Top 12 Best Video Editing Software for Beginners in 2025

Discover the best video editing software for beginners in 2025. Our in-depth listicle reviews the top 12 tools to help you create amazing videos easily.

28 Aug 2025

published

Stepping into the world of video creation can feel overwhelming. With countless tools available, finding the right one to start with is a huge challenge. This guide will help you choose the best video editing software for beginners, regardless of your technical skill or creative goals. We will look at user-friendly editors that simplify complex tasks, making it easy to produce high-quality videos.

This listicle breaks down the top 12 options for 2025, from powerful, free software to simple, browser-based editors. We will explore each platform's key features, ease of use, and pricing. Each review includes screenshots and direct links, so you can quickly find what you need. Our goal is to provide a clear roadmap to help you select the perfect tool to bring your vision to life.

Many modern platforms now integrate artificial intelligence to streamline the editing process. If you're interested in how AI can automate tasks like cutting clips and adding effects, you might also find this resource on the 7 Best AI Video Editing Software Picks for 2025 useful. Now, let’s find the right software for you.

1. BeHooked

BeHooked represents a paradigm shift in video creation, making it a powerful contender for the best video editing software for beginners. Instead of a traditional timeline-based editor, it operates as an AI-powered video creation partner. This unique approach allows anyone, regardless of technical skill, to transform simple text prompts into polished, professional-quality videos in minutes.

The platform is engineered to automate the entire production workflow. From generating a viral-worthy script to adding auto-captions and sourcing relevant B-roll, BeHooked handles the heavy lifting. Its standout feature is the hyper-realistic digital avatars, which can be fully customised. This is a game-changer for creators who are camera-shy or want to maintain a consistent on-screen presence without filming. The user experience is designed like a simple chat, completely removing the steep learning curve.

Key Features and User Experience

BeHooked consolidates multiple tools into a single, intuitive interface. You don't need separate software for scripting, captioning, or editing. The platform's AI analyses your prompt and brand voice to generate hyper-personalised content, ensuring every video feels authentic.

The process is remarkably straightforward: you input your idea, and the AI builds the entire video. It selects appropriate music, sound effects, and visuals, seamlessly editing them together into a cohesive narrative. This all-in-one solution is ideal for entrepreneurs, marketers, and creators aiming to boost content output without sacrificing quality.

  • Best For: Entrepreneurs, social media managers, and content creators seeking to automate video production and maintain high output.

  • Pricing: Plans start from $17 per month for the Pro tier.

  • Unique Strength: AI-driven text-to-video engine with customisable, realistic digital avatars.

Pros:

  • Automates the entire video creation process, saving significant time.

  • Zero learning curve with its intuitive, chat-based interface.

  • Hyper-realistic digital avatars eliminate the need to be on camera.

  • An all-in-one solution that includes scripting, editing, and multimedia assets.

Cons:

  • Video length is currently limited to 90 seconds.

  • Some advanced collaboration features are still in development.

Learn more at behooked.co

2. Blackmagic Design – DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a powerhouse in the video editing world, often considered an industry standard for its professional-grade colour correction tools. What makes it one of the best video editing software for beginners is its generous free version. Unlike most free editors, it doesn’t add a watermark, has no ads, and allows you to export projects in stunning Ultra HD 4K.

Blackmagic Design – DaVinci Resolve

The platform is brilliantly organised for growth. You can start on the simplified "Cut" page for quick edits and then graduate to the more advanced "Edit" page as your skills improve. It also integrates modules for visual effects and audio mixing, offering a complete post-production solution. While the learning curve is steeper, the vast number of free tutorials makes it manageable. For enhancing your projects, explore our ultimate guide to AI B-roll for beginners.

Key Features & Considerations

  • Free Version: A fully functional editor supporting up to 4K resolution exports without watermarks.

  • Scalable Workflow: Start with the beginner-friendly Cut page and move to professional pages as you learn.

  • Community Support: Extensive free training materials and a large user community provide excellent support.

  • Upgrade Path: The paid Studio version unlocks advanced AI tools, but the free version is enough for most beginners.

