Kdenlive

Name: Kdenlive
Brand: Kdenlive
Rating: 5 (25 reviews)

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Free and open-source non-linear video editor for Linux, Windows, macOS, and BSD.

Video Editing Audio Editing

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5.0(25 across the web)

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Reviews onSourceForge

25 reviews tracked

The Bottom Line

Entry price

Free, no paid tier

Biggest pro

Free video editor

Biggest con

Can be unstable

TL;DR - Kdenlive

Free and open-source non-linear video editor.
Works on Linux, Windows, macOS, and BSD.
Uses MLT framework, FFmpeg, and various effect libraries for comprehensive editing.

Pricing: Free forever

Best for: Individuals & startups

5.0/5 across review platforms

What is Kdenlive?

Editorial review

Kdenlive is a community-driven, free, and open-source video editing software designed to empower users to produce high-quality content and democratize media creation. It is a non-linear editor built with a graphical user interface in C++ and Qt, leveraging KDE libraries and the MLT framework. This robust framework utilizes FFmpeg for decoding and encoding a wide array of video and audio formats, and integrates effect libraries like Frei0r and Movit for video, and LADSPA and SOX for audio. The software is suitable for anyone looking for a powerful, cross-platform video editing solution without licensing fees, registrations, subscriptions, or premium features. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools including a title editor and subtitling solution, making it a complete studio for video creation. Kdenlive is developed by a global volunteer team and is an official KDE application, emphasizing its commitment to open-source principles and community collaboration.

Available on: Linux, Windows, macOS

LCLouis CorneloupUpdated May 26, 2026 · how we evaluateSourcekdenlive.org ↗

Pros & Cons

Pros

Free video editor
Open source
Good features
Cross-platform
Active development

Cons

Can be unstable
Learning curve
UI dated
Performance varies
Less polished than paid

Ratings Across the Web

5(25 reviews)

Kdenlive holds an aggregate rating of 5 out of 5 from 25 reviews across SourceForge, last checked March 18, 2026.

SourceForge25 reviews

5/5

Ratings aggregated from independent review platforms. Learn more

Key Features

Video editorOpen sourceMulti-trackEffectsTransitionsProxy editing

Pricing Plans

Pricing checked Aug 22, 2026

Free

100% free and open source
GNU GPL License
Cross-platform
Full video editing features
Community supported

Calculate your cost View full pricing

Is Kdenlive worth the price?

100/100

Kdenlive's pricing is exceptionally generous, as it is entirely free ($0) across all platforms.

This makes it an outstanding value compared to any paid video editing software on the market. It is best for anyone seeking a powerful video editor without any financial commitment.

Hidden Costs & Gotchas

Requires user's own hardware

No official paid support channels

Learning curve for new users

How Kdenlive Compares to Competitors

Compared to commercial alternatives like Adobe Premiere Pro ($22.99/month) or DaVinci Resolve Studio ($295 one-time purchase), Kdenlive stands out by offering a full-featured video editor at no cost. While it may lack some advanced professional integrations, its core editing capabilities are on par with many paid options, making it a superior value proposition for most users.

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5.0/5

Across 25 verified user reviews on SourceForge

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Best Kdenlive Alternatives

Top alternatives based on features, pricing, and user needs.

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Adobe Premiere ProPaid

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DaVinci ResolveFreemium

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BlenderFree

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VEEDFreemium

Create pro-level videos online with AI-powered editing tools for individuals and teams.

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Final Cut ProPaid

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ShotcutFree

Free, open-source, cross-platform video editor with wide format support and advanced features.

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CapCutFreemium

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Still deciding?

Most buyers shortlist 2 or 3 tools before committing. Pull a side-by-side comparison or browse the full alternatives shortlist below.

All Kdenlive alternatives7+ tools ranked, pricing + verdict per pick Kdenlive vs Adobe Premiere ProHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Kdenlive vs DaVinci ResolveHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins Kdenlive vs BlenderHead-to-head: features, pricing, who wins

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Kdenlive FAQ

How does Kdenlive support diverse media formats?

Kdenlive leverages the MLT framework, which utilizes FFmpeg for decoding and encoding a wide array of video and audio formats. This integration ensures compatibility with many media types for editing projects.

Which teams would benefit most from using Kdenlive?

Teams looking for a powerful, cross-platform video editing solution without licensing fees or subscriptions would find Kdenlive suitable. Its open-source nature and comprehensive tools support collaborative and budget-conscious media creation.

How is Kdenlive priced?

Kdenlive is free to use, with no licensing fees, registrations, subscriptions, or premium features required. It is developed as an open-source project by a global volunteer team.

What kind of video editing projects can Kdenlive handle?

Kdenlive is a non-linear video editor that offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including a title editor and subtitling solution. This makes it suitable for producing high-quality content and various video creation tasks.

How does Kdenlive compare to DaVinci Resolve?

Kdenlive is a free and open-source video editor available across multiple operating systems, while DaVinci Resolve also offers robust editing capabilities. Kdenlive is developed by a community and emphasizes open-source principles, whereas DaVinci Resolve has a more polished interface but may involve a steeper learning curve for new users.

What are the main trade-offs when choosing Kdenlive?

While Kdenlive offers extensive features as a free and open-source tool, users may experience occasional instability or a learning curve. Its user interface might also appear dated compared to some commercial alternatives, and performance can vary.

Source: kdenlive.org

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