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The best video editing apps for Android and iOS let you edit videos on your phone or tablet. The best video editing applications may be used on a phone or tablet to edit video while you’re on the road. They frequently offer essential functionality combined with a streamlined user interface and are a simplified version of complete desktop software. Apps can therefore be a useful component of an editing process for both novices and professionals, even though they won’t be perfect for every activity.
The top video editing apps on this list are great for rapid adjustments and casual users, but they may have some restrictions (for more information on our testing methodology, check how we test software). Our reviewers spent hours editing their own projects to test out many of the most well-known alternatives, evaluating their usability, speed, usefulness, and more to provide their frank assessments (look out for the full reviews, which are linked).
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You’ll find video editing apps for iOS, video editing apps for Android, and apps that work on both platforms in the list below. The majority work with both smartphones and tablets (see our guide to best tablets for video editing if you need one of those). And some of the most recent iPhones (like the 13 Pro or Pro Max) even accept the brand-new ProRes format. We’ve reviewed the majority of these products, and if you’re interested in learning more about how we evaluate software, check out our guide.
You may transfer your clips between PCs and mobile devices using some of these apps. If that sounds appealing to you, you should also check out our guides to the best computers for video editing. Check out our guides to the best display for video editing, the best MacBook for video editing, and the best video editing software in general. These, however, are our picks for the top video editing apps in the interim. We’ll start with brief links to our top three options before moving on to a thorough list of the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
The best video editing apps for Android : our top 9
1: Premiere Rush: the best video editing app overall
Let’s keep it straightforward. The greatest video editing programme right now, whether you use iOS or Android, is Adobe’s Premiere Rush. Why? We haven’t yet come across another programme with such a broad range of functions from such a straightforward user interface. Large icons and panels in the user interface make it incredibly simple to perform common video editing activities like dragging and dropping footage onto the timeline, colour adjusting, adding music or voiceovers, or adding titles and transitions.
The emphasis is on making it simple for you to swiftly process video for social media uploads. Your films, for instance, are automatically converted to the precise aspect ratios and quality settings needed for each platform. This makes it the ideal option for social media users, YouTubers, and anyone else interested in trying out different video editing techniques.
Compared to Adobe’s more complicated desktop applications like Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition, this cross-platform video editing programme is significantly simpler to use. Premiere Rush isn’t just for beginners, either. Because you can transfer information back and forth into Premiere Pro to perform more complex changes, it’s also the greatest video editing app for professionals.
Premiere Rush is available for subscription as a stand-alone app, as part of a constrained free starter plan, in combination with Premiere Pro, or as a component of the whole Adobe suite. You’ll have access to updates in any case. For instance, the newest edition (2.0) added thousands of new royalty-free sound effects and loops, more languages, and unlimited desktop exports. For additional details, see our whole Premiere Rush review.
02. Quik (cross-platform) :The best video editing app for GoPro users
There are many third-party programmes available for editing your footage if you have a GoPro. However, the official GoPro app, Quik, is the best choice we’ve yet to make. It focuses on two things in particular: enabling remote control of your GoPro camera and editing GoPro video. Gopro Quik app quickly imports your video and makes it simple to add photographs, titles, and timelapse sequences, sync your movies to music, and incorporate graphs based on your statistics.
If your camera wasn’t positioned in line with the horizon, the Horizon Levelling editor will adjust the angle of your scene to make corrections. You can examine your video clip frame by frame to locate noteworthy still pictures. When your pictures and videos are finished, you may send them by text message or email or immediately upload them to sites like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and more.
Regular upgrades to Quik have improved the app’s interface and workflow, as well as the “smarter edits” feature, introducing new music, and connecting to your camera. Although this software is free, there are in-app payments for additional themes and filters.
03. LumaFusion (iOS) : The best iOS app for advanced features
If Premiere Rush isn’t quite advanced enough for you, LumaFusion, which is only available for iOS, boasts the most complete feature set of any video editing tool. LumaFusion, created by the Pinnacle Studio team, resembles a mobile version of Final Cut Pro in that it has a multitrack timeline along the bottom, a media browser in the upper left, and a preview screen.
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Any effect, as well as clip animation, can be keyframed, allowing for precise modifications to your project. Six audio tracks for narration, music, and sound effects are included along with an additional six video/audio tracks for images, videos, titles, and graphics. Insert/overwrite functionality, colour correction, a fully functional audio mixer, lossless export, support for vertical video, sophisticated title creation tools, and slow motion/fast motion are all features of LumaFusion (forward and reverse). You have access to a staggering array of effects.
This is primarily overkill for casual users, and for new users, the learning curve would be terrifying. However, professional video editors will value the variety of strong capabilities it has to offer. These include a tool called MultiCam Sync that enables you to edit and sync clips from various camera and audio sources. Additionally, you may fully utilise your Thunderbolt 4 port for better download and upload rates if you have the most recent iPad Pro. Additionally, a Dropbox integration makes it simple to work with others on material.
There are countless sharing and exporting possibilities after editing is complete. For example, you can export in various resolutions, quality, and frame rates, as well as independently exporting audio and video. The application even enables exporting XML to Final Cut Pro. Lumafusion is one of the top professional video editing programmes because of how reasonably priced it is.
04. KineMaster (Android, iOS) : A cross-platform video editing app with pro appeal
KineMaster is highly recommended for expert video editors to check out. This programme, which is available for iOS and Android, enables you to capture, edit, and export your video content on your smartphone or tablet using a multi-layer user interface. Blending modes, chroma-keying, and audio mixing are examples of premium features.
