HitFilm vs Filmora: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between HitFilm and Filmora 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
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
HitFilm
Free video editing and VFX software
Best for you if:
- • You want free video editor
Filmora
Edit video like a pro with AI-powered tools and creative assets.
Best for you if:
- • You want easy video editing
| At a Glance | HitFilm | Filmora |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free Free plan | Free Free plan |
Category | Video Editing Animation | Video Editing AI Video Generation |
Rating | 3.9/5 G2 4.2 · SourceForge 4.3 · Capterra 4.1 190 reviews | 4.0/5 Capterra 4.5 · G2 4.4 · SourceForge 2.1 1,362 reviews |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Watch out for | n/a | Perpetual license does NOT include major version upgrades, Filmora 15 → 16 is a new purchase. |
Choose HitFilm or Filmora?
Choose HitFilm if
- You want free video editor
- You want VFX capabilities
- Budget matters (Free vs Free)
Choose Filmora if
- You want easy video editing
- You want good for beginners
In-Depth Analysis
HitFilm
Free video editing and VFX software
HitFilm's pricing is quite generous, especially with its robust free tier.
Strengths
- Pro: Free video editor
- Pro: VFX capabilities
- Pro: Good for YouTube
- Pro: Active community
- Pro: Tutorials available
Weaknesses
- Con: Learning curve
- Con: Resource intensive
- Con: Pro features paid
- Con: Export limitations
- Con: UI complex
Key features
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
Pricing: HitFilm vs Filmora
| Plan | HitFilm | Filmora |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | $6.25 Creator | $49.99 year Annual |
| Tier 3 | $11.6 Pro | $79.99 lifetime Perpetual |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on HitFilm pricing and Filmora pricing.
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 HitFilm or Filmora better in 2026?
Filmora wins this matchup. Adobe Creative Cloud is our overall Video Editing pick. VEED is our free Video Editing pick. Pick HitFilm for video editing workflows (main strength: free video editor). Pick Filmora for video editing workflows (main strength: easy video editing).
What are HitFilm and Filmora used for?
HitFilm: Free video editing and VFX software. Filmora: Edit video like a pro with AI-powered tools and creative assets.
What does HitFilm cost vs Filmora?
HitFilm's paid plans start at Free (Creator). Filmora's paid plans start at Free (Annual).
What's the main difference between HitFilm and Filmora?
HitFilm's main strength: free video editor. Filmora's main strength: easy video editing.