The best video editing software for YouTubers
Short answer
For most new YouTubers, CapCut is the fastest start: free, simple and on every device, with Pro for premium effects and AI tools. Premiere Pro is the industry standard for longer, polished videos and works with the rest of Adobe Creative Cloud. DaVinci Resolve has the most capable free version, Final Cut Pro suits Mac users who prefer one purchase over a subscription, and iMovie and Clipchamp are free starting points already on many computers.
Six editors side by side
| Editor | Runs on | Free version | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| CapCut | Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android, web | Yes; Pro adds premium content, AI credits and storage | Fast edits, Shorts and captions |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | Windows and Mac, with mobile apps | 7-day trial; subscription after that | Long-form, polished videos and teams |
| DaVinci Resolve | Windows, Mac and Linux | Yes, up to 4K at 60 fps; Studio is a paid upgrade | Colour grading and advanced editing on a budget |
| Final Cut Pro | Mac and iPad | Free trial; paid after that | Mac creators who want speed |
| iMovie | Mac, iPhone and iPad | Free | First videos on Apple devices |
| Clipchamp | Web browser, built into Windows 11 | Yes, 1080p exports without a watermark | Simple edits on a Windows PC |
From each maker's own website, read on October 13, 2026.
CapCut: the quickest way to start
CapCut keeps editing simple: drag clips onto a timeline, add text, music and auto captions, and export. The same account works on your phone and computer, which suits creators who film on a phone. Pro unlocks premium templates and effects, a monthly allowance of AI credits and 1 TB of cloud storage. Whether that is worth paying for is covered in Is CapCut Pro Worth It? CapCut Free vs Pro in Canada.
Premiere Pro: the professional standard
Premiere Pro is what many professional editors and agencies use, and it connects with Photoshop, After Effects and Audition in Creative Cloud for thumbnails, motion graphics and audio clean-up. Adobe sells it only as a subscription, on its own or in the all-apps plan. CapCut Pro vs Premiere Pro (in Adobe Creative Cloud) compares it with CapCut, and Adobe Creative Cloud Pricing in Canada: Plans in CAD lists Adobe's Canadian plan prices.
DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro and the free options
- DaVinci Resolve from Blackmagic Design has a free version that edits and exports up to 4K at 60 frames per second on Windows, Mac and Linux. The paid Studio version adds AI tools, 10-bit video and higher resolutions and frame rates.
- Final Cut Pro runs only on Apple devices. Apple sells the Mac version as a single purchase in the Mac App Store and also includes it in its Creator Studio subscription.
- iMovie is free on Mac, iPhone and iPad and handles 4K, which is plenty for a first channel.
- Clipchamp is Microsoft's editor, built into Windows 11 and available in a browser. The free plan exports 1080p without a watermark; Microsoft says its premium features, including 4K export, come with Microsoft 365 Personal and Family.
How to choose
- Start with your device. Phone-first creators lean to CapCut; Mac owners can try iMovie and Final Cut Pro; Windows users already have Clipchamp.
- Match the video length. Shorts and quick vlogs suit CapCut. Long tutorials and documentaries benefit from Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve.
- Try before you pay. Every option here has a free version or a trial. Pay once you know which one you open every week.
LicenceBase sells CapCut Pro and Adobe Creative Cloud for fixed terms paid once in Canadian dollars, and the Creator Bundle combines both.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free video editor for YouTube?
DaVinci Resolve has the most capable free version, with 4K exports. CapCut is easier to learn and works on phones too. iMovie and Clipchamp are free starting points already on many Apple and Windows computers.
Do I need Premiere Pro to start a YouTube channel?
No. Many channels start with CapCut, iMovie or DaVinci Resolve. Premiere Pro becomes worth it when you edit long videos often or work with other editors.
Is Final Cut Pro available for Windows?
No. Final Cut Pro runs only on Mac and iPad.
LicenceBase sells some of the products mentioned here. LicenceBase prices are read live from the store; brand prices show the date they were checked on the brand's own site.
