Adobe Premiere Pro vs Filmora: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Adobe Premiere Pro 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: Adobe Premiere Pro wins this matchup. Our overall Video Editing pick is Adobe Creative Cloud. Our free Video Editing pick is iMovie. Pick Filmora 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:
Adobe Premiere Pro
Professional video editing with advanced color, audio, and AI tools
Best for you if:
- • You want industry standard video editing
- • You want excellent timeline editing
Filmora
Edit video like a pro with AI-powered tools and creative assets.
Best for you if:
- • You want a free tier before you commit
- • You want easy video editing
- • You want good for beginners
| At a Glance | Adobe Premiere Pro | Filmora |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | Custom | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Video Editing | Video Editing |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 4.0/5 |
Free plan | No | Yes |
Choose Adobe Premiere Pro or Filmora?
Choose Adobe Premiere Pro if
Professional video editing with advanced color, audio, and AI tools
- You want industry standard video editing
- You want excellent timeline editing
Choose Filmora if
Edit video like a pro with AI-powered tools and creative assets.
- You want a free tier before you commit
- You want easy video editing
- You want good for beginners
| Feature | Adobe Premiere Pro | Filmora |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Paid | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 2,251 reviews | ★4.0/5 1,362 reviews |
| Categories | Video EditingVideo & Media | Video EditingAI Video Generation |
In-Depth Analysis
Adobe Premiere Pro
Professional video editing with advanced color, audio, and AI tools
Adobe Premiere Pro's pricing is on the expensive side for individual users, with the Individual Monthly plan at $34.49/month being particularly high.
Watch out
Cloud storage upgrades cost extra
Strengths
- +Industry standard video editing
- +Excellent timeline editing
- +Creative Cloud integration
- +Many plugins
- +Professional features
Weaknesses
- -Expensive subscription
- -Resource intensive
- -Stability issues
- -Learning curve
- -Subscription only
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
- +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
Pricing: Adobe Premiere Pro vs Filmora
| Plan | Adobe Premiere Pro | Filmora |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | 34.49 Individual Monthly | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | 22.99 Individual Annual | $49.99 year Annual |
| Tier 3 | 37.99 Teams | $79.99 lifetime Perpetual |
| Tier 4 | 59.99 Creative Cloud All Apps | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Adobe Premiere Pro pricing and Filmora pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Filmora has a free tier. Adobe Premiere Pro is paid only.
Go with: Filmora
Want the highest-rated option?
Adobe Premiere Pro: 4.6/5 (2,251 reviews). Filmora: 4.0/5 (1,362 reviews).
Go with: Adobe Premiere Pro
Value user reviews?
Adobe Premiere Pro: 2,251 reviews (4.6/5). Filmora: 1,362 reviews (4.0/5).
Go with: Adobe Premiere Pro
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Adobe Premiere Pro is paid. Filmora is freemium. Filmora lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are video editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Adobe Premiere Pro is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 4.0/5.
Key Takeaways
Adobe Premiere Pro
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.0/5
- Larger review base (2,251 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Filmora
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
Adobe Premiere Pro wins this matchup. Our overall Video Editing pick is Adobe Creative Cloud. Our free Video Editing pick is iMovie. Filmora has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Adobe Premiere Pro or Filmora better?
Adobe Premiere Pro is rated in our evaluation. Adobe Premiere Pro is paid and Filmora is freemium.
What are Adobe Premiere Pro and Filmora used for?
Adobe Premiere Pro: Professional video editing with advanced color, audio, and AI tools. Filmora: Edit video like a pro with AI-powered tools and creative assets..
What does Adobe Premiere Pro cost vs Filmora?
Adobe Premiere Pro is a paid tool. Filmora is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.