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10 Best Video Editing Software For Mac

Updated on: May 23, 2019

The best video editing software for Mac OS computers may not be the first one you try out. Considering what you personally need from the software, the best for someone else may not be the best for you. Never fear, for we've compiled a list featuring a variety of different video editing software from the expensive and complex to the cheap and simple. Some editing software programs have tools, including image manipulation, audio libraries, or even text editing. Regardless of your level of expertise or the tools you need, there is a best video editing software for Mac out there for you.

Quick Navigation
Comparison Table
Product FAQ
How We Reviewed
Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)
What We Reviewed
The Verdict

Comparison Table

Preview Product
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2019 and Premiere Elements 2019 [PC/Mac Disc] Adobe Photoshop Elements 2019 and Premiere Elements 2019 [PC/Mac Disc] Shop now at Amazon.com
iMovie '11 101 iMovie '11 101 Shop now at Amazon.com
VideoDirector - Edit, Cut and Optimize Videos VideoDirector - Edit, Cut and Optimize Videos Shop now at Amazon.com
Adobe Premiere Elements 2019 [PC/Mac Disc] Adobe Premiere Elements 2019 [PC/Mac Disc] Shop now at Amazon.com
Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Studio (Activation Card) Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Studio (Activation Card) Shop now at Amazon.com
Camtasia for Mac 2 Camtasia for Mac 2 Shop now at Amazon.com
Avid Media Composer 8 Software (No Dongle) Avid Media Composer 8 Software (No Dongle) Shop now at Amazon.com
Cyberlink Director Suite 365 | 1 Year | 1 PC Subscription - Professional Video, Audio & Photo Editing Cyberlink Director Suite 365 | 1 Year | 1 PC Subscription - Professional Video, Audio & Photo... Shop now at Amazon.com
Corel VideoStudio Ultimate 2019 - Video & Movie Editing Suite [PC Disc] [Old Version] Corel VideoStudio Ultimate 2019 - Video & Movie Editing Suite [PC Disc] [Old Version] Shop now at Amazon.com

 

Product FAQ

1. What Is Video Editing Software?

Video editing software is a program that can put a multi-media digital video through post-production editing. The software replaces traditional flatbed celluloid editing tools and tape-to-tape online editing machines.

2. What Does Video Editing Software Do? 

The editing software allows the user or editor to cut, move around, and splice video clips together. You can also change or adjust audio, add in effects, and make a better quality picture for upload.

3. How Does Video Editing Software Work? 

Non-linear editing system, or NLE, software is based on a timeline interface where sections of moving images called clips are laid out in a sequence. The NLE gives the user access to tools for trimming, cutting, or other techniques to create whatever video they like in whatever format they like. Color manipulation and audio synchronization are part of the package.

4. Where Can You Buy the Best Video Editing Software for Mac? 

This list contains several video editors as well as places to find them. Many others can be found on iTunes or even Amazon.

5. Why Should You Clear Cache On Mac?

To clear cache on Mac may not sound like having to do with anything about the best video editing software for Mac except for the type of computer involved. However, clear cache on Mac computers is very important to make sure your editing software works well. With clutter piling up over time, your old cache files could make your entire system much slower.

6. How Do You Clear Cache On Mac?

There are a lot of methods to clear cache on Mac computers. Don't delete the wrong files, though, but you can back up your data just in case things go horribly wrong. First, go to Open Finder and select Go > Go to Folder. Type in ~/Library/Caches and hit Enter. Back up the folders at this point. Keep the folder but go into all of them and delete all the files. Now go back to the Go to Folder and type in /Library/Caches and delete all the folders here completely. Empty the trash and you're done!

How We Reviewed

Each of the software included in this list is considered one of the best video editing software for Mac OS computers by someone. While they don't all live up to professional standards, they each have different positive aspects for people looking for different things, like beginners just starting out. The price was also considered, from the very expensive to the free products, so you can focus less on the price tag and more on the product itself.

Overall Price Range of This Product (and Similar Products)

A lot of the best video editing software for Mac OS computers are free for Apple devices. However, some of them are too good to be free and need to be paid for. These products range from average price to expensive for one fee, with some having a monthly subscription option instead. The subscription options for the best video editing software for Mac computers usually hits around an affordable price a month mark.

What We Reviewed

  • Adobe Premiere Pro CC
  • Apple iMovie
  • Filmora
  • Adobe Premiere Elements 2019
  • Da Vinci
  • Camtasia For Mac
  • Avid Media Composer
  • Cyberlink
  • Corell

Adobe Premiere Pro CC

Adobe Photoshop Elements 2019 and Premiere Elements 2019 [PC/Mac Disc]
Adobe Photoshop Elements 2019 and Premiere Elements 2019 [PC/Mac Disc]
  • Auto-generated photo and video slideshows and collages are created just for you and delivered upon launch
  • Easily make movies in the redesigned quick edit mode which offers a simplified scene line
  • Share memes, animated gifs, printed keepsakes, and full-length movies
  • Get step-by-step help with 73 guided edits
  • See full system requirements below
Shop now at Amazon.com

Features

Used by many industry professionals, Adobe's Premiere Pro CC does everything a video editor needs. Popular for Windows 10 users, this software can handle an unlimited number of tracks imported from any source, like cameras, tapes, or even VR. There are also special tools like automatic syncing and fine-tuning that can make your videos really stand out.

