Shotcut vs Filmora: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Shotcut 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. Our overall Video Editing pick is Adobe Creative Cloud. Our free Video Editing pick is iMovie. Pick Shotcut if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
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)
- • You want free video editor
- • You want open source
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
| At a Glance | Shotcut | Filmora |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Video Editing | Video Editing |
Rating | 4.0/5 | 4.0/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Shotcut or Filmora?
Choose Shotcut if
Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features.
- You want a fully free tool (Filmora requires payment)
- You want free video editor
- You want open source
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
| Feature | Shotcut | Filmora |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.0/5 125 reviews | ★4.0/5 1,362 reviews |
| Categories | Video EditingScreen Recording | Video EditingAI Video Generation |
In-Depth Analysis
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
- +Free video editor
- +Open source
- +Cross-platform
- +Good for beginners
- +Active development
Weaknesses
- -UI dated
- -Learning curve
- -Performance varies
- -Feature gaps
- -Better alternatives exist
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: Shotcut vs Filmora
| Plan | Shotcut | Filmora |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Free Free | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $49.99 year Annual |
| Tier 3 | N/A | $79.99 lifetime Perpetual |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Shotcut pricing and Filmora pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Shotcut is free. Filmora is freemium.
Go with: Shotcut
Want the highest-rated option?
Shotcut: 4.0/5 (125 reviews). Filmora: 4.0/5 (1,362 reviews).
Go with: Shotcut
Value user reviews?
Shotcut: 125 reviews (4.0/5). Filmora: 1,362 reviews (4.0/5).
Go with: Filmora
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Shotcut is free. Filmora is freemium. Go with Shotcut if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are video editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Both are rated 4.0/5.
Key Takeaways
Filmora
- Larger review base (1,362 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Shotcut
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Filmora wins this matchup. Our overall Video Editing pick is Adobe Creative Cloud. Our free Video Editing pick is iMovie. That said, Shotcut is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Shotcut or Filmora better?
Filmora is rated in our evaluation. Shotcut is free and Filmora is freemium.
What are Shotcut and Filmora used for?
Shotcut: Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features.. Filmora: Edit video like a pro with AI-powered tools and creative assets..
What does Shotcut cost vs Filmora?
Shotcut is completely free. Filmora is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.