1. DaVinci Resolve
This is a name that many professional editors consider the best replacement for Premiere Pro today. Software supports deep video editing, strong color adjustment, sound processing and VFX effects right in the same system.
The most powerful free feature currently available; Supports 4K rendering, professional color grading; Has Windows, macOS and Linux.
Quite heavy machine; New people will take time to get used to it.
YouTuber; Freelance Editor; Short film, MV making.
2. CapCut Desktop
CapCut PC is being used by many TikTokers and short content creators thanks to its simple interface, many templates and integrated AI tools.
Easy to use; Has auto caption, AI effects; Suitable for short videos.
Lack of depth for long film editing; Some AI features require payment.
TikTok; Reels; Shorts; Social media videos.
3. Kdenlive
This is open source software that the community assesses as quite close to the workflow of Premiere Pro. The application supports multi-layer timelines, non-linear editing and multi-format video output.
Completely free; Professional Timeline; No watermark.
Interface not too modern; Some plugins are still limited.
Transferred from Premiere Pro; Semi-professional Editor; Personal Creator.
4. Shotcut
Shotcut is famous for being lightweight and supporting many video formats. This is a suitable choice for mid-configuration laptops or beginners in video editing.
Lightweight; Free; Supports multiple video codecs.
Interface is a bit old; Effects are not strong.
Student; Laptop with weak configuration; Basic building needs.
5. OpenShot
OpenShot is aimed at beginners with simple, easy-to-learn drag and drop operations and an intuitive interface.
Easy to use; Supports basic animation; Has Vietnamese.
Easy lag when the project is heavy; Few advanced tools.
New learners edit; Learning videos; Personal videos.
6. Lightworks
Lightworks has been used in many professional film projects and is now available for free for individual users.
Strong timeline; Good editing tool; Professional workflow support.
Needs learning time; Free version limits some features.
In-depth Editor; Long Video; Film Editing.
7. Microsoft Clipchamp
Clipchamp is now integrated on Windows and is suitable for office users or creators who are just starting to make videos.
Easy to access; Available on Windows; Quick Edit.
Few advanced features; Not suitable for large projects.
Presentation video; Social media video; General user.
8. iMovie
If using MacBook or iPhone, iMovie is still a noteworthy free software thanks to its good optimization capabilities with the Apple ecosystem.
Smooth; Easy to use; Quick video output.
Only for Apple; Few advanced features.
Personal Vlog; Mac user; New Creator.
9. Blender
Famous for 3D editing, Blender also supports video editing quite strongly through Video Sequence Editor.
Completely free; Strong in 3D and motion; Large community.
Difficult to learn; Not suitable for general editors.
Motion graphic; 3D artist; Video effects.
10. HitFilm Free
HitFilm is chosen by many YouTubers thanks to its ability to combine video editing and special effects in the same software.
Many effects; Support compositing; Creative video compatibility.
Quite good configuration requirements; Interface is a bit complicated.
YouTube; Video effects; Creative Creator.
