Filmora Vs Premiere Pro - 5 FACTS To Know Before Choosing!

Choose Filmora for simplicity and cost-effectiveness in video editing, ideal for beginners and quick projects with its straightforward interface and accessible tools. Opt for Premiere Pro for complex, professional-grade projects, benefiting from its comprehensive toolkit and flexibility for detailed customization and third-party integrations.

April 15, 2024
Filmora Vs Premiere Pro - 5 FACTS To Know Before Choosing!
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Which One Is Best Filmora Or Premiere Pro?

Choosing between Filmora and Premiere for video editing feels like picking between sneakers and dress shoes. Both have their place, but the right choice depends on the occasion, or in this case, the project. I've spent countless hours with both, editing everything from quick social media posts to in-depth documentary work. Here's the lowdown from my experience.

Filmora is like that friendly neighbor always ready to lend a hand. It's super easy to get started with, making it a favorite for beginners or anyone who wants to quickly whip up a video. Its interface? Straightforward. You open it up, and boom, dragging and dropping clips is as easy as pie. Basic editing, adding some music, throwing in a few transitions – Filmora has you covered without making you scratch your head looking for hidden features.

Now, color grading in Filmora, it's pretty basic but good enough for most. You've got your simple sliders for brightness, contrast, saturation – the usual suspects. Perfect for quick fixes or when you're not too fussed about achieving cinematic mastery.

On to Premiere. It's the heavy lifter. Think of it as that toolbox your grandpa had – packed with every tool under the sun. Premiere's capabilities are vast. Basic editing? Sure, but it's like comparing a Swiss Army knife to a scalpel. Precision is the game here. You can cut your clips down to the frame, layer them like a pro, and tweak to your heart's content.

Color grading in Premiere? It's another league. You've got Lumetri Color – a powerhouse that gives you control over colors like you wouldn't believe. Want to match the look of a Hollywood film? Dive into the curves, adjust the color wheels, and play with the scopes. It's intricate work, but the results can be stunning.

I edit with Filmora when I need something out the door fast. It's lightweight, doesn't demand much from my computer, and honestly, it's fun to use. I jump over to Premiere for projects that need that extra finesse – when every detail matters and I'm looking to push boundaries. It's heavier on resources, sure, but it handles complexity like a dream.

Both editors have their charm. Filmora's accessibility is a huge plus for rapid content creation or for those just dipping their toes into video editing. Premiere, though, is my go-to for projects where I'm aiming to impress, thanks to its depth and flexibility. Think about what you're looking to achieve with your project, and let that guide your choice. Easy and fast, or detailed and professional – both paths lead to great videos, just with different journeys.

Review Summary

Adobe Premiere Pro vs Filmora
Feature Filmora Adobe Premiere Pro
Subscription Options Monthly: $19.99, Quarterly: $29.99, Yearly: $49.99, Perpetual: $79.99 Single App: $20.99/month, All Apps: $52.99/month
Initial Experience Well-organized studio feel, less overwhelming Workshop full of tools, customizable workspace
Ease of Use User-friendly, straightforward Powerhouse with a learning curve
Text and Titles Simpler, with professional presets Advanced, with detailed animation options
Color Correction Basic adjustments, beginner-friendly Detailed adjustments, professional-grade tools
Plugins and Integration Limited but streamlined selection Extensive support for third-party plugins
Additional Features Support for 3D graphics, GIFs, keyframe effects Advanced editing tools, integration with Adobe suite

What Is Adobe Premiere Pro?

Premiere Pro in action

Adobe Premiere Pro, a tool I've used countless times since its 2003 debut (well i only started using it a couple years after actually), stands out as a go-to for editing everything from YouTube videos to full-blown movies. Let me walk you through it, especially if you're new to this or Adobe's ecosystem.

Getting around Premiere Pro might seem a bit daunting at first. The workspace is divided into sections: you've got your project panel on the lower left where all your files live, the preview window up top left that shows you what you're working on, the timeline across the bottom where the magic happens, and the effects panel on the right for all your tweaking needs.

If you're jumping in without much background in video editing, you'll want to familiarize yourself with some basics. Know how to move files around on your computer and what terms like "cut," "transition," and "overlay" mean. Premiere Pro does a lot, from editing high-res videos – think 8K and beyond – to intricate audio work like mixing surround sound. It supports a massive range of formats, so whether you're working on a Mac or PC, you're good to go.

For importing media, just drag and drop files into the project panel or click the 'Import' button. Then, drag your clips onto the timeline to start slicing and dicing. Editing tools are straightforward. Use the razor tool to make cuts, then drag clips around to reorder or trim them.

