Best iMovie alternatives: 12 video editors for beginners and pros (2026)

Every video editor has to go through this stage — working with iMovie. It's a good foundation for creating decent videos for social media, YouTube podcasts, or your own blog. However, as I progressed in my career, the challenges I faced became increasingly complex. At some point, I wondered, what can I use instead of iMovie to speed up my work and create more professional videos? 

I tested dozens of alternatives to iMovie and compiled a list of tools suitable for beginners and professionals to perform various tasks.

Compare the best iMovie alternatives for Mac

A YouTuber creating tutorials needs different tools than someone editing wedding videos or TikTok content. That's why in my article, I don't rate iMovie alternatives, but explain how they can be useful. This way, you can quickly determine which ones fit your workflow.

App	Best for	Key strength	Price
Filmage Editor	All-around beginner upgrade	Screen recording built-in	Included in Setapp
Riveo	Motion graphics	AI effects	Included in Setapp
Flixier	Cloud collaboration	Browser-based speed	Free or from $14/month
CapCut	Social media content	Trending templates	Free
Capto	Educational videos	Annotations & walkthroughs	Included in Setapp
CameraBag Pro	Color grading	Cinematic filters & LUTs	Included in Setapp
Adobe Premiere Pro	Professional workflows	Industry standard	$20.99/month
Adobe After Effects	Motion design	VFX & animations	$20.99/month
DaVinci Resolve	Color + editing combo	Best free option	Free or $295 one-time
OpenShot	Simple open-source	No watermarks	Free
Movavi	New editors who want fun, fast results	AI background removal, motion tracking, noise reduction, auto-subtitles	From $8.95/month
Lightworks	Advanced users who don't mind limits	Timeline editing, VFX.	Free or from $13.99/month

Now let's examine the use cases and features of each of these tools.

Filmage Editor: Best iMovie alternative for beginners

Filmage Editor is what I recommend to anyone just moving on from iMovie. It feels familiar (similar timeline interface, drag-and-drop simplicity) but offers more flexibility where iMovie falls short. You get screen recording built right in, multi-layer support, and effects that don't feel restrictive.

I use it when I need to quickly record my screen and edit the footage without switching apps. It's ideal for YouTubers, educators, or marketers who want clean-looking videos without diving into complex pro software.

Best features:

• Screen recording and video editor all in one app
• Timeline with multi-layer overlay support
• Library of animated text and stickers
• Extract audio from video files with one click
• Direct export to popular formats and platforms

Pros:

• Easy to navigate when switching from iMovie
• Easy and fast export
• No need to switch between programs for recording and editing
• Convenient interface

Cons:

• Lacks advanced color grading tools
• Not ideal for long-form documentary or cinematic projects

Price: Available on Setapp, a subscription platform with 250+ apps. You can try it free for 7 days.

Riveo: Best for adding motion graphics and AI-powered effects

When I was looking for apps similar to iMovie, it was important for me to find a tool with strong AI capabilities, but at the same time easy for beginners to understand. Riveo became that app for me. It's something between iMovie and After Effects. I use it when I want my videos to stand out visually — animated titles, smooth transitions, 3D effects without spending hours in Adobe's ecosystem.

It's ideal if you want your videos to look modern and dynamic but don't want to learn a whole separate motion graphics program.

Best features:

• Add text in motion, overlays, and 3D transition
• Adjust speed and smooth clip sync
• AI masking, green screen removal, and real-time preview
• Over 100 royalty-free music tracks
• Direct export in 4K

Pros:

• Great for making professional videos without After Effects
• Easy layer controls and keyframe adjustments
• Lightweight but powerful 
• AI tools speed up tedious tasks

Cons:

• Best used for enhancing existing edits, not building from scratch
• Some effects require experimentation to master

“Riveo may not replace my primary video editor or anything for heavy projects, but I don't necessarily know if it's meant to. What I do know is that it's fun to use and has less friction than, say, current-day iMovie for making quick little videos with pretty cool (and some silly, in the right way) special effects. My stepdaughter is new to video editing and I bet she'd love this as well -- it's like a middle step between CapCut and Final Cut”,  shares billyok, a Setapp user.

Price: Available on Setapp, a subscription platform with 250+ apps. You can try it free for 7 days.

Flixier: Best cloud-based iMovie alternative for speed and collaboration

I work with a team, and you can imagine how much work it was to send videos to others for editing. Not only did everyone need to have the same software installed, but the huge files took forever to download.

Then I discovered Flixier, and I can say that it's the best iMovie alternative for creators who value speed, AI tools, and ease of use over complex features.