Website: https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/in/products/davinciresolve

3. Microsoft Clipchamp

Microsoft Clipchamp is one of the best video editing software for beginners due to its accessibility. As a browser-based editor that's also built into Windows 11, it eliminates the need for powerful hardware. Its free plan is remarkably generous, offering unlimited watermark-free exports in crisp 1080p Full HD. This makes it perfect for creating high-quality social media content without any initial investment.

Microsoft Clipchamp

The platform is organised around simplicity, with a clean drag-and-drop timeline and a library of ready-to-use templates. Features like the built-in screen recorder, text-to-speech generator, and auto-captioning simplify the creation process immensely. Clipchamp’s AI-powered auto composition tool can even suggest edits to create a polished final product. This focus on automation makes it an ideal starting point for anyone new to video creation.

Key Features & Considerations

  • Free Version: Unlimited watermark-free exports at 1080p resolution, with access to free stock assets.

  • Ease of Use: An intuitive interface, templates, and AI features are designed specifically for first-time editors.

  • Browser-Based: Edit from anywhere on a Chrome or Edge browser without needing to install heavy software.

  • Upgrade Path: The paid plan unlocks 4K exports, premium stock media, and cloud backup features for growing creators.

Website: https://clipchamp.com/en/

4. Wondershare Filmora

Wondershare Filmora strikes an excellent balance between user-friendliness and powerful features, making it a top contender for the best video editing software for beginners. Its intuitive drag-and-drop interface allows newcomers to quickly assemble clips, add effects, and create professional-looking videos. The platform is designed for efficiency, offering a vast library of built-in templates and effects perfect for social media creators who need to produce content rapidly.

Wondershare Filmora

Filmora stands out by packaging advanced AI-powered tools like background removal and auto-subtitles into an accessible interface. While the free trial adds a watermark, the paid plans offer great value with both subscription and perpetual license options. This flexibility allows users to choose the best investment for their needs. Using a video content creation checklist for beginners can help organise your projects from start to finish.

Key Features & Considerations

  • Intuitive Interface: A simple, drag-and-drop workflow with hundreds of effects and templates makes editing fast and easy.

  • AI-Powered Tools: Premium plans include features like AI background removal and auto-subtitles to streamline complex tasks.

  • Flexible Pricing: Offers both subscription models and a one-time purchase perpetual license, providing options for different budgets.

  • Watermark on Trial: The free trial version exports videos with a Filmora watermark, which is removed upon purchasing a plan.

Website: https://filmora.wondershare.com

5. Movavi Video Editor

Movavi Video Editor stands out for its simplicity and speed, making it an excellent choice for those who need to produce polished videos without a steep learning curve. It’s designed to be intuitive, offering a clean interface packed with ready-made templates, titles, and effects. This focus on ease of use makes it one of the best video editing software for beginners who want to create engaging content quickly for social media or business presentations.

Movavi Video Editor

The platform is built for efficiency, incorporating one-click AI tools like noise removal and auto-captions. Movavi offers flexible payment models, including subscriptions and a lifetime licence, all backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Its optional Video Suite bundle adds a screen recorder and video converter, providing a comprehensive toolkit for creators who value a straightforward workflow.

Key Features & Considerations

  • Beginner-Friendly Interface: An extremely approachable drag-and-drop timeline with easily accessible templates and effects.

  • AI-Powered Tools: Includes features like AI background removal, noise removal, and auto-captions to automate complex tasks.

  • Flexible Pricing: Offers multiple payment options, including a one-time lifetime licence, making it accessible for various budgets.

  • Comprehensive Bundles: The optional Video Suite bundle provides an all-in-one solution with screen recording and file conversion.

Website: https://www.movavi.com/video-editor

6. CyberLink PowerDirector

CyberLink PowerDirector strikes a fantastic balance between powerful features and an approachable, user-friendly design. It’s often recommended as one of the best video editing software for beginners because it offers guided editing modes that help new users create polished videos. The software provides templates and a simplified timeline to get you started, alongside a more traditional interface for when you are ready for full creative control.

