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Updated 2024 Approved Discover the Best Video Editing Apps for Kids Free, Paid, and Everything in Between
Discover the Best Video Editing Apps for Kids: Free, Paid, and Everything in Between
10+ Best Video Editing Apps for Kids
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Every child is an artist, but parents often don’t support the creativity their children show. A simple thing like a video editing app can inspire your children to make short movies after shooting great footage with cameras .
The videos your children record with their tablets or Smartphones can reveal how talented they are, but if you want them to develop their talents you should ensure that they have a video editing app that enables them to polish videos effortlessly. Read on, if you would like to learn more about some best video editing apps for kids and decide which video editing app is the right choice for your children.
10+ Best Video Editing Apps for Kids – Including the Free Apps
The first thing that comes to mind when editing videos is mentioned is expensive professional video editing software products like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro. However, most parents don’t know that there are scores of free or inexpensive video editors their children can use to manipulate the footage they recorded, before uploading it to YouTube or sharing it on some other social media network. Let’s take a look at the 10+ best video editing apps for kids.
1. Wondershare Filmora : Best Easy-to-use Video Editor for Kids to make YouTube videos
Price: Freemium, pricing plans start at $49.99/year
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>
download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )
Starting a new project in Filmora, cutting video clips or creating soundtracks for your videos requires a minimum amount of previous video editing experience. If your children are posting their videos to YouTube, then Wondershare Filmora video editor is one of the best options on the market, since this video editor for Mac and PC computers enables them to export videos directly to their channels.
Stabilizing shaky videos captured with GoPro cameras or Smartphones takes just a few clicks, which enables your kids to even use the footage they would otherwise be unwatchable. Filmora supports nearly all video file formats, and your children can import their footage into the Filmora video editor regardless of the device they used to record it. In addition, your kids will be able to export videos that are optimized to be played on a variety of video playback devices if they start editing their videos with Filmora.
Pros
- Simple project setup
- The music library offers a rich selection of royalty-free music
- Powerful image stabilization features
- Equipped with a versatile set of color correction tools
Cons
- Requires at least basic video editing skills
- All videos exported from the free version of Filmora are watermarked
3. The Photos App on Windows 10 : Best free video editor for kids on Windows 10
Price: Free
There is no need to spend money on monthly subscriptions or purchasing licenses to use video editing software, if your kids just want to just perform basic video editing tasks before sharing a video online. The Photos App doesn’t offer the tools that are necessary to edit a full feature film, but your children can utilize this Windows 10-native app to perform basic video editing actions.
Removing unwanted parts of a video, adding a text overlay or applying filters and effects are just a few among numerous options this video editor provides. In addition, the Photos App also enables your children to create slow-motion videos or to choose from a huge selection of 3D effects.
Pros
- Available for free to all PC owners who have Windows 10 installed on their computers
- Excellent as a learning tool for inexperienced video editors
- Organizing photos and videos with the Photos App is easy
- Simplifies the video editing process
Cons
- Offers little room for development for children who want to continue developing their video editing skills
- Supports only a limited number of video file formats
4. iMovie : Best free video editor for kids on Mac, iPhone & iPad
Price: Free
Each video your kids record with their iPhones and iPads can be edited with an iOS version of iMovie for free. Moreover, your children can utilize iMovie to edit videos from their Mac computers and upload them directly to their YouTube or Vimeo channels.
Besides the set of basic video editing tools, iMovie also features a rich selection of preset themes that simplify the video editing process, and enable your kids to create a new video in just a few clicks. Adjusting a video’s aspect ratio is yet another option iMovie provides that will enable your children to adjust their video editing projects to the demands of the social media platform to which they want to upload them.
Pros
- An elegantly designed interface that is easy to get used to
- Provides 4K video editing capabilities
- A rich selection of audio and video effects
- Fully customizable trailer presets
Cons
- Exporting 4K videos requires you to have at least 4GB of RAM
- A limited number of supported output video file formats
5. PowToon : Best Animation Software for Creating Presentation videos for kids
Price: Free, subscription plans start at $19, 00 per month
This web-based video editing platform is primarily aimed at businesses that want to edit their videos online and share them on popular social media platforms. Even so, using PowToon is so easy that even kids that have no video editing experience whatsoever can use this platform to make videos.
Furthermore, the platform’s selection of templates includes the EDU category that contains templates designed specifically for students, faculty members and teachers or and administrative staff. The maximum length of a video your children can export from PowToon depends on the subscription model. So, if your kids need to create videos that last for more than 3 minutes for their school assignments, you must choose a pricing plan that caters to their video editing needs.
Pros
- Features hundreds of video templates
- Powerful social media integration options
- The music library contains royalty-free music
- Great for high-school and university students
Cons
- Offers a very limited scope of video and audio editing tools
- The maximum duration of a video cannot exceed 30 minutes regardless of the subscription model you have
6. Stop Motion Studio
Price: $1, 99 for Windows , free for iOS and Android , $9,99 for macOS
Stop motion animations are famous for their unique visual style, however, creating a stop motion animation is a difficult task even for an experienced professional. The Stop Motion Studio makes creating this type of animation somewhat easier by enabling you to preview the images you’re taking with your Sony, Canon or Nikon DSLR cameras directly from the software.
Even a brief look at the list of this cross-platform app will leave you wondering if there is anything you cannot do. However, Stop Motion Studio is not aimed at children or users that don’t have a considerable amount of experience with this animation technique. Aspiring animation professionals can utilize the Stop Motion Studio to create animations for children.
Pros
- Compatible with a broad range of devices
- Provides powerful stop-animation tools
- Grants users full control over camera settings
- Exports videos in 4K
Cons
- Stop motion tools these app offers are too advanced for children
- The output files can be too large to share on social media
7. The Lego - Movie 2 - Movie Maker App
Price: Free foriOS and Android devices
All children like playing with Lego toys, but if your kids are fans of the Lego Movie and its sequel, then this movie maker app can be a great choice for your kids. The app is designed for children younger than 8 years old, and it enables them to build their own movie scenes, record them and then edit them before showing them to their friends or families.
Kids cannot install this app on their Smartphones without permission from their parents. So, if you want your child to create their own virtual Lego world you will have to provide the information that includes the country you live in, your date of birth and your email address.
Pros
- Free and easy to use
- Nurtures a child’s creativity
- Easily recreates scenes from the Lego Movie 2
- No in-app purchases
Cons
- Limited audio editing options
- Offers only a basic set of video editing tools
8. Filmora : Solution for making videos on iPhone and Android
Price: Free but offers in-app purchases on both iOS and Android devices
Anyone can create a video with Filmora, even if they never created a video before. The app lets you import pictures or videos from your phone or social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Each theme Filmora offers is fully customizable which enables kids to apply filters or add transitions between two shots.
In addition, this video editing app allows all of its users to slow down or speed up their footage, animate text or add pre-animated elements to the footage they are editing. Filmora’s file-sharing capabilities are impressive as the video editing app enables children to share all of their creations on WhatsApp, YouTube or Facebook.
Pros
- Offers a broad spectrum of templates
- The short and simple video editing process
- Decent video editing tools
- Excellent video sharing capabilities
Cons
- Offers in-app purchases
- Equipped with only basic color correction tools
10. Kapwing Online
Price: Free
This is a content creation platform that is can be used for free by anyone who has access to an Internet connection. Making memes, GIFs or editing photos and videos with Kapwing Studio is a straightforward process, which makes this online app a perfect choice for kids who want to create new videos quickly.
The maximum size of the video file you can upload to Kapwing is limited to 500 MB, which can make editing videos captured in high-resolution complicated. However, adding audio, text overlays or subtitles to the videos you’re editing with Kapwing still enables kids to make captivating videos they can share on their social media accounts.
Pros
- Free and available to all Internet users
- Quick upload times
- Provides audio editing options
- Equipped with photo editing tools
Cons
- The maximum size of videos you can edit with Kawing is limited
- Offers only basic video editing options
11. OpenShot : Free & Easy Open Source Video Editor for Kids on Chromebook
Price: Free
OpenShot is a free open-source cross-platform video editor that is equipped with advanced video editing features. Besides enabling its users to trim or cut their footage, OpenShot also provides all the tools your children are going to need to create 3D animations, opening titles and end credits or slow-motion videos.
The video editor’s intuitive interface makes it suitable for children who are just learning the basics of the video editing craft and if you are searching for an app your kid can use to create their first videos, OpenShot can be an inexpensive and yet powerful solution. Furthermore, this cross-platform contains a huge library of visual effects that can make any video look cooler.
Pros
- Free and compatible with Linux, Windows or macOS
- Excellent animation features
- Powerful Title Editor
- Offers an unlimited number of audio and video tracks
Cons
- The video editing tools OpenShot provides exceed the demands of most children
- A limited selection of video output file formats
12. VideoScribe : Best 2D whiteboard Animation Software for Kids
Price: Free, pricing plans start at $28,00
This web-based platform enables anyone to create whiteboard animations that can be used in both professional and academic contexts. In fact, anyone can create a compelling white animation with VideoScribe in just three simple steps.
After selecting the images from the platform’s library or uploading your own material and adding text, voiceovers, and music, VideoScribe will generate a whiteboard animation for you. This online platform offers an easy way to introduce your children to the world of animation and enables them to create animations from the images they create. Each whiteboard animation your child makes with VideoScribe can be shared to YouTube or Vimeo, but you should keep in mind that all animations created with the free version of this app are going to be watermarked.
Pros
- The image library contains more than 6000 royalty-free images
- VideoScribe lets its users record voiceovers
- Equipped with a broad range of hand, pens and other pre-animated elements
- Excellent file-sharing capabilities
Cons
- VideoScribe doesn’t offer any video editing tools
- Removing watermark requires you to update to the pro version of the app
Conclusion
Encouraging your children to express their creativity can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. A video editing software like Filmora is one of your best choices if your child wants to create YouTube videos, while iOS and Android-based apps like Filmora or The Lego Movie 2 Movie Maker are well-suited for all children who would like to create videos from their Smartphones. Which of the best video editing apps for kids are you going to get for your child? Leave a comment and let us know.
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Every child is an artist, but parents often don’t support the creativity their children show. A simple thing like a video editing app can inspire your children to make short movies after shooting great footage with cameras .
The videos your children record with their tablets or Smartphones can reveal how talented they are, but if you want them to develop their talents you should ensure that they have a video editing app that enables them to polish videos effortlessly. Read on, if you would like to learn more about some best video editing apps for kids and decide which video editing app is the right choice for your children.
10+ Best Video Editing Apps for Kids – Including the Free Apps
The first thing that comes to mind when editing videos is mentioned is expensive professional video editing software products like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro. However, most parents don’t know that there are scores of free or inexpensive video editors their children can use to manipulate the footage they recorded, before uploading it to YouTube or sharing it on some other social media network. Let’s take a look at the 10+ best video editing apps for kids.
1. Wondershare Filmora : Best Easy-to-use Video Editor for Kids to make YouTube videos
Price: Freemium, pricing plans start at $49.99/year
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>
download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )
Starting a new project in Filmora, cutting video clips or creating soundtracks for your videos requires a minimum amount of previous video editing experience. If your children are posting their videos to YouTube, then Wondershare Filmora video editor is one of the best options on the market, since this video editor for Mac and PC computers enables them to export videos directly to their channels.
Stabilizing shaky videos captured with GoPro cameras or Smartphones takes just a few clicks, which enables your kids to even use the footage they would otherwise be unwatchable. Filmora supports nearly all video file formats, and your children can import their footage into the Filmora video editor regardless of the device they used to record it. In addition, your kids will be able to export videos that are optimized to be played on a variety of video playback devices if they start editing their videos with Filmora.
Pros
- Simple project setup
- The music library offers a rich selection of royalty-free music
- Powerful image stabilization features
- Equipped with a versatile set of color correction tools
Cons
- Requires at least basic video editing skills
- All videos exported from the free version of Filmora are watermarked
3. The Photos App on Windows 10 : Best free video editor for kids on Windows 10
Price: Free
There is no need to spend money on monthly subscriptions or purchasing licenses to use video editing software, if your kids just want to just perform basic video editing tasks before sharing a video online. The Photos App doesn’t offer the tools that are necessary to edit a full feature film, but your children can utilize this Windows 10-native app to perform basic video editing actions.
Removing unwanted parts of a video, adding a text overlay or applying filters and effects are just a few among numerous options this video editor provides. In addition, the Photos App also enables your children to create slow-motion videos or to choose from a huge selection of 3D effects.
Pros
- Available for free to all PC owners who have Windows 10 installed on their computers
- Excellent as a learning tool for inexperienced video editors
- Organizing photos and videos with the Photos App is easy
- Simplifies the video editing process
Cons
- Offers little room for development for children who want to continue developing their video editing skills
- Supports only a limited number of video file formats
4. iMovie : Best free video editor for kids on Mac, iPhone & iPad
Price: Free
Each video your kids record with their iPhones and iPads can be edited with an iOS version of iMovie for free. Moreover, your children can utilize iMovie to edit videos from their Mac computers and upload them directly to their YouTube or Vimeo channels.
Besides the set of basic video editing tools, iMovie also features a rich selection of preset themes that simplify the video editing process, and enable your kids to create a new video in just a few clicks. Adjusting a video’s aspect ratio is yet another option iMovie provides that will enable your children to adjust their video editing projects to the demands of the social media platform to which they want to upload them.
Pros
- An elegantly designed interface that is easy to get used to
- Provides 4K video editing capabilities
- A rich selection of audio and video effects
- Fully customizable trailer presets
Cons
- Exporting 4K videos requires you to have at least 4GB of RAM
- A limited number of supported output video file formats
5. PowToon : Best Animation Software for Creating Presentation videos for kids
Price: Free, subscription plans start at $19, 00 per month
This web-based video editing platform is primarily aimed at businesses that want to edit their videos online and share them on popular social media platforms. Even so, using PowToon is so easy that even kids that have no video editing experience whatsoever can use this platform to make videos.
Furthermore, the platform’s selection of templates includes the EDU category that contains templates designed specifically for students, faculty members and teachers or and administrative staff. The maximum length of a video your children can export from PowToon depends on the subscription model. So, if your kids need to create videos that last for more than 3 minutes for their school assignments, you must choose a pricing plan that caters to their video editing needs.
Pros
- Features hundreds of video templates
- Powerful social media integration options
- The music library contains royalty-free music
- Great for high-school and university students
Cons
- Offers a very limited scope of video and audio editing tools
- The maximum duration of a video cannot exceed 30 minutes regardless of the subscription model you have
6. Stop Motion Studio
Price: $1, 99 for Windows , free for iOS and Android , $9,99 for macOS
Stop motion animations are famous for their unique visual style, however, creating a stop motion animation is a difficult task even for an experienced professional. The Stop Motion Studio makes creating this type of animation somewhat easier by enabling you to preview the images you’re taking with your Sony, Canon or Nikon DSLR cameras directly from the software.
Even a brief look at the list of this cross-platform app will leave you wondering if there is anything you cannot do. However, Stop Motion Studio is not aimed at children or users that don’t have a considerable amount of experience with this animation technique. Aspiring animation professionals can utilize the Stop Motion Studio to create animations for children.
Pros
- Compatible with a broad range of devices
- Provides powerful stop-animation tools
- Grants users full control over camera settings
- Exports videos in 4K
Cons
- Stop motion tools these app offers are too advanced for children
- The output files can be too large to share on social media
7. The Lego - Movie 2 - Movie Maker App
Price: Free foriOS and Android devices
All children like playing with Lego toys, but if your kids are fans of the Lego Movie and its sequel, then this movie maker app can be a great choice for your kids. The app is designed for children younger than 8 years old, and it enables them to build their own movie scenes, record them and then edit them before showing them to their friends or families.
Kids cannot install this app on their Smartphones without permission from their parents. So, if you want your child to create their own virtual Lego world you will have to provide the information that includes the country you live in, your date of birth and your email address.
Pros
- Free and easy to use
- Nurtures a child’s creativity
- Easily recreates scenes from the Lego Movie 2
- No in-app purchases
Cons
- Limited audio editing options
- Offers only a basic set of video editing tools
8. Filmora : Solution for making videos on iPhone and Android
Price: Free but offers in-app purchases on both iOS and Android devices
Anyone can create a video with Filmora, even if they never created a video before. The app lets you import pictures or videos from your phone or social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Each theme Filmora offers is fully customizable which enables kids to apply filters or add transitions between two shots.
In addition, this video editing app allows all of its users to slow down or speed up their footage, animate text or add pre-animated elements to the footage they are editing. Filmora’s file-sharing capabilities are impressive as the video editing app enables children to share all of their creations on WhatsApp, YouTube or Facebook.
Pros
- Offers a broad spectrum of templates
- The short and simple video editing process
- Decent video editing tools
- Excellent video sharing capabilities
Cons
- Offers in-app purchases
- Equipped with only basic color correction tools
10. Kapwing Online
Price: Free
This is a content creation platform that is can be used for free by anyone who has access to an Internet connection. Making memes, GIFs or editing photos and videos with Kapwing Studio is a straightforward process, which makes this online app a perfect choice for kids who want to create new videos quickly.
The maximum size of the video file you can upload to Kapwing is limited to 500 MB, which can make editing videos captured in high-resolution complicated. However, adding audio, text overlays or subtitles to the videos you’re editing with Kapwing still enables kids to make captivating videos they can share on their social media accounts.
Pros
- Free and available to all Internet users
- Quick upload times
- Provides audio editing options
- Equipped with photo editing tools
Cons
- The maximum size of videos you can edit with Kawing is limited
- Offers only basic video editing options
11. OpenShot : Free & Easy Open Source Video Editor for Kids on Chromebook
Price: Free
OpenShot is a free open-source cross-platform video editor that is equipped with advanced video editing features. Besides enabling its users to trim or cut their footage, OpenShot also provides all the tools your children are going to need to create 3D animations, opening titles and end credits or slow-motion videos.
The video editor’s intuitive interface makes it suitable for children who are just learning the basics of the video editing craft and if you are searching for an app your kid can use to create their first videos, OpenShot can be an inexpensive and yet powerful solution. Furthermore, this cross-platform contains a huge library of visual effects that can make any video look cooler.
Pros
- Free and compatible with Linux, Windows or macOS
- Excellent animation features
- Powerful Title Editor
- Offers an unlimited number of audio and video tracks
Cons
- The video editing tools OpenShot provides exceed the demands of most children
- A limited selection of video output file formats
12. VideoScribe : Best 2D whiteboard Animation Software for Kids
Price: Free, pricing plans start at $28,00
This web-based platform enables anyone to create whiteboard animations that can be used in both professional and academic contexts. In fact, anyone can create a compelling white animation with VideoScribe in just three simple steps.
After selecting the images from the platform’s library or uploading your own material and adding text, voiceovers, and music, VideoScribe will generate a whiteboard animation for you. This online platform offers an easy way to introduce your children to the world of animation and enables them to create animations from the images they create. Each whiteboard animation your child makes with VideoScribe can be shared to YouTube or Vimeo, but you should keep in mind that all animations created with the free version of this app are going to be watermarked.
