Start free: DaVinci Resolve (Windows, Mac, Linux) if you want room to grow, iMovie on a Mac for simplicity, Shotcut for a light open-source editor. Pay later if you need a specific workflow: Final Cut Pro on Mac and iPad, or Premiere with Adobe’s other apps.
Comparison
| Software | Platforms | Pricing model |
|---|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free version; paid DaVinci Resolve Studio (one-time purchase) |
| iMovie | Mac (free on the Mac App Store); also on iPhone and iPad | Free |
| Shotcut | Windows, Mac, Linux | Free and open source |
| CapCut | Desktop, mobile and web | Free plan; paid Pro plan |
| Final Cut Pro | Mac, iPad | Subscription (Apple Creator Studio) or one-time purchase on Mac |
| Premiere (Adobe) | Desktop; free mobile app on iPhone and Android | Desktop by subscription only; 7-day free trial |
From each publisher’s official site, checked on October 11, 2026. Prices change: check the publisher’s site before you buy.
Free editors
DaVinci Resolve
Blackmagic Design offers a free version of DaVinci Resolve on Windows, Mac and Linux, and describes it as including multi-user collaboration and HDR grading. It is a full professional editor, with color correction and audio tools, so it takes longer to learn than simpler apps. On October 11, 2026, the paid Studio version was listed at $295 on the official site.
iMovie
Apple’s iMovie is free on the Mac App Store and also exists on iPhone and iPad. It covers the basics: cutting, titles, transitions, music. It is the easiest way to start on a Mac.
Shotcut
Shotcut describes itself as a free, open source, cross-platform video editor for Windows, Mac and Linux. A good choice for a light editor on an older computer.
CapCut
CapCut offers an online editor, a desktop app and mobile apps, with a free plan and a paid Pro plan. Read its terms and privacy policy before you upload client or private footage.
Paid editors
Final Cut Pro
Apple sells Final Cut Pro for Mac and iPad. On October 11, 2026, Apple’s site listed it inside the Apple Creator Studio subscription (30-day free trial), and as a one-time purchase of $299.99 on Mac.
Adobe Premiere
Adobe’s desktop editor is available only by subscription, with a 7-day free trial. On October 11, 2026, Adobe listed the single-app plan from US$22.99 per month on an annual commitment, with first-year pricing for new subscribers. Adobe also offers a free standalone mobile app on iPhone and Android.
How to choose
- Your computer. Final Cut Pro and iMovie need Apple devices; Shotcut and DaVinci Resolve also run on Linux.
- Your format. Mostly Shorts filmed on a phone? A mobile editor can be enough. Long tutorials with screen recordings? A desktop editor saves time.
- Your budget. Free editors handle most YouTube needs. Pay when a feature saves you real time every week.
- Your export. Make sure you can export at a standard YouTube size, such as 1920 × 1080. See the video size guide.
FAQ
What is the best free video editor for YouTube?
DaVinci Resolve if you want a complete tool and are ready to learn; iMovie on a Mac if you want simplicity; Shotcut for a light editor on any system.
What editing software do YouTubers use?
All of the tools above are used by creators. The right one depends on your computer, your format and how much time you want to spend learning.