I just started making videos on my Windows 10 PC but don’t know which software to use for editing. I’m looking for recommendations on user-friendly and efficient software. Any suggestions are appreciated!
Alright, so you’re new to video editing on Windows 10 and looking for something user-friendly. Honestly, go with DaVinci Resolve. It’s free (unless you go for the studio version) and it’s crazy powerful. Like, Hollywood-level editing tools. Might look a little daunting at first, but there are tons of tutorials out there to get you started.
If that feels overwhelming, try Filmora. It’s more beginner-friendly, has a simple drag-and-drop interface, and decent effects. Sure, some features are locked behind a paywall, but it’s great for quickly editing your videos without needing a manual just to get started.
Also, if you’re looking for something built into Windows, there’s the plain old Clipchamp. Microsoft bought it, so it’s now part of Windows 10, and it’s fine for super basic stuff, though don’t expect it to blow your mind.
Avoid Adobe Premiere unless you’ve got cash to burn and patience to learn (and maybe a supercomputer, cuz that thing eats up memory like crazy). But hey, if you’re feeling adventurous, give each one of these a spin and see what clicks.
Bro, you’re gonna get a million suggestions here—everyone swears by their favorite. So lemme just toss my hat in the ring: HitFilm Express. It’s FREE (we love that word), and it’s actually solid, especially if you’re just starting out. Like, it has a really nice beginner-friendly vibe, but also some weirdly advanced features for when you wanna get fancy later. Only downside? Some extras are paid, but tbh, you probably won’t need them at first.
Now, I saw someone mention DaVinci Resolve earlier… ehhh. Yeah, it’s powerful, but for a newbie? It’s like handing someone a Formula 1 car when they just wanna back outta the driveway. You’ll spend more time Googlin’ tutorials than actually editing. Just my 2 cents.
As for Filmora… Meh. It’s fine, I guess? Personally find it too basic after a while, and the whole ‘pay-for-this, pay-for-that’ thing gets old fast.
Oh, and stay FAR AWAY from Adobe Premiere Pro unless you’re ready to sacrifice your social life learning it or sell your soul to their subscription model. Plus, on Windows 10? You’ll need to pray your PC doesn’t burst into flames mid-edit.
TL;DR: Try HitFilm for that sweet spot between easy and feature-packed. Or keep it ultra-basic with Clipchamp, though don’t say I didn’t warn you when it feels like editing in MS Paint.
If you’re going for a balance between simplicity and functionality on Windows 10, Movavi Video Editor Plus is worth considering. It’s often overlooked compared to DaVinci Resolve or Filmora, but hear me out. Movavi’s interface is incredibly intuitive for beginners while still offering advanced features like chroma key, stabilization, and motion tracking for when you’re ready to level up. No overwhelming toolbars or steep learning curves here.
Pros of Movavi Video Editor Plus:
- Beginner-friendly: Drag-and-drop ease with guided tutorials.
- Performance: Lighter on your PC compared to resource-hogging giants like Premiere Pro.
- Affordable: One-time purchase option available, so you avoid the dreaded subscription models.
- Speed: Quick export times—great for fast-paced creators.
- Extras: Comes with filters, transitions, and a built-in music library.
Cons:
- Paid Features: The free version adds watermarks to exports unless you purchase the full version.
- Lack of Depth: While powerful for its tier, pros may find higher-end tools like Resolve more capable for complex edits.
- Fewer Tutorials: Does not have the vast tutorial ecosystem of something like Premiere or DaVinci.
I’d have to agree with @nachtchatten’s recommendation of DaVinci Resolve if you’re looking for FREE pro-level tools, but yes, the learning curve is steep. On the flip side, @voyageurdubois makes a fair point about HitFilm Express. It’s powerful and probably easier to jump into compared to DaVinci, but its free version omits some essential effects and features unless you pay.
If you want something more polished without breaking your brain in tutorials, consider trying Movavi Video Editor Plus or even Filmora for a side-by-side comparison—you’ll quickly see which setup works best for your workflow. And for goodness’ sake, skip Premiere Pro for now unless you’re ready to spend hours optimizing hardware to deal with its CPU-chomping tendencies.