In today’s digital landscape, the popularity of video content is gaining momentum, with users increasingly turning to video creation both for personal advantage and professionally. When searching for a convenient video editor, many users are leaning towards free online video editors. These editors not only allow seamless real-time media file editing but also, unlike their desktop counterparts, do not burden your PC's internal resources and are available on almost any device.

Are There Any Pitfalls to Online Video Editors?

Our team has tested top-3 online video editors, checked the conditions for data transmission and storage, and is eager to share our insights with you.

Clipchamp

Clipchamp is a web-platform that allows users to create and edit videos without any prior editing experience. Thanks to a wide range of ready-made templates tailored for social media, Clipchamp excels in creating gaming content and advertising. This online editor is suitable for both professionals and beginners seeking a simple and convenient video editing tool.

Clipchamp's basic editing tools are conveniently located next to the scene: cropping video frames, adjusting their size to fit the scene's parameters, splitting images into segments, or rotating can all be done with a single click. You can select the scene size from the list, but the scene parameters are set basing on the uploaded video by default.

Furthermore, Clipchamp boasts an impressive set of tools for basic color correction, including exposure, contrast, saturation, and temperature adjustments. The program provides transparency and blending modes options, offering a wide selection of animated templates, fonts, stock videos, and audio files. By creating transitions between frames and adding custom logos you can make a professional video at the touch of a button.

All templates are ready for use: whether you need a dynamic intro, smooth transition, or a simple fade, click on the desired template and add it to the timeline for further editing. However, as it is often the case, the most attractive options are marked with a premium icon and require payment.

With Clipchamp, you can use an intensity scale of effects, change colors, transparency, and the timing of appearance in the frame. This approach to video editing shares many similarities with Canva's method of operation. However, if you are faced with more complex editing tasks, such as object tracking, background editing, video stabilization, or professional precision color correction, it's better to turn to a desktop video editor.

VSDC provides access to professional tools and advanced visual effects, such as motion tracking, Multicam Editing Mode, HSL Chroma Key, Mask Tools, Overlay Effects, and other professional features that come together with hardware acceleration to ensure speedy rendering of the most complex projects.

So, it's time to upload your first video. Clipchamp supports all popular formats, including MP4, MOV, WEBM, AVI, DIVX, FLV, 3GP, WMV, VOB, DCM and MKV. Not bad for an online editor, right? However, its export capabilities are much more modest since final videos are available only in MP4 format. Additionally, the editor imposes restrictions on exporting files: the cost of processing 4K video ranges from $6 to $27 per month.

Before rendering, the editor informs you that HD-videos take longer to export. Our test 10-second video took about a minute to process into a free 1080p resolution. However, rendering a 20-minute video proved to be a challenging task for Clipchamp: after initiating the export, we had waited for about an hour before the program reported connection problems. The drawback of online video editors is that they depend on internet traffic, and any connection issues can result in a gray screen and a halt to the export process.

Now, let's talk about security. Clipchamp claims to function like a desktop application and therefore guarantees the complete safety of users' personal data. However, there is one thing: creating backups in Clipchamp is not possible without transferring your media files. So, what should you do?

If your project is lightweight and doesn't involve complex editing techniques, you can take a chance and skip making a backup until exporting. But if you're working on complex projects, it's important not to neglect regular saving. Here, users face a choice whether to save the project and transfer the media files to the video editor's cloud storage or risk data loss in case of technical issues without saving.

If information security is of paramount importance to you, we recommend opting for desktop video editors that do not rely on cloud services, thereby eliminating the risk of data leaks.

Kapwing

Kapwing is another popular online platform for video editing. The interface logic is pleasingly straightforward: basic video editing tools are located to the right of the scene, while additional features such as text, graphics, templates, transitions between frames, plugins, and more are on the left.

However, despite several advantages, our hopes for Kapwing were dashed when we attempted to import a WMV video, and the online video editor immediately displayed a loading error.

Next, we tried to import something less common than the popular MP4 format, and it turned out that Kapwing uses a built-in converter for importing non-standard formats. Initially, the program attempts to unpack the original format and displays a compatibility error, but on the second attempt, Kapwing takes matters into its own hands, initiates automatic conversion, and reads almost everything. Of course, unpacking and online conversion take time, especially when dealing with heavy videos.

Kapwing's advantage lies in its ease of editing: basic editing functions like trimming, cropping, zooming, rotation, and speed adjustment are right in front of your eyes and are applied intuitively. The editor can speed up or slow down videos, but its speed adjustment options are limited, ranging from slowing down to 0.25 to a maximum of 4x acceleration of the original video.

