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Best video editors: top platforms to create stunning videos in 2026

Turn ideas into professional visuals with Wixel →


Best video editors

Finding the best video editors can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack, especially when you just want to get your content out there.


Whether you’re looking for a simple video maker to whip up social clips or robust software for cinematic masterpieces, the right tool makes all the difference.


Platforms like Wixel make editing faster, easier and more professional, even if you’re just starting out.


In this guide, we’ll walk you through top-tier options so you can stop searching and start creating.



Best video editors wixel

Wixel is an AI-powered design platform that makes it easy for anyone to turn ideas into high-quality social posts, images, videos and more. With smart AI tools, ready-to-go templates, you can go from concept to polished design in no time. Simply describe your vision and let AI turn it into an eye-catching image in seconds.




TL;DR: best video editors


Here’s a snapshot of the top video editing platforms and what makes them stand out:


Choosing the right video editor depends on your skill level, project type and desired features. Some focus on professional-grade editing, while others prioritize speed, AI tools and templates for social content.


Key highlights:


  • Intuitive interfaces for beginners and pros alike

  • AI-powered tools for automated editing

  • Pre-built video templates for social media and marketing

  • Advanced features like color grading, transitions and effects


"A great video editor can save hours of work. From smart templates to intuitive timelines, the platforms that work best let you focus on storytelling rather than struggling with the software." - Idan Cohen, Wixel SEO strategist

Learn more about how to edit videos to find the best fit for your needs.



Best video editors


Here is our curated list of the top tools available right now. We've broken down what makes each one special so you can make an informed choice.




01. Wixel


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Wixel is a versatile video maker perfect for beginners and pros alike. It combines AI editing, customizable video templates and an intuitive interface for fast, professional-quality results.


Wixel is also great for optimizing video SEO to help your content get discovered and offers video marketing, offering a complete video editing solution.


Features:


  • AI-powered video editing and suggestions (learn how to edit a video with AI step by step)

  • Ready-to-use video templates for social media, supporting multiple video formats

  • Drag-and-drop timeline editor

  • Easy sharing across platforms

  • Stock library access


Pricing: Wixel pricing ranges from a free plan to paid plans starting at $9/mo (billed annually). Month-to-month payment plans also available.


"We designed Wixel to save creators time while unlocking their full creative potential. From automated editing suggestions to ready-to-use video templates, our goal is to let you focus on your story, not the technical hurdles." - Idan Cohen, Wixel SEO strategist

Want results that look as good as they perform? Learn how to make a professional video and start creating with confidence today.



02. CyberLink PowerDirector 365


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CyberLink PowerDirector 365 is a professional-grade video editor that offers robust tools for creators who need advanced control without sacrificing speed.


Features:


  • AI motion tracking and sky replacement

  • Access to Shutterstock and Getty Images libraries

  • Screen recording capabilities included

  • Multicam editing support


Pricing: Pricing varies depending on PC. PowerDirector 365 for Windows is $5/mo (billed annually).


Learn more:



03. DaVinci Resolve


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Originally built for color correction, DaVinci Resolve has evolved into a full-service post-production suite. It handles editing, color, visual effects, motion graphics and audio post-production all in a single software tool, great for professionals who want complete creative control.


Features:


  • Professional color grading tools

  • Visual effects (VFX) and Fusion integration

  • Audio post-production (Fairlight)

  • Multi-user collaboration

  • Free version available


Pricing: The standard version is free. The Studio version is a one-time payment of $295.



04. Adobe Premiere Pro


best video editors desktop software

Adobe Premiere Pro is a popular name in video editing. It integrates with other Adobe apps like After Effects and Photoshop, making it a flexible option for creative professionals.


Features:


  • Timeline-based editing

  • Advanced color correction

  • Motion graphics integration with After Effects

  • Team collaboration with cloud storage

  • Wide format support


Pricing: Free trial available. Piad plans start at $22.99/mo (billed annually). Month-to-month payment plans also available.



05. Microsoft Clipchamp


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Clipchamp is Microsoft's answer to the need for quick, browser-based editing. It’s great for casual users who need to trim a video, add some text and export it without downloading heavy software.


Features:


  • Browser-based

  • Text-to-speech AI voiceovers

  • Easy screen and camera recording

  • Simple timeline for quick cuts


Pricing: Free plan available. Premium features are included with Microsoft 365 Personal and Family Plans.


Learn more:



06. Apple Final Cut Pro


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Final Cut Pro is optimized for Mac users, offering pro-level editing, motion graphics and seamless integration across Apple devices. It uses a unique "magnetic timeline" which can be polarizing for traditional editors but often speeds up the workflow once you get used to it.


Features:


  • Magnetic Timeline 2 for gapless editing

  • Optimized for Apple Silicon chips

  • Object Tracker and Cinematic Mode support

  • 360-degree VR video editing


Pricing: One-time payment of $299.99 on the Mac App Store or sign up for Apple's Creator Studio subscription, which costs $12.99/mo or $129/yr.



07. CapCut


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CapCut is a mobile-first editor designed for social media creators, combining simplicity with AI-powered tools and templates. It makes adding trending effects, captions and transitions incredibly easy.


Features:


  • Trending effects and filters updated constantly

  • Auto-captions that are highly accurate

  • Background removal without a green screen

  • Direct export to TikTok without watermarks


Pricing: Free version available. CapCut pro is offered at $19.99/mo or $179.99/yr.


