[2024] 5 BEST Online Video Editors - Ranked & Rated

After taking a deep dive into the world of online video editing platforms, we've got to hand it to Adobe Express. Its blend of top-tier features and unbeatable customizability really set it apart. You just can't go wrong with it, whether you're just starting out or you're an old hand at

April 13, 2024
[2024] 5 BEST Online Video Editors - Ranked & Rated
Video Editing On Steroids!
ULTIMATE Tools for creating high-quality video content
15M+ Assets
for After Effects, Premiere Pro, FCPX & DaVinci!

The Best Online Video Editors In 2023

In today's digital era, if you're not inclined to download bulky software and prefer an easily accessible, user-friendly solution for video editing, online video editors might be the ideal choice for you. These handy platforms, devoid of the need for hefty system requirements or significant storage space, can be accessed anytime and anywhere, offering a seamless editing experience.

What if you could enhance your video editing skills without necessarily draining your pockets? How about the fact that some of the leading online video editors are available at no cost, providing a wide array of features? Let's embark on a journey exploring the best online video editors 2023 has to offer.

Maybe you should consider starting with some online free video editors that offer a robust set of tools. For instance, if you're looking for an excellent free solution, you might want to check out this guide on the best free video editors. It's a helpful resource that offers a breakdown of various platforms and their unique strengths.

Shall we also discuss another critical aspect, the hardware you'll need for video editing? If you are doing more complex edits, having a powerful machine is necessary. Suppose you're on a budget, this guide on the best laptop for video editing under $1,500 might be an excellent resource for you.

Now that we've addressed some of the basics, let's dive deeper into the ocean of online video editors and uncover other exceptional tools available in 2023.

How We Curated This List - The Criteria

Selecting the right online video editing platform can be a daunting task, given the plethora of options available. Each platform has its unique selling points, and the choice heavily depends on individual needs and preferences. To guide your decision-making process, here are several key criteria to consider:

Features

First and foremost, assess the range of features the platform provides. Does it support essential editing functions like cutting, trimming, adding music, text overlays, and transitions? Or does it also offer advanced features like color grading, special effects, or 3D editing? Depending on the complexity of your projects, you may want a tool with a comprehensive suite of editing capabilities.

User Interface

The ease of use and intuitiveness of the platform is a crucial factor to consider. A user-friendly interface will help you navigate the editing process smoothly and efficiently. Look for a platform that offers a clean layout and clearly labeled functions. A steep learning curve might slow down your workflow and frustrate beginners.

Cost

Prices for online video editing platforms can vary widely, from free versions to subscription-based services. It's important to understand the pricing structure of the platform. Are there any hidden costs, such as watermarks on the free version, or limits on the length or resolution of the videos you can produce? Additionally, check whether there's a significant price difference between the initial subscription and the renewal fees.

Support

Excellent customer support is essential, particularly for beginners who might encounter difficulties while editing. Platforms should offer comprehensive tutorials, an extensive knowledge base, and a responsive customer service team to handle any queries or issues you might have.

Compatibility and Performance

Performance and compatibility with your device and browser are vital. Some online video editors might work seamlessly on certain systems but lag or crash on others. So, make sure the platform performs well on your specific device and has good reviews regarding its speed and stability.

File Storage and Sharing

Many online video editors provide cloud storage where you can save your projects and access them from any device. Consider the amount of storage the platform offers and if it's enough for your needs. Additionally, look for platforms that allow easy sharing of your videos on various social media platforms or offer direct export options to popular video sharing sites.

Privacy and Security

Lastly, since you'll be uploading your raw footage to the platform, consider its privacy and security measures. Check if the platform assures the privacy of your content and if they follow secure data handling practices.

By keeping these criteria in mind, you can find the best free video editor that meets your needs, or perhaps invest in a powerful machine, like the best laptop for video editing under $1,500, to support your creative endeavors. Whichever you choose, remember that the best tool will always be the one that suits your specific requirements and comfort level.

