Best GoPro editing software — Filming videos from your GoPro camera can be just the beginning, but editing those videos using one of the best editing software is on a whole different level. So, after you are done capturing a video, you will need a GoPro video editing software to get creative and make an interesting video.
With GoPro editing software, you can create action-packed shorts to full-on movies for social media and other platforms. GoPro editing software makes it possible for you to create something compelling and add a professional touch to your GoPro videos.
If you are in need of a GoPro editing software to enhance your GoPro footage by stabilizing shaky footage, adding background music to the video, or get rid of the fisheye effects, then the listed GoPro software will definitely come in handy.
After adding a professional touch to your videos using one of the best editing software, you can proudly share the clips with your family and friends or post the videos on social media platforms, like YouTube or Instagram.
To run GoPro editing software smoothly, you will want to determine which operating systems the software is compatible with, and the minimum system requirements (processor, RAM, graphics card, display resolution, and external and internal hard drive disk space) needed for a smooth experience.
If you are more technical, you would also want to look into your system’s cache as it is important too. As a side note, cache can impact how fast your device executes tasks. The cache is related to how fast your computer can process memory, which can slow down or speed up your editing process. If your computer does not have enough cache, then your GoPro editing software may be sluggish unless you are frequently clearing it.
In all, it is always ideal to choose a GoPro editing software that suits your needs and your system requirements. If you are a beginner, it is best you choose an editing software that is user-friendly. Along the way, you can choose to upgrade when you need additional features. If you’re ready to start editing your videos after filming a memorable moment with your GoPro camera, you will probably want to get one of the editing software listed in this article.
Now let’s get to business! In this article you will get to see the 12 best GoPro editing software you can count on for editing your GoPro videos. So, whether you are looking for a GoPro video editing software for Windows or Mac, you will definitely find one that fits your OS and taste.
Top 12 Best GoPro Editing Software
- Adobe Premiere Rush
- Blender
- DaVinci Resolve
- Lightworks
- iMovie
- Final Cut Pro
- Cyberlink’s PowerDirector
- Wondershare Filmora
- Magix Movie Edit Pro
- GoPro Quik
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- VSDC
1. Adobe Premiere Rush
Adobe Premiere Rush offers more than enough editing capabilities which makes the video editing process fast. You have the ability to add titles, transitions, and audio to create a decent-looking video.
This video editing software picks simplicity, ease of use in a feature-rich mobile video editing environment over advanced capabilities which only a full-featured desktop video editor can offer. Advanced features are offered in the Pro version.
Features
- Changing video speed
- Projects are compatible with Adobe Premiere Pro
- Supports 4K XAVC-S format
Pros
- The interface is clear and simple
- Decent choice of titles and captions
- Quick performance
Cons
- Can’t choose the output format and codec
- No chroma key and freeze frame
- Few audio-editing tools
Pricing
Adobe Premiere Rush had a free version with 2GB cloud storage limit and a paid version for $9.99/month.
2. Blender
Blender is a free and open-source video editing software targeted at people who need a 3D video editor to put some magic in their video clips. It has some video-editing features like cutting and trimming, and is suitable for VFX, digital sculpting, and animation.
Blender also includes a wide-range of capabilities like motion tracking, particle simulation, onion skinning, and 3D painting tools. Its broad functionalities makes Blender a popular tool for intermediate and advanced video editors who may not want to pay for expensive video editing software.
Blender has almost everything you may need to edit video clips. This makes it a very flexible video editor that caters to beginners and advanced users.
Features
- Rendering, modeling, and sculpting functionality
- 3D animation development and editing
- Many VFX
- Customizable interface
- Basic and advanced editing features
- Masking tools
- Advanced Motion Graphics
- Modeling and Sculpting
- Audio adjustment tools
Pros
- One of the top apps for digital 3D animation
- To trial, no demo version
- Advanced animation effects for designers and developers
- Customizable interface
- Supports all types of VFX
- Perfect for advanced users who want sophisticated editing tools.
Cons
- if you’re not an expert, you may struggle with the features and the interface
- Steep learning curve
- Slow rendering
- Most of the tutorials are focused on the 3D animation/modeling side.
Pricing
Blender is open-source and completely free to install and use.