Best features:

• Cloud-based editor — no installation required
• AI voiceovers, auto-subtitles, and auto-cut detection
• Templates for intros, social media posts, and branded content
• Fast rendering with direct publishing to YouTube or TikTok
• Real-time collaboration tools for teams

Pros:

• Works on any computer with a browser (even non-Macs)
• Built-in media library and stock footage integration
• Great for teams, marketers, and remote work scenarios
• Fast exports compared to desktop rendering

Cons:

• Requires constant internet connection
• Some advanced AI features are still evolving
• Subscription pricing can add up for heavy users

“I just found Flixier while searching for some free tool on the web for resizing video from landscape to portrait. Flixier is the only software that has the ability to stretch your video nearest to the full portrait dimensions without losing anything. What I meant is, when I'm trying to change my orientation from landscape to portrait, all the content in the video is intact, it's just there inside the frame unlike others when you change dimension you will lose the video because it will zoom and disappear.

That's why nothing compares to Flixier when it comes to changing the orientation of your video from landscape to portrait for uploading on Tiktok. That's why I'm very happy about Flixier and highly recommended for beginners like me”, says Killy Tecostan on Product Hunt.

Price: Free plan available; paid plans from $14/month.

CapCut for Mac: Best free iMovie alternative for social-first content

CapCut is what I reach for when I need to produce short-form videos fast. It comes loaded with trending effects, filters, and templates that make your content look current without manual work. Perfect for TikTok, YouTube Shorts, or Instagram Reels.

While it doesn't have the depth of professional editors, it's extremely efficient for social media workflows where speed matters more than pixel-perfect control.

Best features:

• Built-in templates and trending transitions
• Auto-captions with decent accuracy
• Music library, sound effects, and voiceover tools
• Easy vertical video export for mobile platforms
• Keyframe animation for basic motion graphics

Pros:

• Completely free to use
• Optimized for quick, trendy edits
• AI-powered features like auto-captions and background removal
• Regular updates with new effects

Cons:

• Limited control over advanced timeline features
• Watermark appears unless you're logged in
• Can feel overwhelming with too many trending effects

Price: Free

Capto: Best alternative to iMovie for educational videos and screen walkthroughs

Capto is more of a smart screen recording tool with a built-in editing timeline. I use it when I want to annotate, zoom, or walk someone through a workflow visually. It's not trying to be a full video editor — it's optimized for clarity and speed.

If you're creating training content, software tutorials, or app walkthroughs, this is an excellent iMovie alternative focused on instructional clarity rather than cinematic flair.

“For basic editing (joins, transitions and music and some fx), I'm using the CapCut for several years already, it's great and capable of handling the 20-minute home video projects”, shares Reddit community contributor.

Best features:

• Record screen and webcam simultaneously
• Add annotations, highlights, and voice comments to the timeline
• Built-in trimming and calling tools
• Easy export to YouTube, Vimeo, or cloud storage

Pros:

• Tailor-made for instructional and demo content
• Super simple UI without any clutter
• Fast recording and editing loop
• Great for remote teams doing product demos

Cons:

• Not designed for serious timeline-based narrative editing
• Limited transitions and visual effects

Price: Available on Setapp, a subscription platform with 250+ apps. You can try it free for 7 days.

Read more: 

• Best Mac video editing software
• How to record a video on Mac: A complete guide for any user
• Best AI video editing software for Mac
• 5 Final Cut Pro alternatives from Setapp worth trying

CameraBag Pro: Best for color correction and aesthetic filters

CameraBag Pro isn't a full video editor like iMovie — it's a powerful companion app when you want your content to look polished and professionally graded. I often use it after I've done my basic cuts to give my footage a visual style without diving into DaVinci Resolve.

Think of it as Instagram filters, but actually professional. You get cinematic presets, custom LUTs, and real-time adjustments that make your videos look like they were shot by someone with a much bigger budget.

Best features:

• Built-in cinematic filters and LUTs
• Parallel before/after preview
• Real-time adjustments with instant feedback
• Ability to save your own presets 

Pros:

• Super fast for grading and aesthetic tweaks
• Easy to apply and customize presets
• Intuitive UI 
• Great for creating a signature visual style

Cons:

• No timeline or clip arrangement features
• Best used alongside another editor, not as standalone
• Limited to color and style, no editing tools

Price: Available on Setapp, a subscription platform with 250+ apps. You can try it free for 7 days.

Adobe Premiere Pro: Best for full professional workflows

If you're looking for apps similar to iMovie to collaborate with teams, clients, or across multiple formats, Premiere Pro is one of the most powerful video editors available.

I use it for long-form edits, multi-cam projects, and anything that requires precision. 

Best features:

• Deep timeline control with customizable workspaces
• AI-powered text editing and automatic subtitles
• Massive plugin ecosystem and transition library
• Multi-camera editing and advanced audio sync

Pros:

• Great built-in color tools and audio mixing
• Regular updates with new AI features
• Works across Mac and Windows seamlessly

Cons:

• No one-time purchase option
• Can be heavy on system resources
• Can be overwhelming for begginers

Price: From $20.99/month.

Adobe After Effects: Essential tool for motion graphics and visual storytelling

Need to create animated titles, custom transitions, or VFX? I'd suggest After Effects for that. It's the best iMovie alternative for motion graphics. When I need to create something custom-built rather than template-based, it's the first tool I open. 