Video Editor Key Features Benefits Price Range (Monthly) No. of Templates Max Video Resolution
InVideo Automated text to video, 4000+ pre-designed templates, AI Video Editor Easy to use, full customization, large template library $10 - $30 4000+ 1080p
Adobe Express Auto creation, effects and transitions, multi-track timeline Simple user interface, rich effects library, versatile output options Free - $20 100+ 1080p
Filmora 4K editing support, GIF support, Noise removal Simple to use, wide range of editing tools, affordable $8 - $45 300+ 4K
Filmora Wondershare Advanced text editing, tilt-shift, mosaic (blurring) Great for beginners, rich features, decent pricing $8 - $45 300+ 4K
Clipchamp Customizable video templates, Screen recorder, Webcam recorder Cloud-based, free tier available, user-friendly Free - $40 1000+ 1080p
Renderforest Animated explainer creation, logo animation, kinetic typography Intuitive user interface, extensive template library, versatile video editing tools $10 - $50 500+ 1080p

SSemble (NEW)

Ssemble is a powerful online video editor that brings together all the AI tools and resources you need for video editing. As someone who has used this platform, I can attest to its capabilities and ease of use. It's like having a collaborative video editing suite at your fingertips, accessible anytime, anywhere.

Video Editing and AI Plugins

Ssemble's strength lies in its robust video editing features and AI plugins. It offers functionalities such as trim, split, zoom in/out, rotate, and loop, making it a comprehensive tool for all your video editing needs. The platform also introduces unique plugins that enhance your editing skills and streamline the process. For instance, you can easily remove backgrounds with a single click, or use the automatic dubbing feature by simply typing your script and choosing a voice. Importing photos and videos is a breeze, and the platform also provides royalty-free music for your projects.

Collaboration and Instant Feedback

One of the standout features of Ssemble is its collaborative nature. You can show your video project instantly to get feedback, eliminating the need for long encoding processes. This feature is particularly useful for teams working together on video projects, making Ssemble a great tool for creating high-converting marketing videos for your business.

Ease of Use

Despite its extensive features, Ssemble maintains an intuitive user interface. The platform is designed to be user-friendly, with a focus on simplicity and efficiency. The AI plugins are easy to use and add new functionalities to your editing process without requiring you to learn additional skills.

Plugins

Ssemble offers a wide array of AI plugins that enhance the video editing process. Here are some of the key ones:

AI Video Editor: This plugin leverages artificial intelligence to streamline the video editing process, making it easier and more efficient.

Auto Subtitle Generator: This tool automatically generates subtitles for your videos, saving you the time and effort of manual transcription.

Background Remover: With just a click, this plugin can remove the background from your videos, a feature that can be particularly useful for creating professional-looking content.

Video Translator: This plugin can translate the content of your videos, making them accessible to a global audience.

AI Video Script Generator: This tool can generate video scripts, simplifying the content creation process.

Audio to Text: This feature transcribes audio to text, which can be useful for creating subtitles or understanding the content of a video without sound.

Audio Translator: This plugin translates audio content, making it possible to understand videos in different languages.

InVideo - best video editor for full customization

InVideo stands as a top contender among online video editors, known for its comprehensive customization capabilities and easy-to-use interface. From a personal standpoint, having used this platform for several months, it's like having your personal video editing studio that you can access anytime, anywhere.

Customization and Editing Capabilities

There's no denying that InVideo's vast array of customization options makes it a standout platform. It offers a wealth of templates, allowing you to quickly create videos for various purposes – social media posts, presentations, or promotional content. Suppose you're an avid Adobe Premiere user; the transition to InVideo will be smooth, as they both emphasize full customization.

Having personally used InVideo to create a promotional video for a non-profit campaign, I found its extensive library of stock images, videos, and music very beneficial. In less than two hours, I was able to edit together a professional-grade video complete with text overlays, transitions, and custom color grading. The platform also offers more complex editing features, like split-screen effects, something I discovered while exploring premiere pro split screen templates.

Ease of Use and Support

Despite its wide range of features, InVideo has an intuitive user interface. The drag-and-drop function simplifies the process of adding media files, text, or effects. The platform offers real-time previews, letting you see the changes instantly, a feature I appreciate as it eliminates guesswork. The 'undo' and 'redo' buttons also come in handy when you're experimenting with different effects.

When I encountered a slight hiccup with the video resolution during one of my projects, their support team was quick to respond. A swift chat with their 24/7 customer service and the problem was solved in no time.

Pricing

InVideo offers both free and paid options. The free version provides access to all features, but videos come with a watermark, and there's a monthly limit. On the other hand, the paid plans remove the watermark and offer unlimited video exports. Considering the functionality, the price is very reasonable, especially when compared to investing in a high-end laptop for video editing, such as those listed in the best laptop for video editing under $1,500 guide.