CyberLink PowerDirector

What sets PowerDirector apart is its blend of accessibility with advanced tools like multicam editing and motion tracking. The platform is regularly updated with new AI-powered tools and fresh content, especially for subscribers who also gain access to premium stock libraries. This makes it a great option for creators who want a tool that can grow with them. It offers both subscription and perpetual license models to suit different budgets.

Key Features & Considerations

  • Guided Editing: Start with user-friendly storyboard and slideshow creator modes to learn the basics.

  • AI-Powered Tools: Leverage features like sky replacement, object detection, and speech enhancement to simplify complex edits.

  • Flexible Licensing: Choose between a one-time purchase or a subscription with continuous updates and content packs.

  • Rich Feature Set: Includes advanced capabilities like multicam editing, 360-degree video editing, and motion tracking.

Website: https://www.cyberlink.com/products/powerdirector-video-editing-software

7. Apple iMovie

iMovie is a free, Apple-exclusive video editor available on Mac and iOS devices. It is perfect for absolute beginners, with intuitive drag-and-drop editing and thematic storyboards. The simplified interface walks users through clip trimming, transitions, and titles with a minimal learning curve, making it easy to create polished videos from day one.

Apple iMovie

With support for 4K video, iMovie lets creators export crisp social media clips or longer presentations. Apple’s official tutorials and a consistent design language ensure new editors feel at home immediately. Some users report occasional glitches after major iOS updates, so regular backups are wise.

Learn more about Apple iMovie on BeHooked: Learn more about Apple iMovie

Key Features & Considerations

  • Free with Apple devices – No watermarks or ads

  • Drag-and-drop timeline – Built-in themes, titles and transitions

  • Storyboard & trailer templates – Guided storytelling made easy

  • 4K 60fps export – High-resolution output on supported hardware

  • Final Cut Pro Handoff – Upgrade path for growing skills

  • Ecosystem limitation – Works only on macOS and iOS

  • Occasional bugs – Update-related glitches may occur

Website: https://apps.apple.com/in/app/imovie/id377298193

8. Canva Video Editor

Canva is renowned for its graphic design simplicity, and its video editor brings that same accessibility to motion content. It’s one of the best video editing software for beginners who need to create professional-looking social media clips or marketing videos quickly. The platform is browser-based, and its template-first approach lets you start with a polished design and simply customise it with your media.

Canva Video Editor

The editor is organised for speed and collaboration, making it ideal for marketing teams. Its massive library of stock videos, audio tracks, and animated elements is integrated directly into the workspace. AI-powered features like background remover and beat sync simplify tasks that would otherwise be complex. You can see how its captioning tools compare in this review of the top 7 AI subtitle generators.

Key Features & Considerations

  • Template-First Workflow: Thousands of customisable video templates for social media, ads, and presentations.

  • AI-Powered Tools: Includes features like automatic captioning, background remover, and audio enhancement to speed up editing.

  • Extensive Stock Library: Access a vast collection of stock videos, images, and audio tracks directly within the editor.

  • Collaboration: Real-time team collaboration is supported, making it easy to work on projects with others (paid tiers).

Website: https://www.canva.com

9. Adobe Premiere Elements

Adobe Premiere Elements serves as a fantastic entry point into the Adobe ecosystem. It is designed for users who want powerful, AI-driven tools without the complexity of professional software. As one of the best video editing software for beginners, it stands out with its "Guided Edits" feature, which provides step-by-step tutorials for creating specific effects and transitions. This hands-on learning approach makes editing accessible to absolute newcomers.

Premiere Elements is available as a one-time purchase. Its interface offers three modes: Quick, Guided, and Expert, allowing you to scale the complexity as your confidence grows. The software leverages Adobe Sensei AI to automate tasks like smart trimming and creating highlight reels. It is featured among the best video creation tools for entrepreneurs in 2025.

Key Features & Considerations

  • Guided Edits: An interactive, step-by-step system for learning how to create popular video effects and styles.

