Hitfilm Express is another free video editing software in the lot and undoubtedly, the most powerful.
With a robust set of editing tools within the editor and the timeline, you can perform anything from merging different clips, working with 3D objects, to adding bold Marvel colors to your film.
All this with a free software! Sounds exciting, ha?
But here’s the catch.
Some of its features like adding bold Marvel colors or working with 360° videos require you to purchase their add-on packs that can cost anywhere from $9.99 to $49.99 depending on which package you go for.
I’ll talk about this later in the cons section, but for now, take a look at the areas where it shines:
Hitfilm Express Pros
#1. The biggest strength of Hitfilm lies in the simplicity of its interface and wide range of editing tools. There’s no limit on the number of videos you can import to the software.
Plus, almost all the functions and effects are only a click away considering you know what each tool does.
Just in case, if you don’t know anything about video editing, you can always rely on the YouTube channel and comprehensive guide Hitfilm offers to its users.
#2. As a free software, I was not expecting Hitfilm to support both VR editing and 3D objects, but it proved me wrong.
You can convert a 2D photo into a 3D scene with camera movement in a blink of an eye and using the composition and layering feature, add 3D layers to your clip.
Similarly, the new 360° video viewer panel enables you to view the VR videos in their original state and add 360° effects to it.
However, all this comes with a cost. You need to buy the add-on packs to enhance your experience editing 3D and VR videos.
#3. With Hitfilm express, you get cross-platform support. That means this software can be installed on both – Windows and Mac computers.
#4. Working with high-resolution videos on Hitfilm Express is fun. It is well compatible with 1080p to 4K videos. Though the export time for high-quality videos is a bit longer compared to other tools.
#5. Talking about export; the latest update brought an amazing feature to Hitfilm where you can continue editing a video while the other one is being exported to your PC.
That’s a really cool thing and can save precious minutes because generally (doesn’t matter which app you use), you need to wait for the export to complete in order to start a new project.
Hitfilm Express Cons
#1. Having a mobile version gives you the flexibility to work anywhere, anytime. But unfortunately, you don’t get this luxury with Hitfilm Express. It is primarily a desktop software.
Besides this, what might upset many users is the fact that, at a time, Hitfilm can be used only on one computer.
If you wish to run it on another device, you will first have to uninstall the software from the current machine.
Whereas all the paid variants of Hitfilm – like Hitfilm Pro, Ignite Pro, and Action Pro can be activated on 3 computers at the same time.
#2. Unlike iMovie or PowerDirector, I couldn’t find a dedicated cloud repository of Hitfilm.
#3. And finally, let’s talk about the add-on packs of Hitfilm.
Many of the vital features of Hitfilm that makes it the most powerful free tool, requires you to purchase add-on packs to use the functions in full form.
For example, to edit VR videos, you need to buy the 360° packs that contain advance VR effects. Similarly, there are more than a dozen of other add-on packs out there for each the attributes.
The prices start from $9.99 and can cost as much as $49.99. So depending on your spending abilities and nature, you might like or dislike the offer.
But after taking a close look at what these add-on packs offer, I can say, it’s well worth the money.
Therefore, rather than calling it a flaw, I would call it an idea to charge for enhancing the editing experience and also, giving a feel to the users what else they can do with the software if they decide to upgrade to a paid version.
In the end, it’s up to you whether or not you want to spend your money on this stuff.
Hitfilm pricing plans and payment options
Once again, we’re dealing with a free of cost software. So, no payments required.
However, if you wish to spend on the add-on packs that could cost anywhere from $9.99 to $49.99, you get 14-days money-back guarantee.
Do I recommend Hitfilm Express?
Yes, I do because as a free tool it has plenty to offer.
There’s something for everyone from pro users to intermediate editors and rookies who have never ever edited a video using a software.
Yes, the spending on add-on packs might frustrate a few users, but the return you get is something that you don’t see in other editing software.
So, feel free to check out the app. Also, don’t hesitate to purchase a pack or two to see what else is possible with Hitfilm. If you don’t like them, return it before 14 days, and they would refund your entire fee.