We are often asked which free video editing software is best and have found there is no easy answer to that question.  Many factors beyond functionality flaws may make one software more applicable than another in individual situations.  So before downloading any free video editing software ask yourself, “What is my experience level?” and “Which editing features do I need?”

Since we wanted to give you the best information possible, we turned to Covideo Support Tech (and video editing wizard) Ryan Morris, for help.  Ryan routinely uses several video editors when creating our tip and tutorial videos. Below are his reviews of 7 free video editors, some widely used and others less known.  He also included links to additional reviews and downloads for each product.

Windows Live Movie Maker
Knowledge Level:  Beginner
OS – Windows

Pros:  Comes installed with most newer PCs, so no download required.  Very intuitive.  Drag and drop pictures, music and movie to put together one presentation.  Nice selection of easy-to-use transitions and effects.  There are a variety of add-ons with special effects and transition features, and upgrades can be found on the Microsoft website.  Excellent choice for beginner to intermediate users.

Cons:  Limited to basic editing features.  No timeline feature making precise editing a bit more difficult.

Secure C/NET reviews and download HERE.

Apple iMovie
Knowledge Level: Beginner
OS – MAC

Pros:   Intuitive interface.  Features include drag and drop, sound editor, video templates/themes for making a movie trailer, sports cast, etc., easy one-step effects, visual effects and a number of transitions. Great Help and Support.

Cons:  Minor timing issue when playing a video or audio effect.  Main compatibility is with MOV files.

Secure C/NET reviews and download HERE.

Virtual Dub
Knowledge Level: Intermediate
OS – Windows

Pros:   Great for easily converting, splitting and trimming videos.  You can add/remove/replace audio tracks separate from the video.

Cons:  Doesn’t support QuickTime and MPEG2.

Secure C/NET reviews and download HERE.

Wax
Knowledge Level: Advanced
OS – Windows

Pros:  High performance, flexible video editing for home and business.  Many options for editing including plugin presets, 3D capabilities, transitions, etc.  Offers unlimited video and audio tracks.  Use as a standalone application or as a plug-in to other video editors.

Cons:  First-time users would probably feel more comfortable with a program that has a more intuitive interface.  Uses moderate to high system resources.

Secure C/NET reviews and download HERE.

Zwei-Stein
Knowledge Level: Advanced
OS – Windows

Pros:  Full-featured video editor that can edit up to 256 video, audio and still image clips.  Use up to 64 effects that can be chained successively.  Additional features include: opacity generator, cropping, matrix effects, rotation and wipes (at any angle with adjustable gradient).

Cons:  Complicated and technical user interface.  Requires extensive referencing of provided tutorials.  Only for experienced video editing users.

Secure C/NET reviews and download HERE.

Avidemux
Knowledge Level: Intermediate-Advanced
OS – Windows & MAC

Pros:  Supports common codecs.  Users can crop, resize, use subtitles, filters and effects.

Cons:  Somewhat complicated and less intuitive than other products.  Limited documentation and references on how to use the software.

Secure C/NET reviews and download HERE.

Movica
Knowledge Level: Beginner
OS – Windows

Pros:  Easy way to join and split video files.  Intuitive visual interface.  Ideal for cropping, filtering and encoding.

Cons:  Lack of in-depth editing capabilities.

Secure Sourceforge reviews and download HERE.

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Jamie Bidwell is a team member at www.covideo.com. Covideo provides video email software that helps companies build relationships quickly and reinforce their brands more effectively with easy-to-make video emails that truly communicate. jamie@covideo.com.