The Best Free Video Editors You Can Use in 2025

If you ever tried to cut a video and were intimidated by the number of buttons, gadgets, and expensive subscriptions, don't worry, I understand. The bright spot? There are some awesome, completely free, and capable video editing programs out there. Whether you're just beginning to produce content or already have projects under way, these programs are worth trying.

Here's a brief rundown of my favorite free video editing programs: it's easy to use and won't place a watermark on your final edit.

CapCut - Designed for TikTok, but Offers So Much More Features

CapCut initially started as the go-to edit app for TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts creators. But in earnest? It's so much more than a short video editing program now.

You can do it on your phone or computer, and it's packed with amazingly useful features like auto-captions, a background remover, and a choice of pre-made templates if you don't feel like starting from scratch with a pro video. There are so many tools you'll love about this program.

Even better? It's that easy to use. Just drag your clips, add some music or text, add your edits, and you're done. It's perfect for creating Instagram Reels, YouTube shorts, or whatever short social media stuff. It also doesn't put a watermark on your edited video when you upload it, which is a plus.

If you need more sophisticated features such as AI background erasure or beauty filters, you'll have to use the Pro version, but for most users, the basic version is plenty enough to start using video editing.

DaVinci Resolve - For Those Who Want Professional Tools Without Paying

DaVinci Resolve is the industry-level video editing software. without the hefty price tag. While it may not be the easiest app to pick up, it provides studio-level tools for free.

You have editing, color grading, audio mixing, visual effects, and animation contained in one app without the need for other apps. You may take some time getting used to it, but once you're done learning it, there's no way you'll go back to using anything else because you'll already be an editing master.

There is a free version, but there is also a paid Studio version with extra features such as noise filtering and 4K+ support. The good news? One-off payment, no pesky subscriptions.

Yes, the design app. but does it also make videos?

Well, to be honest, I used to think that Canva was just for those who create Instagram posts and pin quotes to Pinterest. You know, social media posters and social media graphics. But I recently used its video editor.

Yes, it's not as fantastic as Final Cut, Premiere, or any other professional video program. But it still keeps it simple enough for you to create videos in a pinch. Such as social media videos, YouTube openers, or even chopping up some footage to post online? Canva gets the job done.

What I like about it is how amazingly simple it is to use. You don't have to download any software; you can use it straight from your browser. Just open the browser and start editing. It's perfect for those who are scared of complex software.

Here's what you can do with the Canva video editor (even with the free account):

• Add transitions between scenes
• Add royalty-free music
• Use multiple stock video clips and images
• Easily annotate text and graphics
• Combine your designs (e.g., slides or Insta posts) into one video

The design is so fluid that it doesn't even feel like you're editing in a studio, really; it just works.

Now, if you were to turn pro (I'm not sponsored or anything, just saying), then you'd have features like:

• Background remover (which actually works quite well, too)
• Magic Resize, to resize a YouTube video to be a short Instagram video in two clicks
• Premium assets and templates
• Branding toolkit to save your fonts, colors, and logos

But even if you pay nothing, Canva's free features do most of the simple editing you'd require. Particularly if you're not a full-time editor and just need something to be decent-looking without spending hours learning an entirely new app.

The bottom line?  If you're working with design in Canva, the video editor is a no-brainer.  If not, it's still worth it, particularly for impromptu social content or when you just need to throw something up and go.

Clipchamp – Comes With Windows, and It’s Not Bad!

If you’ve got a Windows 11 device, you’ve probably seen Clipchamp pop up. It’s built right into the OS now and is one of the easiest editors to get started with.

It runs straight from your browser no downloads and lets you drag in clips, add text, record your screen or webcam, and toss in effects. You can even do picture-in-picture or multi-camera stuff if you want.

The free version gives you 1080p exports, and unless you’re looking for fancy stock footage or brand kits, you’re good to go. Great choice if you just want something simple and fast.

Kdenlive – Totally Free and Actually Kinda Powerful

Kdenlive is open-source, which means it’s made by a passionate group of developers and totally free. No ads, no watermark, no locked features.

It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux, and has a surprisingly deep set of tools multi-track editing, color grading, audio tweaks, effects, proxy editing, you name it.

That said, the interface isn’t exactly beginner-friendly. It might look a bit old-school or cluttered at first. But if you’re willing to spend some time learning it, Kdenlive gives you serious editing power with zero cost.

So, which one is right for you?

It depends on what you're trying to do.

If you're creating TikToks, Reels, or quick short videos, and you don't want to deal with layers, timelines, or anything complicated? CapCut is the way to go.

If you're on Windows and just want to combine something, Clipchamp is already built into your Windows machine. It's good. Not great, but it gets the job done.

If you already use Canva for other purposes, like photo editing, try it for video editing. It's good. I've used it to create quick promo videos.

Don't overthink it. Download one, open it, add a random video, and start experimenting. You'll quickly discover what works for you and what makes you want to ditch your laptop.

If there's a tool you use that I haven't mentioned, that's great. I'm not here to claim I've tried every video editor in the world. Tell me what works for you. We're all about producing good content.