Pros
- The image library contains more than 6000 royalty-free images
- VideoScribe lets its users record voiceovers
- Equipped with a broad range of hand, pens and other pre-animated elements
- Excellent file-sharing capabilities
Cons
- VideoScribe doesn’t offer any video editing tools
- Removing watermark requires you to update to the pro version of the app
Conclusion
Encouraging your children to express their creativity can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. A video editing software like Filmora is one of your best choices if your child wants to create YouTube videos, while iOS and Android-based apps like Filmora or The Lego Movie 2 Movie Maker are well-suited for all children who would like to create videos from their Smartphones. Which of the best video editing apps for kids are you going to get for your child? Leave a comment and let us know.
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Every child is an artist, but parents often don’t support the creativity their children show. A simple thing like a video editing app can inspire your children to make short movies after shooting great footage with cameras .
The videos your children record with their tablets or Smartphones can reveal how talented they are, but if you want them to develop their talents you should ensure that they have a video editing app that enables them to polish videos effortlessly. Read on, if you would like to learn more about some best video editing apps for kids and decide which video editing app is the right choice for your children.
10+ Best Video Editing Apps for Kids – Including the Free Apps
The first thing that comes to mind when editing videos is mentioned is expensive professional video editing software products like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro. However, most parents don’t know that there are scores of free or inexpensive video editors their children can use to manipulate the footage they recorded, before uploading it to YouTube or sharing it on some other social media network. Let’s take a look at the 10+ best video editing apps for kids.
1. Wondershare Filmora : Best Easy-to-use Video Editor for Kids to make YouTube videos
Price: Freemium, pricing plans start at $49.99/year
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>
download filmora app for ios ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t ) download filmora app for android ](https://app.adjust.com/b0k9hf2%5F4bsu85t )
Starting a new project in Filmora, cutting video clips or creating soundtracks for your videos requires a minimum amount of previous video editing experience. If your children are posting their videos to YouTube, then Wondershare Filmora video editor is one of the best options on the market, since this video editor for Mac and PC computers enables them to export videos directly to their channels.
Stabilizing shaky videos captured with GoPro cameras or Smartphones takes just a few clicks, which enables your kids to even use the footage they would otherwise be unwatchable. Filmora supports nearly all video file formats, and your children can import their footage into the Filmora video editor regardless of the device they used to record it. In addition, your kids will be able to export videos that are optimized to be played on a variety of video playback devices if they start editing their videos with Filmora.
Pros
- Simple project setup
- The music library offers a rich selection of royalty-free music
- Powerful image stabilization features
- Equipped with a versatile set of color correction tools
Cons
- Requires at least basic video editing skills
- All videos exported from the free version of Filmora are watermarked
3. The Photos App on Windows 10 : Best free video editor for kids on Windows 10
Price: Free
There is no need to spend money on monthly subscriptions or purchasing licenses to use video editing software, if your kids just want to just perform basic video editing tasks before sharing a video online. The Photos App doesn’t offer the tools that are necessary to edit a full feature film, but your children can utilize this Windows 10-native app to perform basic video editing actions.
Removing unwanted parts of a video, adding a text overlay or applying filters and effects are just a few among numerous options this video editor provides. In addition, the Photos App also enables your children to create slow-motion videos or to choose from a huge selection of 3D effects.
Pros
- Available for free to all PC owners who have Windows 10 installed on their computers
- Excellent as a learning tool for inexperienced video editors
- Organizing photos and videos with the Photos App is easy
- Simplifies the video editing process
Cons
- Offers little room for development for children who want to continue developing their video editing skills
- Supports only a limited number of video file formats
4. iMovie : Best free video editor for kids on Mac, iPhone & iPad
Price: Free
Each video your kids record with their iPhones and iPads can be edited with an iOS version of iMovie for free. Moreover, your children can utilize iMovie to edit videos from their Mac computers and upload them directly to their YouTube or Vimeo channels.
Besides the set of basic video editing tools, iMovie also features a rich selection of preset themes that simplify the video editing process, and enable your kids to create a new video in just a few clicks. Adjusting a video’s aspect ratio is yet another option iMovie provides that will enable your children to adjust their video editing projects to the demands of the social media platform to which they want to upload them.
Pros
- An elegantly designed interface that is easy to get used to
- Provides 4K video editing capabilities
- A rich selection of audio and video effects
- Fully customizable trailer presets
Cons
- Exporting 4K videos requires you to have at least 4GB of RAM
- A limited number of supported output video file formats
5. PowToon : Best Animation Software for Creating Presentation videos for kids
Price: Free, subscription plans start at $19, 00 per month
This web-based video editing platform is primarily aimed at businesses that want to edit their videos online and share them on popular social media platforms. Even so, using PowToon is so easy that even kids that have no video editing experience whatsoever can use this platform to make videos.
Furthermore, the platform’s selection of templates includes the EDU category that contains templates designed specifically for students, faculty members and teachers or and administrative staff. The maximum length of a video your children can export from PowToon depends on the subscription model. So, if your kids need to create videos that last for more than 3 minutes for their school assignments, you must choose a pricing plan that caters to their video editing needs.
Pros
- Features hundreds of video templates
- Powerful social media integration options
- The music library contains royalty-free music
- Great for high-school and university students
Cons
- Offers a very limited scope of video and audio editing tools
- The maximum duration of a video cannot exceed 30 minutes regardless of the subscription model you have
6. Stop Motion Studio
Price: $1, 99 for Windows , free for iOS and Android , $9,99 for macOS
Stop motion animations are famous for their unique visual style, however, creating a stop motion animation is a difficult task even for an experienced professional. The Stop Motion Studio makes creating this type of animation somewhat easier by enabling you to preview the images you’re taking with your Sony, Canon or Nikon DSLR cameras directly from the software.
Even a brief look at the list of this cross-platform app will leave you wondering if there is anything you cannot do. However, Stop Motion Studio is not aimed at children or users that don’t have a considerable amount of experience with this animation technique. Aspiring animation professionals can utilize the Stop Motion Studio to create animations for children.
Pros
- Compatible with a broad range of devices
- Provides powerful stop-animation tools
- Grants users full control over camera settings
- Exports videos in 4K
Cons
- Stop motion tools these app offers are too advanced for children
- The output files can be too large to share on social media
7. The Lego - Movie 2 - Movie Maker App
Price: Free foriOS and Android devices
All children like playing with Lego toys, but if your kids are fans of the Lego Movie and its sequel, then this movie maker app can be a great choice for your kids. The app is designed for children younger than 8 years old, and it enables them to build their own movie scenes, record them and then edit them before showing them to their friends or families.
Kids cannot install this app on their Smartphones without permission from their parents. So, if you want your child to create their own virtual Lego world you will have to provide the information that includes the country you live in, your date of birth and your email address.
Pros
- Free and easy to use
- Nurtures a child’s creativity
- Easily recreates scenes from the Lego Movie 2
- No in-app purchases
Cons
- Limited audio editing options
- Offers only a basic set of video editing tools
8. Filmora : Solution for making videos on iPhone and Android
Price: Free but offers in-app purchases on both iOS and Android devices
Anyone can create a video with Filmora, even if they never created a video before. The app lets you import pictures or videos from your phone or social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Each theme Filmora offers is fully customizable which enables kids to apply filters or add transitions between two shots.
In addition, this video editing app allows all of its users to slow down or speed up their footage, animate text or add pre-animated elements to the footage they are editing. Filmora’s file-sharing capabilities are impressive as the video editing app enables children to share all of their creations on WhatsApp, YouTube or Facebook.
Pros
- Offers a broad spectrum of templates
- The short and simple video editing process
- Decent video editing tools
- Excellent video sharing capabilities
Cons
- Offers in-app purchases
- Equipped with only basic color correction tools
10. Kapwing Online
Price: Free
This is a content creation platform that is can be used for free by anyone who has access to an Internet connection. Making memes, GIFs or editing photos and videos with Kapwing Studio is a straightforward process, which makes this online app a perfect choice for kids who want to create new videos quickly.
The maximum size of the video file you can upload to Kapwing is limited to 500 MB, which can make editing videos captured in high-resolution complicated. However, adding audio, text overlays or subtitles to the videos you’re editing with Kapwing still enables kids to make captivating videos they can share on their social media accounts.
Pros
- Free and available to all Internet users
- Quick upload times
- Provides audio editing options
- Equipped with photo editing tools
Cons
- The maximum size of videos you can edit with Kawing is limited
- Offers only basic video editing options
11. OpenShot : Free & Easy Open Source Video Editor for Kids on Chromebook
Price: Free
OpenShot is a free open-source cross-platform video editor that is equipped with advanced video editing features. Besides enabling its users to trim or cut their footage, OpenShot also provides all the tools your children are going to need to create 3D animations, opening titles and end credits or slow-motion videos.
The video editor’s intuitive interface makes it suitable for children who are just learning the basics of the video editing craft and if you are searching for an app your kid can use to create their first videos, OpenShot can be an inexpensive and yet powerful solution. Furthermore, this cross-platform contains a huge library of visual effects that can make any video look cooler.
Pros
- Free and compatible with Linux, Windows or macOS
- Excellent animation features
- Powerful Title Editor
- Offers an unlimited number of audio and video tracks
Cons
- The video editing tools OpenShot provides exceed the demands of most children
- A limited selection of video output file formats
12. VideoScribe : Best 2D whiteboard Animation Software for Kids
Price: Free, pricing plans start at $28,00
This web-based platform enables anyone to create whiteboard animations that can be used in both professional and academic contexts. In fact, anyone can create a compelling white animation with VideoScribe in just three simple steps.
After selecting the images from the platform’s library or uploading your own material and adding text, voiceovers, and music, VideoScribe will generate a whiteboard animation for you. This online platform offers an easy way to introduce your children to the world of animation and enables them to create animations from the images they create. Each whiteboard animation your child makes with VideoScribe can be shared to YouTube or Vimeo, but you should keep in mind that all animations created with the free version of this app are going to be watermarked.
Pros
- The image library contains more than 6000 royalty-free images
- VideoScribe lets its users record voiceovers
- Equipped with a broad range of hand, pens and other pre-animated elements
- Excellent file-sharing capabilities
Cons
- VideoScribe doesn’t offer any video editing tools
- Removing watermark requires you to update to the pro version of the app
Conclusion
Encouraging your children to express their creativity can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. A video editing software like Filmora is one of your best choices if your child wants to create YouTube videos, while iOS and Android-based apps like Filmora or The Lego Movie 2 Movie Maker are well-suited for all children who would like to create videos from their Smartphones. Which of the best video editing apps for kids are you going to get for your child? Leave a comment and let us know.
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Every child is an artist, but parents often don’t support the creativity their children show. A simple thing like a video editing app can inspire your children to make short movies after shooting great footage with cameras .
The videos your children record with their tablets or Smartphones can reveal how talented they are, but if you want them to develop their talents you should ensure that they have a video editing app that enables them to polish videos effortlessly. Read on, if you would like to learn more about some best video editing apps for kids and decide which video editing app is the right choice for your children.
10+ Best Video Editing Apps for Kids – Including the Free Apps
The first thing that comes to mind when editing videos is mentioned is expensive professional video editing software products like Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premiere Pro. However, most parents don’t know that there are scores of free or inexpensive video editors their children can use to manipulate the footage they recorded, before uploading it to YouTube or sharing it on some other social media network. Let’s take a look at the 10+ best video editing apps for kids.
1. Wondershare Filmora : Best Easy-to-use Video Editor for Kids to make YouTube videos
Price: Freemium, pricing plans start at $49.99/year
For Win 7 or later (64-bit)
Secure Download
For macOS 10.14 or later
Secure Download
Click here to get Filmora for PC by email
or Try Filmora App for mobile >>>
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Starting a new project in Filmora, cutting video clips or creating soundtracks for your videos requires a minimum amount of previous video editing experience. If your children are posting their videos to YouTube, then Wondershare Filmora video editor is one of the best options on the market, since this video editor for Mac and PC computers enables them to export videos directly to their channels.
Stabilizing shaky videos captured with GoPro cameras or Smartphones takes just a few clicks, which enables your kids to even use the footage they would otherwise be unwatchable. Filmora supports nearly all video file formats, and your children can import their footage into the Filmora video editor regardless of the device they used to record it. In addition, your kids will be able to export videos that are optimized to be played on a variety of video playback devices if they start editing their videos with Filmora.
Pros
- Simple project setup
- The music library offers a rich selection of royalty-free music
- Powerful image stabilization features
- Equipped with a versatile set of color correction tools
Cons
- Requires at least basic video editing skills
- All videos exported from the free version of Filmora are watermarked
3. The Photos App on Windows 10 : Best free video editor for kids on Windows 10
Price: Free
There is no need to spend money on monthly subscriptions or purchasing licenses to use video editing software, if your kids just want to just perform basic video editing tasks before sharing a video online. The Photos App doesn’t offer the tools that are necessary to edit a full feature film, but your children can utilize this Windows 10-native app to perform basic video editing actions.
Removing unwanted parts of a video, adding a text overlay or applying filters and effects are just a few among numerous options this video editor provides. In addition, the Photos App also enables your children to create slow-motion videos or to choose from a huge selection of 3D effects.
Pros
- Available for free to all PC owners who have Windows 10 installed on their computers
- Excellent as a learning tool for inexperienced video editors
- Organizing photos and videos with the Photos App is easy
- Simplifies the video editing process
Cons
- Offers little room for development for children who want to continue developing their video editing skills
- Supports only a limited number of video file formats
4. iMovie : Best free video editor for kids on Mac, iPhone & iPad
Price: Free
Each video your kids record with their iPhones and iPads can be edited with an iOS version of iMovie for free. Moreover, your children can utilize iMovie to edit videos from their Mac computers and upload them directly to their YouTube or Vimeo channels.
Besides the set of basic video editing tools, iMovie also features a rich selection of preset themes that simplify the video editing process, and enable your kids to create a new video in just a few clicks. Adjusting a video’s aspect ratio is yet another option iMovie provides that will enable your children to adjust their video editing projects to the demands of the social media platform to which they want to upload them.
Pros
- An elegantly designed interface that is easy to get used to
- Provides 4K video editing capabilities
- A rich selection of audio and video effects
- Fully customizable trailer presets
Cons
- Exporting 4K videos requires you to have at least 4GB of RAM
- A limited number of supported output video file formats
5. PowToon : Best Animation Software for Creating Presentation videos for kids
Price: Free, subscription plans start at $19, 00 per month
This web-based video editing platform is primarily aimed at businesses that want to edit their videos online and share them on popular social media platforms. Even so, using PowToon is so easy that even kids that have no video editing experience whatsoever can use this platform to make videos.
Furthermore, the platform’s selection of templates includes the EDU category that contains templates designed specifically for students, faculty members and teachers or and administrative staff. The maximum length of a video your children can export from PowToon depends on the subscription model. So, if your kids need to create videos that last for more than 3 minutes for their school assignments, you must choose a pricing plan that caters to their video editing needs.
Pros
- Features hundreds of video templates
- Powerful social media integration options
- The music library contains royalty-free music
- Great for high-school and university students
Cons
- Offers a very limited scope of video and audio editing tools
- The maximum duration of a video cannot exceed 30 minutes regardless of the subscription model you have
6. Stop Motion Studio
Price: $1, 99 for Windows , free for iOS and Android , $9,99 for macOS
Stop motion animations are famous for their unique visual style, however, creating a stop motion animation is a difficult task even for an experienced professional. The Stop Motion Studio makes creating this type of animation somewhat easier by enabling you to preview the images you’re taking with your Sony, Canon or Nikon DSLR cameras directly from the software.
Even a brief look at the list of this cross-platform app will leave you wondering if there is anything you cannot do. However, Stop Motion Studio is not aimed at children or users that don’t have a considerable amount of experience with this animation technique. Aspiring animation professionals can utilize the Stop Motion Studio to create animations for children.
Pros
- Compatible with a broad range of devices
- Provides powerful stop-animation tools
- Grants users full control over camera settings
- Exports videos in 4K
Cons
- Stop motion tools these app offers are too advanced for children
- The output files can be too large to share on social media
7. The Lego - Movie 2 - Movie Maker App
Price: Free foriOS and Android devices
All children like playing with Lego toys, but if your kids are fans of the Lego Movie and its sequel, then this movie maker app can be a great choice for your kids. The app is designed for children younger than 8 years old, and it enables them to build their own movie scenes, record them and then edit them before showing them to their friends or families.
Kids cannot install this app on their Smartphones without permission from their parents. So, if you want your child to create their own virtual Lego world you will have to provide the information that includes the country you live in, your date of birth and your email address.
Pros
- Free and easy to use
- Nurtures a child’s creativity
- Easily recreates scenes from the Lego Movie 2
- No in-app purchases
Cons
- Limited audio editing options
- Offers only a basic set of video editing tools
8. Filmora : Solution for making videos on iPhone and Android
Price: Free but offers in-app purchases on both iOS and Android devices
Anyone can create a video with Filmora, even if they never created a video before. The app lets you import pictures or videos from your phone or social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook. Each theme Filmora offers is fully customizable which enables kids to apply filters or add transitions between two shots.
In addition, this video editing app allows all of its users to slow down or speed up their footage, animate text or add pre-animated elements to the footage they are editing. Filmora’s file-sharing capabilities are impressive as the video editing app enables children to share all of their creations on WhatsApp, YouTube or Facebook.
Pros
- Offers a broad spectrum of templates
- The short and simple video editing process
- Decent video editing tools
- Excellent video sharing capabilities
Cons
- Offers in-app purchases
- Equipped with only basic color correction tools
10. Kapwing Online
Price: Free
This is a content creation platform that is can be used for free by anyone who has access to an Internet connection. Making memes, GIFs or editing photos and videos with Kapwing Studio is a straightforward process, which makes this online app a perfect choice for kids who want to create new videos quickly.
The maximum size of the video file you can upload to Kapwing is limited to 500 MB, which can make editing videos captured in high-resolution complicated. However, adding audio, text overlays or subtitles to the videos you’re editing with Kapwing still enables kids to make captivating videos they can share on their social media accounts.
Pros
- Free and available to all Internet users
- Quick upload times
- Provides audio editing options
- Equipped with photo editing tools
Cons
- The maximum size of videos you can edit with Kawing is limited
- Offers only basic video editing options
11. OpenShot : Free & Easy Open Source Video Editor for Kids on Chromebook
Price: Free
OpenShot is a free open-source cross-platform video editor that is equipped with advanced video editing features. Besides enabling its users to trim or cut their footage, OpenShot also provides all the tools your children are going to need to create 3D animations, opening titles and end credits or slow-motion videos.
The video editor’s intuitive interface makes it suitable for children who are just learning the basics of the video editing craft and if you are searching for an app your kid can use to create their first videos, OpenShot can be an inexpensive and yet powerful solution. Furthermore, this cross-platform contains a huge library of visual effects that can make any video look cooler.
