10 Best Video Editing Tools in 2026

Updated: February 2026

Professional video editing and post-production software

Key Takeaways

  • Kaiber is our #1 pick for video editing in 2026, scoring 93/100.
  • We analyzed 106 video editing tools to create this ranking.
  • 6 tools offer free plans, perfect for getting started.
  • Average editorial score: 90/100 - high-quality category.
1
Kaiber logo

Kaiber

AI video creation

93/100
Freemium4.2 community score

Kaiber is an AI-powered creative video platform that transforms ideas, images, and audio into stunning animated content. With the launch of Superstudio in October 2024, Kaiber provides a unified creative workspace where artists, musicians, and content creators can generate music videos, visual effects, and animated content using generative AI technology. The platform offers multiple generation modes including text-to-video, image-to-video, and audio-reactive visualizations that sync to music. Creators can iterate on styles, blend different visual aesthetics, and produce professional-quality video content without traditional video editing or motion graphics skills. The credit-based system allows flexibility with pay-as-you-go options or subscription plans. Priced 69% below similar AI video generators, Kaiber makes creative video production accessible to independent artists and small studios. Whether creating music videos, social media content, or experimental visual art, the platform empowers creators to bring their visions to life with AI assistance while maintaining artistic direction and control.

2
DaVinci Resolve logo

DaVinci Resolve

Professional video editing

92/100
Freemium

DaVinci Resolve is professional video editing software that combines editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio post in one application. Hollywood's standard for color grading, used on major film productions. Fusion visual effects rival After Effects. Fairlight audio tools provide complete DAW functionality. Free version is remarkably capable; Studio unlocks advanced features. The only video editor professionals need, at a price anyone can afford.

3
OBS Studio logo

OBS Studio

Free streaming & recording

91/100
Free

OBS Studio is free, open-source software for video recording and live streaming. Powerful mixing handles multiple sources including cameras, displays, and media. Scenes and transitions create professional broadcasts. Filters add visual and audio processing in real-time. Plugins extend functionality endlessly. The streaming software that powers most streamers on Twitch, YouTube, and beyond - completely free.

4
Blender logo

Blender

Free 3D creation suite

90/100
Free

Blender is a free, open-source 3D creation suite for modeling, animation, rendering, and more. Professional-quality tools rival expensive commercial software. Grease Pencil enables 2D animation in 3D space. Video editing and compositing built-in. Massive community creates tutorials, add-ons, and assets. The 3D software that proves free doesn't mean compromise.

5
Sora logo

Sora

Text-to-video AI model by OpenAI

90/100
Paid

Sora generates video from text with impressive quality. OpenAI's text-to-video—AI video generation advancing rapidly. The quality is remarkable. The length is impressive. The implications are significant. AI video watchers follow Sora for state-of-the-art text-to-video generation.

6
Adobe Premiere Pro logo

Adobe Premiere Pro

Industry-leading video editor

90/100
Paid

Adobe Premiere Pro is the industry-leading video editing software used by filmmakers, YouTubers, and video professionals. Edit footage in any format with powerful multi-cam editing, color grading, and audio tools. AI features speed up tedious tasks like scene detection and speech-to-text. Seamless integration with After Effects, Audition, and Creative Cloud. From short-form social content to feature films, Premiere Pro handles it all.

7
Adobe Premiere Pro logo

Adobe Premiere Pro

Professional video editing

89/100
Paid4.1 community score

Adobe Premiere Pro is the industry-standard professional video editing software used by filmmakers, YouTubers, and broadcast professionals worldwide. The application offers a comprehensive timeline-based editing environment with advanced color grading, audio mixing, and effects capabilities. Premiere Pro integrates seamlessly with other Adobe Creative Cloud applications including After Effects for motion graphics, Audition for audio post-production, and Photoshop for graphics. AI-powered features accelerate workflows with auto-reframe for social media formats, speech-to-text transcription, and intelligent color matching. The software supports virtually all video formats from smartphone footage to professional cinema cameras, with native support for ProRes, RED, and ARRI formats. Multi-cam editing, proxy workflows, and team collaboration features enable professional production at any scale.