If you need to significantly slow down a video (keeping in mind the frame rate!) or speed it up to the maximum, a desktop video editor will handle this task much more efficiently. Some video editors allow users to increase the speed of the original video up to 20 times or slow it down to 0.1% for optimal slow-motion effects. The VSDC video editor, for example, enables the creation of time-lapses, which require acceleration of 7 times or more, and allows for any speed adjustments to create slow-motion effects.

The free version of Kapwing includes a wide range of basic editing functions, but a variety of premium features, such as exporting in high resolution and access to additional editing tools, require a paid subscription. Interestingly, during the export stage, the program employs a clever visual trick: the user selects the format, resolution, and compression available in the free version of the program, but the export button remains hidden. Instead of the promised free rendering, the user is encouraged to purchase a paid subscription. However, if you choose the conditions for free export, you simply need to scroll down the page, and you will find the hidden "Export" button.

Even with free export, your video will still contain a watermark in the lower right corner. The only way to get rid of it is to upgrade to a paid plan. Watermarks are a common marketing tool in free versions of products. It's obvious that such a mark won't enhance a professional video unless it's part of a marketing strategy. On the other hand, some free video editors for PC export videos without watermarks in the highest quality.

Kapwing adheres to a fair data security policy. The company openly acknowledges that it may use third-party resources to ensure the program's seamless operation. The Security section on the official website of the video editor states, "No method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security."

This is why many users prefer desktop video editors. Although online video editing programs are gaining ground with their increased basic editing and color correction features, as well as ready-made visual templates, the issue of data security and confidentiality remains crucial for many users.

Veed

Veed is a popular online video editor with professional editing features. Veed offers a simple, user-friendly interface, so getting started with the program is usually not difficult.

Compared to Kapwing, Veed offers a wider selection of free features. The color correction toolset includes basic tools: brightness, contrast, tone and saturation. In addition to basic color correction, Veed provides a set of ready-to-use filters. The combination of basic and professional tools gives users more freedom in editing the image, from subtle color correction to bolder visual effects.

Veed allows for free video exports in resolutions up to 780p, but to export videos in HD quality, users must subscribe on a monthly basis, with prices ranging from $18 to $70. Otherwise, each video will contain a watermark.

Veed operates with cloud data storage. While cloud-based services are convenient and accessible, concerns about data security and confidentiality do arise. In contrast to cloud services, desktop video editors once again provide more reliable control over data storage and security since they are not dependent on cloud servers.

To summarize, let's consider the benefits of desktop video editors over online video editors using VSDC as an example:

Wide Range of Basic Features: VSDC is a powerful tool with an extensive set of capabilities. Thanks to its non-linear program structure, you can add an unlimited number of media files to the timeline, change their position, and highlight key elements. The array of video effects, transitions, and color filters help to achieve the desired aesthetic even for beginners.

Broad Set of Professional Tools: With VSDC, you can manually adjust colors using color wheels and RGB curves, apply overlay effects, and use filters. The built-in LUT mode allows you to apply ready-made presets or create your own ones, making your projects even more professional and visually appealing.

Convenience: VSDC offers users high-quality editing and exporting options in the maximum possible resolution without watermarks or disruptions related to Internet connection. This is why professionals trust VSDC on desktops for their work.

Security: VSDC, like any other desktop editor, is not reliant on cloud servers and doesn't rely on third-party resources for seamless operation. This ensures the safety and confidentiality of your projects.

Online video editors are simple and user-friendly tools for video editing that don't require additional plugins or a powerful PC and can be used efficiently in any web browser. However, the limited set of working tools, the prevalence of paid features, and data confidentiality concerns often make desktop video editors a preferred choice. Regardless, when choosing a video editor, it's essential to consider the user's needs, skill level, and PC performance.

We are thrilled to unveil the highly anticipated VSDC video editor 8.2 update. Our team has been hard at work, ensuring that this release is packed with exciting features and enhancements to elevate your editing experience.

The highlights of the new version are Vectorscope, proxy file support, and color keyframes.

Let’s explore each part of this update in more detail.

Download VSDC Video Editor 8.2

Color keyframes

Starting version 8.2, VSDC includes a new feature for color correction that allows you to assign colors to created keyframes when working with effects that have a color parameter. Once you apply an effect to an object on the scene, you can add keyframes on the timeline and assign colors to them. The algorithm will then automatically calculate the linear color gradient, ensuring smooth transitions between colors or from one keyframe to another.