Pros
- Free and compatible with Linux, Windows or macOS
- Excellent animation features
- Powerful Title Editor
- Offers an unlimited number of audio and video tracks
Cons
- The video editing tools OpenShot provides exceed the demands of most children
- A limited selection of video output file formats
12. VideoScribe : Best 2D whiteboard Animation Software for Kids
Price: Free, pricing plans start at $28,00
This web-based platform enables anyone to create whiteboard animations that can be used in both professional and academic contexts. In fact, anyone can create a compelling white animation with VideoScribe in just three simple steps.
After selecting the images from the platform’s library or uploading your own material and adding text, voiceovers, and music, VideoScribe will generate a whiteboard animation for you. This online platform offers an easy way to introduce your children to the world of animation and enables them to create animations from the images they create. Each whiteboard animation your child makes with VideoScribe can be shared to YouTube or Vimeo, but you should keep in mind that all animations created with the free version of this app are going to be watermarked.
Pros
- The image library contains more than 6000 royalty-free images
- VideoScribe lets its users record voiceovers
- Equipped with a broad range of hand, pens and other pre-animated elements
- Excellent file-sharing capabilities
Cons
- VideoScribe doesn’t offer any video editing tools
- Removing watermark requires you to update to the pro version of the app
Conclusion
Encouraging your children to express their creativity can be beneficial for a variety of reasons. A video editing software like Filmora is one of your best choices if your child wants to create YouTube videos, while iOS and Android-based apps like Filmora or The Lego Movie 2 Movie Maker are well-suited for all children who would like to create videos from their Smartphones. Which of the best video editing apps for kids are you going to get for your child? Leave a comment and let us know.
Ollie Mattison
Ollie Mattison is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Ollie Mattison
Unleash Your Creativity: 13 Windows Movie Maker Alternatives
Windows Movie Maker has been a cornerstone tool for video editors for quite a while. There are a lot of amateurs who’ve made use of the free program and have done wonders with it. As it is discontinued, many Windows Movie Maker alternatives claim to offer ‘just the right video editing tool for you,’ few can live up to their promises—and most are very expensive.
We have ten other programs that can be used to create videos that include everything from Apple iMovie to other basic alternatives.
So whether you’re a beginner who wants to learn how to make a movie, a pro looking for an excellent alternative to Windows Movie Maker, or someone who wants to make a simple slide presentation or online video, you’re bound to find a video creation program here.
- Wondershare Filmora
- Avidemux Video Editor
- VirtualDub
- Sony Vegas Movie Studio
- WeVideo
- Lightworks
- ShotCut
- OpenShot
- Movavi Video Editor Plus
- VSDC Free Video Editor
- VideoPad Video Editor
- HitFilm
- Magix Movie Studio
- How To Edit a Video With a Windows Movie Maker Alternative
- Hot FAQs on Windows Movie Maker Alternatives
Part 1: Top 3 Picks for Windows Movie Maker Alternatives
The world’s best video editing software is about to change. We look at three of the most popular and valuable alternatives to Windows Movie Maker.
You will need to consider these alternatives to ensure they meet your expectations and needs.
1. Wondershare Filmora - Best Overall
Filmora is the best Windows Movie Maker Alternative designed according to your convenience.
Ratings: 4.4 Stars out 5
Starting from $49.99
2. Magix Movie Studio - Best for Collages
This alternative offers a variety of tools and plugins for anyone who wants to create professional-level videos in under a minute.
Download on Windows
Ratings: 4 stars out of 5
30-day free trials, then starts from $69.99 all the way to $129
3. Avidemux Video Editor - Best Open-Source Editor
An open-source editor that supports a wide range of formats is free! Avidemux has an interface similar to Windows Movie Maker, which makes it a perfect alternative.
Download on Windows
Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5
Free Trial
Part 2: Ultimate Overview on 13 Best Alternatives to Windows Movie Maker
We live in visual culture, and we constantly see, capture, upload, and share videos on our smartphones, tablets, and laptops. So, it is only natural that more people seek ways to edit their videos. Windows Movie Maker was one of the most popular video editing apps. So it’s time to dig into the best Windows Movie Maker alternatives, which are arguably better and feature-rich.
| Software | OS | Media Resources | AI editing | Easy to Use | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wondershare Filmora | WindowsMacMobile | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Avidemux | WindowsOS XLinuxBSD | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Dub | Windows | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Vegas Movie Studio | Windows | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| WeVideo | Online | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lightworks | LinuxOS X Windows | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| ShotCut | WindowsMacLinuxBSD | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| OpenShot | WindowsMacLinuxChrome OS | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Movavi Plus | WindowsMac | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| VSDC | Windows | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| VideoPad | WindowsMaciPad/iPhone | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| HitFilm | WindowsMac | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Magix Movie Studio | Windows | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Part 3: 13 Best Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Windows
As we all know, Windows Movie Maker is the most used and trusted tool for creating videos in Windows. With its unique features and user-friendly interface, people often use this software to develop short and entertaining videos.
However, the fact is that Windows Movie Maker is not the current best video editing software for creating complex video projects. For this reason, we compiled a list of the 12 best alternatives to offer you a better option for Windows Movie Maker.
1. Wondershare Filmora
Filmora 11 is a powerful, easy-to-use video editor specially designed to streamline your workflow and save you hours weekly. It supports everything from Windows, Mac, and IOS to Android. The latest update to the flagship app includes several key enhancements that result in a much more efficient video creation workflow and one that’s easier to use than its rivals.
Key features
- Preset Templates
- Instant Mode
- Motion Tracking
- AI Editing Effects
- Auto Synchronization
- Plug-ins
Price
- Annual Plan: $49.99
- Perpetual Plan: $79.99
Pros
- Seamless interface for beginners
- Great customer support
- Plenty of effects and preset templates
- 4K video output options
Cons
- Rendering requires too much time
- The mobile app requires separate subscription
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , iOS , Android , iPad
G2 Ratings: 4.4 stars out of 5
Summary
Filmora’s intuitive interface allows experienced and brand-new users to create incredible videos with flawless special effects. Its high ratings and multiple supported formats make it quite popular among users.
2. Avidemux Video Editor
If you are a beginner and want to use a free, open-source software program for basic video editing, then Avidemux is a good choice. The interface is not as fancy as it could be, but there are some presets that’ll save you a lot of time. Avidemux is a cross-platform video editor that allows you to create custom videos, but it doesn’t feature the ability to share the edited footage to social media directly,
Key features
- Video and Audio Filters
- Support Popular Formats
- Convert Video For Archiving or Publishing
Price: Free
Pros
- It can convert Video To A Smaller Size
- Easy cut, trim, split video
Cons
- Out-dated UI
- Lacks sharing option
Supported OS: Windows , OS X , Linux , BSD
Uptodown Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5
Summary
An open-source video editor that supports most formats. Due to its obsolete UI and lack of sharing features, Avidemux has average ratings.
3. VirtualDub
This open-source software is user-friendly and allows users with little experience to navigate the software without much trouble. It supports 3rd party apps and also offers batch-processing, which means working on multiple videos simultaneously makes it possible.
Key features
- Integrated volume and histogram meter
- Optimized disk
- Noise reduction
- Fractional frame rates
Price: Free
Pros
- Clean interface, easy to use
- Keyboard and mouse shortcuts for faster operation
- Free to use
Cons
- Not suitable for 4K editing
- Lack learning material
- Obsolete Interface
Supported OS: Windows
Compare Camp Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5
Summary
Virtual Dub supports multitasking, and its features are pretty helpful. However, it lacks 4k editing and a friendly interface. Overall Virtual Dub is a good choice.
4. Sony Vegas Movie Studio
This video editing software makes it easy to create professional-looking videos in minimum time and effort. Vegas Movie Studio software is best for video editing professionals who have been doing it for some time and are looking for something a little more sophisticated than free alternatives. Not only does it has a high retail price, but its internal elements can be too complex for those just beginning.
Key features
- Color correction
- HDV and AVCHD-editing
- DV batch capture
- Wide variety of file formats and codecs
Price: Starting from $7.99 USD per month
Pros
- Customizable interface
- Multicam editing
- Lots of effects and transitions, with plug-in capability
- Good slow motion and warp flow transition tools
Cons
- Less intuitive interface than competitors
- Import from camcorder not ideal
- Some tools are complex
Supported OS: Windows
G2 Ratings: 4.4 out of 5
Summary
Vegas Movie Studio is the choice of professionals. It does all the work without taking up a lot of resources, and like most programs, there is a learning curve. It’s not always intuitive for beginners, but its professional and powerful features score decent in most reviews.
5. WeVideo
This cloud-based application is a simple-to-use video editing and sharing suite. WeVideo is a full-featured video editing application that uses JumpStart technology to create amazing videos. It’s an innovative app that offers a seamless editing experience as it supports multiple formats of video, images, audio, and graphics.
Key features
- WeVideo JumpStart
- Cloud storage
- Built-in graphics
- Customizable environment
- Advanced text editing
- Multi-track editing and storyboard
Price
- Free trial
- Power Plan: $9.99/month
- Unlimited Plan: $15.99/month
- Professional Plan: $39.99/month
- Business Plan: $73.99/month
Pros
- Constantly improving features
- Ease of use
- Storage is cloud-based
Cons
- Old fashion transition
- Leaves a watermark on free trial
Supported OS: Online
Trustpilot Ratings: 4 stars out of 5
Summary
WeVideo is a straightforward yet robust video editor. It offers a variety of features and supports multiple formats, plus its comprehensive pricing plan makes it useful for everyone.
6. Lightworks
Lightworks is the most powerful video editor in its class and an excellent tool for professionals who want to make amazing videos quickly. Lightworks is very fast and straightforward to use, and it has some great features you won’t find in any other video editor. It is available on all popular OS.
Key features
- Audio and Video Effect Plugin Support
- Cloud Connected
- Motion Graphics
- Advanced Metadata
- Proxy Workflows
- Apple ProRes decoding
Price
- Monthly Plan: $9.99/user
- Yearly Plan: $9.99/user
- Perpetual: $154.99
Pros
- High-resolution timeline rendering
- It has social media export templates
- Interfaces for multiple OS are consistent
- Instant autosave
Cons
- Commands are not always intuitive
- A bit pricey as compared to its competitors
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux
Techradar Pro Ratings: 4 stars out of 5
Summary
Lightworks is not any other video editing tool available on the market of video editing tools. This video editing tool provides amateurs with the most sophisticated features in an optimized platform. Its scores are the highest on almost every review site.
7. ShotCut
Shotcut is a multiplatform video editor that lets you work with various formats for audio, video, image files, etc. This video editor makes it easy to mix and match the resolution and frame rates in a video file. All the changes you make in the editor can be undone and redone often. Shotcut is the best choice for video editing, without question.
Key features
- Webcam capture
- Audio scopes and filters
- Deinterlacing
- Eyedropper tool
- Video wipe transitions
- Keyframes for filter parameters
Price: Free
Pros
- Support for 4K resolutions
- Free
Cons
- Less intuitive than commercial apps
- Lacks built-in sharing to popular sites
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux
GetApp Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Summary
Shotcut is an open-source video editor for creative professionals and is available on mac, Windows, and Linux. The free version of Shotcut has many excellent features, but it doesn’t have the slick interface or advanced techniques of the top paid editors.
8. OpenShot
An award-winning open-source video editor that creates stunning videos. OpenShot is a fast, easy-to-use, and surprisingly powerful video editor. OpenShot Video Editor allows you to work with many different types of tracks so that your edits will seem natural. OpenShot Video Editor allows you to add your custom animations or titles. The options are endless, so it all depends on your time and interest. It is available in more than 70 languages, making it ideal for all types of users.
Key features
- 3D animations
- Animation and keyframes
- Multiple languages and formats
- Cross-platform
- Video-effects
Price: Free
Pros
- It is a non-linear editor with infinite tracks
- 100% free without watermark
- Frequent updates
Cons
- Obsolete interface
- Unstable performance
- Lacks some editing features
Supported OS: Window , Mac , Linux , Chrome OS
Getapp Ratings: 4.2 stars out of 5
Summary
Another open-source video-editor in the list is named OpenShot. It’s a multi-lingual and multi-supported app with unique features. Despite its unstable performance, OpenShot is still an ideal choice for many users.
9. Movavi Video Editor Plus
Movavi Video Editor Plus is the perfect tool to bring your creative ideas to life. It has special effects, ready-made intros, and keyframe animation. Using chroma keying, you can change the background of your video clips to any color or pattern that suits your need. Movavi has now redesigned its user interface to make it easy to use.
Key features
- Effects and transitions
- Built-in media pack
- Fast processing of 4K videos
- Keyframe animation
- Automatic video creation
- Cutting, trimming, joining
Price
- Free version: 7 days
- Video Editor Plus 1 year /1 PC: $49.95
- Video Editor Plus Lifetime /1 PC: $69.95
- Video Suite Lifetime /1 PC: $89.95
Pros
- Easy-to-understand user interface
- Transitions with sound
- Motion tracking and picture-in-picture tools
- Chroma-key capability
- Quick movie-creation tool
Cons
- Lacks advanced trim modes
- Slow rendering
PCMag Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5
Summary
If you want to edit your videos with a minimal learning curve, try Movavi. You get PiP, chroma-keying, titling, basic keying, and motion tracking. The program is simple to use but doesn’t have all the features and stands four stars.
10. VSDC Free Video Editor
VSDC Free Video Editor is an online tool that lets you edit audio and video files to make your creations like movies, YouTube tutorial videos, and more. The audio and video files supported are extensive, and the software includes a codec manager. The Pro version isn’t necessary if you’re using the free edition of the software; it’s more than enough to get the job done.
Key features
- Dark theme
- Subpixel Accuracy
- Powerful Chroma Key tool
- Trendy video effects, filters, and transitions
- Color Blending And Filters
- Built-In DVD Burning Tool
Price: Free
Pros
- Non-linear
- Video effects library
- Video stabilization
- Masking
Cons
- Outdated interface
- Lack keyboard shortcuts
- Only available on Windows
Supported OS: Windows
Capterra Ratings: 4.5 stars out 5
Summary
VSDC is a non-linear editor with extensive format support. It includes all the essential features an editor requires but with an obsolete UI. It is also ideal for many who need a powerful yet free video editor.
11. VideoPad Video Editor
VideoPad is a free video editor that can create stunning videos and perform basic editing tasks. A good video editor can help you to create videos for different social media platforms. You can make your videos look professional and polished with a few clicks and some simple editing skills. There’s nothing particularly exciting or advanced about this app; it’s simple enough for anyone new to video editing or even for seasoned editors. But the simple and easy-to-use interface makes the entire process very exciting.
Key features
- Text snippets
- Range of transitional effects
- Plug-ins Library
- Burn finished videos to Blu-Ray, DVD, etc.
- Color correction and light balance.
Price: Free
Pros
- Simple and clean interface
- Supports multiple file formats
- Includes video effects
- Lightweight on system resources
Cons
- Lack of advanced features
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , iPad/iPhone
Tom’s guide Ratings: 3.5 stars out of 5
Summary
Video pad is a free video editor designed for beginners that is lightweight and simple. VideoPad is also great for creating quick videos for social media purposes like Youtube and Facebook. The software has a high rating, as shown above, and it’s available on Windows.
12. HitFilm
HitFilm is a helpful video editing software that makes editing easier for users. In addition to basic features, the program also provides advanced-level functions that make edited videos pop. Hitfilm Express Download has more than 400 features to help casual video editors save time. Features like: visual effects, cinematic elements, and compositing tools preset help unleash your creativity.
Key features
- Color Grading and correction
- Smart search
- Commentator recorder
- Lightning and lens flares
- 3D camera tracker
Price
- Free trial
- Creator: $7.50
- Pro: $12.50
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Pros
- Intuitive interface
- It offers free tutorials and masterclasses
- Works on both Windows and Mac
Cons
- It requires heavy system requirements
TechRadar Ratings: 4.5 stars out of 5
Summary
HitFilm Express 15 is a powerful free video editing program that enables you to create high-quality videos in minutes with an intuitive interface. It offers advanced editing features such as advanced video trimming, 3D editing, and more.
13. Magix Movie Studio
Magix is the world’s leading professional audiovisual media software, with Sequoia being its industry-standard audio editing software. This movie editor is an enthusiast-level video editing software that competes with software from Adobe and CyberLink, and it even boasts support for 4K content and 360 degrees. There are many reasons to upgrade. This year’s update includes stabilization, 8K editing, motion tracking, and an in-app plug-in store.
Key features
- NewBlue effects
- Fly-in animation
- New filter view
- Stabilization
- Motion tracking
- 8k support
Price
- Movie Studio 2024: $69.99 (30-day free trial)
- Movie Studio 2024 Platinum: $99.99 (30-day free trial)
- Movie Studio 2024 Suite: $129.00 (30-day free trial)
Pros
- Lots of video effects
- Responsive editing interface
- Multicam
- Trailer-like movie templates
- Solid audio editing
Cons
- Slower project rendering than others
- Lacks import and organization tools
Supported OS: Windows
PCMag Ratings: 3 stars out of 5
Summary
Magix movie studio is a powerful all-around video editing tool with many features that professional users have come to expect. It’s also relatively simple to use. But usability and performance are poor compared to other software programs like Filmora .
Part 4: How To Edit a Video With a Windows Movie Maker Alternative
Windows Movie Maker was great for editing a video, but it’s no match for some of the best video editing software. We’re talking about software capable of creating a cinematic experience in seconds, all on your computer.
When you need to edit a video with simple, quick edits, like adding a special effect or changing the background, try Filmora . Filmora is an easy-to-use application that allows you to create a movie using simple tools that don’t require additional training. You can’t beat this option if you want to create a professional-quality video for your blog or website.
Let’s dive into a quick tutorial on editing videos in Filmora:
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Step1 Open Wondershare Filmora on your PC or Mac
You can start a new project by clicking on ‘New Project’. And you can also change the ‘Aspect Ratio’ according to your project demand.
Step2 Import Videos
You can import your file by clicking the import tab on the upper-left side or clicking the import icon on the main window.
Step3 Drag and drop your footage to the timeline
After importing all the files, click and hold each individual video and drag and drop it to the timeline area according to your ideal sequence.
Step4 Add Audio
Go to the ‘Audio’ tab and select the audio file from the audio library. Once selected, drag and drop the audio file into the music timeline.
Step5 Add Titles
In your video intro, you can insert some title text. Go to the ‘Titles’ tab and select the one you like, and drag and drop it on top of the timeline. Double-click and edit the text and state your ideal statements. You can customize your text fonts and color too.
Step6 Add Transitions
You can add transition effects to ensure a smooth transition from one scene to another. The overall will get more professional look.
Step7 Add Effects
Next; you can get special effects to your video to make them more attractive and engaging to watch. Simple drag down the effect to your video and watch the effect take place in your selective scene.
Step8 Export your work
Once all the changes have been made, hit ‘export’ from the top tab. A window will appear where you can change the settings, resolution, frame rate, bit rate, etc. Next, click the ‘export’ button down on that window, and then you can save the file in your drive.
