Clipchamp vs OpenShot: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Clipchamp and OpenShot comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Clipchamp
Browser-based video editor by Microsoft
Best for you if:
- • Free video editor by Microsoft with Essentials at $11.99/month or included in Microsoft 365
- • 1080p exports free with no watermarks, AI captions, screen recording, and text-to-speech
OpenShot
Free, open-source, and award-winning video editor for Linux, Mac, and Windows.
Best for you if:
- • You need something completely free
- • Free and open-source video editor.
- • Available on Linux, Mac, and Windows.
| At a Glance |  OpenShot | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Video Editing | Video Editing |
Rating | 4.2/5 | 4.4/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Clipchamp or OpenShot?
Choose Clipchamp if
Browser-based video editor by Microsoft
- Free video editor
- Microsoft owned
- Browser-based
Choose OpenShot if
Free, open-source, and award-winning video editor for Linux, Mac, and Windows.
- Free video editor
- Open source
- Cross-platform
- You want a fully free tool (Clipchamp requires payment)
| Feature | Clipchamp | OpenShot |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Free |
| User Rating | ★4.2/5 182 reviews | ★4.4/5 210 reviews |
| Categories | Video EditingScreen Recording | Video EditingAnimation |
In-Depth Analysis
Clipchamp
Browser-based video editor by Microsoft
Strengths
- +Free video editor
- +Microsoft owned
- +Browser-based
- +Good for simple edits
- +Windows integration
Weaknesses
- -Limited features
- -Export quality varies
- -Watermark on free
- -Less powerful than alternatives
- -Template limitations
Key features
OpenShot
Free, open-source, and award-winning video editor for Linux, Mac, and Windows.
Strengths
- +Free video editor
- +Open source
- +Cross-platform
- +Good for beginners
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -Performance issues
- -Limited features
- -UI dated
- -Stability varies
- -Better alternatives exist
Key features
Pricing: Clipchamp vs OpenShot
| Plan | Clipchamp | OpenShot |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free | Free Open Source |
| Tier 2 | Included with Microsoft 365 Premium | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Clipchamp pricing and OpenShot pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OpenShot is free. Clipchamp is freemium.
Go with: OpenShot
Want the highest-rated option?
Clipchamp: 4.2/5 (182 reviews). OpenShot: 4.4/5 (210 reviews).
Go with: OpenShot
Value user reviews?
Clipchamp: 182 reviews (4.2/5). OpenShot: 210 reviews (4.4/5).
Go with: OpenShot
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Clipchamp is freemium. OpenShot is free. Go with OpenShot if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are video editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
OpenShot is rated higher: 4.4/5 vs 4.2/5.
Key Takeaways
Clipchamp
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
OpenShot
- Completely free
- Higher user rating: 4.4/5 vs 4.2/5
- Larger review base (210 reviews)
The Bottom Line
Clipchamp is our pick. That said, OpenShot is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clipchamp or OpenShot better?
Clipchamp is rated in our evaluation. Clipchamp is freemium and OpenShot is free.
What are Clipchamp and OpenShot used for?
Clipchamp: Browser-based video editor by Microsoft. OpenShot: Free, open-source, and award-winning video editor for Linux, Mac, and Windows..
What does Clipchamp cost vs OpenShot?
Clipchamp is freemium (free tier + paid plans). OpenShot is completely free. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.