Final Thoughts

InVideo has proven to be a reliable, feature-rich online video editor that I would recommend to anyone needing full customization capabilities. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, the platform has something to offer. From creating promo videos to editing an entire slideshow in Premiere Pro, my personal experience with InVideo has been nothing short of excellent.

Adobe Express

My first interaction with Adobe Express left me astounded by its speed. Designed for on-the-go video editing, the platform offers a suite of automated tools that work like magic. For example, when I uploaded a raw clip from a recent trip, the auto-editing feature quickly transformed it into a refined, engaging video with excellent transition effects, background music, and even captions.

The simplicity of Adobe Express is another aspect that stands out. Unlike its sibling, Adobe Premiere Pro, which is renowned for in-depth editing capabilities, Express is designed for ease and swiftness. Its drag-and-drop functionality, paired with an array of pre-built templates, ensures that even novices can create compelling videos in no time.

Features of Adobe Express: More than Just Quick Edits

Despite its focus on speed, Adobe Express does not compromise on features. It provides the essentials - trimming, cutting, adding music - and more. A noteworthy example is its robust color correction tools, which let me transform my dull video clips into vibrant stories.

Moreover, the platform provides a sizeable library of royalty-free music and graphics. During my test run, I found an upbeat music track and fun stickers that perfectly accentuated my travel video. And if you're on the hunt for an even wider array of customization options, Adobe Express provides seamless integration with Adobe's Creative Cloud.

Pricing and Support: Valuable and Efficient

Adobe Express offers various subscription plans, catering to different user needs. The free plan, albeit with some limitations, provides enough features for basic video edits. As for the premium plans, they unlock a broader array of features and assets, making it a worthy investment for more serious projects.

In terms of support, Adobe has been a reliable provider. During my use, I had a minor issue with video rendering. However, after reaching out to their customer service, my problem was addressed swiftly and professionally.

The Verdict on Adobe Express

Adobe Express's promise of fast and easy video editing is more than just a marketing spiel. Its blend of simplicity, speed, and a decent range of features provides a convenient solution for quick video edits. Whether you're looking to create engaging social media content or a memorable travel montage, Adobe Express is a tool worth considering.

Clipchamp video editor

What makes Clipchamp an outstanding video editor is its forward-thinking features that break the monotony of traditional video editing processes. The simplicity of its drag-and-drop timeline interface is akin to sliding smoothly on a newly polished surface - utterly effortless and extremely gratifying.

Stellar Performance: Efficiency Reloaded

With Clipchamp, video editing processes that used to be painstakingly slow have now become lightning-fast, much like my transition to a more powerful laptop. The efficiency I've experienced with Clipchamp has turned lengthy render times into a thing of the past. It's like a breath of fresh air in an otherwise crowded market.

Personalized Templates: Creativity Unleashed

Beyond Clipchamp's practical features, the platform also offers an extensive library of customizable templates, empowering creators to deliver personalized content effortlessly. Remember the joy of discovering a new editing trick on Adobe Premiere Pro? Clipchamp recreates that same feeling, day after day.

Filmora

Wondershare Filmora has turned out to be a formidable ally in my journey as a content creator. Much like when I transitioned to my high-end laptop for a seamless Adobe Premiere Pro experience, Filmora's potent feature set has boosted my efficiency exponentially.

Feature Fiesta: A Cut Above the Rest

Wondershare Filmora's feature repertoire is nothing short of impressive. I discovered the beauty of 'Audio Ducking' through Filmora - a tool that smartly dims background music during voiceovers, resulting in a professional audio-visual output that I haven't experienced with other editors.

Filmora's 'Color Match' is another feature that deserves special mention. It automatically corrects the color in different shots, saving me considerable time, and ensuring color consistency throughout my videos. Not to forget, the in-built video stabilizer skillfully mitigates camera shake, particularly useful for my action sequences.

Enhanced Storage: An Editor's Relief

While Filmora's primary storage might seem limited at first glance, it's easily augmented through external storage options. This flexibility is reminiscent of my laptop setup, where an SSD limitation was effectively addressed by an external hard drive.

The Wondershare Filmora Love Affair

To sum up, Wondershare Filmora has ingratiated itself into my editing workflow with its impressive capabilities and intuitive interface. The remarkable speed and simplicity it offers mirrors the shift from a sluggish laptop to a high-performance one. For anyone venturing into the realm of online video editing, Wondershare Filmora is, without doubt, "the right stuff".