Part 5: Hot FAQs on Windows Movie Maker Alternatives
1. Why is Windows Movie Maker discontinued?
Microsoft’s video editing program, Windows Movie Maker, did not become a big hit with the public because it failed to do well on the market. Microsoft couldn’t get the support they were looking for from the program’s users. As a result, Microsoft had to cease its support of the program.
2. Is there a free version of Windows Movie Maker?
Microsoft Windows Movie maker was always accessible and pre-installed every windows product. Microsoft has discontinued support for Movie Maker and warns about free downloads of Movie Maker provided by third parties that might contain malware, viruses, or other issues.
3. What are the best free Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Mac?
After switching to a Mac, you’ll find that the Windows Movie Maker alternatives offer much more than just a simple video editor. They provide advanced features, easy transitions, and less technical know-how to create pro-quality results. You should try using these platforms on your Mac if you have a video to edit.
- Wondershare Filmora
- Movavi
- OpenShot
Final Words
Windows Movie Maker is an excellent Windows video editor application for Windows users. But in recent years, it has become outdated due to the continuous development of new technologies. There are many alternatives for Windows Movie Maker, and here we listed some of the best ones. Most of them are free and featured packs. Each program has its unique set of features and capabilities, and each one excels in different areas. Check them out and see what you think.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Part 1: Top 3 Picks for Windows Movie Maker Alternatives
The world’s best video editing software is about to change. We look at three of the most popular and valuable alternatives to Windows Movie Maker.
You will need to consider these alternatives to ensure they meet your expectations and needs.
1. Wondershare Filmora - Best Overall
Filmora is the best Windows Movie Maker Alternative designed according to your convenience.
Ratings: 4.4 Stars out 5
Starting from $49.99
2. Magix Movie Studio - Best for Collages
This alternative offers a variety of tools and plugins for anyone who wants to create professional-level videos in under a minute.
Download on Windows
Ratings: 4 stars out of 5
30-day free trials, then starts from $69.99 all the way to $129
3. Avidemux Video Editor - Best Open-Source Editor
An open-source editor that supports a wide range of formats is free! Avidemux has an interface similar to Windows Movie Maker, which makes it a perfect alternative.
Download on Windows
Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5
Free Trial
Part 2: Ultimate Overview on 13 Best Alternatives to Windows Movie Maker
We live in visual culture, and we constantly see, capture, upload, and share videos on our smartphones, tablets, and laptops. So, it is only natural that more people seek ways to edit their videos. Windows Movie Maker was one of the most popular video editing apps. So it’s time to dig into the best Windows Movie Maker alternatives, which are arguably better and feature-rich.
| Software | OS | Media Resources | AI editing | Easy to Use | Free Trial |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wondershare Filmora | WindowsMacMobile | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Avidemux | WindowsOS XLinuxBSD | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Virtual Dub | Windows | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Vegas Movie Studio | Windows | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| WeVideo | Online | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Lightworks | LinuxOS X Windows | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| ShotCut | WindowsMacLinuxBSD | Yes | No | No | Yes |
| OpenShot | WindowsMacLinuxChrome OS | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Movavi Plus | WindowsMac | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| VSDC | Windows | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| VideoPad | WindowsMaciPad/iPhone | Yes | No | Yes | Yes |
| HitFilm | WindowsMac | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Magix Movie Studio | Windows | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Part 3: 13 Best Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Windows
As we all know, Windows Movie Maker is the most used and trusted tool for creating videos in Windows. With its unique features and user-friendly interface, people often use this software to develop short and entertaining videos.
However, the fact is that Windows Movie Maker is not the current best video editing software for creating complex video projects. For this reason, we compiled a list of the 12 best alternatives to offer you a better option for Windows Movie Maker.
1. Wondershare Filmora
Filmora 11 is a powerful, easy-to-use video editor specially designed to streamline your workflow and save you hours weekly. It supports everything from Windows, Mac, and IOS to Android. The latest update to the flagship app includes several key enhancements that result in a much more efficient video creation workflow and one that’s easier to use than its rivals.
Key features
- Preset Templates
- Instant Mode
- Motion Tracking
- AI Editing Effects
- Auto Synchronization
- Plug-ins
Price
- Annual Plan: $49.99
- Perpetual Plan: $79.99
Pros
- Seamless interface for beginners
- Great customer support
- Plenty of effects and preset templates
- 4K video output options
Cons
- Rendering requires too much time
- The mobile app requires separate subscription
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , iOS , Android , iPad
G2 Ratings: 4.4 stars out of 5
Summary
Filmora’s intuitive interface allows experienced and brand-new users to create incredible videos with flawless special effects. Its high ratings and multiple supported formats make it quite popular among users.
2. Avidemux Video Editor
If you are a beginner and want to use a free, open-source software program for basic video editing, then Avidemux is a good choice. The interface is not as fancy as it could be, but there are some presets that’ll save you a lot of time. Avidemux is a cross-platform video editor that allows you to create custom videos, but it doesn’t feature the ability to share the edited footage to social media directly,
Key features
- Video and Audio Filters
- Support Popular Formats
- Convert Video For Archiving or Publishing
Price: Free
Pros
- It can convert Video To A Smaller Size
- Easy cut, trim, split video
Cons
- Out-dated UI
- Lacks sharing option
Supported OS: Windows , OS X , Linux , BSD
Uptodown Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5
Summary
An open-source video editor that supports most formats. Due to its obsolete UI and lack of sharing features, Avidemux has average ratings.
3. VirtualDub
This open-source software is user-friendly and allows users with little experience to navigate the software without much trouble. It supports 3rd party apps and also offers batch-processing, which means working on multiple videos simultaneously makes it possible.
Key features
- Integrated volume and histogram meter
- Optimized disk
- Noise reduction
- Fractional frame rates
Price: Free
Pros
- Clean interface, easy to use
- Keyboard and mouse shortcuts for faster operation
- Free to use
Cons
- Not suitable for 4K editing
- Lack learning material
- Obsolete Interface
Supported OS: Windows
Compare Camp Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5
Summary
Virtual Dub supports multitasking, and its features are pretty helpful. However, it lacks 4k editing and a friendly interface. Overall Virtual Dub is a good choice.
4. Sony Vegas Movie Studio
This video editing software makes it easy to create professional-looking videos in minimum time and effort. Vegas Movie Studio software is best for video editing professionals who have been doing it for some time and are looking for something a little more sophisticated than free alternatives. Not only does it has a high retail price, but its internal elements can be too complex for those just beginning.
Key features
- Color correction
- HDV and AVCHD-editing
- DV batch capture
- Wide variety of file formats and codecs
Price: Starting from $7.99 USD per month
Pros
- Customizable interface
- Multicam editing
- Lots of effects and transitions, with plug-in capability
- Good slow motion and warp flow transition tools
Cons
- Less intuitive interface than competitors
- Import from camcorder not ideal
- Some tools are complex
Supported OS: Windows
G2 Ratings: 4.4 out of 5
Summary
Vegas Movie Studio is the choice of professionals. It does all the work without taking up a lot of resources, and like most programs, there is a learning curve. It’s not always intuitive for beginners, but its professional and powerful features score decent in most reviews.
5. WeVideo
This cloud-based application is a simple-to-use video editing and sharing suite. WeVideo is a full-featured video editing application that uses JumpStart technology to create amazing videos. It’s an innovative app that offers a seamless editing experience as it supports multiple formats of video, images, audio, and graphics.
Key features
- WeVideo JumpStart
- Cloud storage
- Built-in graphics
- Customizable environment
- Advanced text editing
- Multi-track editing and storyboard
Price
- Free trial
- Power Plan: $9.99/month
- Unlimited Plan: $15.99/month
- Professional Plan: $39.99/month
- Business Plan: $73.99/month
Pros
- Constantly improving features
- Ease of use
- Storage is cloud-based
Cons
- Old fashion transition
- Leaves a watermark on free trial
Supported OS: Online
Trustpilot Ratings: 4 stars out of 5
Summary
WeVideo is a straightforward yet robust video editor. It offers a variety of features and supports multiple formats, plus its comprehensive pricing plan makes it useful for everyone.
6. Lightworks
Lightworks is the most powerful video editor in its class and an excellent tool for professionals who want to make amazing videos quickly. Lightworks is very fast and straightforward to use, and it has some great features you won’t find in any other video editor. It is available on all popular OS.
Key features
- Audio and Video Effect Plugin Support
- Cloud Connected
- Motion Graphics
- Advanced Metadata
- Proxy Workflows
- Apple ProRes decoding
Price
- Monthly Plan: $9.99/user
- Yearly Plan: $9.99/user
- Perpetual: $154.99
Pros
- High-resolution timeline rendering
- It has social media export templates
- Interfaces for multiple OS are consistent
- Instant autosave
Cons
- Commands are not always intuitive
- A bit pricey as compared to its competitors
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux
Techradar Pro Ratings: 4 stars out of 5
Summary
Lightworks is not any other video editing tool available on the market of video editing tools. This video editing tool provides amateurs with the most sophisticated features in an optimized platform. Its scores are the highest on almost every review site.
7. ShotCut
Shotcut is a multiplatform video editor that lets you work with various formats for audio, video, image files, etc. This video editor makes it easy to mix and match the resolution and frame rates in a video file. All the changes you make in the editor can be undone and redone often. Shotcut is the best choice for video editing, without question.
Key features
- Webcam capture
- Audio scopes and filters
- Deinterlacing
- Eyedropper tool
- Video wipe transitions
- Keyframes for filter parameters
Price: Free
Pros
- Support for 4K resolutions
- Free
Cons
- Less intuitive than commercial apps
- Lacks built-in sharing to popular sites
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux
GetApp Ratings: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Summary
Shotcut is an open-source video editor for creative professionals and is available on mac, Windows, and Linux. The free version of Shotcut has many excellent features, but it doesn’t have the slick interface or advanced techniques of the top paid editors.
8. OpenShot
An award-winning open-source video editor that creates stunning videos. OpenShot is a fast, easy-to-use, and surprisingly powerful video editor. OpenShot Video Editor allows you to work with many different types of tracks so that your edits will seem natural. OpenShot Video Editor allows you to add your custom animations or titles. The options are endless, so it all depends on your time and interest. It is available in more than 70 languages, making it ideal for all types of users.
Key features
- 3D animations
- Animation and keyframes
- Multiple languages and formats
- Cross-platform
- Video-effects
Price: Free
Pros
- It is a non-linear editor with infinite tracks
- 100% free without watermark
- Frequent updates
Cons
- Obsolete interface
- Unstable performance
- Lacks some editing features
Supported OS: Window , Mac , Linux , Chrome OS
Getapp Ratings: 4.2 stars out of 5
Summary
Another open-source video-editor in the list is named OpenShot. It’s a multi-lingual and multi-supported app with unique features. Despite its unstable performance, OpenShot is still an ideal choice for many users.
9. Movavi Video Editor Plus
Movavi Video Editor Plus is the perfect tool to bring your creative ideas to life. It has special effects, ready-made intros, and keyframe animation. Using chroma keying, you can change the background of your video clips to any color or pattern that suits your need. Movavi has now redesigned its user interface to make it easy to use.
Key features
- Effects and transitions
- Built-in media pack
- Fast processing of 4K videos
- Keyframe animation
- Automatic video creation
- Cutting, trimming, joining
Price
- Free version: 7 days
- Video Editor Plus 1 year /1 PC: $49.95
- Video Editor Plus Lifetime /1 PC: $69.95
- Video Suite Lifetime /1 PC: $89.95
Pros
- Easy-to-understand user interface
- Transitions with sound
- Motion tracking and picture-in-picture tools
- Chroma-key capability
- Quick movie-creation tool
Cons
- Lacks advanced trim modes
- Slow rendering
PCMag Ratings: 4.0 stars out of 5
Summary
If you want to edit your videos with a minimal learning curve, try Movavi. You get PiP, chroma-keying, titling, basic keying, and motion tracking. The program is simple to use but doesn’t have all the features and stands four stars.
10. VSDC Free Video Editor
VSDC Free Video Editor is an online tool that lets you edit audio and video files to make your creations like movies, YouTube tutorial videos, and more. The audio and video files supported are extensive, and the software includes a codec manager. The Pro version isn’t necessary if you’re using the free edition of the software; it’s more than enough to get the job done.
Key features
- Dark theme
- Subpixel Accuracy
- Powerful Chroma Key tool
- Trendy video effects, filters, and transitions
- Color Blending And Filters
- Built-In DVD Burning Tool
Price: Free
Pros
- Non-linear
- Video effects library
- Video stabilization
- Masking
Cons
- Outdated interface
- Lack keyboard shortcuts
- Only available on Windows
Supported OS: Windows
Capterra Ratings: 4.5 stars out 5
Summary
VSDC is a non-linear editor with extensive format support. It includes all the essential features an editor requires but with an obsolete UI. It is also ideal for many who need a powerful yet free video editor.
11. VideoPad Video Editor
VideoPad is a free video editor that can create stunning videos and perform basic editing tasks. A good video editor can help you to create videos for different social media platforms. You can make your videos look professional and polished with a few clicks and some simple editing skills. There’s nothing particularly exciting or advanced about this app; it’s simple enough for anyone new to video editing or even for seasoned editors. But the simple and easy-to-use interface makes the entire process very exciting.
Key features
- Text snippets
- Range of transitional effects
- Plug-ins Library
- Burn finished videos to Blu-Ray, DVD, etc.
- Color correction and light balance.
Price: Free
Pros
- Simple and clean interface
- Supports multiple file formats
- Includes video effects
- Lightweight on system resources
Cons
- Lack of advanced features
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , iPad/iPhone
Tom’s guide Ratings: 3.5 stars out of 5
Summary
Video pad is a free video editor designed for beginners that is lightweight and simple. VideoPad is also great for creating quick videos for social media purposes like Youtube and Facebook. The software has a high rating, as shown above, and it’s available on Windows.
12. HitFilm
HitFilm is a helpful video editing software that makes editing easier for users. In addition to basic features, the program also provides advanced-level functions that make edited videos pop. Hitfilm Express Download has more than 400 features to help casual video editors save time. Features like: visual effects, cinematic elements, and compositing tools preset help unleash your creativity.
Key features
- Color Grading and correction
- Smart search
- Commentator recorder
- Lightning and lens flares
- 3D camera tracker
Price
- Free trial
- Creator: $7.50
- Pro: $12.50
- Enterprise: Custom pricing
Pros
- Intuitive interface
- It offers free tutorials and masterclasses
- Works on both Windows and Mac
Cons
- It requires heavy system requirements
TechRadar Ratings: 4.5 stars out of 5
Summary
HitFilm Express 15 is a powerful free video editing program that enables you to create high-quality videos in minutes with an intuitive interface. It offers advanced editing features such as advanced video trimming, 3D editing, and more.
13. Magix Movie Studio
Magix is the world’s leading professional audiovisual media software, with Sequoia being its industry-standard audio editing software. This movie editor is an enthusiast-level video editing software that competes with software from Adobe and CyberLink, and it even boasts support for 4K content and 360 degrees. There are many reasons to upgrade. This year’s update includes stabilization, 8K editing, motion tracking, and an in-app plug-in store.
Key features
- NewBlue effects
- Fly-in animation
- New filter view
- Stabilization
- Motion tracking
- 8k support
Price
- Movie Studio 2024: $69.99 (30-day free trial)
- Movie Studio 2024 Platinum: $99.99 (30-day free trial)
- Movie Studio 2024 Suite: $129.00 (30-day free trial)
Pros
- Lots of video effects
- Responsive editing interface
- Multicam
- Trailer-like movie templates
- Solid audio editing
Cons
- Slower project rendering than others
- Lacks import and organization tools
Supported OS: Windows
PCMag Ratings: 3 stars out of 5
Summary
Magix movie studio is a powerful all-around video editing tool with many features that professional users have come to expect. It’s also relatively simple to use. But usability and performance are poor compared to other software programs like Filmora .
Part 4: How To Edit a Video With a Windows Movie Maker Alternative
Windows Movie Maker was great for editing a video, but it’s no match for some of the best video editing software. We’re talking about software capable of creating a cinematic experience in seconds, all on your computer.
When you need to edit a video with simple, quick edits, like adding a special effect or changing the background, try Filmora . Filmora is an easy-to-use application that allows you to create a movie using simple tools that don’t require additional training. You can’t beat this option if you want to create a professional-quality video for your blog or website.
Let’s dive into a quick tutorial on editing videos in Filmora:
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Step1 Open Wondershare Filmora on your PC or Mac
You can start a new project by clicking on ‘New Project’. And you can also change the ‘Aspect Ratio’ according to your project demand.
Step2 Import Videos
You can import your file by clicking the import tab on the upper-left side or clicking the import icon on the main window.
Step3 Drag and drop your footage to the timeline
After importing all the files, click and hold each individual video and drag and drop it to the timeline area according to your ideal sequence.
Step4 Add Audio
Go to the ‘Audio’ tab and select the audio file from the audio library. Once selected, drag and drop the audio file into the music timeline.
Step5 Add Titles
In your video intro, you can insert some title text. Go to the ‘Titles’ tab and select the one you like, and drag and drop it on top of the timeline. Double-click and edit the text and state your ideal statements. You can customize your text fonts and color too.
Step6 Add Transitions
You can add transition effects to ensure a smooth transition from one scene to another. The overall will get more professional look.
Step7 Add Effects
Next; you can get special effects to your video to make them more attractive and engaging to watch. Simple drag down the effect to your video and watch the effect take place in your selective scene.
Step8 Export your work
Once all the changes have been made, hit ‘export’ from the top tab. A window will appear where you can change the settings, resolution, frame rate, bit rate, etc. Next, click the ‘export’ button down on that window, and then you can save the file in your drive.
Part 5: Hot FAQs on Windows Movie Maker Alternatives
1. Why is Windows Movie Maker discontinued?
Microsoft’s video editing program, Windows Movie Maker, did not become a big hit with the public because it failed to do well on the market. Microsoft couldn’t get the support they were looking for from the program’s users. As a result, Microsoft had to cease its support of the program.
2. Is there a free version of Windows Movie Maker?
Microsoft Windows Movie maker was always accessible and pre-installed every windows product. Microsoft has discontinued support for Movie Maker and warns about free downloads of Movie Maker provided by third parties that might contain malware, viruses, or other issues.
3. What are the best free Windows Movie Maker Alternatives for Mac?
After switching to a Mac, you’ll find that the Windows Movie Maker alternatives offer much more than just a simple video editor. They provide advanced features, easy transitions, and less technical know-how to create pro-quality results. You should try using these platforms on your Mac if you have a video to edit.