Best features:

• Keyframe-based composing and motion tracking
• Easy work with Premiere Pro and Photoshop
• Big plugin library for special effects
• 3D layer compositing and camera tools

Pros:

• Flexible for creating custom visual works
• Creates professional titles and intros for brands
• Tight integration with other Adobe Creative Cloud tools

Cons:

• Very steep learning curve
• Best used in combination with a timeline editor
• Heavy system requirements for complex projects

Price: $20.99/month 

DaVinci Resolve: Best free alternative for color grading and editing

DaVinci Resolve started as Hollywood's go-to color grading tool but has evolved into a complete editing suite. It's the best free iMovie alternative if you want to explore  advanced editing without paying upfront.

I use Resolve when I'm working on more cinematic or visually rich projects—anything that requires precise color control or high-end finishing. The free version is shockingly powerful.

Best features:

• Professional color correction tools
• Multi-track editing with effects and transitions
• Fusion tab for advanced visual effects
• Fairlight audio post-production toolset
• Team collaboration features

Pros:

• It’s free
• Great color grading tools
• Suitable for short films, documentaries, and commercials
• One-time purchase for Studio version instead of subscription

Cons:

• Difficult for beginners to master 
• Interface not as simple as iMovie
• Some advanced features are only available in the Studio version

Price: Free (Studio version available for $295 one-time)

OpenShot: Best simple open-source editor for everyday projects

OpenShot is a great choice if you're looking for something more advanced than iMovie but still simple and free. It works well for creators working on personal content, school projects, or basic YouTube videos.

The interface feels a bit dated, but it has a huge advantage over other free alternatives to iMovie — you get results without watermarks or restrictions. 

Best features:

• Multi-track timeline editing
• Basic transitions, effects, and title templates
• Keyframe animations for simple motion
• Compatible with most video formats and resolutions

Pros:

• 100% free and open source
• Very beginner-friendly interface
• No watermarks or feature limitations
• Active development community

Cons:

• Interface feels dated compared to modern tools
• Occasional performance hiccups with large files
• Limited advanced features compared to paid options

Price: Free

Movavi Video Editor: Easy editor with effects and transitions

Movavi is one of those apps that make you feel instantly comfortable. It's a great alternative to iMovie for Windows users. It gives you more creative firepower than iMovie but without the learning curve of programs like Resolve and Premiere Pro.

If you're a new video editor, you'll love the polished feel. The editor is great at creating fun content, and it also provides lots of effects you can apply quickly. Even better, the 2024 update now offers several AI features, including motion tracking, background removal, noise reduction, auto-subtitles, and upscaling. 

Best features:

• 160+ built-in filters, transitions, and effects
• Chroma key (green screen) support
• Picture-in-picture and split-screen layouts
• Stabilization tools for shaky footage
• Speed control (slow motion and time-lapse)
• Direct upload to YouTube and other platforms

Pros:

• Intuitive interface suitable for beginners
• Built-in screen recording capability
• Extensive library of effects and transitions
• Not resource-intensive

Cons:

• Some advanced features require add-on packs
• Not ideal for complex, multi-layered projects

Price: Free trial available, then from $8.95/month.

Lightworks: Freemium pro editor (with export limits)

Lightworks has been around for ages, and has even been used to edit several Hollywood movies (ever heard of The Wolf of Wall Street?). The editor was created in 1994, but its fame died down when software like Final Cut Pro came out.

Source: lwks.com

It reemerged in 2011 with a free version and a tiered membership program for users who needed a little bit more. Over the years, it has continually added features, and the freemium version gives you timeline editing, advanced transitions, and simple VFX. One downside of the free plan is that it exports to 720p, which may not be ideal.

Best features:

• Multi-track timeline with professional-grade trimming tools
• Multicam editing support
• Advanced audio mixing with VST plugin support
• Extensive format support for import and export

Pros:

• Powerful trimming and cutting precision
• Cross-platform (Mac, Windows, Linux)
• Active user community with tutorials
• Multicam capabilities rare in this price range

Cons:

• Interface is not beginner-friendly
• Requires time investment to become proficient

Price: Free or from $13.99/month

Final thoughts: How to choose your iMovie alternative

To answer the question “what can I use instead of iMovie,” think about what exactly you need from the tool. If it’s basically the same features but better, go for Filmage Editor and Capto. Looking for a tool to color grade but don’t want to get too deep into it? CameraBag Pro and Riveo will do it all for you. 

If your goal is to quickly generate a video for social media, CapCut can assist. Flixier is a good fit for those who require browser-based flexibility and team collaboration.

For professional work, consider Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or DaVinci Resolve. 

Tired of paying for subscriptions in search of the right tool? Try Setapp and get all the alternatives to iMovie you need for the price of a single subscription. In addition to Filmage Editor, Capto, Riveo, and CameraBag Pro, you'll get instant access to 250+ other tools for your creative workflow.