Best iMovie Alternatives
Reviewed
The top-ranked iMovie alternative is DaVinci Resolve (Freemium). The best free option is Shotcut (open source).
iMovie is Apple's free, beginner-friendly video editor, but users seek alternatives for cross-platform support, more advanced editing, or features iMovie lacks. Windows and Android users especially need other options.
1Professional editing, color, VFX, and audio suite with a powerful free version.
2Free, easy video editor with AI features for social content.
3Free, open-source cross-platform video editor with wide format support.
The industry-standard professional video editing application.
Beginner-friendly video editor with effects, templates, and AI tools.
Free, open-source video editor with a simple interface.
Clipchamp
FreemiumMicrosoft's free browser-based video editor with templates.
Free, open-source multi-track video editor with pro features.
HitFilm
FreemiumFree video editor with strong VFX and compositing tools.
Apple's professional video editor with a one-time purchase for Mac.
VN Video Editor
FreeFree, powerful video editor for mobile and desktop with pro features.
VideoPad
FreemiumA simple video editor from NCH Software for quick edits and exports.
Top iMovie alternatives compared
DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve from Blackmagic Design combines editing, color correction, visual effects, motion graphics and audio in one app for Mac, Windows and Linux. The free version handles video up to Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 at 60fps, and the paid Studio version adds the AI Neural Engine and extra effects. It suits iMovie users ready to learn a professional editor without paying.
CapCut
CapCut is ByteDance's video editor with a free plan, a desktop app for Windows and macOS, an online editor, and phone apps. It includes templates, keyframe animation, chroma key and AI generation tools, with a Pro subscription for premium templates and AI credits. It suits people making short videos for social media.
Shotcut
Shotcut is a free, open source video editor for Windows, Mac and Linux. It supports hundreds of audio and video formats without importing first, and resolutions up to 4K. It suits Mac users who want a free editor with no subscription and no account.
Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere is the professional editor in Adobe's Creative Cloud, sold as a subscription at US$22.99 a month on an annual plan, with a 7-day free trial. That plan covers Premiere on desktop and mobile, and Adobe also offers a free Premiere app for iPhone. It suits editors who already use other Adobe apps.
| App | Price | Platforms | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| DaVinci Resolve | Free, Studio paid | Windows, macOS, Linux | Free professional editing and color |
| CapCut | Free plan, Pro subscription | Windows, macOS, Web, iOS, Android | Social media videos |
| Shotcut | Free, open source | Windows, macOS, Linux | No-cost editing with wide format support |
| Adobe Premiere Pro | From US$22.99/month | Windows, macOS, iOS | Adobe Creative Cloud users |
We checked each app's official site on 6 November 2026. All four run on a Mac, and the current Shotcut release (26.9.27) supports macOS 12 and later. DaVinci Resolve Studio was listed at $236 on Blackmagic's site that day, but the free version already works at up to Ultra HD and 60fps.
iMovie alternatives: FAQ
What is the best alternative to iMovie?
DaVinci Resolve is ranked first on this list (Freemium). The ranking combines our base score with readers' votes, so it can change.
What is the best free alternative to iMovie?
The highest-ranked free or open-source options here are Shotcut, OpenShot and Kdenlive.
Which iMovie alternatives work on Mac?
DaVinci Resolve, CapCut, Shotcut and Adobe Premiere run on macOS.
Which iMovie alternatives work on Linux?
DaVinci Resolve, Shotcut, OpenShot and Kdenlive run on Linux.
Are there iMovie alternatives for Android?
Yes: CapCut, Adobe Premiere, Filmora and VN Video Editor have Android apps.
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