Find the best Mac video editing software for your needs. Edit videos on Mac with powerful tools like iMovie for Mac.
Nearly everyone who uses a Mac and is interested in video creation knows of iMovie. iMovie is a video editing software for Mac. It’s a tool with which one can easily form clips using photos and videos, with music, transitions, and, as a whole, basic effects. iMovie is free for Mac users, and it comes pre-installed. You don't need to purchase any additional software or subscription. So, usually, for many Apple users, it seems to be the de facto choice.
However, you can go further with some even more powerful tools. We will cover an entire world of video editing software for Mac, each with its strengths and features designed to help you tell your story in the best way possible.
Top iMovie alternatives for Mac
Choosing the best video editing software for Mac can be overwhelming, so let's see what best iMovie alternative tools are available out there for beginners and professionals.
1. Adobe Premiere Pro
The industry standard for professional video editing, Premiere Pro delivers unmatched power and flexibility.
- Apple ecosystem integration: Adobe Premiere Pro has strong integration with the Apple ecosystem, offering native support for Final Cut Pro X, HEVC, ProRes, RAW video, and Apple Watch. The software also supports AirPlay and AirDrop for easy file sharing and streaming, and is optimized for the Touch Bar on newer MacBooks. With iCloud support and cloud-based collaboration tools, Premiere Pro provides a seamless editing experience for Apple users.
- Security and privacy: Collects usage data for analytics and product improvement, doesn't sell/share data.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Advanced color grading: A full palette of advanced tools along with audio mixing and complex editing techniques. | Steep learning curve: The extensive feature set can be overwhelming for a first-timer or a casual user. |
| Extended plugins: The software supports popular formats and lets you integrate projects into professional workflows. | System requirements: Premiere Pro demands powerful hardware for smooth operation. |
| Collaboration features: Team projects allow many editors to access the same project simultaneously, which is relevant in major productions. | |
| Speedy Performance: A strong rendering engine for the optimization of rendering for faster, more efficient export, even when demands are high. |
2. DaVinci Resolve
This free and strong tool gives you professional-class features.
- Apple ecosystem integration: DaVinci Resolve has strong integration with the Apple ecosystem, offering native integration with Final Cut Pro X, HEVC, ProRes, RAW video support, AirPlay and AirDrop support, Touch Bar optimization, iCloud support, and cloud-based collaboration tools. The software is optimized for Apple's Metal API and supports wide color gamut displays, making it a popular choice among professional filmmakers and videographers who work on Apple devices.
- Security and privacy: It collects minimal usage data. Cloud-based features make use of third-party services.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pro features: It contains all professional tools, such as color grading, audio mixing, complex editing techniques, etc. | Limitations: All advanced tools are available only in the paid version. |
| Color Grading: The tool offers a vast range of options for manipulating and enhancing colors in your videos. | Issues with large projects: It can lead to lag and slowdowns, particularly for users with older or less powerful systems. |
| In-depth editing suite: Intuitive editing interface and features for both beginners and experienced editors. | |
| Cross-platform compatibility: DaVinci Resolve works on Mac, Windows, and even Linux. |
3. Movavi Video Editor
One of the easiest Mac and PC video editing software. It has an intuitive interface with a clean workflow, making it flawless for those unfamiliar.
- Apple ecosystem integration: Movavi's Apple ecosystem integration is good, with support for Mac devices, iOS apps, and some level of compatibility with Apple TV and AirPlay. While there are some limitations, such as no native integration with Final Cut Pro X and limited collaboration features, Movavi's software is still a viable option for Apple users who need multimedia editing and conversion tools.
- Security and privacy: Collects anonymized usage data, its free version may include ads and data collection.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Intuitive Drag-and-Drop interface: It makes assembling clips, adding transitions, and including music easy. | Limitations: The free version includes a watermark in output videos, and when saving a project as an audio file, only half the audio length is saved. |
| Cross-platform compatibility: This editor works comfortably on MacBook and other PCs, ensuring system compatibility. | |
| Affordable Pricing: With flexible subscription options and license type. | |
| Multiple formats: Save your videos in MP4, MOV, AVI, MP3, and GIF, and even optimize them for your device. |
4. CyberLink PowerDirector
This Mac video editing software balances between ease of use for beginners and advanced features for professionals.
- Apple ecosystem integration: CyberLink PowerDirector has some limited integration with the Apple ecosystem, including iCloud support and AirPlay streaming. However, it lacks native integration with FCPX and has limited collaboration features. The software also has limited support for the Touch Bar on newer MacBooks.
- Security and privacy: Collects usage data anonymized, does not share with anyone, and has password protection, and two-factor authentication.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Advanced features: It provides 360-degree video editing, motion tracking, and advanced color grading to the experienced user. | High system requirements: The tool can be resource-intensive, fully utilizing older computers and therefore decreasing their performance to some extent. |
| Effects and templates: An abundant library of effects, transitions, and customizable templates for professional-looking videos. | High cost: This subscription model can also be expensive compared to other video editing software options. |
| AI features: Tools powered by AI in object removal, motion tracking, and noise reduction help smooth the editing flow. |
5. Lightworks
Lightworks is a professional-grade Mac video editor with a robust feature set designed for filmmakers, editors, and content creators.
- Apple ecosystem integration: Lightworks has limited integration with the Apple ecosystem compared to other professional-level video editing software (for example, DaVinci Resolve). While it supports HEVC and XML import/export, it lacks native integration with Final Cut Pro X and has limited support for AirPlay, AirDrop, and Touch Bar. Additionally, it doesn't have cloud-based collaboration features or Metal acceleration.
