9 Best Video Editor Choices For Mac: Common Features

Although iMovie is preinstalled on more recent Macs, there are many fantastic video editing programs available for Mac. Although iMovie is preinstalled on all Macs running OS 12.6 or later, not everyone finds it to be the ideal video editing program. Compared to competing programs, iMovie has fewer customisable tools and might be challenging to use when editing huge files.

List of Video Editors for Mac

Nine of the top video editors for Mac have been compiled by us. Everything you need to know, including system requirements, major features, and skill level, is available here.

1. Kapwing

Installation Requirements

Because Kapwing is a browser-based system, it may be used with your existing Mac OS without the need for a download or local storage. Exporting your final files doesn’t warm up your CPUs or deplete your battery, and there are no minimal RAM requirements or MacOS updates required.

Features

The full-suite video editor Kapwing was created especially for browser-based application. Without compromising functionality, we utilize Kapwing as an online substitute for traditional, dense desktop software. With a variety of practical tools ranging from the fundamentals like social media trimming and resizing to more advanced functions such as auto-subtitles, AI video creation, and even keyframing our editor is fast, easy to use, and strong.

2. Lightworks

Software Requirements

MacOS 10.15 or later versions. Lightworks for Mac doesn’t need nearly the same amount of RAM for a professional appearance as comparable video editors. It just needs at least 4 GB, but 8 GB can make your video appear professional. Additionally, you don’t need to switch to a more costly computer because this video editor doesn’t require powerful operating systems to function.

Features

Many features are available in Lightworks, such as sophisticated audio tools, flexible video editing options, royalty-free music tracks, user-friendly visual enhancements, and a split-screen viewer for editing at a professional level.

3. PowerDirector 365

System Requirements

MacOS 10.14 or latest versions. It takes little more than 1 GB to download the video editing program PowerDirector 365. Additionally, PowerDirector 365 is compatible with earlier MacOS versions than Apple iMovie.

Features

The AI features of PowerDirector 365 need an extra 2 GB of space to function and AI video editing skills, you must have more accessible storage.

PowerDirector 365 is a fantastic substitute for Apple iMovie if you’re a Mac user who also uses Windows because it operates on Windows 10 or 11, as well as some versions of Windows 8.1 and 7 that are 64-bit. You do need an independent license for both Windows and Mac to work on both platforms.

4. Movavi Video Editor

System Requirements

2 GB of RAM and MacOS 10.13 or above versions are required. For optimal export performance, Movavi Video Editor requires just around 1 GB of free space and runs well on older Macs.

Features

Movavi Video Editor is a fantastic substitute for iMovie if you’re new to video editing but still want a more powerful program. It’s great software for beginning users because of its straightforward design and intuitive options.

Movavi has a ton of awesome stickers and effects. The Movavi Effects Shop offers additional effects for purchase. Gamers and broadcasters love Movavi’s screen recording capability. You may even give your videos a branding or watermark.

5. Apple iMovie

Installation Requirements 

It requires MacOS 12.6 or late versions. It’s quite simple to get started straight away without requiring any extra downloads or accounts. Additionally, iMovie still needs 3.6 GB of free space to operate, even with its restricted capability.

Features

Its best feature is that Apple iMovie is preinstalled on your Mac. For seasoned Mac users in particular, the UI is easy to use, straightforward, and beginner-friendly. The free version of iMovie is also compatible with Mac computers, iPads, and iPhones. Even better, you may begin a project on your iPhone or iPad and complete the video editing on your Mac.

While iMovie simplifies the process of editing small videos on your Apple devices, it is unable to manage more intricate projects.

6. DaVinci Resolve

Installation Requirements

MacOS 11 (Big Sur) or later is required for the system. A minimum of 16 GB is required, however, 32 GB is advised. DaVinci performs best on high-end technology made especially for graphics and video editing.

Features

For many years, DaVinci Resolve has proven a well-liked post-production editor. Experts adore the sophisticated audio tools that can handle up to 2,000 tracks and the AI colour identification and fixing capabilities. However, the team-use capability of DaVinci Resolve is a feature we truly adore.

Real-time project sharing and teamwork are streamlined by the Blackmagic Cloud collaboration tool and activity dashboard. Because DaVinci Resolve is compatible with Windows, you may work with colleagues on PCs as well.

7. Adobe Premiere Elements

System Requirements 

Windows 11; Windows 12.4 or later; and Windows 13 Elements needs a significant amount of RAM to function, much like every other Adobe program. To get maximum performance out of Elements, you’ll need at least 8 GB, but 16 to 32 GB is recommended. For bigger videos, you’ll also need to have at least 4 GB of free hard drive space.

Features

The compressed version of Adobe Premiere Pro is called Adobe Premiere Elements. Compared to the 2022 version, Adobe Premiere Elements 2023 is better compatible with older Macs. You can create high-quality films using Adobe Premiere Elements just as you do with other Adobe products.

You may make your films with more than 80 searchable guided modifications. Additionally, Elements offers sophisticated correction tools to assist you in modifying colour, lighting, and framing.

8. Final Cut Pro X

Installation Requirements

MacOS 12.6 or later. It might be challenging to use on older computers and is somewhat pricey.

Features

Apple The most recent version of Apple’s Final Cut video editing tool is Final Cut Pro X. For Mac users who publish to YouTube and other comparable services, Final Cut Pro X is their preferred video editor. Although there is still a high learning curve, Final Cut Pro X’s user-friendly structure on the Mac makes it easier to master than similar Adobe video editors.

Major features include colour grading, interactive motion graphics, and multi-cam editing.

9. Adobe Premiere Pro 23

System Requirements

Big Sur’s MacOS 11 version requires a more powerful computer for the high-resolution and sophisticated editing features. 4K movies demand a minimum of 32 GB of RAM, while videos with lower resolutions will still require at least 16 GB.

Features

Advanced video editors choose Adobe Premiere Pro. The simplified process is a favourite among Adobe devotees as Adobe Premiere Pro connects to different Adobe Creative Cloud apps.

The Mac and Windows versions of Adobe Premiere Pro are nearly the same. When you go between Windows and Mac, the look seldom changes.

The learning curve for Adobe Premiere Pro is severe. It takes some time to become proficient with the tools, and this software has a lot of features.

In summary, every video editor on this page has unique attributes, system prerequisites, and advantages that are appropriate for various editing applications. These Mac video editors help improve your artistic endeavors and realize your vision, whether you’re searching for more complex applications like Adobe Premiere Pro or more approachable ones like Movavi.