Proxy file support

Proxy file support has been added to VSDC, providing improved software performance and smoother editing. This feature benefits all video creators, but especially those working on low-end PCs or editing high-resolution files. With proxy support, you can now create lightweight proxy media copies of your high-resolution videos, which are used during the editing process. This means that all effects and edits are applied to a lighter-weight file, preventing processor overload and software lag. However, when it comes time to export your project, the effects and edits are seamlessly applied to the original high-resolution video.

Resource and effects preview

In the new version, you have the ability to preview resources and effects directly within the Source window. This feature enables you to see how templates and effects will appear on your objects before applying them, helping you choose the ideal effect for your project. Furthermore, you can conveniently preview all available resources in the Source window, allowing you to easily select the required file from a variety of uploaded resources.

Vectorscope histogram

We are excited to introduce a new tool called Vectorscope, which is now available in the Scopes window. The Vectorscope is a circular diagram specifically designed for analyzing color, hue, and saturation levels in an image. Using the radius line of the vectorscope, you can easily adjust the hues that are most appropriate for skin tones. This allows for precise color correction and ensures that the skin tones in your video or image are accurate and natural-looking.

Dedicated audio playback volume window

We have enhanced the timeline functionality by introducing a dedicated audio playback volume window. This improvement enables you to monitor the changes in sound in real time after applying effects and compare them with other audio files. The tool proves to be immensely helpful in monitoring the volume level within your project and achieving the desired outcome.

Text stretching between two curves

In the latest revision, we have introduced an update to the text functionality, expanding its capabilities. Now, in addition to aligning text to a single curve line, you can stretch text between two curve lines. This new feature provides you with complete control over shaping your designs and enables you to create distinct logos, banners, or titles.

Updated Perspective effect

In the updated Perspective effect you can bind your image to tracking points, animate them to create dynamic visual compositions, distortions and transformations.

Audio spectrum object now includes an “echo” parameter

Audio spectrum received a new parameter which helps create an echo effect on the audio wave enhancing the visualization of the sound.

Updated Water effect

This effect has been well known since the first versions of VSDC. Now, in addition to creating raindrops on an image, you can simulate a realistic wave using tracking points.

10-bit compression in AVC and HEVC codecs added

Updated AVC and HEVC codecs now support 10-bit compression. This enhancement brings significant improvements to the color rendition of exported projects, resulting in higher-quality videos.

Parameters can now be edited along either the X or the Y axis independently

Independent editing of parameters along the X and Y axis is an important improvement. You can hold down the Shift key and work on either of the axes separately ensuring precise control over your edits.

VSDC 8.2 is already out

It’s time to download the new version and test it for yourself. VSDC 8.2 is already available on our official website, and we can’t wait to hear what you think about it.

Should you have any questions, we’ll be happy to help you via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via Facebook DM and Twitter.

Make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel to get notified about updates!

Download VSDC 8.2 now

In today's digital world creativity reigns supreme. It offers endless possibilities for individuals and brands to captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression. With social media platforms at the forefront of communication and product consumption, the demand for making videos is stronger than ever before.

When it comes to free video editors, the sheer number of options available on the web can be overwhelming. Some video software is renowned but comes with a hefty price tag. Others are free but may lack quality or have limitations in functionality.

To save you time and effort, we’ve tested the best free video editing tools popular in 2025. Join us as we unveil our results and navigate the world of video editing with confidence.

VSDC Free Video Editor

VSDC Free Video Editor tops the list of the best free editors in 2025. VSDC seems to be an ultimate solution for Windows PC users in search of a reliable and feature-packed video editing software. This powerful tool offers a wide range of editing capabilities, from basic tasks like trimming videos, adding text, and removing soundtracks, to more advanced techniques such as color correction, special effects and text animation.

VSDC Free Video Editor has excellent basic editing tools. You may think: 'Come on, basic’s so boring!' But that's not the case at all. Basic doesn’t always mean uncreative, especially when it comes to numerous tasks you can complete with VSDC’s cutting and splitting tool.

After filming a video, once you stop your camera, it is common to have a large amount of footage. In fact, searching for key moments and milestone frames is an essential part of almost every video editing project. First of all, you may want to remove the unnecessary episodes, and here VSDC gives a helping hand. Furthermore, if you want to add emotional impact and interweave the said key moments into the semantic framework of your film, you may refer to popular artistic techniques, such as J-cuts, L-cuts, cross-fades and cross-dissolves. All of them (and not to forget about dynamic transitions) can be replicated in VSDC for free.

In today's digital world, high-quality video content is not limited to professional videographers, but is also expected from amateur filmmakers, social media specialists and YouTubers. Text intros and tips are crucial elements in creating a polished and engaging final product. With VSDC's comprehensive toolkit for text animation, users can easily create dynamic and visually appealing text effects like glitch, neon, video in text, or get inspired by some ideas they may want to replicate - absolutely free.