One of the greatest video editing tools for trimming clips and layers with frame-by-frame granularity is KineMaster, which is fluid and exact. Sub-frame precision can also be used to change the timing of audio clips. You can upload text, photos, video with multiple layers (on supported devices), and audio with multiple tracks. Other capabilities include speed controls, colour LUT filters, accurate volume envelope control, 3D transitions, quick edit previews, and chroma key compositing.
In summary, while this isn’t really Premiere Pro on a mobile device, it isn’t too far off, in our opinion. For a novice or casual user, its UI will be very intimidating, but pros who edit videos will value its extensive set of capabilities. To use it without lag, you’ll need a modern phone or tablet, though.
Although KineMaster is available for free download, it adds watermarks to videos that can only be removed by purchasing a subscription. Additionally, you may access more than 1,000 premium assets and export in 1080p or 4K thanks to this.
05. iMovie (Apple devices): Free video editing app for all iPhone and iPad users
Finding a useful programme that is actually free is fantastic. However, one that you don’t even need to download is far better. Another excellent example is iMovie, which you can already find on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. So why not give it a shot?
Since iMovie is designed for regular users who may not have any prior experience with video editing, it is far less complex than programmes like LumaFusion or Kinemaster. It’s a terrific option, though, whether you’re new to video editing or simply want a quick way to add titles, music, voiceovers, and photographs to your home videos.
The interface was simple to use, according to our review. The app works flawlessly with the entire Apple ecosystem and supports 4K on contemporary devices. You could, for instance, store your clips to the iCloud drive or use AirPlay to play them to an Apple TV. Additionally, iMovie works well with Apple Photos, Mail, and Messages. for additional information on the app.
The most significant update since we completed our comprehensive study was in October and added the capacity to import and edit video shot using the iPhone 13’s Cinematic mode. If you have a new iPhone or iPad, you may now focus on faces or other objects by choosing them in the viewer, see and remove focus points in the timeline, and change the depth effect’s intensity using the Cinematic control in the inspector.
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06. FilmoraGo (Android, iOS): Easy video editing app for casual users
Want to edit videos without having to learn them all at once? Then FilmoraGo, an app that can be downloaded for Android and iPad, is a wise choice. You get all the fundamental features you’d anticipate from a fundamental video editing programme, including the ability to cut and join videos, alter video speed, manage volume, and reorder clips. Even if FilmoraGo lacks some of the more sophisticated features of Lumafusion or Kinemaster, such multi-track editing or support for 4K, it is still quite simple to use. Plus, it can assist beginners in producing films that look amazingly professional thanks to its themed filters and effects.
FilmoraGo is theoretically a free programme, but until you switch to the paid version, your videos will have watermarks. If you had previously tried it and weren’t a fan, it might be worthwhile to try again. This is due to a significant update that added a new user interface, an AR camera, light and dark modes, and other features in June 2021. Additionally, you can now select to combine videos into one image, and masks can be used on both the main track and the PIP track.
A Chroma Key feature that makes it simple to remove a particular colour from an image or video was just added, among other recent changes. If you enjoy the app and would like to view its desktop counterpart.
07. Apple Clips (iOS): The best video editing app for kids
The best video editing programme for you is probably not one that is as intricate and advanced as many of the opinions above if all you want to do is edit amateur videos for fun. You’ll prefer something that’s more basic and user-friendly. Try Apple Clips if you have an iPhone or iPad in that scenario.
Apple Clips is really easy to use and geared at kids and families. As we note in our review, this free app is extremely constrained and scarcely qualifies as one of the top professional video editing tools. However, it does make editing video clips, stories, or messages incredibly simple. Adding filters, dynamic text, music, emoji, and stickers is very simple.
The most recent version (3.1.2), which was released in September 2021, enables you to import and edit video shot in Cinematic mode on an iPhone 13 as well as ProRes video from an iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max.
08. Filmmaker Pro (iOS): Freemium video editing app with some clever features
Another one of the top non-professional video editing programmes is Filmmaker Pro. Yes, despite the name, it’s not truly a “pro” app, but it does include some pro capabilities, such as video grading, excellent green screen compatibility, nearly 200 distinct typefaces for text overlays, and chroma keying.
You also receive 30 filters, 17 transitions and Audiometer assisted voiceovers. Additionally, a significant update in October included a new subject tracking crop tool that tracks a subject’s movement and maintains it within the crop frame. The most recent version (9.5.4) offers multiple project deletion on iPhone and new animations for picture-in-picture videos.
There is a free version of Filmmaker Pro, however it lacks some functionality and watermarks are added to your videos. Therefore, it’s preferable to think of this option as more of a trial.
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Which app for video editing is the best overall?
Premiere Rush is currently the greatest video editing programme for both amateur and expert users. Beginners may quickly learn how to use it and make basic modifications thanks to its straightforward and uncomplicated design. Professionals may transfer their footage between tools and edit on both desktop and mobile devices thanks to its interoperability with Premiere Pro.
Which free video editing app is the best?
Premiere Rush is the same response to this query as it was to the one above. The outstanding video editing tool from Adobe has an excellent free plan. There are no export limits with the Premiere Rush app, which is available for free download on macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.
However, you are only allowed 2GB of storage, and several cutting-edge services, like project syncing across mobile and desktop, are not offered. There is a reasonable cost premium subscription if you want all the features and the 100GB storage upgrade. However, the majority of people will be satisfied using Premiere Rush’s free edition for simple video editing.