Pros

  • Free trial available
  • One of the best for professionals
  • Great automatic tools and functions

Cons

  • A little expensive
  • Works on Mac but best on Windows 10

Price

This product can be found on Adobe's site for around an affordable price a month.

 

Where to Buy

This can be found in Amazon.

 

Warranty

This software comes with a ninety-day warranty.

Apple iMovie

iMovie '11 101
iMovie '11 101
  • Learn how iMovie '11 will make your video projects look like a Hollywood A-List production!
  • Learn key video editing skills like capturing and adding video to your iMovie project, editing clips to make a complete video by Star macProVideo.com Trainer Francesco Schiavon
  • Master HD video editing, advanced audio features, and even green screening!
  • English (Publication Language)
Shop now at Amazon.com

Features

iMovie is already on the new Mac computers, but anyone with an Apple device can download the app for free up to the latest iMovie eleven version. There are a lot of features included, like audio editing, and you can easily share new videos directly to YouTube or send out to other devices.

Don't think that the software is simple just because it's free. In fact, iMovie can be quite complicated for new and experienced video editors alike. By far, this is the best video editing software for Mac computers that's free

Pros

  • Available on all Apple devices, including iPhone and iPad
  • Compatible with the Apple ecosystem

Cons

  • The available audio in the software is copyright so you'll have to find royalty free music elsewhere
  • Only available for Apple devices

Price

This product can be found on iTunes for free!

 

Where to Buy

This is available in Amazon.

 

Warranty

This product is free so doesn't come with a warranty.

Filmora

VideoDirector - Edit, Cut and Optimize Videos
VideoDirector - Edit, Cut and Optimize Videos
  • Edit, Cut and Optimize Videos - 4K Ultra HD
  • Remove background noise, add soundtracks, creative fade-overs and filters
  • Extensive library with many sound effects, classic video effects and creative filters
  • Split-screen, green-screen and blue-screen and many other visual effects
  • A CD disk will be delivered to you - use the activation key provided in the packaging to activate the product and remove the watermarks from your project
Shop now at Amazon.com

Features

The best video editing software for Mac is most likely the Apple Final Cut Pro X. The interface is easy to learn and use while still being jam-packed with tons of professional level features. While the price tag is extremely high, the extra bits are worth it. Even the built-in audio editor is easy to get a handle on. If you already have a ton of Apple devices, Final Cut can easily sync with other programs like iTunes and Photos. Since this is such powerful software, remember to clear cache on Mac for best performance.

Pros

  • A versatile, powerful editing tool
  • Easy interface

Cons

  • Very expensive
  • Offers great features that are already in cheaper versions.

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around more than average price.

 

Where to Buy

This is on Amazon.

 

Warranty

This software comes with a ninety-day warranty.

Adobe Premiere Elements 2019

Adobe Premiere Elements 2019 [PC/Mac Disc]
Adobe Premiere Elements 2019 [PC/Mac Disc]
  • Auto generated photo and video slideshows and collages are created just for you and delivered upon launch
  • See what’s new since your last version, discover fun things to try, and get inspiring ideas, help, and tutorials in the new home screen
  • Existing subscribers must first complete current membership term before linking new subscription term
  • Easily make movies in the redesigned quick edit mode which offers a simplified scene line
  • Share animated gifs, video collages, slideshows, and full length movies
Shop now at Amazon.com

Features

While this software isn't as complex as Premiere Pro, Premiere Elements does offer a lot of features, like face detection and its own audio tracks. Comfortable for both new and expert video editors. The automated functions make everything easier so long as you use those features, like motion tracking or video stabilization, to their full advantage. It comes with all the bells and whistles you'd expect along with some new tools and a fully organized media library.

Pros

  • Easy to use and learn
  • Tons of new features

Cons

  • Not as powerful as others on this list
  • A very slow editor

Price

This product can be found on Adobe's site for around more than average price.

 

Where to Buy

This is available at Amazon.

 

Warranty

This software comes with a ninety-day warranty.

Da Vinci Code

Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Studio (Activation Card)
Blackmagic Design DaVinci Resolve Studio (Activation Card)
  • Compatible with Resolve Studio 16 and Future Versions
  • 8K Editing and Color Correction
  • Fusion VFX and Fairlight Audio
  • Mac, Windows, and Linux Compatible
  • Ships with Activation Card
Shop now at Amazon.com

Features

Da Vinci is nothing fancy and doesn't come with anything particularly special. It's simply a video editor made for cutting, filtering, and editing down media. Da Vinci is very expensive and works on Mac OS, Windows, Linux, and BSD. The editor can support many video, image, and audio formats. Anything from JPG to MP4 to AC3 can work in this software.

Pros

  • Very easy interface
  • No purchase at all

Cons

  • Exporting takes a long time
  • Is an older software

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for a very expensive price!

