9 Best Filmora Alternatives To Use In 2021 (Free & Paid)

So, you want a Filmora alternative, but not sure what the best options are?

Well, fear not!

By using my many years of experience testing different video editors, I’ve managed to put together an awesome list of the best Filmora alternatives around.

So, let’s get straight into it.

What to look for in a Filmora alternative?

Having used Filmora quite a lot, I believe the best Filmora alternatives should have these features:

• Super easy to use
• Packed with video effects
• Perform keyframing
• Green screen ability

Super easy to use

One of the main things people – including me – love about Filmora is that you can produce high-quality videos in just a few clicks.

So, a good Filmora alternative should come with all the editing tools you need and be super easy to use.

Packed with video effects

And by video effects, I mean they should come with various transitions, filters, titles and motion elements to really make your videos pop.

For the price, I believe Filmora has one of the best video effects libraries around; you can read all about these in my Filmora review.

Perform keyframing

Keyframing allows you to create custom animations, so you can create some sweet motion graphics.

However, it’s worth noting that not all video editors give you the option to perform keyframing. So, ideally, you want to find the software that does!

Green screen ability

Green screens are becoming more and more popular, especially with gamers and content streamers. Thes rather simple effect lets you remove your background and replace it with anything you want.

Applying a green screen in Filmora takes just a few seconds. So, it’s only fair that an appropriate Filmora alternative can keep up with this.

Best Filmora alternatives

Below you will find a list of the best Filmora alternatives that money can buy. I’ve also sprinkled in some free options too!

Just a quick note that all features and prices are correct at the time of writing this article. I’ll do my best to keep it up to date, but be sure to check on the products website for the latest information.

1. Movavi Video Editor Plus (#1 recommended)

Movavi Video Editor Plus is the closest Filmora clone you will find, and it’s cheaper!

If you’re after a software that feels very similar to Filmora, and comes with more or less the same features, then seriously consider the Movavi Video Editor Plus.

With the Movavi Video Editor Plus you get access to over 150 different transitions, filters and title presets. If that’s not enough, you can also find more downloadable assets in the Movavi Effects Store.

Other notable features include keyframing, the ability to add a green screen, pan and zoom control and LUT support.

It’s worth noting that the Movavi Video Editor Plus doesn’t come with a screen recorder, this has to be purchased as a separate software. Alternatively, there is the Movavi Video Suite if you want to get the two software bundled together.

The good news is that there is a 7-day free trial available, so you can have a play with the Movavi Video Editor Plus yourself. Note, exported videos during the trial will have a watermark applied.

Expect the Movavi Video Editor Plus to set you back ~$60, which is actually a little cheaper than Filmora!

2. HitFilm Express

HitFilm Express is the probably the best free Filmora alternative available.

Used by over 6 million content creators, FXhome’s HitFilm Express is the perfect choice for those with no budget, but want to create top-quality videos.

Included with HitFilm Express is over 400 different effects and presets! The base version of the software has more than enough features to get you going; however, if you’re wanting more, then certain add-ons can be purchased on an asset-by-asset basis, so you can scale the functionality to meet your needs.

Admittedly, HitFilm Express does take some getting used to, especially if you’re not used to using video editors. The good news is that there are plenty of tutorials (Masterclasses) and explainer videos available that will make your onboarding process so much smoother.

Have I mentioned HitFilm Express is free?

It’s true, you can pick up the software without paying a penny. But, before you do, you’ll be asked for a voluntary donation to support the creators. Not only that, but you’ll be given some additional add-ons if you do; so, it’s certianly worth considering!

3. Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is arguably the Grandaddy of all video editors.

Alright, so Adobe Premiere Pro isn’t the easiest Filmora alternative to learn, but it has everything else going for it!

Expect to find all the bells and whistles of a high-end editor here, from editing videos in 8K resolution and virtual reality, to adding a green screen and keyframing.

Premiere Pro already comes with a generous effects library; however, you’ll also find thousands of free transitions, LUTs and effects, to download and use around the internet.

Another great thing about Premiere Pro is that it plays nicely with other Adobe software, such as After Effects. So, if you want to create your own snazzy motion effects, then you can easily switch between the two software.

Some good news is that there is a 7-day free trial of Premiere Pro to wet your appetite.

If you want to purchase Premiere Pro then you’ll require an Adobe Creative Cloud subscription. Depending on how you pay (monthly vs annually), expect this will set you back around $20 or $31 per month.

4. Pinnacle Studio

Pinnacle Studio is packed with features without being overly complex.

It’s worth firstly pointing out that Pinnacle Studio is only available on Windows machines, so you’ll have to give this one a miss if you’re using something else. Mac users should check out the next Filmora alternative on the list!

Just like the more high-end video editors like Adobe Premiere Pro, Pinnacle Studio gives you a lot of power, but the interface makes it easier for those that are perhaps not an experienced editor to pick up and use.

So what’s included?

Pinnacle Studio comes with a tonne of titles, graphics, overlays, filters, transitions and more. The ability to apply video masking means you can even create your own custom transitions. Other notable features include advanced keyframing, color grading, motion tracking and green screen.

If you want to try Pinnacle Studio out, you can take advantage of their 30-day free trial, with no need to enter credit card details.

In terms of pricing, Pinnacle Studio has 3 different plans: Studio, Studio Plus and Studio Ultimate. As the names suggests, the Plus and Ultimate levels give you more features, which comes at greater costs. Expect to pay a one-time fee around $60 and $130 depending on your chosen plan.