- Wondershare Filmora
- Movavi
- OpenShot
Final Words
Windows Movie Maker is an excellent Windows video editor application for Windows users. But in recent years, it has become outdated due to the continuous development of new technologies. There are many alternatives for Windows Movie Maker, and here we listed some of the best ones. Most of them are free and featured packs. Each program has its unique set of features and capabilities, and each one excels in different areas. Check them out and see what you think.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Windows Movie Maker Alternatives: 10+ iMovie-Style Video Editors
Are you looking for an iMovie for Windows alternative? If so, that’s hardly surprising. Mac users are blessed with iMovie, a very handy video editing software. Unfortunately, like many Apple products, it’s unavailable on computers that run on Windows OS. But don’t worry. While there’s no iMovie for windows, there are plenty of alternatives. They will make you feel like you are actually using a Windows version of iMovie. This article will introduce you to the best ones.
- Wondershare Filmora - Enhanced Royalty-Free Stock Library
- PowerDirector - Top Ranked Video Editor, PC Mag
- APowerEdit - Easiest Way to Edit Videos
- Typito - Video Editing Tool Equivalent of Canva
- Shotcut - Best for Color Adjustments
- AceThinker Video Master - All in one Video Tool
- VideoPad Video Editor - Best for Social Media Work
- Lightworks
- Flexclip - Easy-to-Use Online Editor
- WeVideo - Best for Templates
- OpenShot - Best for Amateurs
Top 2 Picks for iMovie for Windows Alternative
As mentioned above, there’s a lot of video editing software you can use as an iMovie equivalent for Windows. However, they are not of equal quality. Expectedly, some of them are miles better than others. Therefore, it’s best to do your research before installing - or buying one. That allows you to select the best one for you and, thus, ensure your satisfaction.
Here’s a quick comparison of the top 3 iMovie alternatives for Windows:
Wondershare Filmora - Best Overall Video Editing Software
Paid | 4.7 • 693 Ratings
Wondershare Filmora has a slew of powerful video editing tools that let you express your creativity to its fullest. It allows you to make high-quality, impressive, and captivating videos easily.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
WeVideo - Best For Templates
Paid | 4.5 • 783 Ratings
WeVideo is a web-based video editor with customizable templates perfect for beginners and influencers. It has social media-friendly templates for very specific and popular categories like Unboxings and How-To Makeup.
Ultimate Overview on 11 Best Alternatives to iMovie for Windows
There’s a total of 12 best iMovie alternatives for Windows. Each one is different from the others, but they are all solid choices. Here’s a table showing information about each product:
| Software | OS | Beginner Friendly (score/5) | AI Editing | Royalty-Free Stock Library | Free Trial | Cost-Effective (score/5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wondershare Filmora | Windows, Mac | 4.5 | √ | √ | √ | 4.7 |
| PowerDirector | Windows, Mac | 5 | √ | √ | √ | 4.4 |
| APowerEdit | Windows, Mac, Online | 5 | X | X | √ | 4.5 |
| Typito | Windows, Mac | 4.5 | X | √ | √ | 4.2 |
| ShotCut | Windows, Mac, Linux | 3.5 | X | √ | √ | 5 |
| AceThinker Video Master | Windows | 4 | X | √ | √ | 4 |
| VideoPad Video Editor | Windows, Mac, Linux | 4.4 | X | √ | √ | 4.1 |
| LightWorks | Windows, Mac, Linux | 4 | √ | √ | √ | 4 |
| FlexClip | Windows, Mac, Linux | 4 | √ | √ | √ | 4.5 |
| WeVideo | Windows, Mac, Linux | 4 | X | √ | √ | 4.5 |
| OpenShot | Windows, Mac, Linux | 4.5 | √ | X | √ | 4.5 |
11 Best Windows Version of iMovie
All of these 12 iMovie alternatives for Windows 10+ are good choices. However, they have differences, meaning one may be suited for you more than the others. Here’s more information about each one, including the pros and cons, ratings, supported OS, and even user reviews.
1. Wondershare Filmora - Enhanced Royalty-Free Stock Library
Wondershare Filmora is a powerful video editing tool. Its features allow you to showcase your creativity fully. This tool can make your homemade videos look professionally made.
Key Features
- Picture in Picture - Layer in multiple video clips
- Green Screen - Change the video background and add effects using this feature
- Split Screen - Show numerous videos at once with the split screen feature
- Color Match - Save time by applying color correction settings across multiple clips with one click
- Video Stabilizing - Eliminate Camera Shake
- Speech to Text - Convert voice to subtitles in one click
- Text to Speech - Add AI voiceover to liven up your video
Price
Filmora Costs $49.99 per year for individual users. Meanwhile, it costs $155.88 per year for businesses with one user.
Pros
- PCMag says Wondershare Filmora has an eye-soothing interface. It’s not intimidating for beginners. Furthermore, Filmora’s ergonomic design makes it an easy-to-use video editing tool
- Wondershare Filmora has AI editing tools not found on the pre-installed video editor on your Windows PC. As the name suggests, it uses artificial intelligence to apply changes to video clips. Some examples of things you can do with these tools are erasing the background or applying a color correction to all clips with a single mouse click
- Filmora has lots of effects and overlays you can choose from
Cons
- High RAM consumption that can slow down your PC
G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , iPad
User Review
Wondershare Filmora is the video editing software that you need. It has a slew of powerful tools that help you make amazing videos. A TrustRadius Ratings and Review states, “I take advantage of it on a regular basis and make YouTube movies for my shoppers. Simple to create eye-catching movies.”
Takeaway
Wondershare Filmora is filled with AI editing tools that help users produce high-quality videos.
2. PowerDirector - Top Ranked Video Editor, PC Mag
PowerDirector is an iMovie alternative for Windows with a bunch of unique tools and features. Despite being simple and easy to use, it allows you to create Hollywood-level films and clips.
Key Features
- Easy 360-degree video editing
- Keyframing
- Chroma key
- AI Motion Tracking
- Picture in Picture
Price
PowerDirector’s premium subscription costs $4.08/month.
Pros
- User Friendly
- Simple but powerful plugins
- Has AI Editing Tools
- Thousands of built-in transitions, overlay effects, and templates
Cons
- You can’t access the Shutterstock and iStock built-in libraries without a Premium subscription
G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars
User Review
Powerdirector enables you to do world-class video editing; it supports 4k, 60 fps video editing! Additionally, it has lots of stickers, transitions, animations, and many more. A G2 reviewer says, “Go for it, guys! It is one of the best editing platforms in the market.”
Takeaway
PowerDirector’s advanced tools make it among the best iMovie alternatives for Windows 10/11.
3. APowerEdit - Easiest Way to Edit Videos
APowerEdit is a straightforward video editing tool with dozens of transitions, text effects, overlays, and filters.
Key Features
- Supports all common media formats
- Includes dynamic title captions
- Dozens of overlays, transitions, and filters
- Picture in Picture
- Quickly correct brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation
Price
APowerEdit is free software with a paid version that costs$29.95 per month.
Pros
- Easy to navigate due to its user-friendly design
- Lots of export options
- Dozens of editing tools
Cons
- Lacks advanced editing tools needed for bigger projects
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Online
User Review
APowerEdit is a simple video editing software best for beginners and not-so-tech-savvy users. An AlternativeTo review says, “Apoweredit is super easy to use. It is suitable for beginners like me. Awesome software!”
Takeaway
APowerEdit is a nice tool to have for beginners. However, if you plan to make impressive short films or bigger projects, it is not the ideal software to use.
4. Typito - Video Editing Tool Equivalent of Canva
Typito is like Canva but for videos. It is a web-based video editing software with drag-and-drop features, stylish typography, images, and brand layouts.
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop interface for easy editing
- Features built for creating engaging social media posts.
- Resize video files fast
- Includes 200+ motion graphic templates
Price
Typito subscriptions start at $15 per month.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Multiple Export Options
- Has all the basic video editing tools
Cons
- Too basic for bigger projects
- The free version has a watermark
G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux
User Review
Typito is a web-based video editor and a simple, easy-to-use tool. It receives continuous updates, so it becomes better and better. A G2 review says , “In Typito, even if you are a “Free” user, you can still create a video that looks so professional as if you paid someone to do it for you.”
Takeaway
Typito’s solid selection of tools is enough for simple projects, and it’s one of the best iMovie alternatives for Windows for social media influencers. However, advanced users may find it a little lacking.
5. Shotcut - Best for Color Adjustments
ShotCut is a completely free iMovie alternative for Windows. This tool is an open-source, cross-platform, video-editing software.
Key Features
- Webcam Capture
- Keyframing
- Auto-Rotate
- Blending Modes
- Unlimited Undo and Redo options
- Powerful color correction tools
Price: Free
Pros
- Because ShotCut is an open-source program, it gets updated regularly by the community
- Completely free
Cons
- No social media integrations
- Not user-friendly
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux
User Review
Shotcut is free video editing software with a toolkit that rivals paid ones. A G2 review states, “We don’t have to pay anything, and we can edit the professional type of videos. It has all the features which any paid software has.”
Takeaway
Do you not want to spend money? If so, Shotcut is the option for you. It also has the strength of being available on many platforms. And because Shotcut is an open-source program, it gets regular updates from the community. However, its interface is not the most beginner-friendly.
6. AceThinker Video Master - All in one Video Tool
AceThinker is a video editor, video converter, and video downloader in one package.
Key Features
- Built-in video player
- HD video converter
- Wide range of customization
- Supports popular video formats
- Basic video editing tools
Price
AceThinker Video Master’s pricing plans start from $29.95.
Pros
- Video converter, downloader, editor, and screen recorder in one
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Lack of advanced video editing tools
G2 Rating: 5 Stars
User Review
AceThinker Video Master is all about convenience. It provides you with a video editor, downloader, and converter in one package. An educator left a review on G2 ; they say, “This has saved me lost time, increased student engagement, and [it is] a wonderful training tool for other educators.”
Takeaway
Is the storage space in your Windows PC running out? If that’s the case, AceThinker Video Master is a fantastic tool for you. It’s essentially four video apps in one package. And it’s not too shabby as video editing software, either. Expectedly, it’s not the best choice for making short films for competitions and projects of similar or bigger scale.
7. VideoPad Video Editor - Best for Social Media Work
VideoPad Video Editor is among the most impressive iMovie alternatives for Windows. It has powerful tools that will help you create films that would wow the audience.
Key Features
- Over 50 Effects and Transitions
- Supports all video formats
- 3D Video Editing
- 360-degree video support
- Chroma key compositing
- Camera Stabilizer
- Speech-to-text feature
Price
VideoPad Home Edition costs $34.99, while the Master’s Edition costs $69.95.
Pros
- Has basic and advanced tools
- Direct upload to popular social media channels
- Fast video stream processor
Cons
- The interface is outdated
- The speech-to-text feature is unreliable
- The free version is full of annoying notifications
G2 Rating: 4 Stars
User Review
VideoPad is an easy-to-learn video editing software full of helpful tools. A G2 reviewer states, “This complete and powerful media editing tool offers a variety of possibilities and possibilities to optimize every clip to the fullest.”
Takeaway
VideoPad Video Editor has many free features you can use to improve your videos. Admittedly, there are problems with some of these features. Nevertheless, this tool is a solid choice for a Windows iMovie alternative.
8. Lightworks
Lightworks Pro is a video editor used to make some Oscar-winning films, and Lightworks is a free and less complicated version of it. However, Lightworks is still not that beginner-friendly. Therefore, it’s best to consider this as an iMovie alternative only if you are an intermediate user.
Key Features
- Advanced Color Correction
- Some advanced tools
- Tooltips to help you learn how to use the features
- Integration to Cloud services
- Keyframing
- Advanced audio controls
- Autosave
Price
Lightworks is free, but premium subscriptions for Lightworks Create costs $99.9, and Lightworks Pro costs $24.99.
Pros
- Includes Advanced tools
- You would not lose progress because of the autosave feature
- Good performance
Cons
- Not suited for beginners
- You can only export up to 720p using the free version
G2 Rating: 3.5 Stars
Supported OS Windows , Mac , Linux
User Review
A TrustRadius Ratings and Review says, “Lightworks is a great tool for a non-designer to use because it provides a number of tools and capabilities that can be quickly learned.” However, they note that Lightworks does not provide advanced video editors with all the tools they need. It’s best for intermediate users.
Takeaway
Lightworks is a fantastic alternative to iMovie for Windows 10+ users. However, it requires you to be quite knowledgeable about video editing tools. This editor has a slightly higher learning curve than others. But once you learn how to use Lightworks, creating quality videos would be super easy.
9. Flexclip - Easy-to-Use Online Editor
FlexClip is a free online editor. It is a good substitute for iMovie for Windows users, regardless if you are a beginner or a professional.
Key Features
- Dozens of useful tools like background remover and gif maker
- Voice and screen recorder
- Integration with social media platforms
- It supports all the popular video formats
- Allows you to export up to 1080p
Price
FlexClip is free, but premium subscriptions are available. Subscriptions start from $9.99 per month.
Pros
- Includes basic and advanced editing tools
- Easy to share your work on social media platforms
- Allows creation of high-quality videos
Cons
- Long loading time before you can use it
G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux
User Review
FlexClip being an online video editor means one thing; it does not use your PC’s processing power. It also delivers what it promises. A G2 reviewe r says, “I have used many video editing tools so far, but none is close to FlexClip when it comes to video editing.”
Takeaway
You can’t go wrong with FlexClip. It has powerful tools making it a great iMovie alternative for Windows. You don’t even have to install it; it’s an online tool. Unfortunately, that has some downsides. You need to wait for the website to finish loading before working because it scrolls down for each line that gets loaded.
10. WeVideo - Best for Templates
WeVideo includes social-media-friendly templates, making it a fantastic choice for editing popular video categories like How-to, Unboxings, and Makeup tutorials.
Key Features
- Color Correction
- Green Screen Editing Tool
- Has support for square videos (for Instagram) and vertical videos (for TikTok)
- Customizable templates plus dozens of pre-made ones
Price
Premium subscriptions start at $60 per year.
Pros
- Includes basic and advanced video editing tools
- Excellent customer support
- User-friendly
Cons
- The free version has lots of limitations
- Importing videos to the website takes a long time
G2 Rating: 4.4 Stars
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux
User Review
Social media influencers and marketers need to check out WeVideo. A reviewer of this video editing tool on G2 said, “It’s got a handful of Templates that you can use to explore your creativity and inventiveness when creating your content.”
Takeaway
WeVideo is a solid alternative for iMovie for Windows 10/11, but only if you are willing to pay. The free version has lots of restrictions. For example, you can only export 5 minutes of content per month.
11. OpenShot - Best for Amateurs
OpenShot has a straightforward interface, making it beginner-friendly. It has some fantastic tools you’ll find helpful. There’s a catch with beginner-friendly editors, though. They don’t have the advanced features you can find on other video editors. You can say that for OpenShot.
Key Features
- 3D Animation
- Text Editor
- Keyframing
- Decent selection of templates and filters
Price: Free
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Includes a wide range of editing tools
- Lots of export options
Cons
- Lack of advanced tools like Picture-in-Picture or Chroma Key
- Very laggy to use sometimes
G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux
User Review
OpenShot is a great introductory software for video editing. Its simplicity, ergonomic design, and set of handy tools make it perfect for beginners. A G2 review states, “I do not have a degree in video editing, but the products from my Openshot edits were of high quality.”
Takeaway
Some tools are intimidating for beginners; there are many buttons, and you don’t know what each one does. That’s not a problem when using OpenShot. Its simple interface is easy to understand, making it the best tool for beginners.
How to Edit a Video with an iMovie Alternative on Windows
Knowing which are the best iMovie alternatives on Windows is not enough. Of course, you also need to learn how to use them. Here’s a guide on how to use Wondershare Filmora, the best overall iMovie alternative for Windows.
Step1 Launch Filmora. Then, if you want to, select the aspect ratio.
Step2 Click New Project, then wait for the video editor to load. Then, click Register to register the product.
Step3 Select the aspect ratio for the final cut. Click Project Settings from the File menu, then select your desired aspect ratio.
Step4 Import the files you want to edit. Click the Import button in the upper left corner of the video editor. Select Import Media Files, then navigate to the location on your hard drive where the footage you want to edit is stored. Select the files you want to use in your project, then click Import.
Step5 Drag and drop the files to the timeline. Please note that the last one you add will always be placed after the previous one. Thus, you need to drag the file on the timeline to put it in the desired position. Press Play to preview.
Step6 Apply visual effects, color correction, and other edits you want to make.
Step7 Click Export to publish your video. Don’t forget to select your desired file format and resolution.
Here’s a video tutorial on how to use Wondershare Filmora
image / video 16:9
Final Words
It’s a shame that iMovie is not available on Windows 10/11 computers. Thankfully, there are alternatives you can use. Wondershare Filmora is an outstanding one. It allows you to do what you can do using iMovie and more.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
- Wondershare Filmora - Enhanced Royalty-Free Stock Library
- PowerDirector - Top Ranked Video Editor, PC Mag
- APowerEdit - Easiest Way to Edit Videos
- Typito - Video Editing Tool Equivalent of Canva
- Shotcut - Best for Color Adjustments
- AceThinker Video Master - All in one Video Tool
- VideoPad Video Editor - Best for Social Media Work
- Lightworks
- Flexclip - Easy-to-Use Online Editor
- WeVideo - Best for Templates
- OpenShot - Best for Amateurs
- How to Edit a Video with an iMovie Alternative on Windows
Top 2 Picks for iMovie for Windows Alternative
As mentioned above, there’s a lot of video editing software you can use as an iMovie equivalent for Windows. However, they are not of equal quality. Expectedly, some of them are miles better than others. Therefore, it’s best to do your research before installing - or buying one. That allows you to select the best one for you and, thus, ensure your satisfaction.
Here’s a quick comparison of the top 3 iMovie alternatives for Windows:
Wondershare Filmora - Best Overall Video Editing Software
Paid | 4.7 • 693 Ratings
Wondershare Filmora has a slew of powerful video editing tools that let you express your creativity to its fullest. It allows you to make high-quality, impressive, and captivating videos easily.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
WeVideo - Best For Templates
Paid | 4.5 • 783 Ratings
WeVideo is a web-based video editor with customizable templates perfect for beginners and influencers. It has social media-friendly templates for very specific and popular categories like Unboxings and How-To Makeup.
Ultimate Overview on 11 Best Alternatives to iMovie for Windows
There’s a total of 12 best iMovie alternatives for Windows. Each one is different from the others, but they are all solid choices. Here’s a table showing information about each product:
| Software | OS | Beginner Friendly (score/5) | AI Editing | Royalty-Free Stock Library | Free Trial | Cost-Effective (score/5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wondershare Filmora | Windows, Mac | 4.5 | √ | √ | √ | 4.7 |
| PowerDirector | Windows, Mac | 5 | √ | √ | √ | 4.4 |
| APowerEdit | Windows, Mac, Online | 5 | X | X | √ | 4.5 |
| Typito | Windows, Mac | 4.5 | X | √ | √ | 4.2 |
| ShotCut | Windows, Mac, Linux | 3.5 | X | √ | √ | 5 |
| AceThinker Video Master | Windows | 4 | X | √ | √ | 4 |
| VideoPad Video Editor | Windows, Mac, Linux | 4.4 | X | √ | √ | 4.1 |
| LightWorks | Windows, Mac, Linux | 4 | √ | √ | √ | 4 |
| FlexClip | Windows, Mac, Linux | 4 | √ | √ | √ | 4.5 |
| WeVideo | Windows, Mac, Linux | 4 | X | √ | √ | 4.5 |
| OpenShot | Windows, Mac, Linux | 4.5 | √ | X | √ | 4.5 |
11 Best Windows Version of iMovie
All of these 12 iMovie alternatives for Windows 10+ are good choices. However, they have differences, meaning one may be suited for you more than the others. Here’s more information about each one, including the pros and cons, ratings, supported OS, and even user reviews.