3. DaVinci Resolve
DaVinci Resolve has many professional video features and an intuitive interface. This video editing boosts some set of advanced tools which many free video editing software do not have. With DaVinci Resolve, you can do video slicing and trimming, master audio and correct colors. It also gives you the option to add 2D and 3D titles to the video you are editing.
DaVinci Resolve offers extensive features even for trimming and uploading videos. Even if your video project is a little more advanced for basic video editing software, the free version of this software can hold its ground.
DaVinci Resolve offers features that lets you mix and use advanced color correctors with professional multi-track editing ability. It enables you to correct color, finish, edit, and distribute from a single system. The software application is scalable and has an independent resolution which is.perfect for use on set or in a small studio. DaVinci Resolve also offers increased compatibility, a range of creative tools, high speed, and clear picture quality.
More functionalities also include the readiness to sync sound, sort out the footage for color-grading editing or visual effects, and edit metadata. DaVinci Resolve also lets you manage media files on your local drive or over the network. There is also support for every camera and video format.
There is 32-bit float YRGB image processing for improved clarity, as well as advanced audio tools to improve your sound. You can choose to work at up to 60 frames per second, with the option to produce your choice of SD, HD, or Ultra HD resolution files.
DaVinci Resolve also offers unlimited secondary corrections with HDR primary color grading tools, and access to Fusion, the 3D workspace designed to elevate your film. There are more than 250 tools to help you transform your video, whether it is vector paint or 3D particles.
DaVinci Resolve juggles professional 8K editing, color correction, visual effects, and audio post-production together in a single production tool. These amazing features for a free video editing software makes it the choiced video editing software among many professional editors of films, television shows, and commercials.
DaVinci Resolve allows both offline and online editing, and it has a high-performance playback engine that saves time when editing and trimming videos even for the most demanding formats.
Overall DaVinci Resolve is a clean, intuitive program that you would never guess is free. DaVinci Resolve’s complex features may be too extensive, overwhelming, and intimidating for beginners. If you already have a deep understanding of editing videos and need a powerful program, DaVinci Resolve is a highly-rated option.
Features
- Professional and advanced editing features like 3D audio workflows and smart reframing
- Customizable user interface
- Custom effects, titles, and transitions
- Basic features like cut, trim, copy, etc.
- Advanced color corrector
- Dual timeline for quick navigation, cutting, and trimming
- A dedicated trim interface that gives you the ability to edit in minute detail
- Intelligent auto-editing that syncs audio and video clips for you
- Built-in tools for picture-in-picture effects, retiming, stabilization, dynamic zoom, text, and audio
- Facial recognition that detects faces in your clips and automatically creates bins based on the people in each shot
- High-quality motion estimation speed changes and frame rate conversions
- Multicam editing
- Audio mastering
Pros
- There is advanced color correction capabilities
- The program has a rich editing interface
- Great for professionals and advanced users
- Supports all camera and video formats for total compatibility
- Good color correction
- An active user community
- Great compatibility
- Professional non-linear editing
- AI based magic mask
- Audio engine has support for over 2,000 tracks
- Cinema quality visual effects and broadcast level motion graphics
- Collaborative working
Cons
- No support for multi-camera editing
- Not great for beginners
- Requires a lot of disk space
- Requires a powerful machine to run smoothly
- It has a steep learning curve
- Its wide array of features makes it overwhelming,
Pricing
There is a free version and a paid version with more advanced tools for $295.
4. Lightworks
Lightworks has a simple and intuitive interface that is easy to pick up by beginners. It also offers a collection of detailed video tutorials on how to use the platform. The software offers a large library of original stock videos and music clips that are licensed for use in any video you include them on the program. This lets you give your videos a polished look.
The workspace of Lightworks is split into four main tabs – edit, VFX, log, and audio. As a side note, the free version of Lightworks only allows videos to be exported in up to 720p, while the Pro version can export in a higher range of formats and resolutions. Also, the Pro version includes some additional features and plug-ins.
Lightworks provides instant tutorials once you launch the software and they have excellent customer support if you need to ask a thing or two. The AutoSave feature can come in handy especially if you keep forgetting to save your works. This ensures that you do not have to worry about losing your latest project in case your computer crashes.
Lightworks lets you share your projects and use the cloud to store, browse, and manage all of your video clips. It also offers ready-made transitions and titles, cloud storage, an advanced editing timeline, and support for a huge range of formats with no watermarks on exports.