5. Final Cut Pro

Final Cut Pro is one of the most popular Filmora alternatives for Macs.

This one’s for all you Mac users out there – Windows fan boys be sure to skip this one! If you see YouTubers out there who use a Mac system, then there is a high chance that they’re using Final Cut Pro to edit their videos.

Final Cut Pro comes with thousands of built-in and third-party effect templates, such as filters, LUTs, titles, and transitions. The software is also compatable with the software Motion, for even more control of titles and motion graphics.

And, of course, you’ll find the green screen and keyframing options here too.

Just like Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro isn’t the most beginner friendly Filmora alternative to use. But, there are more enough resources online to get you going, just check out YouTube!.

If you like the look of Final Cut Pro, you can take it for a free spin for a generous 90 days! After the trial you’ll need to pay a one-time fee of $299 to keep your access.

6. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a crazyily powerful video editor that doesn’t cost a penny.

If you’re strapped for cash on your hunt for that elusive Filmora alternative, then let me introduce you to DaVinci Resolve.

Blackmagic Design’s DaVinci Resolve is a favorite among professionals looking for a single piece of software that can perform editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics and audio post production.

When it comes to editing, DaVinci Resolve comes with a drag-and-drop interface and a library of hundreds of titles, transitions, and effects that you can add and animate. There’s also green screen option and, of course, the ability to keyframe.

Despite it’s rather steep learning curve for beginners, it’s the price, or rather lack of, that makes it onto this list. Anyone can download DaVinci Resolve for free – it’s great! I personally used it when I started out making videos for my YouTube channel.

If you’re wondering, there is a separate version of the software known as Studio, which costs around $300. DaVinci Resolve Studio comes with some more advanced features, but it’s probably surplus to requirements for the everyday Joe!

7. Shotcut

Shotcut is an open-source, cross-platform video editor that is also free.

If you’re after a more simple video editor that has all the basic features you need, with some snazzy effects sprinkled in, then have a look at Shotcut.

With Shotcut’s drag-and-drop interface, you can easily apply video compositing, transitions and filters; however, the effects in Shotcut are not as amazing as those you find in Filmora.

Since Shotcut is quite lightweight, it’s gentle in terms of system requirements. So, if you only have a basic laptop to edit on, then chances are you’ll run Shotcut perfectly fine!

As mentioned, Shotcut it free, so be sure to give it a shot (sorry) to see if it’s the right Filmora alternative for you.

8. VideoPad

VideoPad is another free, rather lightweight Filmora alternative.

Perhaps the biggest attraction to using VideoPad is its simple interface coupled with a drag and drop capability, which is intuitive enough for those who are new to the world of video editing.

VideoPad comes with over 50 different visuals and transitions to play with; so, it’s not the largest effects library on this list, but it’s by no means the worst. You also get the option to add a green screen and keyframing can be found.

So, let’s talk about the price. If you’re going to be using VideoPad for non-commercial use only, then you can pick up the software for nothing; however, certain features are limited. If you want the full VideoPad experience, then you need to purchase their Home ($60) or Master’s ($90) Edition.

9. PowerDirector 365

PowerDirector 365 by CyberLink is packed with creatives, including a stock image library!

If you want a Filmora alternative that is packed with cool features and assets to use, then it’s hard to top what’s included in PowerDirector 365.

You get a mask designer, dynamic keyframe controls, customizable motion graphic titles, green screen editing and many many more options. You can even add motion tracking, just like in Filmora!

PowerDirector also comes with access to hundreds and thousands of premium royalty-free stock images and videos from Shutterstock.

You can download their stripped-down version, known as PowerDirector Essential, for free; however, you will only have access to the most useful features for 30 days. So, you can think of the Essential version as a free 30-day trial.

If you want full access to the software, then you’ll need to purchase a monthly or annual subscription. Their annual plan works out at around $4.33 per month; so it’s a pretty affordable software.

FAQs

1. What is the best Filmora alternative?

Taking everything into consideration, I would say the Movavi Video Editor Plus is the best Filmora alternative.

Why?

Well, the biggest thing about the Movavi Video Editor Plus is that it’s very easy to use, just like Filmora.

Many of the video editors on this list are super powerful, some are even used to create Hollywood blockbusters; however, this comes at a cost of having to actually learn the interface and various options before you can comfortably get going.

But, if you’re after an editor that is just as intuitive to use as Filmora, comes with a similar amount of effects and capabilities, and is that little bit cheaper, then go for the Movavi Video Editor Plus.

At least give the trial a go to see for yourself.

2. What is the best free Filmora alternative?

I think the answer to this will depend on your video editing experience.

Beginners: If you have hardly any editing experience, then I suggest you start with VideoPad.

Intermediate: If VideoPad seems a little basic for you, then the next step up would be to get HitFilm Express.

Advanced: For the editing masters out there, I would say DaVinci Resolve is the perfect free Filmora alternative for you.

Best Filmora alternatives: Wrapping up

I hope this list of best Filmora alternatives is useful for you.

Filmora is one of the best video editors available for its price, but as you’ve seen, there are many great alternatives – including free options – that are available.

Do you think I’ve missed anything? If you have any further suggestions, then please let me know in the comments below.

Further reading on SideHustleTeach.com

Have a read of my Filmora review to see what you’re missing out on – it may even change your mind about finding an alternative!