1. Wondershare Filmora - Enhanced Royalty-Free Stock Library
Wondershare Filmora is a powerful video editing tool. Its features allow you to showcase your creativity fully. This tool can make your homemade videos look professionally made.
Key Features
- Picture in Picture - Layer in multiple video clips
- Green Screen - Change the video background and add effects using this feature
- Split Screen - Show numerous videos at once with the split screen feature
- Color Match - Save time by applying color correction settings across multiple clips with one click
- Video Stabilizing - Eliminate Camera Shake
- Speech to Text - Convert voice to subtitles in one click
- Text to Speech - Add AI voiceover to liven up your video
Price
Filmora Costs $49.99 per year for individual users. Meanwhile, it costs $155.88 per year for businesses with one user.
Pros
- PCMag says Wondershare Filmora has an eye-soothing interface. It’s not intimidating for beginners. Furthermore, Filmora’s ergonomic design makes it an easy-to-use video editing tool
- Wondershare Filmora has AI editing tools not found on the pre-installed video editor on your Windows PC. As the name suggests, it uses artificial intelligence to apply changes to video clips. Some examples of things you can do with these tools are erasing the background or applying a color correction to all clips with a single mouse click
- Filmora has lots of effects and overlays you can choose from
Cons
- High RAM consumption that can slow down your PC
G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , iPad
User Review
Wondershare Filmora is the video editing software that you need. It has a slew of powerful tools that help you make amazing videos. A TrustRadius Ratings and Review states, “I take advantage of it on a regular basis and make YouTube movies for my shoppers. Simple to create eye-catching movies.”
Takeaway
Wondershare Filmora is filled with AI editing tools that help users produce high-quality videos.
2. PowerDirector - Top Ranked Video Editor, PC Mag
PowerDirector is an iMovie alternative for Windows with a bunch of unique tools and features. Despite being simple and easy to use, it allows you to create Hollywood-level films and clips.
Key Features
- Easy 360-degree video editing
- Keyframing
- Chroma key
- AI Motion Tracking
- Picture in Picture
Price
PowerDirector’s premium subscription costs $4.08/month.
Pros
- User Friendly
- Simple but powerful plugins
- Has AI Editing Tools
- Thousands of built-in transitions, overlay effects, and templates
Cons
- You can’t access the Shutterstock and iStock built-in libraries without a Premium subscription
G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars
User Review
Powerdirector enables you to do world-class video editing; it supports 4k, 60 fps video editing! Additionally, it has lots of stickers, transitions, animations, and many more. A G2 reviewer says, “Go for it, guys! It is one of the best editing platforms in the market.”
Takeaway
PowerDirector’s advanced tools make it among the best iMovie alternatives for Windows 10/11.
3. APowerEdit - Easiest Way to Edit Videos
APowerEdit is a straightforward video editing tool with dozens of transitions, text effects, overlays, and filters.
Key Features
- Supports all common media formats
- Includes dynamic title captions
- Dozens of overlays, transitions, and filters
- Picture in Picture
- Quickly correct brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation
Price
APowerEdit is free software with a paid version that costs$29.95 per month.
Pros
- Easy to navigate due to its user-friendly design
- Lots of export options
- Dozens of editing tools
Cons
- Lacks advanced editing tools needed for bigger projects
Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Online
User Review
APowerEdit is a simple video editing software best for beginners and not-so-tech-savvy users. An AlternativeTo review says, “Apoweredit is super easy to use. It is suitable for beginners like me. Awesome software!”
Takeaway
APowerEdit is a nice tool to have for beginners. However, if you plan to make impressive short films or bigger projects, it is not the ideal software to use.
4. Typito - Video Editing Tool Equivalent of Canva
Typito is like Canva but for videos. It is a web-based video editing software with drag-and-drop features, stylish typography, images, and brand layouts.
Key Features
- Drag-and-drop interface for easy editing
- Features built for creating engaging social media posts.
- Resize video files fast
- Includes 200+ motion graphic templates
Price
Typito subscriptions start at $15 per month.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Multiple Export Options
- Has all the basic video editing tools
Cons
- Too basic for bigger projects
- The free version has a watermark
G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux
User Review
Typito is a web-based video editor and a simple, easy-to-use tool. It receives continuous updates, so it becomes better and better. A G2 review says , “In Typito, even if you are a “Free” user, you can still create a video that looks so professional as if you paid someone to do it for you.”
Takeaway
Typito’s solid selection of tools is enough for simple projects, and it’s one of the best iMovie alternatives for Windows for social media influencers. However, advanced users may find it a little lacking.
5. Shotcut - Best for Color Adjustments
ShotCut is a completely free iMovie alternative for Windows. This tool is an open-source, cross-platform, video-editing software.
Key Features
- Webcam Capture
- Keyframing
- Auto-Rotate
- Blending Modes
- Unlimited Undo and Redo options
- Powerful color correction tools
Price: Free
Pros
- Because ShotCut is an open-source program, it gets updated regularly by the community
- Completely free
Cons
- No social media integrations
- Not user-friendly
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux
User Review
Shotcut is free video editing software with a toolkit that rivals paid ones. A G2 review states, “We don’t have to pay anything, and we can edit the professional type of videos. It has all the features which any paid software has.”
Takeaway
Do you not want to spend money? If so, Shotcut is the option for you. It also has the strength of being available on many platforms. And because Shotcut is an open-source program, it gets regular updates from the community. However, its interface is not the most beginner-friendly.
6. AceThinker Video Master - All in one Video Tool
AceThinker is a video editor, video converter, and video downloader in one package.
Key Features
- Built-in video player
- HD video converter
- Wide range of customization
- Supports popular video formats
- Basic video editing tools
Price
AceThinker Video Master’s pricing plans start from $29.95.
Pros
- Video converter, downloader, editor, and screen recorder in one
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Lack of advanced video editing tools
G2 Rating: 5 Stars
User Review
AceThinker Video Master is all about convenience. It provides you with a video editor, downloader, and converter in one package. An educator left a review on G2 ; they say, “This has saved me lost time, increased student engagement, and [it is] a wonderful training tool for other educators.”
Takeaway
Is the storage space in your Windows PC running out? If that’s the case, AceThinker Video Master is a fantastic tool for you. It’s essentially four video apps in one package. And it’s not too shabby as video editing software, either. Expectedly, it’s not the best choice for making short films for competitions and projects of similar or bigger scale.
7. VideoPad Video Editor - Best for Social Media Work
VideoPad Video Editor is among the most impressive iMovie alternatives for Windows. It has powerful tools that will help you create films that would wow the audience.
Key Features
- Over 50 Effects and Transitions
- Supports all video formats
- 3D Video Editing
- 360-degree video support
- Chroma key compositing
- Camera Stabilizer
- Speech-to-text feature
Price
VideoPad Home Edition costs $34.99, while the Master’s Edition costs $69.95.
Pros
- Has basic and advanced tools
- Direct upload to popular social media channels
- Fast video stream processor
Cons
- The interface is outdated
- The speech-to-text feature is unreliable
- The free version is full of annoying notifications
G2 Rating: 4 Stars
User Review
VideoPad is an easy-to-learn video editing software full of helpful tools. A G2 reviewer states, “This complete and powerful media editing tool offers a variety of possibilities and possibilities to optimize every clip to the fullest.”
Takeaway
VideoPad Video Editor has many free features you can use to improve your videos. Admittedly, there are problems with some of these features. Nevertheless, this tool is a solid choice for a Windows iMovie alternative.
8. Lightworks
Lightworks Pro is a video editor used to make some Oscar-winning films, and Lightworks is a free and less complicated version of it. However, Lightworks is still not that beginner-friendly. Therefore, it’s best to consider this as an iMovie alternative only if you are an intermediate user.
Key Features
- Advanced Color Correction
- Some advanced tools
- Tooltips to help you learn how to use the features
- Integration to Cloud services
- Keyframing
- Advanced audio controls
- Autosave
Price
Lightworks is free, but premium subscriptions for Lightworks Create costs $99.9, and Lightworks Pro costs $24.99.
Pros
- Includes Advanced tools
- You would not lose progress because of the autosave feature
- Good performance
Cons
- Not suited for beginners
- You can only export up to 720p using the free version
G2 Rating: 3.5 Stars
Supported OS Windows , Mac , Linux
User Review
A TrustRadius Ratings and Review says, “Lightworks is a great tool for a non-designer to use because it provides a number of tools and capabilities that can be quickly learned.” However, they note that Lightworks does not provide advanced video editors with all the tools they need. It’s best for intermediate users.
Takeaway
Lightworks is a fantastic alternative to iMovie for Windows 10+ users. However, it requires you to be quite knowledgeable about video editing tools. This editor has a slightly higher learning curve than others. But once you learn how to use Lightworks, creating quality videos would be super easy.
9. Flexclip - Easy-to-Use Online Editor
FlexClip is a free online editor. It is a good substitute for iMovie for Windows users, regardless if you are a beginner or a professional.
Key Features
- Dozens of useful tools like background remover and gif maker
- Voice and screen recorder
- Integration with social media platforms
- It supports all the popular video formats
- Allows you to export up to 1080p
Price
FlexClip is free, but premium subscriptions are available. Subscriptions start from $9.99 per month.
Pros
- Includes basic and advanced editing tools
- Easy to share your work on social media platforms
- Allows creation of high-quality videos
Cons
- Long loading time before you can use it
G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux
User Review
FlexClip being an online video editor means one thing; it does not use your PC’s processing power. It also delivers what it promises. A G2 reviewe r says, “I have used many video editing tools so far, but none is close to FlexClip when it comes to video editing.”
Takeaway
You can’t go wrong with FlexClip. It has powerful tools making it a great iMovie alternative for Windows. You don’t even have to install it; it’s an online tool. Unfortunately, that has some downsides. You need to wait for the website to finish loading before working because it scrolls down for each line that gets loaded.
10. WeVideo - Best for Templates
WeVideo includes social-media-friendly templates, making it a fantastic choice for editing popular video categories like How-to, Unboxings, and Makeup tutorials.
Key Features
- Color Correction
- Green Screen Editing Tool
- Has support for square videos (for Instagram) and vertical videos (for TikTok)
- Customizable templates plus dozens of pre-made ones
Price
Premium subscriptions start at $60 per year.
Pros
- Includes basic and advanced video editing tools
- Excellent customer support
- User-friendly
Cons
- The free version has lots of limitations
- Importing videos to the website takes a long time
G2 Rating: 4.4 Stars
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux
User Review
Social media influencers and marketers need to check out WeVideo. A reviewer of this video editing tool on G2 said, “It’s got a handful of Templates that you can use to explore your creativity and inventiveness when creating your content.”
Takeaway
WeVideo is a solid alternative for iMovie for Windows 10/11, but only if you are willing to pay. The free version has lots of restrictions. For example, you can only export 5 minutes of content per month.
11. OpenShot - Best for Amateurs
OpenShot has a straightforward interface, making it beginner-friendly. It has some fantastic tools you’ll find helpful. There’s a catch with beginner-friendly editors, though. They don’t have the advanced features you can find on other video editors. You can say that for OpenShot.
Key Features
- 3D Animation
- Text Editor
- Keyframing
- Decent selection of templates and filters
Price: Free
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Includes a wide range of editing tools
- Lots of export options
Cons
- Lack of advanced tools like Picture-in-Picture or Chroma Key
- Very laggy to use sometimes
G2 Rating: 4.5 Stars
Supported OS: Windows , Mac , Linux
User Review
OpenShot is a great introductory software for video editing. Its simplicity, ergonomic design, and set of handy tools make it perfect for beginners. A G2 review states, “I do not have a degree in video editing, but the products from my Openshot edits were of high quality.”
Takeaway
Some tools are intimidating for beginners; there are many buttons, and you don’t know what each one does. That’s not a problem when using OpenShot. Its simple interface is easy to understand, making it the best tool for beginners.
How to Edit a Video with an iMovie Alternative on Windows
Knowing which are the best iMovie alternatives on Windows is not enough. Of course, you also need to learn how to use them. Here’s a guide on how to use Wondershare Filmora, the best overall iMovie alternative for Windows.
Step1 Launch Filmora. Then, if you want to, select the aspect ratio.
Step2 Click New Project, then wait for the video editor to load. Then, click Register to register the product.
Step3 Select the aspect ratio for the final cut. Click Project Settings from the File menu, then select your desired aspect ratio.
Step4 Import the files you want to edit. Click the Import button in the upper left corner of the video editor. Select Import Media Files, then navigate to the location on your hard drive where the footage you want to edit is stored. Select the files you want to use in your project, then click Import.
Step5 Drag and drop the files to the timeline. Please note that the last one you add will always be placed after the previous one. Thus, you need to drag the file on the timeline to put it in the desired position. Press Play to preview.
Step6 Apply visual effects, color correction, and other edits you want to make.
Step7 Click Export to publish your video. Don’t forget to select your desired file format and resolution.
Here’s a video tutorial on how to use Wondershare Filmora
image / video 16:9
Final Words
It’s a shame that iMovie is not available on Windows 10/11 computers. Thankfully, there are alternatives you can use. Wondershare Filmora is an outstanding one. It allows you to do what you can do using iMovie and more.
Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)
Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later
Here Is a Review of the Best Security Camera Software, and Every Single One Has a Free Option. Technique Questions Are Answered as Well
10 Best Free Security Camera Software
Benjamin Arango
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Figuring out which is the best security camera software is never easy. This is because most of the software you find online says it is free…until you download their software and it tries to charge you.
Here is a review of the best security camera software, and every single one has a free option. Share this article on social media if you find the right camera software for you.
But if you are new in this field, then you might want to know some basic technique terms introduced following, before we jump to choose the best security camera software.
What Is an IP Camera?
When people say, “IP camera,” they usually mean a camera that uses the Internet in some way so that it may do its job. A typical CCTV camera connects a camera to a computer via a wire. An IP camera can connect over the Internet.
Sometimes, the connection is remote. This means that the camera may be in one location and still be connected to another computer that is miles away.
However, many IP cameras are installed in a home and only travel a few feet/meters to the nearest computer. In short, an IP camera doesn’t need a local recording device because the signal can be sent over the Internet or with a Wi-Fi connection.
What Is Camera Software Used for?
Most people and businesses use camera software to connect their cameras to their computers or their Smartphones. This is often cheaper than buying dedicated recording hardware. The camera and its software are usually used to monitor camera feeds that are life, and to records them onto a hard drive or to the Cloud.
How Do You Pick the Best Security Camera Software?
In most cases, the best software is simply the software that works with your cameras, and that offers all the functions you need. Compatibility is the first concern, but you also want it to work well with your device. For example, if your cameras have a zoom function, but your software doesn’t allow zooming, then that piece of software is not the best one for you.
For example, if you are using Linux, then you want Linux security camera software. And, some people insist that their software allows them to monitor their cameras from their Smartphones. The great thing about free security camera software is that you can test it out first without the risk of losing your money.
If You Need to Edit Your Videos , Which Is the Best Video Editor?
Exporting or downloading content from your camera software is a messy job. You often need a good video editor and trimmer to make your video clips usable.
This is especially true when video recordings can go on for as long as 90 days at a time. If you are looking for a high-quality and flexible video editor, then Filmora is your only real and viable choice. Learn more from Wondershare Video Community .
Filmora takes users’ needs into consideration and comes up with a variety of useful features to make editing easy for people of different levels. Let’s have a look at the useful features of Filmora to better understand how powerful Filmora is.
- Auto Synchronization: This allows you to sync video and audio easily.
- Plenty of transitions, effects, elements make your videos more interesting.
- Audio Ducking: Automatically reduce the volume of the background music to make the dialogue stand out.
- Wondershare Drive: Upload video or project to Wondershare Drive and download it to complete anywhere you want.
- Motion Tracking: Attach an element to a moving object in your video easily with auto motion tracking.
- Keyframing: Customize animation by adding keyframes to change the position, rotation, scale, and opacity of a clip.
- Color Match: Match the color of selected clips to another frame from another clip.
10 Best Free Security Camera Software
Now let’s have a look at the 10 best free security camera software with very comprehensive choosing details.
1. NetCam Studio
There is a free version of NetCam Studio, but if you want something more powerful, then you can buy one of their licenses. These licenses allow you to use the software for as long as you like, and they will update the software for up to two years after purchase.
After the two-year period, you can keep the software running as normal, but if you want upgrades, then you will have to buy them. Upgrades shouldn’t be needed unless you buy a new piece of camera hardware and it requires a new type of camera software.
The NetCam Studio Features
If you go for the free version of NetCam Studio, then you get to use a camera feed from two sources. There is a watermark added to the camera images, and you get five-day notifications. There is also community support.
The paid features include up to 64 sources, no watermarks, 250-day notifications, and you get priority support. After the 250 days is up, you may buy upgrades in order to keep the notification system going.
Pros
The free version does not expire in any way besides the notifications
You are able to use this software with a wide variety of camera brands
Updates are frequent enough to tackle most system-breaking bugs
Cons
The interface needs updating to make it more user friendly
They need to better explain the “Add Source” procedure
Troubleshooting audio problems is very difficult
2. Security Eye
The reason Security Eye ranks so highly is that it is a professional piece of software that somebody decided should be free. It is not open source security camera software, but the developers have decided that it should be free. There used to be a free version where you would get 2 hours of free surveillance per day for free, but in 2019 the company removed its payment system. Will they keep it up or go back to paid subscriptions? Who knows, but you should get it while it is still free (if you can).
Security Eye Features
You can use a timer to determine when the video feed should start. You can capture images as JPEGs and then compress them. The system also allows you to receive alerts via a loudspeaker. It works with motion-detection devices too.
Pros
It comes with the Xvid MPEG-4 Codec
The full version has no nag screen or recording limit
The Security Eye interface is pretty modern for what is essentially a free piece of software
Cons
Demands 1GB of RAM and 2GB of HHD space
Requires at least an Intel Pentium 1.8 processor
The icons should be more intuitive
3. Perfect Surveillance
There are three types of free security camera software for you to choose from. There is one for IP cameras, one for web cameras, and there is a piece of viewing software that people may use if they do not have something like VLC video viewer installed.
Perfect Surveillance Features
Simple icons and a clear interface is a great benefits. Determine when the cameras start monitoring and set up your own layouts to suit your viewing style.
