The umbrella term of videos includes everything; live videos, recorded, screen-recorded, animated, and many more. Rather than being a mere visual aid, videos are crucial in the value-enhancing of many fields, a few being marketing, entrepreneurs, etc. There is no denying that videos are essential tools capable of changing various sectors, especially the business sector. Recent studies estimate that over 91% of global businesses actively use videos as their prime marketing tool.
Being such a vital tool and aid, ordinary folks need to grasp the process of making and editing quality videos. The ideal way to do that is with handy video editors. But there is no point in paying hefty subscription charges if you can make quality videos using free video editors. And this is why the following section details the best non-subscription-based video editors and how you can edit quality videos without breaking your purse strings.
Best Non-Subscription-Based Video Editors 2023
The list below encompasses five of the best free video editing software of 2023. Although almost all the editors are compatible with smartphones and mostly have a dedicated mobile application for phones, the following list prominently features the desktop version of them. While there is no doubt regarding the convenience offered by mobile video editing applications, desktop software sports plenty of features and is also the best in retaining the quality of the video.
So, here’s the list of the best non-subscription-based video editors; desktop versions.
Lightworks
Lightworks has been on the top of the free video editors lists since its conception. The smooth and intuitive user interface is the highlight of this editor. The setup is straightforward; you can install it, and right after the installation, a dialogue box called Startup Wizard appears, in which you can enter vital information like your language preference, preferred layouts, etc.
It is one of those rare video editors that provide you with simple tutorials on better software usage. Little pop-ups show up at the sides of the screen while you are working on an editing project, with practical tips and techniques to upgrade your work. This guidance makes this software suitable for both experts and beginners. It also has a collection of copyright-free music and stock videos, which greatly help during editing.
Pros
- Multiplatform compatibility
- The efficient speed optimization feature
- Real-time sharing with restricted editing access
- Supports multiple video formats
Cons
- Although the essential software is free, you’ll have to subscribe to the pro version for much better features
- The maximum export limit is 1080p
DaVinci Resolve
This professional non-subscription-based video editor has all essential editing features like color grading, trimming, speed optimization, keyframing, and many more. It comes in paid and non-paid versions, with decent features and specifications. The user interface is complex and advanced, as it is professional. Although beginners may find it a bit too challenging, it earns applause for its powerful free version. Unlike the other free video editors with many limitations, DaVinci Resolve combines the perks of video, audio, and image editors in a single tool.
You’ll have to subscribe to the pro version if you need advanced editing options like 3D tools, advanced filters, HDR grading, etc. But the free version already comes with a decent set of tools like offline and online editing, color correction, 8K editing, etc.
Pros
- Supports an unlimited number of video tracks
- Fast rendering
- High-quality frame rate conversions
- Intelligent facial recognition feature
Cons
- Relatively higher system requirements
- The learning curve could be a bit time consuming
VideoPad
It is undoubtedly the most beginner-friendly, non-subscription-based video editor. It has compatibility with multiple platforms and features a much simpler user interface. The interface is in such a way that the user would intuitively pass from selecting video files up to exporting the final video without any confusion or apprehension.
It offers features like 3D editing, transitions, audio library, overlaying, fine-tuning, file conversion, and many more. The main editing tools are seven, and they are all conveniently arranged at the bottom of the screen, ready to access at any time.
Pros
- Supports multiple video formats
- Can preview the selected clips and the complete sequence side by side
- Multiplatform compatibility
- Pre-made transition templates
- Instant publishing tools are available
Cons
- Relatively less number of advanced features, and thus, experts might find the software a bit too simple
- The free version cannot export the video in MP4 format
OpenShot
OpenShot is undoubtedly one of the most straightforward non-subscription-based video editors currently available. The intuitive design is beneficial for beginners. The layout of its homepage itself is self-explanatory and convenient. The selected clips are available at the bottom, and the preview of the completed sequence will be at the right part of the screen, with the essential tools and effects present at the left part.
You can import files of any format to this editor, and thus, you can edit videos, audio, and images using this single software. It can export the completed sequence to many file formats, including MP4 and WebM.
Pros
- Pre-made templates that are open to customization
- Easy drag-and-drop feature
- Supports green screen effects
- It supports editing animated videos
Cons
- Advanced features hide inside menus
- The free version can be a bit too buggy
Kinemaster
Final to the list is KineMaster, a non-subscription-based video editor that also shows excellent compatibility with mobile phones. In fact, most KineMaster users use it via their smartphones. But the desktop version has relatively more features. It has a collection of quality stock materials, each with a detailed tutorial on how to use it.
It offers multiple-layer editing, green screen effects, special effects, transition effects, music insertion, easy voice-over insertion, and many more. It also provides the convenience of choosing the favorite moment from the completed sequence to put up as the video’s cover photo. The free version maintains a maximum export limit of 2000p.
Pros
- Horizontal screens, even in mobile phones
- Library of popular stock material
- Real-time audio and video recording
- Customizable interface
- Slow-motion effects are available
Cons
- The free version comes with frequent advertisements
- Videos made using the free version carry a KineMaster watermark on them