Is Filmora free forever?

I'm afraid that Filmora, a popular video editing software, isn't completely free forever. They do offer a free version with all features, but it comes with a watermark in the final video. If you want to remove the watermark or get access to their premium features and updates, you'll need to go for one of their paid versions. The prices can vary depending on whether you choose a yearly subscription or a lifetime license.

Renderforest - Online Video Editor For Those Who Want To Make Videos Fast

Renderforest came with a surprise - an array of features that turned my video editing routine from mundane to exhilarating. The platform's user-friendly interface and fast rendering speeds reminded me of the thrill I felt when I boosted my laptop's RAM from 16GB to 32GB. Tasks that previously took hours now took mere minutes, mirroring my laptop's performance upgrade. Renderforest's efficiency was a game-changer, proving to be 'The Right Stuff' for my content creation journey.

Tailoring Content with Renderforest

As a creative, personalizing my content is crucial. Renderforest, with its library of customizable templates and animations, turned out to be a dream come true. It was as if I'd been handed the reins of a new Sony A7S III, capturing superior-quality images that made my content stand out, far surpassing what I could achieve with a mere smartphone. Renderforest was not just an upgrade, it was a transformation.

Renderforest: More Than Just a Tool

Renderforest, like my trusty camera, is an asset, a companion that has been with me on many creative journeys. Yes, there are other platforms available, much like there are other cameras. But just as my Sony A7S III suited my needs better than an a5000 or a6000, Renderforest simply fit my editing needs better than the others.

Bonus tool: FlexClip - AI Video Editor

FlexClip Video Editor is a visionary tool that revolutionizes the way we approach video editing with new AI features. Its forward-thinking features and user-friendly interface breathe new life into the editing process. With a seamless drag-and-drop timeline, editing becomes a gratifying experience, as if gliding effortlessly on a polished surface.

AI Toolkit: Time saving

FlexClip Video Editor's AI toolkit is a game-changer, packed with cutting-edge features that revolutionize the way creators approach video production. The inclusion of AI text/script to video functionality opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Users can effortlessly transform their written content into captivating visuals, making storytelling a breeze.

AI image generation takes creativity to the next level, providing a wealth of original images tailored to your video's theme. Gone are the days of searching for the perfect visuals; FlexClip's AI can now generate stunning graphics on demand, saving valuable time and effort.

Customizable Templates: Embrace Your Creativity

In addition to its efficiency, FlexClip boasts an extensive library of personalized video templates that cater to the individuality of every creator. The joy of discovering new editing tricks on professional-grade software is replicated with FlexClip's limitless possibilities. The platform empowers users to unleash their creativity and deliver unique content with ease.

Pricing

The platform provides both free and paid subscription options, ensuring flexibility for users with varying video editing requirements. The Free plan allows users to access essential video editing features and tools without any cost. With a paid plan, users gain access to a wider array of tools, including premium editing features, a larger selection of stock media assets, and the ability to export videos in higher resolutions.



FAQ

What is a good free online video editor?

A: There are quite a few high-quality free online video editors that are user-friendly and offer a range of features. One such option is Clipchamp, which allows you to trim clips, add transitions, and even record your screen, all without watermarks or time restrictions. Plus, its interface is very straightforward, making it a breeze for beginners.

Are there good online video editors?

A: Absolutely, there are several fantastic online video editors that provide robust editing tools and features. Besides Clipchamp, another good one is Adobe Express. It offers an intuitive platform that enables you to edit your videos with ease, and it's great for creating social media posts, ads, and much more. Renderforest is another excellent option, especially if you're looking for animated and logo video creation.

What do most YouTubers use to edit their videos?

A: When it comes to YouTube video editing, many creators use software like Adobe Premiere Pro and Filmora. These tools offer advanced features that allow for highly customizable edits. However, for beginners or those on a budget, software like Filmora Wondershare is a fantastic choice due to its ease of use and affordability.

Is there a free online video effects editor?

A: Yes, there are several online video editors that allow you to add effects to your videos for free. One popular choice is InVideo. While the free version has some limitations, it gives you access to a variety of video effects, and it's a fantastic tool for getting started in video editing.

How can I animate a video online for free?

A: Renderforest is a fantastic tool if you're looking to create animated videos online for free. It offers a variety of customizable templates that make it easy to create animated explainer videos, logo animations, and much more. It's a breeze to use, and you can create impressive animations in no time.