OpenShot vs Clipchamp: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between OpenShot and Clipchamp 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:
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.
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
| At a Glance |  OpenShot | |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Free | Included with Microsoft 365/moPremium |
Best For | Video Editing | Video Editing |
Rating | - | - |
Choose OpenShot or Clipchamp?
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)
Choose Clipchamp if
Browser-based video editor by Microsoft
- Free video editor
- Microsoft owned
- Browser-based
| Feature | OpenShot | Clipchamp |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.4/5 210 reviews | ★4.2/5 182 reviews |
| Categories | Video EditingAnimation | Video EditingScreen Recording |
In-Depth Analysis
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
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
Pricing: OpenShot vs Clipchamp
| Plan | OpenShot | Clipchamp |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Open Source | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | Included with Microsoft 365 Premium |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on OpenShot pricing and Clipchamp pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
OpenShot is free. Clipchamp is freemium.
Go with: OpenShot
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: OpenShot
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Clipchamp
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
OpenShot is free. Clipchamp is freemium. 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?
Neither has user reviews yet.
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 OpenShot or Clipchamp better?
Clipchamp is rated in our evaluation. OpenShot is free and Clipchamp is freemium.
What are OpenShot and Clipchamp used for?
OpenShot: Free, open-source, and award-winning video editor for Linux, Mac, and Windows.. Clipchamp: Browser-based video editor by Microsoft.
What does OpenShot cost vs Clipchamp?
OpenShot is completely free. Clipchamp is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.