When it's time to add some flair, the 'Effects' panel is your friend. Here, you can find everything from color correction to fancy transitions. Premiere Pro's color grading tools are top-notch. The Lumetri Color panel lets you tweak colors to get the look you want, whether it's making your footage look like it was shot at golden hour or giving it a cool, cinematic blue tint.

Adding titles and graphics is simple too. You'll find all sorts of templates ready to use, or you can create something from scratch. Just head over to the 'Graphics' workspace, and you'll see all the tools you need.

The beauty of Premiere Pro lies in its depth. For big projects, its capability to manage complexity without breaking a sweat is why it's used in big films and TV shows. Yet, this doesn't mean it's overkill for smaller projects. I've used it for quick social media clips too because once you get the hang of it, making those cuts and edits feels like second nature.

Audio editing? Premiere Pro doesn't skip a beat here either. You can adjust levels, balance sounds, and even dive into some advanced mixing if your project calls for it.

Premiere Pro's power is its flexibility. I've thrown everything at it – 3D edits, ultra-high-definition videos, and complex multi-track audio projects. It handles it all. Sure, there's a learning curve, but take it step by step. Start with simple edits and as you get comfortable, start exploring more of its features. Trust me, it's worth the effort.

What I Like About It

  • Comprehensive Tools: Users appreciate the extensive video and audio editing capabilities, including layer creation for video and audio, keyframe animation, advanced color-grading, and multi-camera editing ​​.
  • Integration: It integrates well with other Adobe Creative Cloud apps, offering a seamless workflow for users who rely on multiple Adobe products for their projects​​.
  • Industry Standard: Many users consider Premiere Pro to be the gold standard for video editing, thanks to its ability to mix multiple codecs and provide fast, professional video editing .
  • Flexibility: The software's flexibility in editing, file format support, and export options is highly praised. Users can export videos in multiple sizes and formats, catering to various project requirements​​.

What I Don't Like About It

  • Learning Curve: A significant number of users mention the steep learning curve associated with Premiere Pro. New users might find the interface intimidating due to its complexity and the abundance of features ​​.
  • Performance Issues: Some users have reported slow encoding times and occasional crashes, which can be particularly frustrating during tight deadlines. These issues seem to be more pronounced on less powerful computers .
  • Subscription Model: The necessity to maintain a subscription to use Premiere Pro is a drawback for some users. Unlike buying the software outright, the subscription model requires ongoing payments​​.
  • Resource Intensive: The program can be resource-intensive, necessitating a powerful computer to run smoothly without crashes or lag, especially when dealing with high-resolution video files​​.

What Is Wondershare Filmora?

How to Download & Install Filmora Video Editor

So, you're curious about Wondershare Filmora? Let me share my experience. Imagine having a toolbox, one where every tool helps you build something amazing. That's Filmora for video editing. I've been using it for a while, and here's the lowdown.

First off, the transitions. Over 100 of them. I use these to switch scenes in my videos smoothly. It's like magic how one scene flows into the next without jarring the viewer. This feature alone makes my videos look professional.

Then, there's speed adjustment. Ever watched those cool slow-motion or fast-forward effects in movies? I create those in my videos all the time. It's super easy with Filmora. Slowing down a clip to emphasize a moment, or speeding it up to show time passing, is just a few clicks away.

Motion tracking blew my mind. I can select an object in a video, and Filmora tracks it throughout the scene. Adding text or graphics that follow a moving object? No problem. This feature is a game-changer for making engaging content.

Titles and effects are the cherries on top. They have a bunch of options, and I mean a bunch. Want to add opening titles, end credits, or cool effects like lens flare? Filmora has you covered. I often spend hours just playing with different effects to see what looks best.

Now, let's talk sharing. Directly from Filmora, I can upload my videos to social media. It's a breeze. I don't have to save it, then open a browser, log in to my account, and upload. No, sir. I just click a few buttons, and it's out there for the world to see.

What I Like About It

  • User-Friendly Interface: Filmora is known for its intuitive and simple interface, making it accessible for beginners and professionals alike. This ease of use is complemented by a shorter learning curve compared to more advanced video editing software​​.
  • Rich Features and Tools: It offers a comprehensive set of features such as Keyframing, Split Screen, Motion Tracking, Instant Mode, Preset Templates, and Auto Beat Sync. Filmora's tools are versatile, catering to a broad spectrum of video editing needs from YouTube videos to social media content​​.
  • Creative Effects and Updates: The software boasts a growing library of effects, transitions, and overlays. Users appreciate the ever-expanding effects pack and subscription service, providing more creative possibilities​​.
  • Innovative AI Features: Filmora 12 introduces several AI-based features, including AI Audio Stretch, AI Audio Denoise, and AI Smart Cutout, enhancing audio quality and simplifying complex editing tasks like background removal​​.
  • Affordable Pricing Options: Filmora offers flexible pricing plans, including a 7-day free trial, a perpetual plan, a subscription plan, and an educational discount, making it accessible for users with different budgets. This is what makes it one of the best editors online.