Thinking to add a touch of drama, emotion or suspense to your video? Give a try to VSDC free slow mo. Whether you're creating a blockbuster film or a simple home video, the slow motion effect is a powerful tool in the VSDC's arsenal to transform ordinary footage into a captivating work of art.

Color correction plays a pivotal role in video post-production. In response to this, VSDC provides access to a plethora of customizable video effects, transitions, and color filters.VSDC users may enhance the visual aesthetics of their footage manually thanks to color wheels and RGB curves, transparency-based overlays and quick filters. Whereas the built-in LUT editor empowers them to apply pre-made LUTs or create personal custom templates, giving videos a professional touch.

As the metaverse and virtual reality continue to shape the future of digital media, the demand for innovative and captivating visuals is high. Green screen technology (Chroma Key) has become a popular and essential tool in video editing. With the ability to seamlessly replace green backgrounds with any image or video, Chroma Key has transformed the post-production process, allowing creators to push the boundaries of visual storytelling. VSDC offers two Chroma Key options: VSDC free green screen within YUV color space and the premium HSL option.

After all, VSDC Free Video Editor is a powerful tool with a comprehensive toolkit. Once users become familiar with the free version’s interface, menu structure and workflow, they may want to go further and boost their editing skills in VSDC’s premium version. Rather than searching for a new editing tool, users upgrade to VSDC Pro to unlock professional toolkits and advanced VFX within the same software product. Motion tracking, multicam editing, HSL Chroma Key, masking tools, blending modes, AI Art Generator, video stabilization and other professional features come together with hardware acceleration to ensure speedy rendering of your heaviest (and most creative!) projects.

Surprisingly lightweight, VSDC (both free and pro) runs smoothly even on computers with limited RAM and effortlessly opens footage from any device without requiring format conversions.

DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve from Blackmagic is widely recognized as one of the best free video editing software options available today. The program offers a wide range of features, including advanced video editing tools, a powerful FX system and professional-grade audio features that allow users to bring their unique vision to life. The best part is that it's completely free. That's right, there are no hidden costs or limitations. You can easily download DaVinci Resolve for Mac, Linux or Windows without having to pay anything to Blackmagic.

For those seeking even more, there is an option to upgrade to Resolve Studio for a fee of $295. This solution grants you a perpetual license and free future upgrades. Notably, Resolve Studio also includes Fusion, a remarkable VFX software that serves as an excellent alternative to Adobe After Effects, particularly favored by designers.

While the complexity of DaVinci Resolve may seem daunting, it remains a must-try software for anyone committed to the art of video editing.

Lightworks

Another decent solution from the list of the best free video editors in 2025 is Lightworks.

It is an excellent free video editing software that offers a wide range of editing tools. With its advanced editing capabilities, users can experiment with different cuts, transitions, FXs and filters to create a dynamic and engaging final product. However, if you require more advanced features, you will need to upgrade to the paid version for additional benefits.

Lightworks Pro has upgraded its FX engine to support OpenFX, which allows for a wider range of visual effects plugins. The software also includes NewBlue's Titler Pro for 2D/3D titling and motion graphics and Essentials video tools for footage correction and sharpening.

Movavi

Movavi Video Editor is a user-friendly video editing software designed for both beginners and advanced users. It offers a powerful toolset, including pro-features like video stabilization, color correction, and special effects.

Movavi Video Editor is available in both trial and premium versions. The trial version offers basic video editing tools, including trimming and cutting, as well as some special effects and filters. Nevertheless, Movavi’s freemium solution does have certain limitations to be aware of. These include restrictions on maximum video resolution, limited export options, a relatively smaller FX library, and a watermark on final projects.

Movavi Video Editor has a simple and intuitive interface, making it easy to use even for those who are new to video editing. It supports a wide range of video file formats, including popular formats like MP4, AVI, and MOV. Note, the program offers powerful AI features, including AI background removal, AI noise removal and AI upscaling which can save you valuable time and effort.

Hitfilm

Hitfilm (formerly known as Hitfilm Express) used to be a popular choice for professional video editors, offering a range of features and capabilities. The rebranding of Hitfilm introduces two subscription tiers, which means the free version is no longer as comprehensive compared to other paid tools. Many effects are now watermarked on the free version.

Nevertheless the free plan has some exciting options to offer. 120+ visual effects, including 360° video effects, blurs, keying, and transitions give users a wide range of options to enhance their videos.