  • AI-Assisted Workflow: Adobe Sensei AI powers features for automatic reframing, video stabilisation, and creating highlight reels.

  • One-Time Purchase: Avoids recurring monthly subscriptions, though the licence has a limited term (typically 3 years).

  • Scalable Interface: Users can choose between Quick, Guided, and Expert modes to match their skill level.

Website: https://www.adobe.com/in/products/premiere-elements.html

10. Amazon India – Software Marketplace

While not a software itself, Amazon India’s software marketplace is an excellent resource for purchasing licensed versions of video editing tools. This platform is invaluable for creators who need localised payment options, GST invoicing, and physical delivery for boxed software. It simplifies the buying process, allowing you to compare prices from various sellers for tools like Adobe Premiere Elements or Movavi.

This marketplace is useful for finding the best video editing software for beginners that come as a one-time purchase. You can take advantage of local bank offers, EMI options, and seasonal sales. When purchasing, it's crucial to check seller ratings and reviews to ensure you are buying an authentic licence. The ability to easily generate a GST invoice is a significant advantage for business expenses.

Key Features & Considerations

  • Localised Payments: Offers convenient payment methods including UPI, net banking, credit/debit card EMIs, and cash on delivery.

  • Vendor Comparison: Easily compare prices and editions from multiple authorised resellers on a single platform.

  • Business-Friendly: Provides official GST invoicing, making it easy to claim input tax credit for business software purchases.

  • Buyer Diligence: It's important to verify seller authenticity and be aware that digital software codes are often non-returnable.

Website: https://www.amazon.in/software

11. Flipkart – Software Listings

Flipkart is an Indian online marketplace offering video editing software licences and related learning materials. It stands out for its best video editing software for beginners bundles, combining official licences with tutorial eBooks. With local UPI, net banking, and EMI options, checkout is seamless. Digital keys often arrive instantly via email, while physical box sets include authenticity seals and manuals.

The platform’s interface uses robust filters for ratings, price, and delivery speed. In-app product ratings provide real-world insights on licence delivery and software performance. Flipkart Plus members unlock exclusive discounts and faster shipping. Return policies on eligible purchases grant peace of mind, making it ideal for learners cautious about online software investments.

Key Features & Considerations

  • Flexible Payment: UPI, net banking, cards, EMI plans suited to Indian buyers

  • Buyer Protection: Easy returns, surety on digital key validity

  • Exclusive Deals: Flipkart Plus coupons on video editing suites

  • Product Range: From entry-level editors to professional licences

  • User Reviews: Verified buyer feedback helps pick the right beginner-friendly tools

Website: https://www.flipkart.com

12. Udemy – Beginner Video Editing Courses

While not software, Udemy is a vital resource for anyone starting their video editing journey. It’s an online learning platform offering thousands of affordable, on-demand courses on popular editors like Filmora and DaVinci Resolve. This makes it a great companion to the best video editing software for beginners, as it provides structured guidance to help you master whichever tool you choose.

Udemy – Beginner Video Editing Courses

The platform’s strength lies in its accessibility and variety. You can find courses tailored to specific goals, like creating YouTube vlogs or social media reels. With lifetime access after a single purchase and frequent discounts, it’s a low-cost way to invest in your skills. A 30-day refund policy provides a safety net. For beginners, pairing your chosen software with a top-rated Udemy course can dramatically shorten the learning curve.

Key Features & Considerations

  • Affordable Learning: Courses are often available at significant discounts, making professional training highly accessible.

  • Wide Software Coverage: Find in-depth tutorials for almost any video editing software, from entry-level to professional-grade.

  • Lifetime Access: Pay once and revisit your course content anytime to refresh your knowledge or learn new techniques.

  • Quality Varies: It's essential to check recent reviews and instructor ratings to ensure the course is high-quality and up-to-date.

