What’s the best free Video editing software? Capcut? DaVinci Resolve? HitFilm Express? I put them all to the test by editing the same video in each one.
The Best Free Alternatives to Premiere Pro – A Comprehensive Test
We all know that editing software isn’t cheap. I personally spend £84 a year on Premiere Pro, and half the time, it seems like it wants me to fail. Surely, there’s a free alternative out there with the same functionality, right? Well, there are literally dozens of options, ranging from the good to the bad to the downright ugly. But which of these are actually worth using?
Who better to save you (and me) some precious money than the inventor of editing—me, Finzar. Yes, I invented editing, and yes, I am in a deep and never-ending pit of existential dread.
So, how am I going to do this? Today, we’ll be testing eight different free alternatives to Premiere Pro by recreating the exact same video in each software. This video is designed to test:
- Animations
- Transitions
- Keyframes
- Text
- Audio Design
What’s the best free Video editing software? 2025
I’ll be going through each software one by one, sharing my experience, and finally, giving my verdict on the best free video editor available in 2025.
1. DaVinci Resolve – The Powerhouse
DaVinci Resolve is arguably the most professional free editor out there. It’s packed with features, polished, and has a great workflow. Keyframing is smooth, transitions are customizable, and while it lacks some Premiere-like automation (like built-in motion blur in the free version), it’s still extremely powerful.
✅ Pros:
✔ Smooth keyframing
✔ Professional-grade software
✔ FrThe freeersion is very capable
❌ Cons:
✘ No motion blur in frthe ee version
✘ Nodes for adjustment layers (ugh)
2. Filmora – Surprisingly Decent, but Basic
I accidentally downloaded Filmora instead of HitFilm Express because they used Google Ads to trick me (shady move). But since I had it open, I gave it a try.
Filmora is smooth and easy to use, but its animation and transition customization are limited. It works well for beginners, but if you want total control, it’s not the best option.
✅ Pros:
- ✔ User-friendly
- ✔ Decent presets
❌ Cons:
- ✘ No adjustment layers
- ✘ Transitions lack customization
3. HitFilm Express – Confusing but Feature-Packed
Once I actually downloaded the real HitFilm Express, I realized it was completely different from other editors. The interface feels unique, and it definitely requires learning from scratch.
The biggest strength of HitFilm Express is its built-in effects, like particles and blood splatter, making it great for VFX-heavy projects. However, its UI is weird, and the extra animation is terrible.
✅ Pros:
- ✔ Great VFX tools
- ✔ Built-in motion blur
❌ Cons:
- ✘ Confusing UI
- ✘ Bad text animation options
4. Shotcut – Open Source, but Painful
Shotcut is open-source, which is great… in theory. However, it lacks key features like adjustment layers and motion blur, making it frustrating for complex edits. Transitions are awful, but basic animations are manageable.
✅ Pros:
- ✔ Free and open-source
- ✔ Customizable keyframes
❌ Cons:
- ✘ No adjustment layers
- ✘ Ugly transitions
5. Lightworks – The Nightmare
This one felt like a slap in the face. Lightworks is geared towards traditional film editing, and its workflow just doesn’t fit modern editing needs.
While professionals like Thelma Schoonmaker swear by it, for YouTube content, it’s just not worth the headache.
✅ Pros:
✔ Industry-respected
❌ Cons:
- ✘ Horrible UI
- ✘ Slow workflow
6. iMovie – Shockingly Polished
Yes, iMovie is basic, but I was genuinely surprised at how polished and user-friendly it is. Everything flows smoothly, and for simple edits, it’s an absolute joy to use.
✅ Pros:
- ✔ Smooth UI
- ✔ Great for simple edits
❌ Cons:
- ✘ Lacks customization
- ✘ Only for Apple users
7. Adobe Express Video Editor – A Corporate Presentation Maker
This browser-based video editor is not Premiere Pro, but it’s still Adobe. It’s like editing in PowerPoint—good for quick corporate videos, but not for serious editing.
✅ Pros:
✔ Works online (no download required)
❌ Cons:
- ✘ Lack of real editing tools
- ✘ Feels like making a PowerPoint
8. CapCut – The Surprise Hit
CapCut is free, easy to use, and powerful. Its keyframing is smooth, animations work well, and it’s designed for content creators. However, tons of features are locked behind the Pro version, making it frustrating at times.
✅ Pros:
✔ Great keyframing
✔ Intuitive UI
❌ Cons:
✘ Many effects are locked behind the version
✘ Can’t keyframe certain effects
Final Verdict – Which Free Video Editor is Best?
🥇 Best Overall: DaVinci Resolve – The most powerful free editor, period.
🥈 Best for Beginners: CapCut – Easy, fast, and good for content creators.
🥉 Best for Quick Edits: iMovie – Surprisingly smooth for simple edits.
🚫 Avoid: Lightworks and Shotcut unless you have very specific needs.
So, after all this testing, I still appreciate Premiere Pro for its customization, smooth UI, and workflow, but if you want to ditch the subscription fees, DaVinci Resolve is your best bet.
If you’re looking to improve your DaVinci Resolve workflow, check out my brand-new presets on my website! They’ll speed up your editing and make your videos look professional in no time.
