Filmora vs Shotcut: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Filmora and Shotcut side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, 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
Shotcut
Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features.
Best for you if:
- • You want a fully free tool (Filmora requires payment)
| At a Glance | ||
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free plan, paid from $49.99/year Annual plan | Free 100% free |
Category | Video Editing AI Video Generation | Video Editing Audio Editing |
Rating | 4.0/5 Capterra 4.5 · G2 4.4 · SourceForge 2.1 1,362 reviews | 4.0/5 Capterra 4.5 · G2 4.2 · SourceForge 2.4 125 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | Perpetual license does NOT include major version upgrades, Filmora 15 → 16 is a new purchase. | No overage fees or seat minimums. |
Choose Filmora or Shotcut?
Choose Filmora if
- You want easy video editing
- You want good for beginners
Choose Shotcut if
- You want a fully free tool (Filmora requires payment)
- You want free video editor
- You want open source
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
- Pro: Easy video editing
- Pro: Good for beginners
- Pro: Many effects
- Pro: Fair pricing
- Pro: Templates
Weaknesses
- Con: Watermark on free
- Con: Pro features expensive
- Con: Effects can be cheesy
- Con: Performance varies
- Con: Not for professionals
Key features
Shotcut
Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features.
Shotcut's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely free and open-source, offering all features without any cost.
Watch out
No overage fees or seat minimums.
Strengths
- Pro: Free video editor
- Pro: Open source
- Pro: Cross-platform
- Pro: Good for beginners
- Pro: Active development
Weaknesses
- Con: UI dated
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Performance varies
- Con: Feature gaps
- Con: Better alternatives exist
Key features
Plans and prices: Filmora vs Shotcut
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Filmora |
| filmora.wondershare.com read Sep 29, 2026 |
| Shotcut |
| shotcut.org read Nov 1, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Filmora pricing and Shotcut pricing.
Key Takeaways
Filmora
- Choose if you want edit video like a pro with AI-powered tools and creative assets
Shotcut
- Choose if you want free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features
What the data shows
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair.
- User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.0/5 from 1,362 reviews for Filmora, 4.0/5 from 125 reviews for Shotcut).
- Filmora starts at $49.99/year; Shotcut has no public paid plan price on file.
- Both have a free plan.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Filmora and Shotcut compare in 2026?
On the data below the two are close or not directly comparable, so we do not name a winner for this pair. User ratings are within 0.2 points (4.0/5 from 1,362 reviews for Filmora, 4.0/5 from 125 reviews for Shotcut). Filmora starts at $49.99/year; Shotcut has no public paid plan price on file. Both have a free plan.
What are Filmora and Shotcut used for?
Filmora: Edit video like a pro with AI-powered tools and creative assets. Shotcut: Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features.
What does Filmora cost vs Shotcut?
Filmora's cheapest paid plan is Annual at $49.99/year; it also has a free plan. Shotcut is free. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Nov 1, 2026.
What's the main difference between Filmora and Shotcut?
Filmora's main strength: easy video editing. Shotcut's main strength: free video editor.