Learn more:



Best video editors: table summary


Platform

Best For

Key features

Wixel

All skill levels

AI-powered editor, templates, easy sharing

CyberLink PowerDirector 365

Professional creators

Multi-cam editing, motion tracking, effects

DaVinci Resolve

Professionals

Color grading, visual effects, free version

Adobe Premiere Pro

Pros & teams

Industry-standard, cloud integration

Microsoft Clipchamp

Beginners & social creators

Templates, stock library, easy export

Apple Final Cut Pro

Mac users & pros

Optimized for Apple, 360° video editing

CapCut

Social media creators

Mobile-friendly, AI tools, templates


Try Wixel's powerful photo editor and create stunning designs in seconds with the AI image generator.



How to choose the right video editor for you



How to choose the right video editor for you


Choosing the right tool from the list of best video editors comes down to one thing: what are you trying to create and how much control do you need?


A cinematic short film requires different features than a quick Instagram Reel. The key is matching your goals, skill level and workflow to the platform that supports them best.


Here’s how to narrow it down.



If you’re a beginner


If you’re just getting started, look for a platform that prioritizes simplicity over complexity. The best beginner-friendly video editors offer:


  • Drag-and-drop timelines

  • Built-in video templates

  • Auto-subtitles and AI editing tools

  • Easy export settings for social media

  • Minimal learning curve


Tools like Wixel are designed to help you create polished videos without feeling overwhelmed. You shouldn’t need to watch hours of tutorials just to trim a clip or add text.


If your goal is speed, ease and professional-looking results without technical deep dives, choose a platform that does some of the heavy lifting for you.



If you’re a professional or advanced creator


If you’re editing YouTube content, brand campaigns, short films or client work, you’ll likely need advanced tools and deeper creative control. Look for:


  • Multi-cam editing

  • Advanced color grading

  • Audio mixing and post-production tools

  • Motion graphics integration

  • High-resolution export (4K and beyond)

  • AI-powered editing to speed up complex workflows


Platforms like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve and Final Cut Pro are built for deep, technical control. They offer granular editing over every frame, but they also require more time to master and often come with steeper learning curves.


At the same time, tools like Wixel bridge the gap between professional capabilities and usability. With AI-assisted editing, smart templates and streamlined workflows, it allows creators to produce high-quality, polished videos without getting buried in technical complexity.


If precision and creative flexibility matter most, advanced editors may be the right fit. But if you want powerful results with a faster, more intuitive experience, choosing a modern AI-powered editor can help you work smarter, not harder.


Pair your video projects with a reliable PDF converter and explore the best PDF combiners to manage scripts, storyboards and client files more efficiently, all in one place.



If you’re a social media creator


For TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts or marketing content, efficiency is everything.


The best video editors for social content combine automation with ready-made design elements, so you can create quickly without sacrificing quality. Prioritize tools that offer:


  • AI-powered cutting and scene detection

  • Pre-sized exports for different platforms

  • Trend-based video templates

  • Built-in captions and text animations

  • Access to stock music and media libraries

  • Easy resizing for multi-platform publishing


Tools like Wixel also make it easy to create scroll-stopping content with ready-made templates, AI-assisted editing and one-click exports optimized for different platforms, helping you move from idea to publish in minutes.


These features help you stay consistent, publish faster and keep up with trends, without editing every detail from scratch.


Explore YouTube thumbnails templates to create eye-catching covers that get clicks, boost engagement, and extend your reach with YouTube thumbnail extender.



Practical tips before you commit to a video editor



Practical tips before you commit to a video editor


Before choosing a video editor, take a few extra steps to make sure it fits your workflow long-term:


  • Test the free version first. Most top platforms offer free trials or free plans, use them.


  • Check compatibility. Some tools are Mac-only, others are web-based or mobile-friendly.


  • Evaluate performance. Advanced editors may require stronger hardware.


  • Consider pricing structure. Subscription vs. one-time purchase can impact your budget.


  • Think about scalability. Will the tool grow with you as your skills improve?


The best video editor isn’t necessarily the most powerful, it’s the one that helps you create consistently, efficiently and confidently.



The future of video editing: AI integration


We are seeing a massive shift in how videos are made. Artificial Intelligence isn't just a buzzword; it's changing the workflow. We are moving away from manual tasks, like cutting out silence or rotoscoping a subject frame by frame, toward text-based editing and generative fill.


When choosing a video editor, look for AI features. Can the software automatically caption your video? Can it clean up background noise with one click? These features save hours of work. Wixel and more are heavily investing here, ensuring that as the technology grows, your toolkit grows with it.


Modern AI tools also let you enhance your visuals effortlessly:



Why trust Wixel's experts


At Wixel, we live and breathe video content. Our team is made up of developers, designers and creators who understand the frustration of clunky software and the joy of a perfectly rendered final cut.


We test these tools not just as reviewers, but as users who rely on them to build brands and tell stories. We believe that professional-quality video should be accessible to everyone, not just those with a Hollywood budget.



Best video editors FAQ


What is the best video editor for beginners?

For absolute beginners, Wixel is an excellent choice. It offers a drag-and-drop interface and pre-made templates that handle the design heavy lifting for you, allowing you to focus on the content rather than the technicalities.

Do I need a powerful computer for video editing?

Not necessarily. If you use cloud-based editors like Wixel, the processing happens online, meaning you can edit on a Chromebook or an older laptop without issues. For heavy software like Premiere Pro, you will need a dedicated GPU and plenty of RAM.

Is there a free video editor available?

Yes, Wixel offers a free plan that includes essential video editing tools, AI-powered features and ready-to-use video templates, perfect for beginners or anyone looking to create professional-quality videos without a subscription.


 
 
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