Pros
A simple program that works in a very uncomplicated manner
Most of its icons are intuitive to where you can guess what they do
The Perfect Surveillance system has motion detection and allows you to monitor up to 64 devices
Cons
Installing seems overly long and bloated
There are not enough instructions on how to get your cameras connected
They do not explain how to capture and export screenshots
4. iVideon
There are times when a piece of free software simply does its job good enough to warrant no complaints, and that is exactly what iVideon offers. There are plenty of ways it can be improved, but there is nothing about it that demands harsh criticism.
iVideon Features
One of its most advertised features is facial recognition, but it is not very accurate. It does allow for very good mobile usage. You can view live and recorded footage on your desktop or mobile device. It is also available for Mac OS X and Linux.
Pros
Online home use and access is completely full-featured and freeware
It has smart notifications and has its own desktop and mobile apps
it doesn’t take long to learn how to use the iVideon interface
Cons
Seems rather light on features
Installing and connecting cameras requires a better tutorial
Embedding live video on your website is trickier than it first seems
5. Xeoma
This program has plenty of features, but most of them are locked off to free users. It takes over too long to learn how to use the system, but it may be worth it if you have many cameras. The paid version has all sorts of perks from SMS texts to system health monitoring.
Xeoma Features
The lite version is the free version. It allows you to add four cameras with up to six modules in each chain. You can test out and use the lite version as long as you like, or you can get a free trial of the larger fully-featured program.
Pros
Record and monitor from four cameras
Updates are very frequent
This software works with mostly every type of camera
Cons
Around 90% of features are locked off to free users.
Xeoma is difficult to learn and set up
Connecting many cameras is difficult because the system is difficult to learn as a whole
6. Genius Vision
The Genius Vision system is a fairly advanced piece of software that is probably best used for businesses. If used at home, then there are many features that may never be used. It also works on mobile devices too.
Genius Vision Features
There are plenty of features to play with, including a massive array of settings to fit the many types of camera that this program can be used with. You can even support the company through Patreon and get more extensions on the program.
Pros
Works in-depth with many types of camera
The tools are very sophisticated and accurate
The drop-down menus are complicated while also being thoughtfully laid out
Cons
Getting paid upgrades is trickier than just buying on their website
Setting up the remote features is difficult
You have to figure out most of how to use the program based on which camera you have connected
7. Deskshare IP Camera Viewer
The Deskshare IP Camera Viewer company has a great piece of security camera software that they repackage into many different names and then give away on their website. They do this because the software comes with lots of unwanted bloatware that the company is paid to promote. The sad part is that many other websites will replace this bloatware with Trojan viruses, which means it is difficult to get a clean version of this program.
Deskshare IP Camera Viewer Features
Live recording, playback, and split-screen is all available. You can use up to 4 cameras at a time, and it works with 2200 different camera models. If your hardware allows it, then you can pan, tilt and zoom your camera.
Pros
It is compatible with many types of camera brand
You can set up floating surveillance windows if you want
Adjust the properties of each camera individually
Cons
Installing is very difficult to do correctly
Comes with bloatware and/or unwanted content
The IP software has the least features of all the Deskshare camera software
8. Anycam
The Anycam system is a very average piece of software, but it works with most any type of camera. The interface is basic but easy to use and easy to set up. You will discover that the free version is only limited in terms of record time, you can still use all its features.
Anycam Features
Anycam is mostly featureless. It works with motion-detection cameras. It allows for video recording and playback. Plus, you can watch a live feed. Other than that, there is very little you can do with this basic-but-effective piece of software.
Pros
The program seems to work with any type of camera
Anycam has a paid version where you only make a one-time payment and get free lifetime updates
Installing and setup is very easy
Cons
Trying to find specific events on the timeline is very fiddly
The free version only allows two cameras to be linked
The recording is very limited with the free version
9. ContaCam
In the strictest terms, this piece of software is not free. The developers ask you for a donation, but there is nothing forcing you to give them one. Plus, you can try the software, and then if it turns out to be brilliant, then you can always go back and donate to them.
ContaCam Features
Despite seeming very complicated, the interface is actually very self-explanatory. At first glance, it looks overly condensed and full of features, but each explains itself very well. You can configure the cameras very precisely to the point where you can even specify within which seconds it starts and stops.
Pros
A rather advanced piece of software
The interface layout is very condensed without being confusing
You can use web servers, the Internet, or intranet to receive live feeds
Cons
The interface has no aesthetic decoration at all
ContaCam takes a long time to learn through trial and error testing
The developers say this will never work with mobile devices
10. Agent DVR
The great thing about Agent DVR is that it is completely free because it is freeware. The sad part is that it was created by a developer who went on to finer things and left the program lodged on a few high-use servers. It is now being passed around freeware websites, which means it is sometimes difficult to find a clean version. Nevertheless, it is a fine piece of camera software that still works for many types of cameras.
Agent DVR Features
The Agent DVR software allows for video surveillance with a live feed, and for recording. You can use it with motion-detection software, and it still works for many different types of cameras. It uses a reliable SSL algorithm for its signal encryption, and it is very lightweight, which means it is not a big drain on your device’s CPU.
Pros
A very simple and lightweight piece of software
Works all the way back to Windows 7
It still works with motion detection systems
Cons
Agent DVR will become more obsolete as newer cameras appear over the coming years
Updates will never occur beyond Windows 10
The interface looks very dated compared to the modern camera software
Conclusion
As you can tell by this article, getting good security camera software is difficult because there is so much to choose from. Plus, installing is often an issue, as is companies trying to nag-free users into paying. There is also the issue of connecting cameras and the problem with tagged-on viruses and bloatware.
Nevertheless, there is plenty to try without having to pay, so that is a positive. What do you think?
Have any of these worked for you? Ask your friends on social media, start a discussion, and share this article to help others discover the best free security camera software.
Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Figuring out which is the best security camera software is never easy. This is because most of the software you find online says it is free…until you download their software and it tries to charge you.
Here is a review of the best security camera software, and every single one has a free option. Share this article on social media if you find the right camera software for you.
But if you are new in this field, then you might want to know some basic technique terms introduced following, before we jump to choose the best security camera software.
What Is an IP Camera?
When people say, “IP camera,” they usually mean a camera that uses the Internet in some way so that it may do its job. A typical CCTV camera connects a camera to a computer via a wire. An IP camera can connect over the Internet.
Sometimes, the connection is remote. This means that the camera may be in one location and still be connected to another computer that is miles away.
However, many IP cameras are installed in a home and only travel a few feet/meters to the nearest computer. In short, an IP camera doesn’t need a local recording device because the signal can be sent over the Internet or with a Wi-Fi connection.
What Is Camera Software Used for?
Most people and businesses use camera software to connect their cameras to their computers or their Smartphones. This is often cheaper than buying dedicated recording hardware. The camera and its software are usually used to monitor camera feeds that are life, and to records them onto a hard drive or to the Cloud.
How Do You Pick the Best Security Camera Software?
In most cases, the best software is simply the software that works with your cameras, and that offers all the functions you need. Compatibility is the first concern, but you also want it to work well with your device. For example, if your cameras have a zoom function, but your software doesn’t allow zooming, then that piece of software is not the best one for you.
For example, if you are using Linux, then you want Linux security camera software. And, some people insist that their software allows them to monitor their cameras from their Smartphones. The great thing about free security camera software is that you can test it out first without the risk of losing your money.
If You Need to Edit Your Videos , Which Is the Best Video Editor?
Exporting or downloading content from your camera software is a messy job. You often need a good video editor and trimmer to make your video clips usable.
This is especially true when video recordings can go on for as long as 90 days at a time. If you are looking for a high-quality and flexible video editor, then Filmora is your only real and viable choice. Learn more from Wondershare Video Community .
Filmora takes users’ needs into consideration and comes up with a variety of useful features to make editing easy for people of different levels. Let’s have a look at the useful features of Filmora to better understand how powerful Filmora is.
- Auto Synchronization: This allows you to sync video and audio easily.
- Plenty of transitions, effects, elements make your videos more interesting.
- Audio Ducking: Automatically reduce the volume of the background music to make the dialogue stand out.
- Wondershare Drive: Upload video or project to Wondershare Drive and download it to complete anywhere you want.
- Motion Tracking: Attach an element to a moving object in your video easily with auto motion tracking.
- Keyframing: Customize animation by adding keyframes to change the position, rotation, scale, and opacity of a clip.
- Color Match: Match the color of selected clips to another frame from another clip.
10 Best Free Security Camera Software
Now let’s have a look at the 10 best free security camera software with very comprehensive choosing details.
1. NetCam Studio
There is a free version of NetCam Studio, but if you want something more powerful, then you can buy one of their licenses. These licenses allow you to use the software for as long as you like, and they will update the software for up to two years after purchase.
After the two-year period, you can keep the software running as normal, but if you want upgrades, then you will have to buy them. Upgrades shouldn’t be needed unless you buy a new piece of camera hardware and it requires a new type of camera software.
The NetCam Studio Features
If you go for the free version of NetCam Studio, then you get to use a camera feed from two sources. There is a watermark added to the camera images, and you get five-day notifications. There is also community support.
The paid features include up to 64 sources, no watermarks, 250-day notifications, and you get priority support. After the 250 days is up, you may buy upgrades in order to keep the notification system going.
Pros
The free version does not expire in any way besides the notifications
You are able to use this software with a wide variety of camera brands
Updates are frequent enough to tackle most system-breaking bugs
Cons
The interface needs updating to make it more user friendly
They need to better explain the “Add Source” procedure
Troubleshooting audio problems is very difficult
2. Security Eye
The reason Security Eye ranks so highly is that it is a professional piece of software that somebody decided should be free. It is not open source security camera software, but the developers have decided that it should be free. There used to be a free version where you would get 2 hours of free surveillance per day for free, but in 2019 the company removed its payment system. Will they keep it up or go back to paid subscriptions? Who knows, but you should get it while it is still free (if you can).
Security Eye Features
You can use a timer to determine when the video feed should start. You can capture images as JPEGs and then compress them. The system also allows you to receive alerts via a loudspeaker. It works with motion-detection devices too.
Pros
It comes with the Xvid MPEG-4 Codec
The full version has no nag screen or recording limit
The Security Eye interface is pretty modern for what is essentially a free piece of software
Cons
Demands 1GB of RAM and 2GB of HHD space
Requires at least an Intel Pentium 1.8 processor
The icons should be more intuitive
3. Perfect Surveillance
There are three types of free security camera software for you to choose from. There is one for IP cameras, one for web cameras, and there is a piece of viewing software that people may use if they do not have something like VLC video viewer installed.
Perfect Surveillance Features
Simple icons and a clear interface is a great benefits. Determine when the cameras start monitoring and set up your own layouts to suit your viewing style.
Pros
A simple program that works in a very uncomplicated manner
Most of its icons are intuitive to where you can guess what they do
The Perfect Surveillance system has motion detection and allows you to monitor up to 64 devices
Cons
Installing seems overly long and bloated
There are not enough instructions on how to get your cameras connected
They do not explain how to capture and export screenshots
4. iVideon
There are times when a piece of free software simply does its job good enough to warrant no complaints, and that is exactly what iVideon offers. There are plenty of ways it can be improved, but there is nothing about it that demands harsh criticism.
iVideon Features
One of its most advertised features is facial recognition, but it is not very accurate. It does allow for very good mobile usage. You can view live and recorded footage on your desktop or mobile device. It is also available for Mac OS X and Linux.
Pros
Online home use and access is completely full-featured and freeware
It has smart notifications and has its own desktop and mobile apps
it doesn’t take long to learn how to use the iVideon interface
Cons
Seems rather light on features
Installing and connecting cameras requires a better tutorial
Embedding live video on your website is trickier than it first seems
5. Xeoma
This program has plenty of features, but most of them are locked off to free users. It takes over too long to learn how to use the system, but it may be worth it if you have many cameras. The paid version has all sorts of perks from SMS texts to system health monitoring.
Xeoma Features
The lite version is the free version. It allows you to add four cameras with up to six modules in each chain. You can test out and use the lite version as long as you like, or you can get a free trial of the larger fully-featured program.
Pros
Record and monitor from four cameras
Updates are very frequent
This software works with mostly every type of camera
Cons
Around 90% of features are locked off to free users.
Xeoma is difficult to learn and set up
Connecting many cameras is difficult because the system is difficult to learn as a whole
6. Genius Vision
The Genius Vision system is a fairly advanced piece of software that is probably best used for businesses. If used at home, then there are many features that may never be used. It also works on mobile devices too.
Genius Vision Features
There are plenty of features to play with, including a massive array of settings to fit the many types of camera that this program can be used with. You can even support the company through Patreon and get more extensions on the program.
Pros
Works in-depth with many types of camera
The tools are very sophisticated and accurate
The drop-down menus are complicated while also being thoughtfully laid out
Cons
Getting paid upgrades is trickier than just buying on their website
Setting up the remote features is difficult
You have to figure out most of how to use the program based on which camera you have connected
7. Deskshare IP Camera Viewer
The Deskshare IP Camera Viewer company has a great piece of security camera software that they repackage into many different names and then give away on their website. They do this because the software comes with lots of unwanted bloatware that the company is paid to promote. The sad part is that many other websites will replace this bloatware with Trojan viruses, which means it is difficult to get a clean version of this program.
Deskshare IP Camera Viewer Features
Live recording, playback, and split-screen is all available. You can use up to 4 cameras at a time, and it works with 2200 different camera models. If your hardware allows it, then you can pan, tilt and zoom your camera.
Pros
It is compatible with many types of camera brand
You can set up floating surveillance windows if you want
Adjust the properties of each camera individually
Cons
Installing is very difficult to do correctly
Comes with bloatware and/or unwanted content
The IP software has the least features of all the Deskshare camera software
8. Anycam
The Anycam system is a very average piece of software, but it works with most any type of camera. The interface is basic but easy to use and easy to set up. You will discover that the free version is only limited in terms of record time, you can still use all its features.
Anycam Features
Anycam is mostly featureless. It works with motion-detection cameras. It allows for video recording and playback. Plus, you can watch a live feed. Other than that, there is very little you can do with this basic-but-effective piece of software.
Pros
The program seems to work with any type of camera
Anycam has a paid version where you only make a one-time payment and get free lifetime updates
Installing and setup is very easy
Cons
Trying to find specific events on the timeline is very fiddly
The free version only allows two cameras to be linked
The recording is very limited with the free version
9. ContaCam
In the strictest terms, this piece of software is not free. The developers ask you for a donation, but there is nothing forcing you to give them one. Plus, you can try the software, and then if it turns out to be brilliant, then you can always go back and donate to them.
ContaCam Features
Despite seeming very complicated, the interface is actually very self-explanatory. At first glance, it looks overly condensed and full of features, but each explains itself very well. You can configure the cameras very precisely to the point where you can even specify within which seconds it starts and stops.
Pros
A rather advanced piece of software
The interface layout is very condensed without being confusing
You can use web servers, the Internet, or intranet to receive live feeds
Cons
The interface has no aesthetic decoration at all
ContaCam takes a long time to learn through trial and error testing
The developers say this will never work with mobile devices
10. Agent DVR
The great thing about Agent DVR is that it is completely free because it is freeware. The sad part is that it was created by a developer who went on to finer things and left the program lodged on a few high-use servers. It is now being passed around freeware websites, which means it is sometimes difficult to find a clean version. Nevertheless, it is a fine piece of camera software that still works for many types of cameras.
Agent DVR Features
The Agent DVR software allows for video surveillance with a live feed, and for recording. You can use it with motion-detection software, and it still works for many different types of cameras. It uses a reliable SSL algorithm for its signal encryption, and it is very lightweight, which means it is not a big drain on your device’s CPU.
Pros
A very simple and lightweight piece of software
Works all the way back to Windows 7
It still works with motion detection systems
Cons
Agent DVR will become more obsolete as newer cameras appear over the coming years
Updates will never occur beyond Windows 10
The interface looks very dated compared to the modern camera software
Conclusion
As you can tell by this article, getting good security camera software is difficult because there is so much to choose from. Plus, installing is often an issue, as is companies trying to nag-free users into paying. There is also the issue of connecting cameras and the problem with tagged-on viruses and bloatware.
Nevertheless, there is plenty to try without having to pay, so that is a positive. What do you think?
Have any of these worked for you? Ask your friends on social media, start a discussion, and share this article to help others discover the best free security camera software.
Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Figuring out which is the best security camera software is never easy. This is because most of the software you find online says it is free…until you download their software and it tries to charge you.
Here is a review of the best security camera software, and every single one has a free option. Share this article on social media if you find the right camera software for you.
But if you are new in this field, then you might want to know some basic technique terms introduced following, before we jump to choose the best security camera software.
What Is an IP Camera?
When people say, “IP camera,” they usually mean a camera that uses the Internet in some way so that it may do its job. A typical CCTV camera connects a camera to a computer via a wire. An IP camera can connect over the Internet.
Sometimes, the connection is remote. This means that the camera may be in one location and still be connected to another computer that is miles away.
However, many IP cameras are installed in a home and only travel a few feet/meters to the nearest computer. In short, an IP camera doesn’t need a local recording device because the signal can be sent over the Internet or with a Wi-Fi connection.
What Is Camera Software Used for?
Most people and businesses use camera software to connect their cameras to their computers or their Smartphones. This is often cheaper than buying dedicated recording hardware. The camera and its software are usually used to monitor camera feeds that are life, and to records them onto a hard drive or to the Cloud.
How Do You Pick the Best Security Camera Software?
In most cases, the best software is simply the software that works with your cameras, and that offers all the functions you need. Compatibility is the first concern, but you also want it to work well with your device. For example, if your cameras have a zoom function, but your software doesn’t allow zooming, then that piece of software is not the best one for you.
For example, if you are using Linux, then you want Linux security camera software. And, some people insist that their software allows them to monitor their cameras from their Smartphones. The great thing about free security camera software is that you can test it out first without the risk of losing your money.
If You Need to Edit Your Videos , Which Is the Best Video Editor?
Exporting or downloading content from your camera software is a messy job. You often need a good video editor and trimmer to make your video clips usable.
This is especially true when video recordings can go on for as long as 90 days at a time. If you are looking for a high-quality and flexible video editor, then Filmora is your only real and viable choice. Learn more from Wondershare Video Community .
Filmora takes users’ needs into consideration and comes up with a variety of useful features to make editing easy for people of different levels. Let’s have a look at the useful features of Filmora to better understand how powerful Filmora is.
- Auto Synchronization: This allows you to sync video and audio easily.
- Plenty of transitions, effects, elements make your videos more interesting.
- Audio Ducking: Automatically reduce the volume of the background music to make the dialogue stand out.
- Wondershare Drive: Upload video or project to Wondershare Drive and download it to complete anywhere you want.
- Motion Tracking: Attach an element to a moving object in your video easily with auto motion tracking.
- Keyframing: Customize animation by adding keyframes to change the position, rotation, scale, and opacity of a clip.
- Color Match: Match the color of selected clips to another frame from another clip.
10 Best Free Security Camera Software
Now let’s have a look at the 10 best free security camera software with very comprehensive choosing details.