- Security and privacy: Collects usage data, anonymized. Cloud collaboration requires the creation of an account.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Pro-level features: Lightworks comes with highly advanced color grading, multi-camera editing, and audio mixing tools. | Limited plug-in support: Fewer creative options compared to others. |
| Cloud-based collaboration: The tool allows collaborative teamwork easily across different devices and places. | Limited free version: Many key features are locked behind the paid plan. |
| Fast and efficient: Smooth performance, even on older Macs. |
6. VideoPad Video Editor
This software features a user-friendly approach to video editing for beginners, specifically on the Apple operating system.
- Apple ecosystem integration: VideoPad Video Editor has some integration with the Apple ecosystem, including native integration with iMovie and Final Cut Pro X, iCloud Drive integration, AirDrop and AirPlay support, and Metal acceleration. However, it lacks HEVC support and has limited collaboration features compared to other video editing software.
- Security and privacy: Collects usage information for analytics and improvement. Not selling/sharing what it collects.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Simple interface: The program features a simple interface that is significantly similar to iMovie, hence easy to understand, use, or master. | Occasional bugs and crashes: Some users report experiencing glitches and instability. |
| Extensive format compatibility: It supports many video and audio formats to accommodate different sources of content. | Limited export options: Fewer export choices compared to other editors. |
| Pocket-friendly licensing: The software offers an economical solution for casual editors. |
7. Animoto
With a focus on engaging slideshow videos, Animoto is ideal for social media and marketing.
- Apple ecosystem integration: Animoto has strong Apple ecosystem integration, including native integration with iCloud, iCloud Drive, AirPlay support, and optimized performance on Apple devices. Its mobile apps support Touch ID and Face ID biometric authentication, and its video rendering engine takes advantage of Apple's Metal API. However, it lacks native integration with iMovie and has limited collaboration features.
- Security and privacy: Tracking general user information for analytics and product improvement. When sharing status on social media, then bound by the policies of the target platform.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy and fast: The drag-and-drop interface makes creating a video fast in Animoto along with pre-developed templates. | Limited customization: Templates can be limiting for complex projects. |
| Device optimization: Videos display well across devices (computers, tablets, smartphones). | Paid features: Many advanced features require a paid subscription. |
| A wide variety of templates: Styles and purposes cater to personal stories and business presentations. | Can feel formulaic: Videos can appear similar due to the template-based approach. |
| Royalty-free music and images: Libraries of royalty-free media ensure you find suitable content. |
8. VideoProc Vlogger
This product focuses on making wonderful video content on YouTube and social media.
- Apple ecosystem integration: VideoProc Vlogger has strong Apple ecosystem integration, with native import/export support for iMovie and Final Cut Pro X, Metal acceleration, HEVC support, AirPlay support, and Touch Bar optimization. It also integrates with iCloud Drive and supports Apple Pencil input on compatible iPads. It lacks cloud-based collaboration features and has limited export options.
- Security and privacy: Protects user's Data, and anonymizes usage data gathering.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| YouTube optimization: Designed for YouTube, with ideal export settings and social sharing integration. | Limited features: The feature set is less extensive compared to professional-level software. |
| User-friendly interface: Intuitive and easy to learn, requiring minimal explanation. | |
| Versatile editing features: Offers basic editing tools like trimming, splitting, merging, effects, and transitions. | |
| Performance optimization: Hardware acceleration for faster processing and rendering. |
9. Shotcut
This free and open-source video editor has professional features with an increased focus on flexibility.
- Apple ecosystem integration: Shotcut has strong Apple ecosystem integration, with native import/export support for iMovie and Final Cut Pro X, Metal acceleration, HEVC support, AirPlay support, and Touch Bar optimization. It also integrates with iCloud Drive and supports Apple Pencil input on compatible iPads. It has limited export options and no cloud-based collaboration features.
- Security and privacy: Open-source code, open security, consider the security of plugin policies.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free and open-source: Accessible and budget-friendly for all users. | Limited audio editing: Basic audio editing, but lacks advanced features. |
| Cross-platform support: Works seamlessly on Mac, Windows, and Linux. | No built-in effects: Relies on external plugins for most effects. |
| Advanced editing features: Offers complete color grading, audio mixing, and advanced editing techniques. | |
| Customizable workflows: A flexible interface allows for personalized editing experiences. |
10. HitFilm
This is video editing combined with VFX software; it's thus an all-in-one solution for professional-grade production.
- Apple ecosystem integration: HitFilm has strong Apple ecosystem integration, with native import/export support for iMovie and Final Cut Pro X, Metal acceleration, HEVC support, AirPlay support, and Touch Bar optimization. It also integrates with iCloud Drive and supports Apple Pencil input on compatible iPads. Additionally, it offers advanced features like color grading and color spaces. It’s a powerful video editing software with strong Apple ecosystem integration but, as the last tools above, it lacks cloud-based collaboration features and limited export options.
- Security and privacy: Gathers simple user information to enhance analytics and the product itself; doesn't sell data.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Comprehensive VFX tools: HitFilm allows users to work with an array of professional VFX tools needed for complicated visual effects and animations. | Steep learning curve: It will take you some time and effort to maximize its potential. |
| Video editing features: The tool boasts a complete arsenal of video editing capabilities, both for new and advanced users. | Resource-intensive: It requires a compelling Mac to run smoothly. |
| Motion tracking and compositing: Effective motion tracking and compositing tools will enable you to merge visual effects into your movies. |
Wrapping up
MacOS may not have as many video editing apps as PCs, but there are a good number of actually useful ones. Hence, the best software on the market is at least always more than decently well-made, starting from the free one up to the one for the pro.
Not sure what to choose? Then you can try any of the powerful Mac video editing programs mentioned here to see which one fits into your workflow. You never know, it can become your new favorite.