Outgrowing iMovie? The top 10 alternatives for Mac, iPhone & Windows (2026)

When I first started editing videos, iMovie was the perfect entry point. It was free, pre-installed on my Mac, and easy to use. But as my projects grew more complex, their limitations became clear.

Today’s editing world is quite advanced, with 8K footage, real-time collaboration, and AI-powered tools becoming the norm. iMovie just hasn’t kept up.

Whether you're editing on a Mac, iPhone, or Windows PC, I’ll share my top 10 iMovie alternatives. Some I use for work, while others are favorites I recommend to friends who are just getting started.

If you're still not sure which one you should choose, I've put the major details side by side in the table below.

Software name	Supported platforms	Who it's best for	2026 highlights	Pricing model
DaVinci Resolve 20	macOS, Windows, Linux	Pro editors who want more control	AI editing tools, 4K multi-cam support, Fusion VFX, powerful free version	Free or $295 one-time
Adobe Premiere Pro	macOS, Windows	Creatives pros	Generative Extend (AI), dynamic audio waveforms, auto-caption translation	Subscription (from $22.99/month)
CapCut	iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Web	Mobile creators & social media editors	AI templates, text-to-video, quick social edits	Free with optional pro features (from $19.99 per month )
Final Cut Pro 11	macOS, iOS (limited)	Apple users who want more than iMovie	Magnetic Mask, stereoscopic video, Vision Pro support, auto captions	Free trial, $299 one-time
Wondershare Filmora 14	macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, iPadOS	Beginners & intermediate editors	AI Video Enhancer, AI Color Palette, drag-and-drop ease	Free trial, then ~$49.99/year or lifetime ($79.99)
PowerDirector	macOS, Windows, Android, iOS	Casual editors who want pro features too	AI lip-sync, music/video generator, motion tracking	Free plan, subscription from $59.99 a year, $139.99 perpetual
Shotcut	macOS, Windows, Linux	Minimalists & open-source fans	4K editing, HDR, freeze frame, proxy editing	Free and open source
Lightworks	macOS, Windows, Linux	Advanced users who don't mind limits	Timeline editing, VFX, limited free export (720p), flexible pro plans	Free, Pro plan starts at $27.99/month
Kdenlive	macOS, Windows, Linux	Free users who still want advanced tools	Custom UI, proxy editing, color correction, tons of pro-level features	Free and open source
Movavi	macOS, Windows	New editors who want fun, fast results	AI background removal, motion tracking, noise reduction, auto-subtitles	Free trial, then ~$54.95/year

Before adding another tool to your setup, I check the Productivity Tools GPT assistant. It's useful for finding tools that complement what you already use instead of creating more overlap.

Best iMovie alternatives for Mac, iPhone & Windows

I've tested a bunch of video editors over the years, and these are the best iMovie alternatives worth checking out, both for casual and serious users. 

DaVinci Resolve: Best for professional color grading & audio

My first impression of DaVinci Resolve was that it was super technical and geared towards Hollywood editors. But once I got past the learning curve, it totally changed how I edit videos.

This app is the number one iMovie alternative if you're looking for something more professional. The program is known for its unmatched color grading tool that can make your footage look cinematic, but it's also a full-blown editing powerhouse. 

One of the best things about Resolve is that its free version is quite powerful, and it gives you access to all the features you would find in some premium apps. It has 4K editing, multi-cam support, collaborative editing, and even Fusion for VFX.

Blackmagic, the program's designer, released DaVinci Resolve 20.0 in April 2026, and this version is packed with AI-based editing tools. You can unlock all the program's features for a one-time fee of $295, which is quite low compared to other video editors. 

It's available for macOS, Windows, and Linux.

Adobe Premiere Pro: Best for creative pros

Chances are that most YouTube and Netflix shows you've watched have passed through Adobe Premiere Pro. The reason for that is simple: the program does pretty much everything.

One thing that makes Premiere Pro hard to beat is that it flawlessly integrates with the Adobe ecosystem. Need motion graphics? Jump into Adobe After Effects. Want to tweak a thumbnail? Photoshop is built right in. No other editor plays this nicely with other editing apps.

In 2026, Premiere is even more powerful than ever. The latest version adds media intelligence that scans and indexes footage, automatic caption translation, and dynamic audio waveforms. 

My standout feature is the Generative Extend (powered by Adobe Firefly), which lets you extend video clips by generating additional frames using AI. Cool, right?

Now, I won't lie; there's a learning curve. You might also not like the subscription model, but the program is worth every penny ($22.99/month). You can use it on both macOS and Windows.

CapCut: Best mobile video editor for social creators

Remember when CapCut was just a TikTok editor? Today, it's a full-on editing platform powered by AI. It works on both mobile and desktop devices, and there’s even a browser version. The app is the quickest way to edit social media videos.