What I Don't Like About It

  • Limited Advanced Features: While Filmora is excellent for beginners and intermediate users, some professionals might find it lacking in advanced features required for high-end video production, such as color grading and curve adjustment​​.
  • Performance Issues: Some users have reported that the software can sometimes run slowly or cause their computers to run loudly and hot, which might be a concern for users with less powerful hardware​​.
  • Customer Service and Refund Policies: There have been complaints regarding Filmora's customer service responsiveness and challenges in navigating the refund policy. Users have expressed dissatisfaction with the support received during technical issues​​.

Pricing Comparison

I've been editing videos for a while now, bouncing between Filmora and Premiere Pro, depending on the project's needs. Let's break down how their pricing really plays out in everyday use.

Filmora

filmora pricing plans

Starting with Filmora, the options are pretty flexible. I usually go for the yearly subscription at $49.99 because it's a sweet spot for me. It's affordable, and I get everything I need without worrying about monthly fees. The monthly rate at $19.99 and the quarterly plan for $29.99 are decent if you're not sure about committing. But the real deal? The perpetual plan for $79.99. Pay once, and you're set. Great for beginners or if, like me, you sometimes need a reliable backup editor. Plus, you get access to Filmora Creative Assets, which is a goldmine for quick projects.

Premiere Pro

Premiere Pro price

Premiere Pro is a whole other game. As part of the Adobe Creative Cloud, it's pricier, but you get what you pay for. I use the single app plan at $20.99 a month because my work revolves heavily around video content. It's an investment, considering the quality and range of tools at your fingertips. For broader creative work, the All Apps plan at $52.99 a month opens up a universe of Adobe tools, but that's overkill unless you're a full-time creative professional.

Before you pay for the full version of Premiere Pro, you also have the option of downloading their 7-day free trial. If you don't like the software, you have the option to cancel before the 7 days ends.

Premiere Pro is my go-to for complex projects because it's good at handling them, thanks to its professional-grade tools. But, let's be honest, it can feel like overkill for smaller, simpler projects. That's where Filmora steps in for me. It's user-friendly, straightforward, and doesn't hit the wallet as hard, making it perfect for quick edits or less complex videos.

Feature Comparisons

contrasting workspaces between Premiere Pro and Filmora

Let's start by talking about how these two stack up in terms of what you see and do when you open them up. With Premiere Pro, it's like walking into a workshop full of every tool you can imagine. You've got panels and menus everywhere, and yes, it can feel a bit overwhelming. But the cool part is, you can move these panels around, hide what you don't need, or even save layouts for different projects. It's like having a customizable workspace.

Filmora, on the other hand, feels more like stepping into a well-organized studio. Everything has its place, and it's easy to find what you need without the clutter. It's less overwhelming, especially if you're just starting out. You can tweak the interface a bit, but it's not as flexible as Premiere Pro.

Ease of Use: Getting the Hang of Things

When I first dabbled in Filmora, it was a breath of fresh air. It's straightforward - you've got your media, your preview, and your timeline, all laid out in a way that just makes sense. Adding transitions and titles is as simple as drag-and-drop. For someone just getting their feet wet in video editing, Filmora makes you feel right at home.

Premiere Pro, while it took me a bit longer to get used to when i first started using it, it is a powerhouse once you get the hang of it. Yes, the number of buttons and options can seem like a maze, but each one has a purpose. I've found that investing time in learning the shortcuts and tools pays off, especially for complex projects that need that extra level of precision.

Text and Titles: Making Words Pop

Text and titles in Premiere Pro are like having a mini design studio. You can animate, tweak, and adjust to your heart's content. Need your text to bounce in, swirl around, or link up with a moving object? It's all doable. This is where I've spent hours fine-tuning effects to get them just right.

Filmora keeps it simpler. If you need to throw in some text that looks good without needing a degree in animation, it's perfect. The presets are plenty and look professional. But if you're looking to create something unique, you might hit a wall with the customization options.

Color Correction: Setting the Mood

Premiere Pro is like having a full-blown coloring book with an endless supply of crayons. The color correction tools are detailed, allowing for minute adjustments that can completely alter the mood of your footage. Working with color scopes and wheels has been a game-changer for me, giving my videos a look that I could only dream of before.

