cut Pro X, but I couldn’t find any resource that says, it’s also compatible with 8K videos.
#4 Generous user license policy
Apple is the only company (in this test) that is generous enough to let you run Final Cut Pro X on as many devices as you want as long as you are the end user.
Final Cut Pro X cons
#1 No built-in sharing feature
It’s not like there is no sharing option in Final Cut Pro X or you can’t share videos. It lets you upload your videos directly on YouTube and Vimeo, but you can’t share it on social media sites directly within the app.
You’ll have to, first, save it in your local storage, and then open a browser like Safari or Chrome to share it on your preferred social media platform.
#2 Compatible only with Mac
Final Cut Pro X is the exact opposite of Video Studio Ultimate. Where the later one is just for Windows computers, Final Cut Pro X is an Apple product and works only on Mac PCs.
#3 Vague refund policy
While all the tools in this test clearly state their refund policy on the website, I couldn’t find any such thing about Final Cut Pro X.
After doing some research, it seems like you need to contact the Mac App Store for any issues related to billing and refund. But it’s still not clear whether Apple returns all your money and what is the time period of applying for a refund.
#4 Slow and tiring customer support
Okay, I saved the best for the last.
First of all, Apple doesn’t provide dedicated customer support for Final Cut Pro X.
Yes, there’s an online community and a help page, but there’s no specific email support form or email address listed on their website (as you can see in the following image).
When I clicked on the “Contact Support” option on the top right corner, I had to go through 7 different pages (yes 7!) to access the contact form that asks the users to describe their problem in just 400 characters.
So, if you come across a serious problem where you need to explain the matter in detail to the support agent, it won’t be possible at all.
At last, the only silver lining is the response time. It says, it’ll reply to your email within 48 hours, but they took half the time (around 30 hours to be precise) to respond to my queries.
Final Cut Pro X pricing plans
Final Cut Pro X is yet another tool with a one-off price tag, and it costs $299.99.
Do I recommend Final Cut Pro X?
Yes if you’re a Mac user, otherwise Final Cut Pro X is of no use for you.