You won’t need advanced skills to use it, and you'll get access to lots of powerful features, like AI-enhanced effects, automated text-to-speech, multi-track editing, and one-click templates. There are AI automations that make it easy to edit videos, and one of my favorites is the ability to generate videos from text.

If you're creating content for Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Shorts, check out the program, as it'll make your work much easier. And it'll only cost you $9.99 per month.

Best of all? You can do the heavy lifting on your computer and finalize the video on your phone (iOS or Android) when you're ready to share.

Final Cut Pro: Advanced option for Apple users

After outgrowing iMovie, Final Cut Pro was my first iMovie alternative as it had Apple's clean, no-nonsense workflow. It's like iMovie's big brother that lets you unlock much more editing power without Adobe's subscription model. You'll pay a one-time fee of $299.99.

The software is packed with features like professional color correction & grading, multicam editing, and motion tracking. The newest Final Cut Pro 11.1 version has even more advanced features. My highlight is Magnetic Mask, which lets you isolate people and objects from the background and track their movement. There are also closed captions and support for stereoscopic video captured on Apple Vision Pro.

The layout still feels familiar to iMovie, so the learning curve isn't bad. But since it's from Apple, you can only use Final Cut on macOS and iOS (limited).

Wondershare Filmora: Top choice for beginners & intermediate editors

Need more power than iMovie offers, but don't have the time to learn a complicated pro tool? Check out Wondershare Filmora. It's the Goldilocks of video editors: not too basic, and not too overwhelming.

It makes editing videos easy by providing drag-and-drop functionality, ready templates, some cool transitions, and built-in effects. But if you want to do more, you also get advanced features like motion tracking, multi-camera editing, keyframing, and color tuning.

Filmora 14, the latest version, has also introduced AI Video Enhancer, AI Voice Enhancer, and AI Color Palette, among several other AI editing tools. It's a great option if you want to quickly edit social media videos or small business promos.

And yes, it works on both Mac and Windows, so it's a great alternative to iMovie for Windows users who still want that clean, guided editing vibe. Plans start at $49.99 per year. 

CyberLink PowerDirector: Great for Windows and casual creators

When I first used PowerDirector, I didn't expect much from it, as it looked quite basic. It quickly exceeded my expectations, and I realized that it's one of the most underrated video editor

Despite having a clean interface and being easy to figure out, you still get advanced features like motion tracking, green screen tools, and animated titles. 

Its 2024 and 2025 updates have also introduced several AI tools. Some of my favorites are an AI Voice Translator with lip sync, motion tracking, quick editing, smart background music matching, and a music/video generator. You can also convert images to videos and add talking avatars.

There's a Mac version, which was released in 2020, 19 years after the Windows version saw the light of day. It's $54.99 per year.

Shotcut: Open source choice for minimalists

If you're looking for a no-nonsense editor that's also free, you can check out Shotcut. I gave it a try when I wanted something super lightweight I could use for quick edits, and while the interface isn't flashy, it gets the job done.

This iMovie alternative is free and open-source, so you won't have to deal with hidden fees or watermarks. What you see is what you get.

It doesn't boast the most features, but you still get 4K editing, keyframing, and color grading capabilities. The 2026 upgrade also adds freeze frame, smoother timeline scrubbing, better proxy editing, and native HDR support.

You won't get any AI magic, but you can use it to do quick edits on macOS, Windows, and Linux.

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.

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.

To export in 4k and access most advanced features, you'll need to upgrade to the Create or Pro plan. You can use Lightworks on macOS, Windows, and Linux. It's $13.99 per user per month, or you can purchase the licence for $199.99.

Kdenlive: Feature-rich open-source option

When I heard people say that this free and open-source video editor could replace Premiere Pro, I had to try it. From my experience, that’s no exaggeration. Kdenlive is more powerful than some paid tools I’ve used.

What stands out is the amount of control you get. You can customize your layout, work with multiple tracks, do advanced color correction, and even create custom shortcuts.

Best of all, unlike most video editors with advanced features, you can use it with a mid-range computer. This is possible through a feature known as proxy, where the program creates lower-resolution versions of your videos to allow faster playback. When you render the project, it swaps them back to the full-quality files.

It doesn't have AI tools, but it lets you explore your creative freedom with free advanced features. It's also available on Windows, Linux, and macOS.

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. 

The program is available for both Windows and macOS, and there's a solid free version (paid plans start at $29.95).

Best picks based on your needs

There's no one-size-fits-all in video editors. It all comes down to your needs, preferences, and budget. The good news is there's an ideal software solution for you, whether you're filming TikToks or a short film. 