Filmora handles color correction in a way that's more approachable for beginners. It's not as detailed as Premiere, but it does the job for basic adjustments. If your goal is to quickly enhance your video without getting into the weeds, Filmora's tools are more than sufficient.

Plugins and Integration: Expanding Your Toolkit

Premiere Pro opens up a world of possibilities with its support for third-party plugins. This is where the community really shines, offering tools for nearly everything you could think of. It's like adding superpowers to your editing arsenal.

Filmora, while not as expansive in its plugin offerings, has a solid selection of built-in effects and tools. It keeps things streamlined, ensuring you're not overwhelmed but still have options to enhance your projects.

Additional Features: Beyond the Basics

I've found Filmora's support for things like 3D graphics and GIFs incredibly handy for quick projects. The ease of splitting, cropping, and adding keyframe effects without diving deep into menus is great for fast edits.

Premiere Pro, with its advanced tools, takes you deeper into the editing process. The integration with Adobe's suite, like After Effects, means if you can imagine it, you can probably create it. The learning curve is steeper, but the results speak for themselves.

System Requirements

Depiction of system requirements for Wondershare Filmora and Adobe Premiere Pro on both Windows and macOS systems is ready

Filmora

For running Wondershare Filmora on a Windows system, the requirements are as follows:

  • Operating System: Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 (64-bit OS required).
  • Processor: Intel i3 or better multicore processor, 2GHz or above. Intel 6th Gen or newer CPUs are recommended for HD and 4K Videos.
  • RAM: 8 GB RAM, with 16 GB required for HD and 4K videos.
  • Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5000 or later; NVIDIA GeForce GTX 700 or later; AMD Radeon R5 or later, with 2 GB vRAM (4 GB required for HD and 4K videos).
  • Disk Space: At least 10GB free hard-disk space for installation, with SSD recommended for editing HD and 4K videos.
  • Internet: An Internet connection is necessary for software registration and access to online services like Creative Assets​​.

For macOS, the system requirements are slightly different:

  • Operating System: macOS V14 (Sonoma), macOS V13 (Ventura), macOS V12 (Monterey), macOS v11 (Big Sur), macOS v10.15 (Catalina). For macOS X 10.14, a specific version of Filmora is recommended.
  • Processor: Intel i5 or better multicore processor, 2 GHz or above. Intel 6th Gen or newer CPU recommended for HD and 4K Videos, also compatible with Apple M1 and M2 chip.
  • Memory: 8 GB RAM, with 16 GB required for HD and 4K videos.
  • Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 5000 or later; NVIDIA GeForce GTX 700 or later; AMD Radeon R5 or later, with 2 GB vRAM (4 GB required for HD and 4K videos)​​.

Premiere Pro

To run Adobe Premiere Pro on Windows, you'll need to meet certain system requirements. The minimum and recommended specifications vary based on what you're editing, with recommendations higher for 4K and above resolutions. Here's a breakdown:

Minimum Requirements for Windows:

  • Processor: Intel 6th Gen or newer, or AMD Ryzen 1000 Series or newer CPU, with AVX2 support.
  • Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) V20H2 or later.
  • Memory: 8 GB of RAM.
  • GPU: 2 GB of GPU memory.
  • Storage: 8 GB of available hard-disk space for installation; additional space required during installation (not installable on removable flash storage); additional high-speed drive recommended for media.
  • Display: 1920 x 1080.
  • Sound card: ASIO compatible or Microsoft Windows Driver Model.
  • Network storage connection: 1 Gigabit Ethernet (for HD only).

Recommended Specifications for Windows:

  • Processor: Intel 11th Gen or newer CPU with Quick Sync, or AMD Ryzen 3000 Series / Threadripper 2000 series or newer CPU.
  • Operating System: Windows 10 (64-bit) version 22H2 or later, or Windows 11.
  • Memory: 16 GB of RAM for HD media; 32 GB or more for 4K and higher.
  • GPU: 4 GB of GPU memory for HD and some 4K media; 6 GB or more for 4K and higher.
  • Storage: Fast internal SSD for app installation and cache; additional high-speed drive(s) for media.
  • Display: 1920 x 1080 or greater; DisplayHDR 1000 for HDR workflows.
  • Sound card: ASIO compatible or Microsoft Windows Driver Model.
  • Network storage connection: 10 Gigabit ethernet for 4K shared network workflow.

Premiere Pro also has specific requirements for hardware-accelerated encoding and decoding for formats like HEVC and H.264, as well as VR system requirements if you're working with immersive video. For example, for VR editing, you'd need systems with specific GPUs like NVIDIA GTX 970 or AMD R9 290 equivalents or greater, and for hardware-accelerated encoding, support varies by operating system and hardware, including support for certain NVIDIA and AMD cards.