Website: https://www.udemy.com

Top 12 Beginner Video Editing Software Comparison

Platform

Core Features

User Experience

Value Proposition

Target Audience

Price Points

BeHooked

AI-generated scripts, auto-captions, realistic custom avatars, automated editing with music, b-rolls, SFX

Zero learning curve, chat-style interface

Saves 8-10 hrs/week, cuts editing costs, studio-quality videos quickly

Creators, entrepreneurs, agencies

Starts at $20/month (Pro Plan)

DaVinci Resolve

Free 4K exports, color grading, VFX, audio editing, AI tools in Studio version

Beginner to pro workflow, strong community support

Powerful free features, scalable for pros

Beginners to professionals

Free; Studio upgrade $295 one-time

Microsoft Clipchamp

Templates, screen recorder, AI-enhanced tools, text-to-speech

Browser-based, very easy for beginners

Free 1080p exports, easy integration with Windows

Beginners, casual creators

Free; paid plans for 4K & assets

Wondershare Filmora

Drag-and-drop, AI tools, 4K export, cloud storage

Low learning curve, modern UI

Quick social videos, perpetual licenses available

Beginners to intermediate users

Subscription & one-time licenses

Movavi Video Editor

Templates, auto-captions, AI noise removal, flexible plans

Simple, fast editing for new users

Flexible pricing, 30-day refund

Beginner editors

Monthly, yearly, lifetime options

CyberLink PowerDirector

Guided workflows, multicam editing, AI tools, stock libraries

Balanced power & usability

Subscription or perpetual licenses

Beginners to intermediate users

Subscription & perpetual license

Apple iMovie

Drag-and-drop, storyboard templates, 4K export

Intuitive, Apple ecosystem exclusive

Free with Apple devices

Mac/iOS users, beginners

Free

Canva Video Editor

Video templates, AI captioning, collaboration, stock library

Browser-based, fast social media clips

Quick results, cross-device access

Social media creators

Free; paid pro plans

Adobe Premiere Elements

Guided edits, AI improvements, templates

Beginner-friendly, familiar Adobe workflow

No subscription, easy upgrade path

Beginners planning pro transition

$99.99 one-time

Amazon India (Marketplace)

Multiple brands/software, buyer protection

Convenient local payments & shipping

Wide options, GST invoicing

Indian buyers

Varies by product

Flipkart (Marketplace)

Local sellers, ratings, discounts

India-friendly payments, returns

Alternative e-marketplace

Indian buyers

Varies by product

Udemy (Courses)

Lifetime access, ratings, variety

Self-paced learning

Affordable skill-building

Beginners learning editing

Varies, often discounted

Conclusion

Choosing the best video editing software for beginners is about matching your needs with the right features. The perfect tool for a small business owner creating quick social media ads will be different from what an aspiring filmmaker needs. Your final decision should hinge on your budget, the types of videos you plan to create, and the time you can invest in learning.

A platform like BeHooked is designed for speed and efficiency, using AI to automate much of the heavy lifting. In contrast, DaVinci Resolve offers a professional-grade experience for free but comes with a steeper learning curve. The best way forward is to try a free version or trial of the tools that appeal most to you. This hands-on experience will tell you more than any review ever could.

Ready to skip the learning curve and create professional videos in minutes? BeHooked uses cutting-edge AI to automate the most time-consuming parts of video editing. Transform your ideas into engaging, shareable content effortlessly by visiting BeHooked and discovering the future of video creation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the easiest video editing software for a complete beginner? For absolute beginners, tools like Microsoft Clipchamp, Apple iMovie, and Canva are excellent choices. They feature intuitive drag-and-drop interfaces, pre-made templates, and require minimal technical knowledge to create a polished video quickly.

2. Can I get good video editing software for free? Yes. DaVinci Resolve offers a free version with professional-grade features like 4K export and advanced color correction without a watermark. Microsoft Clipchamp also has a generous free plan with watermark-free 1080p exports. These are powerful options to start with before investing in paid software.

3. Do I need a powerful computer for video editing? While professional software like DaVinci Resolve performs best on a powerful computer, many beginner-friendly options do not. Browser-based editors like Clipchamp and Canva run in your web browser, offloading the heavy processing to the cloud. This means you can edit videos effectively even on a standard laptop.