You can access the full suite of HitFilm's features by paying for the Pro version, which costs $12.99 per month, or the Creator version, which costs $7.99 per month and unlocks fewer features.

Wrapping up

Availability of free video editors makes it possible to produce professional-looking films, tutorials, vlogs, and other video content without having to spend a fortune on expensive programs.

Normally, creating a quality video is a complex process. A truly exceptional video content takes more than just correct footage, a good video editor and time to put it all together. It also requires unique editing ideas that will make your video stand out from the rest. Our YouTube channel offers a range of tutorials that can help you discover fresh VFX tips and techniques. Give them a try and watch as your creative visions take shape before your eyes.

We’re thrilled to introduce VSDC 8.1. The new version primarily caters to professional videographers, graphic designers, and artists, however, everyday video creators will benefit from the update as well. VSDC 8.1 brings multicam editing mode, advanced gradient fill options for free shapes, curve lines, a long-awaited scrolling text effect, and several usability improvements.

Let’s have an overview of the new tools and features.

Download VSDC 8.1 now

Multicam editing

The Multicam editing mode is designed for video creators who shoot with multiple cameras. It allows for switching between different camera angles and makes it easy to capture the perfect shot.

From the technical perspective, Multicam helps synchronize audio and video from all resources on the timeline. This way, you can conveniently switch between tracks while editing and choose the parts that should go in. Previously, such projects would require manual synchronization which is inefficient and time-consuming.

Curve lines

Curve lines are a new graphic object type available in VSDC. Similar to free shapes, curve lines are custom-shaped lines consisting of control points and splines. You can use them to draw object outlines, underline a piece of text, highlight any area on the scene, or design unique animations.

Curve lines can be filled with a solid color, a gradient, or an imported image pattern. Here is what different options look like:

Gradient fill for free shapes

The gradient fill feature has been expanded for free shapes as well. From now on, if you’re using free shapes in a video, you can assign color tone values to each point, and create a vibrant gradient fill or even a gradient glow effect. This feature brings endless opportunities to create unique backgrounds, logo animations, intros, and more.

Tracking point upgrades

Tracking point tool, the animation feature introduced in VSDC 7.2, has been upgraded in two ways. First, you can use free shape outlines as a designated trajectory for tracking points. Second, you can assign a color value for the tracking point to pass along as it’s moving along its trajectory. This feature is helpful when you need to gradually fill an object with a certain color or achieve a glowing gradient look.

New text features

For those frequently working with text, there are three noteworthy updates.

Scrolling text effect

Whether you need to add a news ticker, or closing and opening credits to your video, with VSDC 8.1, you’ll be able to use a designated effect for that. It allows for creating scrolling text, setting up movement direction, and adjusting the angle and speed.

Curve line wrapping

Additionally, it has become possible to wrap text around curve lines. This feature comes in handy for logo animations and captioning smaller, oddly shaped objects in the video.

Long-form text object scrolling

Finally, for text objects containing long-form copy, vertical and horizontal scrolling is now available, so it’s more convenient to make text edits right on the scene.

Usability optimization

Enhancing the usability of VSDC remains one of our main objectives, and with the new version, we’ve added a few novelties to make editing more convenient and efficient.

Resource file thumbnails

A minor, yet important update is the new view mode for files in the Resource window. Instead of seeing just file names, from now on, you will see video and image thumbnails, so finding the right file becomes easier.

Linked objects

It has become possible to link separate audio and video tracks together on the timeline. This is convenient when you want to reconnect previously split files or when you want to link an array of tracks on the timeline in a certain order and edit them as a whole. To link files, just select them, make a right mouse button click, and proceed to Group -> Link objects.

RGB control sliders for Lift, Gamma, and Gain

The Lift, Gamma, and Gain color wheels have received control sliders. Instead of manually adjusting RGB values, sliders allow you to increase or decrease them for the selected color wheel simultaneously.

Timeline zoom hotkeys

When working on big, file-heavy projects, it’s often necessary to zoom the timeline in and out. To make zooming more intuitive, we’ve introduced a new hotkey combination: Ctrl + Shift + Mouse wheel. Scroll the mouse wheel up to zoom the timeline in, and down to zoom it out.

WebP format for snapshots

Previously, PNG was the default format for snapshotting in VSDC, but with the release of the new version, PNG has been replaced by WebP. WebP files are more lightweight and tend to be a better option for snapshots. That said, it’s still possible to switch back to PNG if needed.

It’s time to upgrade to VSDC 8.1

VSDC 8.1 is already available, so we encourage you to upgrade your current version of VSDC. Should you have any questions, we’ll be happy to help you via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via Facebook DM and Twitter.

Download VSDC 8.1 now