Filmora vs HitFilm: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Filmora and HitFilm 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.
Bottom line: Filmora wins this matchup. Adobe Creative Cloud is our overall Video Editing pick. VEED is our free Video Editing pick. Pick HitFilm if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Filmora
Edit video like a pro with AI-powered tools and creative assets.
Best for you if:
- • You want easy video editing
- • You want good for beginners
HitFilm
Free video editing and VFX software
Best for you if:
- • You want free video editor
- • You want vFX capabilities
| At a Glance | Filmora | HitFilm |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Video Editing | Video Editing |
Rating | 4.0/5 | 3.9/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Filmora or HitFilm?
Choose Filmora if
Edit video like a pro with AI-powered tools and creative assets.
- You want easy video editing
- You want good for beginners
Choose HitFilm if
Free video editing and VFX software
- You want free video editor
- You want vFX capabilities
- Budget matters (Free vs Free)
| Feature | Filmora | HitFilm |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.0/5 1,362 reviews | ★3.9/5 190 reviews |
| Categories | Video EditingAI Video Generation | Video EditingAnimation |
In-Depth Analysis
Filmora
Edit video like a pro with AI-powered tools and creative assets.
Filmora is the oddball on this list, it's not an AI video generator, it's a full video editor with generative AI features bolted on.
Watch out
Perpetual license does NOT include major version upgrades, Filmora 15 → 16 is a new purchase.
Strengths
- +Easy video editing
- +Good for beginners
- +Many effects
- +Fair pricing
- +Templates
Weaknesses
- -Watermark on free
- -Pro features expensive
- -Effects can be cheesy
- -Performance varies
- -Not for professionals
Key features
HitFilm
Free video editing and VFX software
HitFilm's pricing is quite generous, especially with its robust free tier.
Strengths
- +Free video editor
- +VFX capabilities
- +Good for YouTube
- +Active community
- +Tutorials available
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Resource intensive
- -Pro features paid
- -Export limitations
- -UI complex
Key features
Pricing: Filmora vs HitFilm
| Plan | Filmora | HitFilm |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $49.99 year Annual | $6.25 Creator |
| Tier 3 | $79.99 lifetime Perpetual | $11.6 Pro |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Filmora pricing and HitFilm pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Filmora
Want the highest-rated option?
Filmora: 4.0/5 (1,362 reviews). HitFilm: 3.9/5 (190 reviews).
Go with: Filmora
Value user reviews?
Filmora: 1,362 reviews (4.0/5). HitFilm: 190 reviews (3.9/5).
Go with: Filmora
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are video editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Filmora is rated higher: 4.0/5 vs 3.9/5.
Key Takeaways
Filmora
- Higher user rating: 4.0/5 vs 3.9/5
- Larger review base (1,362 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
HitFilm
- Choose if you want free video editing and VFX software
The Bottom Line
Filmora wins this matchup. Adobe Creative Cloud is our overall Video Editing pick. VEED is our free Video Editing pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Filmora or HitFilm better?
Filmora is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Filmora and HitFilm used for?
Filmora: Edit video like a pro with AI-powered tools and creative assets.. HitFilm: Free video editing and VFX software.
What does Filmora cost vs HitFilm?
Filmora is freemium (free tier + paid plans). HitFilm is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.