8
Runway logo

Runway

AI creative tools for video

89/100
Freemium

Runway is an AI-powered creative toolkit for video editing and generation. It offers tools like Gen-2 for video generation, green screen removal, and motion tracking. Used by filmmakers, content creators, and artists for next-generation video production.

9
Filmora logo

Filmora

Edit video like a pro with AI-powered tools and creative assets.

88/100
Freemium

Filmora is a comprehensive video editing software designed for creators of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced editors. It offers an intuitive interface with drag-and-drop functionality, making video production accessible and efficient. The platform is packed with AI-driven features that streamline the editing process, such as AI Extend for expanding footage, AI Video Beauty Filter, AI Object Remover, and AI Text-to-Video generation, allowing users to turn ideas into polished videos quickly. Beyond AI, Filmora provides a robust set of traditional editing tools including dual-timeline editing, pen tools for precise motion paths, animated charts for data visualization, dynamic captions, and advanced keyframe controls. It also boasts a vast library of royalty-free creative assets, templates, effects, music, and plugins to enhance video projects. Filmora supports cross-platform creation, available on desktop, tablet, and mobile, empowering users to create anytime, anywhere, and is particularly useful for marketing, social media content, and product videos.

10
Final Cut Pro logo

Final Cut Pro

Professional video editing for Mac

88/100
Paid

Final Cut Pro is Apple's professional video editing software optimized for Mac. Features the Magnetic Timeline for fluid, collision-free editing. Powerful organization tools help manage large projects. Advanced color grading and HDR support for cinema-quality results. Optimized for Apple silicon with incredible performance. Final Cut Pro is a one-time purchase with free updates - no subscription required. The choice of many professional Mac-based editors.

Best Video Editing For

What is Video Editing Software?

Professional video editing and post-production software

According to our analysis of 10+ tools, the video editing software market offers solutions for teams of all sizes, from solo professionals to enterprise organizations. The best video editing tools in 2026 combine powerful features with intuitive interfaces.

Common Features of Video Editing Software

Automation

Automate repetitive video editing tasks to save time

Collaboration

Work together with team members in real-time

Analytics & Reporting

Track progress and measure performance

Security

Protect sensitive data with enterprise-grade security

Who Uses Video Editing Software?

Video Editing software is used by a wide range of professionals and organizations:

  • Small businesses looking to streamline operations and compete with larger companies
  • Enterprise teams needing scalable solutions for complex video editing needs
  • Freelancers and consultants managing multiple clients and projects
  • Startups seeking cost-effective tools that can grow with them

How to Choose the Right Video Editing Software

When evaluating video editing tools, consider these key factors:

  1. Identify your specific needs. What problems are you trying to solve? List your must-have features versus nice-to-haves.
  2. Consider your budget. 6 tools in our top 10 offer free plans, including Kaiber and DaVinci Resolve.
  3. Evaluate ease of use. A powerful tool is useless if your team won't adopt it. Look for intuitive interfaces and good onboarding.
  4. Check integrations. Ensure the tool works with your existing tech stack (CRM, communication tools, etc.).
  5. Read real user reviews. Our community reviews provide honest feedback from actual users.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best video editing software in 2026?

Based on our analysis of features, user reviews, and overall value, Kaiber ranks as the #1 video editing tool in 2026 with a score of 93/100. Other top-rated options include DaVinci Resolve and OBS Studio.

Are there free video editing tools available?

Yes! Kaiber, DaVinci Resolve, OBS Studio offer free plans. In total, 6 of the top 10 video editing tools have free or freemium pricing options.

How do you rank video editing tools?

Our rankings are based on multiple factors: editorial analysis of features and usability (40%), community reviews and ratings (30%), pricing value (15%), and integration capabilities (15%). We regularly update rankings as tools evolve and new reviews come in.

What should I look for in video editing software?

Key factors to consider include: core features that match your workflow, ease of use and learning curve, pricing that fits your budget, quality of customer support, integrations with your existing tools, and scalability as your needs grow.

Our Ranking Methodology

At Toolradar, we combine editorial expertise with community insights to rank video editing tools:

40%
Editorial Analysis
Features, UX, innovation
30%
User Reviews
Real feedback from verified users
15%
Pricing Value
Cost vs. features offered
15%
Integrations
Ecosystem compatibility

Rankings are updated regularly as we receive new reviews and as tools release updates. Last updated: February 2026.

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