1. NetCam Studio
There is a free version of NetCam Studio, but if you want something more powerful, then you can buy one of their licenses. These licenses allow you to use the software for as long as you like, and they will update the software for up to two years after purchase.
After the two-year period, you can keep the software running as normal, but if you want upgrades, then you will have to buy them. Upgrades shouldn’t be needed unless you buy a new piece of camera hardware and it requires a new type of camera software.
The NetCam Studio Features
If you go for the free version of NetCam Studio, then you get to use a camera feed from two sources. There is a watermark added to the camera images, and you get five-day notifications. There is also community support.
The paid features include up to 64 sources, no watermarks, 250-day notifications, and you get priority support. After the 250 days is up, you may buy upgrades in order to keep the notification system going.
Pros
The free version does not expire in any way besides the notifications
You are able to use this software with a wide variety of camera brands
Updates are frequent enough to tackle most system-breaking bugs
Cons
The interface needs updating to make it more user friendly
They need to better explain the “Add Source” procedure
Troubleshooting audio problems is very difficult
2. Security Eye
The reason Security Eye ranks so highly is that it is a professional piece of software that somebody decided should be free. It is not open source security camera software, but the developers have decided that it should be free. There used to be a free version where you would get 2 hours of free surveillance per day for free, but in 2019 the company removed its payment system. Will they keep it up or go back to paid subscriptions? Who knows, but you should get it while it is still free (if you can).
Security Eye Features
You can use a timer to determine when the video feed should start. You can capture images as JPEGs and then compress them. The system also allows you to receive alerts via a loudspeaker. It works with motion-detection devices too.
Pros
It comes with the Xvid MPEG-4 Codec
The full version has no nag screen or recording limit
The Security Eye interface is pretty modern for what is essentially a free piece of software
Cons
Demands 1GB of RAM and 2GB of HHD space
Requires at least an Intel Pentium 1.8 processor
The icons should be more intuitive
3. Perfect Surveillance
There are three types of free security camera software for you to choose from. There is one for IP cameras, one for web cameras, and there is a piece of viewing software that people may use if they do not have something like VLC video viewer installed.
Perfect Surveillance Features
Simple icons and a clear interface is a great benefits. Determine when the cameras start monitoring and set up your own layouts to suit your viewing style.
Pros
A simple program that works in a very uncomplicated manner
Most of its icons are intuitive to where you can guess what they do
The Perfect Surveillance system has motion detection and allows you to monitor up to 64 devices
Cons
Installing seems overly long and bloated
There are not enough instructions on how to get your cameras connected
They do not explain how to capture and export screenshots
4. iVideon
There are times when a piece of free software simply does its job good enough to warrant no complaints, and that is exactly what iVideon offers. There are plenty of ways it can be improved, but there is nothing about it that demands harsh criticism.
iVideon Features
One of its most advertised features is facial recognition, but it is not very accurate. It does allow for very good mobile usage. You can view live and recorded footage on your desktop or mobile device. It is also available for Mac OS X and Linux.
Pros
Online home use and access is completely full-featured and freeware
It has smart notifications and has its own desktop and mobile apps
it doesn’t take long to learn how to use the iVideon interface
Cons
Seems rather light on features
Installing and connecting cameras requires a better tutorial
Embedding live video on your website is trickier than it first seems
5. Xeoma
This program has plenty of features, but most of them are locked off to free users. It takes over too long to learn how to use the system, but it may be worth it if you have many cameras. The paid version has all sorts of perks from SMS texts to system health monitoring.
Xeoma Features
The lite version is the free version. It allows you to add four cameras with up to six modules in each chain. You can test out and use the lite version as long as you like, or you can get a free trial of the larger fully-featured program.
Pros
Record and monitor from four cameras
Updates are very frequent
This software works with mostly every type of camera
Cons
Around 90% of features are locked off to free users.
Xeoma is difficult to learn and set up
Connecting many cameras is difficult because the system is difficult to learn as a whole
6. Genius Vision
The Genius Vision system is a fairly advanced piece of software that is probably best used for businesses. If used at home, then there are many features that may never be used. It also works on mobile devices too.
Genius Vision Features
There are plenty of features to play with, including a massive array of settings to fit the many types of camera that this program can be used with. You can even support the company through Patreon and get more extensions on the program.
Pros
Works in-depth with many types of camera
The tools are very sophisticated and accurate
The drop-down menus are complicated while also being thoughtfully laid out
Cons
Getting paid upgrades is trickier than just buying on their website
Setting up the remote features is difficult
You have to figure out most of how to use the program based on which camera you have connected
7. Deskshare IP Camera Viewer
The Deskshare IP Camera Viewer company has a great piece of security camera software that they repackage into many different names and then give away on their website. They do this because the software comes with lots of unwanted bloatware that the company is paid to promote. The sad part is that many other websites will replace this bloatware with Trojan viruses, which means it is difficult to get a clean version of this program.
Deskshare IP Camera Viewer Features
Live recording, playback, and split-screen is all available. You can use up to 4 cameras at a time, and it works with 2200 different camera models. If your hardware allows it, then you can pan, tilt and zoom your camera.
Pros
It is compatible with many types of camera brand
You can set up floating surveillance windows if you want
Adjust the properties of each camera individually
Cons
Installing is very difficult to do correctly
Comes with bloatware and/or unwanted content
The IP software has the least features of all the Deskshare camera software
8. Anycam
The Anycam system is a very average piece of software, but it works with most any type of camera. The interface is basic but easy to use and easy to set up. You will discover that the free version is only limited in terms of record time, you can still use all its features.
Anycam Features
Anycam is mostly featureless. It works with motion-detection cameras. It allows for video recording and playback. Plus, you can watch a live feed. Other than that, there is very little you can do with this basic-but-effective piece of software.
Pros
The program seems to work with any type of camera
Anycam has a paid version where you only make a one-time payment and get free lifetime updates
Installing and setup is very easy
Cons
Trying to find specific events on the timeline is very fiddly
The free version only allows two cameras to be linked
The recording is very limited with the free version
9. ContaCam
In the strictest terms, this piece of software is not free. The developers ask you for a donation, but there is nothing forcing you to give them one. Plus, you can try the software, and then if it turns out to be brilliant, then you can always go back and donate to them.
ContaCam Features
Despite seeming very complicated, the interface is actually very self-explanatory. At first glance, it looks overly condensed and full of features, but each explains itself very well. You can configure the cameras very precisely to the point where you can even specify within which seconds it starts and stops.
Pros
A rather advanced piece of software
The interface layout is very condensed without being confusing
You can use web servers, the Internet, or intranet to receive live feeds
Cons
The interface has no aesthetic decoration at all
ContaCam takes a long time to learn through trial and error testing
The developers say this will never work with mobile devices
10. Agent DVR
The great thing about Agent DVR is that it is completely free because it is freeware. The sad part is that it was created by a developer who went on to finer things and left the program lodged on a few high-use servers. It is now being passed around freeware websites, which means it is sometimes difficult to find a clean version. Nevertheless, it is a fine piece of camera software that still works for many types of cameras.
Agent DVR Features
The Agent DVR software allows for video surveillance with a live feed, and for recording. You can use it with motion-detection software, and it still works for many different types of cameras. It uses a reliable SSL algorithm for its signal encryption, and it is very lightweight, which means it is not a big drain on your device’s CPU.
Pros
A very simple and lightweight piece of software
Works all the way back to Windows 7
It still works with motion detection systems
Cons
Agent DVR will become more obsolete as newer cameras appear over the coming years
Updates will never occur beyond Windows 10
The interface looks very dated compared to the modern camera software
Conclusion
As you can tell by this article, getting good security camera software is difficult because there is so much to choose from. Plus, installing is often an issue, as is companies trying to nag-free users into paying. There is also the issue of connecting cameras and the problem with tagged-on viruses and bloatware.
Nevertheless, there is plenty to try without having to pay, so that is a positive. What do you think?
Have any of these worked for you? Ask your friends on social media, start a discussion, and share this article to help others discover the best free security camera software.
Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango
Mar 27, 2024• Proven solutions
Figuring out which is the best security camera software is never easy. This is because most of the software you find online says it is free…until you download their software and it tries to charge you.
Here is a review of the best security camera software, and every single one has a free option. Share this article on social media if you find the right camera software for you.
But if you are new in this field, then you might want to know some basic technique terms introduced following, before we jump to choose the best security camera software.
What Is an IP Camera?
When people say, “IP camera,” they usually mean a camera that uses the Internet in some way so that it may do its job. A typical CCTV camera connects a camera to a computer via a wire. An IP camera can connect over the Internet.
Sometimes, the connection is remote. This means that the camera may be in one location and still be connected to another computer that is miles away.
However, many IP cameras are installed in a home and only travel a few feet/meters to the nearest computer. In short, an IP camera doesn’t need a local recording device because the signal can be sent over the Internet or with a Wi-Fi connection.
What Is Camera Software Used for?
Most people and businesses use camera software to connect their cameras to their computers or their Smartphones. This is often cheaper than buying dedicated recording hardware. The camera and its software are usually used to monitor camera feeds that are life, and to records them onto a hard drive or to the Cloud.
How Do You Pick the Best Security Camera Software?
In most cases, the best software is simply the software that works with your cameras, and that offers all the functions you need. Compatibility is the first concern, but you also want it to work well with your device. For example, if your cameras have a zoom function, but your software doesn’t allow zooming, then that piece of software is not the best one for you.
For example, if you are using Linux, then you want Linux security camera software. And, some people insist that their software allows them to monitor their cameras from their Smartphones. The great thing about free security camera software is that you can test it out first without the risk of losing your money.
If You Need to Edit Your Videos , Which Is the Best Video Editor?
Exporting or downloading content from your camera software is a messy job. You often need a good video editor and trimmer to make your video clips usable.
This is especially true when video recordings can go on for as long as 90 days at a time. If you are looking for a high-quality and flexible video editor, then Filmora is your only real and viable choice. Learn more from Wondershare Video Community .
Filmora takes users’ needs into consideration and comes up with a variety of useful features to make editing easy for people of different levels. Let’s have a look at the useful features of Filmora to better understand how powerful Filmora is.
- Auto Synchronization: This allows you to sync video and audio easily.
- Plenty of transitions, effects, elements make your videos more interesting.
- Audio Ducking: Automatically reduce the volume of the background music to make the dialogue stand out.
- Wondershare Drive: Upload video or project to Wondershare Drive and download it to complete anywhere you want.
- Motion Tracking: Attach an element to a moving object in your video easily with auto motion tracking.
- Keyframing: Customize animation by adding keyframes to change the position, rotation, scale, and opacity of a clip.
- Color Match: Match the color of selected clips to another frame from another clip.
10 Best Free Security Camera Software
Now let’s have a look at the 10 best free security camera software with very comprehensive choosing details.
1. NetCam Studio
There is a free version of NetCam Studio, but if you want something more powerful, then you can buy one of their licenses. These licenses allow you to use the software for as long as you like, and they will update the software for up to two years after purchase.
After the two-year period, you can keep the software running as normal, but if you want upgrades, then you will have to buy them. Upgrades shouldn’t be needed unless you buy a new piece of camera hardware and it requires a new type of camera software.
The NetCam Studio Features
If you go for the free version of NetCam Studio, then you get to use a camera feed from two sources. There is a watermark added to the camera images, and you get five-day notifications. There is also community support.
The paid features include up to 64 sources, no watermarks, 250-day notifications, and you get priority support. After the 250 days is up, you may buy upgrades in order to keep the notification system going.
Pros
The free version does not expire in any way besides the notifications
You are able to use this software with a wide variety of camera brands
Updates are frequent enough to tackle most system-breaking bugs
Cons
The interface needs updating to make it more user friendly
They need to better explain the “Add Source” procedure
Troubleshooting audio problems is very difficult
2. Security Eye
The reason Security Eye ranks so highly is that it is a professional piece of software that somebody decided should be free. It is not open source security camera software, but the developers have decided that it should be free. There used to be a free version where you would get 2 hours of free surveillance per day for free, but in 2019 the company removed its payment system. Will they keep it up or go back to paid subscriptions? Who knows, but you should get it while it is still free (if you can).
Security Eye Features
You can use a timer to determine when the video feed should start. You can capture images as JPEGs and then compress them. The system also allows you to receive alerts via a loudspeaker. It works with motion-detection devices too.
Pros
It comes with the Xvid MPEG-4 Codec
The full version has no nag screen or recording limit
The Security Eye interface is pretty modern for what is essentially a free piece of software
Cons
Demands 1GB of RAM and 2GB of HHD space
Requires at least an Intel Pentium 1.8 processor
The icons should be more intuitive
3. Perfect Surveillance
There are three types of free security camera software for you to choose from. There is one for IP cameras, one for web cameras, and there is a piece of viewing software that people may use if they do not have something like VLC video viewer installed.
Perfect Surveillance Features
Simple icons and a clear interface is a great benefits. Determine when the cameras start monitoring and set up your own layouts to suit your viewing style.
Pros
A simple program that works in a very uncomplicated manner
Most of its icons are intuitive to where you can guess what they do
The Perfect Surveillance system has motion detection and allows you to monitor up to 64 devices
Cons
Installing seems overly long and bloated
There are not enough instructions on how to get your cameras connected
They do not explain how to capture and export screenshots
4. iVideon
There are times when a piece of free software simply does its job good enough to warrant no complaints, and that is exactly what iVideon offers. There are plenty of ways it can be improved, but there is nothing about it that demands harsh criticism.
iVideon Features
One of its most advertised features is facial recognition, but it is not very accurate. It does allow for very good mobile usage. You can view live and recorded footage on your desktop or mobile device. It is also available for Mac OS X and Linux.
Pros
Online home use and access is completely full-featured and freeware
It has smart notifications and has its own desktop and mobile apps
it doesn’t take long to learn how to use the iVideon interface
Cons
Seems rather light on features
Installing and connecting cameras requires a better tutorial
Embedding live video on your website is trickier than it first seems
5. Xeoma
This program has plenty of features, but most of them are locked off to free users. It takes over too long to learn how to use the system, but it may be worth it if you have many cameras. The paid version has all sorts of perks from SMS texts to system health monitoring.
Xeoma Features
The lite version is the free version. It allows you to add four cameras with up to six modules in each chain. You can test out and use the lite version as long as you like, or you can get a free trial of the larger fully-featured program.
Pros
Record and monitor from four cameras
Updates are very frequent
This software works with mostly every type of camera
Cons
Around 90% of features are locked off to free users.
Xeoma is difficult to learn and set up
Connecting many cameras is difficult because the system is difficult to learn as a whole
6. Genius Vision
The Genius Vision system is a fairly advanced piece of software that is probably best used for businesses. If used at home, then there are many features that may never be used. It also works on mobile devices too.
Genius Vision Features
There are plenty of features to play with, including a massive array of settings to fit the many types of camera that this program can be used with. You can even support the company through Patreon and get more extensions on the program.
Pros
Works in-depth with many types of camera
The tools are very sophisticated and accurate
The drop-down menus are complicated while also being thoughtfully laid out
Cons
Getting paid upgrades is trickier than just buying on their website
Setting up the remote features is difficult
You have to figure out most of how to use the program based on which camera you have connected
7. Deskshare IP Camera Viewer
The Deskshare IP Camera Viewer company has a great piece of security camera software that they repackage into many different names and then give away on their website. They do this because the software comes with lots of unwanted bloatware that the company is paid to promote. The sad part is that many other websites will replace this bloatware with Trojan viruses, which means it is difficult to get a clean version of this program.
Deskshare IP Camera Viewer Features
Live recording, playback, and split-screen is all available. You can use up to 4 cameras at a time, and it works with 2200 different camera models. If your hardware allows it, then you can pan, tilt and zoom your camera.
Pros
It is compatible with many types of camera brand
You can set up floating surveillance windows if you want
Adjust the properties of each camera individually
Cons
Installing is very difficult to do correctly
Comes with bloatware and/or unwanted content
The IP software has the least features of all the Deskshare camera software
8. Anycam
The Anycam system is a very average piece of software, but it works with most any type of camera. The interface is basic but easy to use and easy to set up. You will discover that the free version is only limited in terms of record time, you can still use all its features.
Anycam Features
Anycam is mostly featureless. It works with motion-detection cameras. It allows for video recording and playback. Plus, you can watch a live feed. Other than that, there is very little you can do with this basic-but-effective piece of software.
Pros
The program seems to work with any type of camera
Anycam has a paid version where you only make a one-time payment and get free lifetime updates
Installing and setup is very easy
Cons
Trying to find specific events on the timeline is very fiddly
The free version only allows two cameras to be linked
The recording is very limited with the free version
9. ContaCam
In the strictest terms, this piece of software is not free. The developers ask you for a donation, but there is nothing forcing you to give them one. Plus, you can try the software, and then if it turns out to be brilliant, then you can always go back and donate to them.
ContaCam Features
Despite seeming very complicated, the interface is actually very self-explanatory. At first glance, it looks overly condensed and full of features, but each explains itself very well. You can configure the cameras very precisely to the point where you can even specify within which seconds it starts and stops.
Pros
A rather advanced piece of software
The interface layout is very condensed without being confusing
You can use web servers, the Internet, or intranet to receive live feeds
Cons
The interface has no aesthetic decoration at all
ContaCam takes a long time to learn through trial and error testing
The developers say this will never work with mobile devices
10. Agent DVR
The great thing about Agent DVR is that it is completely free because it is freeware. The sad part is that it was created by a developer who went on to finer things and left the program lodged on a few high-use servers. It is now being passed around freeware websites, which means it is sometimes difficult to find a clean version. Nevertheless, it is a fine piece of camera software that still works for many types of cameras.
Agent DVR Features
The Agent DVR software allows for video surveillance with a live feed, and for recording. You can use it with motion-detection software, and it still works for many different types of cameras. It uses a reliable SSL algorithm for its signal encryption, and it is very lightweight, which means it is not a big drain on your device’s CPU.
Pros
A very simple and lightweight piece of software
Works all the way back to Windows 7
It still works with motion detection systems
Cons
Agent DVR will become more obsolete as newer cameras appear over the coming years
Updates will never occur beyond Windows 10
The interface looks very dated compared to the modern camera software
Conclusion
As you can tell by this article, getting good security camera software is difficult because there is so much to choose from. Plus, installing is often an issue, as is companies trying to nag-free users into paying. There is also the issue of connecting cameras and the problem with tagged-on viruses and bloatware.
Nevertheless, there is plenty to try without having to pay, so that is a positive. What do you think?
Have any of these worked for you? Ask your friends on social media, start a discussion, and share this article to help others discover the best free security camera software.
Benjamin Arango
Benjamin Arango is a writer and a lover of all things video.
Follow @Benjamin Arango
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- Title: Updated 2024 Approved Discover the Best Video Editing Apps for Kids Free, Paid, and Everything in Between
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- Link: https://smart-video-creator.techidaily.com/updated-2024-approved-discover-the-best-video-editing-apps-for-kids-free-paid-and-everything-in-between/
- License: This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