Here’s how I break it down:

• Go with Filmora or Capcut if you're a beginner and a social media creator. Filmora gives you a bit more editing freedom, while CapCut will work great if you post frequently and want more AI power. Movavi is another solid choice if you want fun effects and transitions for casual content.
• Opt for DaVinci Resolve if you're a professional who needs advanced features. Adobe Premiere Pro would be a smarter choice if you're part of a creative team. Alternatively, you can get Final Cut Pro if you want to maintain that streamlined macOS editing vibe.
• Look no further than Shortcut if you're looking for a free or open-source tool. It won't win any beauty contests, but it will get the job done with support for 4K editing and timeline keyframes. Kdenlive is also a good option if you need more power. 
• Choose PowerDirector if you're using Windows and want an easy interface with pro features. 
• Go with Lightworks if you need an advanced editor with a capable free version.

Tips for transitioning from iMovie

Switching from iMovie to a new editor can feel intimidating. You have to learn a different interface, master new features, and rebuild your workflow, which takes time. 

Here are a few tips that helped me with the transition:

• Export your projects: Most editors can't open iMovie project files. If you have any unfinished edits, finish up and save the iMovie project on your Mac. Another option is to export the iMovie video as an MP4. 
• Expect a learning curve: Most of the tools I've listed come with advanced features, so take some time to familiarize yourself. You can run a few small projects first to get up to speed, and there are plenty of online tutorials.
• Consider a second monitor or better mouse: Now that you're on your way to becoming a pro, consider adding a second screen and a mouse with customizable buttons. It's not a must, but these helped make my workflow smoother.
• Learn your new shortcuts: It's a new program, and your iMovie shortcuts won't carry over. Customize the shortcuts and master the key ones.
• Test the free versions: If a program has a free version or a free trial, give it a try. This will let you choose what works best for you without any pressure pr comittment.

The future landscape of video editing

The 2024 and 2026 updates of most video editors show a clear shift toward AI. It's helping make editing easier and more fun with functionalities like smart motion tracking, audio cleaning, and automatically extended scenes.

But apart from that, cross-device editing has become a main feature as people continue to move to the cloud, and collaboration becomes more popular. Most editors now allow you to edit a video and move to your phone for the final touches and social media sharing.

With automation handling the boring tasks like subtitles and background music, it’s time to focus on being creative. If you’ve been using iMovie, now is a great time to explore more powerful and up-to-date options.

Why look beyond iMovie?

iMovie is great if you're just starting out or working on personal projects. But for me, it couldn't keep up with the kind of videos I wanted to create.

Here are some of the reasons why you might want to look at iMovie alternatives:

• Only works on macOS and iOS: If you want to share the project with someone using Windows, you're out of luck.
• No pro tools: It doesn't come with advanced features like motion tracking and multi-cam editing.
• No support for high-end formats: The app supports 4K, but nothing beyond that.
• Lacks team features: You can't collaborate on the cloud or even sync content across devices. 

If you've also outgrown iMovie, I'll take you through some of the best iMovie alternative editors you can use.

Using iMovie, but the program is running slowly? Here's how to speed up iMovie and how to use iMovie on a Mac. 

Final thoughts on the best iMovie alternatives

There you have it! These are the best alternatives to iMovie in 2026, but the choice entirely depends on how you like to work. Are you looking for quick social media edits or aiming for Hollywood-level production? There's something perfect for you.

To complement your workflow, you can use apps like Filmage Editor (for advanced editing but with an intuitive interface), Hustl (for creating slick time-lapse recordings), and Movie Explorer Pro (for organizing all your video files). 

The best part is that all of these tools are available on Setapp, a subscription-based platform that gives you access to 260+ Mac and iOS tools. There's a 7-day free trial, so you can check it out without any commitment.

FAQ

What is the best free iMovie alternative in 2026?

The best free iMovie alternative is DaVinci Resolve. It’s a powerful app that gives you access to advanced features like 4K editing, color grading, and VFX. If you prefer open-source options, Kdenlive and Shotcut are also solid picks.

Which iMovie alternative is best for professionals?

The two best iMovie alternatives for professionals are Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve (Studio). Premier Pro is the industry standard, and it integrates well with other Adobe apps. DaVinci Resolve is known for its top-tier colour grading and audio tools. It's also much cheaper, and there's a great free version. Final Cut Pro is another solid option if you don't mind the macOS lock-in.

Can I use these editors on Windows?

DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, Filmora, CapCut, Kdenlive, and Movavi all work on Windows. The only tool that's limited to macOS is Final Cut Pro.

Which app is best for social media video editing?

The best app for social media video editing is Capcut. It comes with lots of templates and offers many AI features that make editing easy and enjoyable. Filmora is also great if you want more control over your video editing.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed, these will make the learning process more enjoyable.