 

Where to Buy

This is available at Amazon.

 

Warranty

This product is free so doesn't come with a warranty.

Camtasia For Mac

Camtasia for Mac 2
Camtasia for Mac 2
  • Record anything on your screen
  • Easily create video with professional polish
  • Communicate your message visually
  • Record and import rich content
  • Create videos that are accessible to a larger audience
Shop now at Amazon.com

Features

Camtasia is perfect for explanation type videos like training or recording. This software makes it easy to add notes to, record keystrokes, or track mouse movement. Recording screen activity and editing the video later is why this particular software is so special in comparison to others on this list, depending on what your particular needs are. The interface is also easy to use with explanations built-in to the software. Special effects are also an option for animation or text.

Pros

  • Has 3D animation rendering software built-in
  • Offers over seventy languages

Cons

  • Freezes and crashes often
  • Very buggy at times
  • Clear cache on Mac doesn't help this software

Price

This product can be found on Amazon!

 

Where to Buy

This is available in Amazon.

 

Warranty

Warranty can be found in the page.

Avid Media Composer

Avid Media Composer 8 Software (No Dongle)
Avid Media Composer 8 Software (No Dongle)
Shop now at Amazon.com

Features

Avid Media Composer is one of the best editing software for Mac because it's a service made directly available to the cloud rather than a product on your device. So long as you have access to the cloud, you and your coworkers or friends can use it whenever they need to work. Furthermore, Avid Media Composer is a powerful editing tool that doesn't hinder the performance on your Mac computer, even though it's able to edit 4K videos easily.

Pros

  • Cloud-based video editing service
  • Able to edit 4K videos easily

Cons

  • Not available as strictly a product
  • A little expensive

Price

This product can be found on Amazon for around an aexpensive price.

 

Where to Buy

This is available in Amazon

 

Warranty

This software comes with a ninety-day warranty.

Cyberlink

Sale
Cyberlink Director Suite 365 | 1 Year | 1 PC Subscription - Professional Video, Audio & Photo Editing
Cyberlink Director Suite 365 | 1 Year | 1 PC Subscription - Professional Video, Audio & Photo Editing
  • Professional video, photo, and audio editing suite that includes the latest versions of PowerDirector, PhotoDirector, audio Director, and color Director with round-trip editing support
  • Stay always up to date with the newest editing features, AI style plugins, creative design packs, sound effects, and background music
  • Access to shutterstock’s massive video, image, and music track catalogs, right inside the app
  • Get all the help you need with the Director suite learning Center with access to free video tutorials, webinars, and guides
  • 1-Year subscription
Shop now at Amazon.com

Features

While some other free video editing software have been from reputable sources, this one has a questionable origin despite being a good software product. The Cyberlink comes with over a hundred built-in effects. This editor is an all-in-one package, allowing you to edit video, audio, and images at once with no extra downloads needed.

 Pros

  • Unlimited tracks
  • More than a hundred video effects built-in

Cons

  • Difficult interface
  • Not a reputable service or product

Price

This product can be found on Amazon!

 

Where to Buy

This is available in Amazon.

 

Warranty

This product is free so doesn't come with a warranty.

Corell

Corel VideoStudio Ultimate 2019 - Video & Movie Editing Suite [PC Disc] [Old Version]
Corel VideoStudio Ultimate 2019 - Video & Movie Editing Suite [PC Disc] [Old Version]
  • Impress your audience with high quality movies made from your videos and photos with support for HD, 4K, and 360 video
  • Build, edit, and correct video skillfully with quality tools, including 2, 000 Plus Premium video effects from industry leaders newbluefx, ProDAD and Boris FX
  • Make quick video edits, crop video, resize, or correct video and remove distortion from wide angle or action cameras and Stabilize video
  • Learn as you create with with easy access to tutorials and an active user community forum; this video suite is perfect for all skill levels and will help you perfect your craft
  • Exclusive to Ultimate: enhance your video with new color grading controls, dynamic split screen videos, text masks, Alpha channel exports, enhanced video stabilization tools, and 3D title editor
Shop now at Amazon.com

Features

This free software can capture, edit, organize, process, and export video and audio files to create quality movies. With studio-quality effects from Corell suite for audio, it also has a lot of features regarding text like section titles. It even has the option to create slideshows instead as well as capturing desktop video.

Pros

  • Has twelve studio-quality effects
  • Able to create slideshows

Cons

  • It is discontinued in favor of a new version
  • Is a basic video editor

Price

This product can be found on in Amazon!

 

Where to Buy

This is available in Amazon

 

Warranty

This product is free so doesn't come with a warranty.

The Verdict

The answer to the best video editing software for Mac may come unexpectedly, but it's hard to beat Apple iMovie. Sure, you can dish out the most expensive once or an affordable one every month for good software, but why bother when the one already on the computer works just as well?

 

If you're a professional, Avid Media Composer might be the better idea for your company and career lifestyle. That said, iMovie is still the best one around without having to download or buy a single thing. Just remember to regularly clear cache on Mac devices or else that great performance will suffer

Last update on 2021-01-16 at 11:11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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