Features
- Drag and drop interface
- Effects, transitions, chroma key, etc.
- Basing editing like trimming and cutting
- Support for almost all file types
- Local back-up and archiving
- Customizable UI
- Collaboration tools
- Motion controls
- Cross-platform
- Speed optimization, letting you continue to edit while importing new content
- Multicam editing for syncing clips from multiple cameras
- Easy sharing of videos
- Support for a wide range of video formats
Pros
- Beginner-friendly
- Professional-level results with a simple interface
- Works with almost any kind of video file
- Trusted by film professionals
- No cost to use
- Powerful video editor with various export options.
Cons
- Only supports 720p exports
- Needs to be re-activated every 90 days
- Not great for professionals
- Limited features
- Glitches
- 4K video support only in the paid version
Pricing
Lightworks has a free version and a Pro version which cost $24.99 per month.
5. iMovie
Just like most native Mac apps, iMovie is made just for Mac users and stands as one of the best free video editing software. iMovie is preloaded in Mac OS. This means that as you buy a Mac, you will get iMovie out of the box too.
The simple drag-and-drop interface makes it easy to use and quick to move and use video editing elements. iMovie is easy for both newbies and professionals to use (although it can’t be put side-by-side with premium video editing software). By far, it is an easy way to build powerful videos for social media and even marketing campaigns.
Thanks to Apple’s ecosystem, files you are working on are being saved on Apple’s cloud so that you can interchangeably continue working on them from an iPhone, iPad, or Mac. As a side note, you can also install iMovies on your iPhone or iPad from the App store.
For some people, especially professionals, iMovie appears low on features which makes it unsuitable for complex video editing processing. On the other hand, having less tools and icons scattered on the interface makes the interface clean, uncluttered and simple to get started with, which in turn makes it a great choice for novices.
In general, iMovie is quick, easy and fun to use, making it perfect for simple projects. The shake and noise reduction tools are some of the outstanding tools which do a good job at stabilizing shaking videos and dampening background noise. Plus, you can export at 4K videos up to 60fps — this makes iMovie stand out from other basic and free video editors.
Though iMovie is not the best on the market, you can always look out for improvements. In that light, Apple has been updating iMovie and adding support for features found on newer i-devices. Another thing to point out is that if you have a MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar, iMovie now comes with fully functioning Touch Bar support.
With iMovie, you can add titles, music, and transitions and employ one of the 20 different styles to give your video an extra spice. Splitting and trimming clips are easy with the use of additional tools. You can also use storyboards to tell a story with or showcase your expertise with creative video storytelling.
Thanks to several sharing options, which includes your photos library, messages, and mail, it is easy to share your videos when you are finished editing them.
Features
- There is a large library of pre-made transitions
- Video trimming is possible
- You can also edit the audio clips you will be adding to your video clips
- There is support for Split screen
- Support for 4K resolution, allowing users to create cinema-quality films
- Cloud-storage functionality that allows you to work on the same project from your iPad, iPhone, or Mac
- Dozens of studio-quality title animations for professional-looking credits
- Stylish, contemporary video filters built for specific film genres, such as Western and sci-fi
- Built-in music, sound effects, and voiceover recording so your sound and picture editing are always consolidated
- Speed controls that let you make high-octane action scenes faster and sports highlights slower
- There are many effects and filters to choose from
- Built-in music tracks available you can choose from to add to your clips
Pros
- There is support for video files with 4K quality and MOV format
- There is a large option for filters, themes, and credits
- It works seamlessly across all Apple devices
- Ability to create Hollywood-grade movies with ease on your iPhone, iPad, or Mac
- It is beginner-friendly and easy to learn
- It has an auto-save feature so that you don’t lose your work when you forget to save
- No watermark. It is easy to personalize
Cons
- Professionals may find its features limited
- The import and render times can be a little slow
- Some advanced tools found in other programs are missing
- It is only compatible with the Apple ecosystem and has no support for Windows OS and Android
- It can be difficult to use the color correction function for clips
Pricing
iMovie is totally free for all Apple devices — Mac, iPhone, and iPad.
6. Final Cut Pro
Final Cut Pro is crafted just for Mac OS. So, if you are a macOS user, you have access to Final Cut Pro X and all of its powerful tools. Using Final Cut Pro gives you access to a wide range of formats which you can edit just about any kind of content in any format. Final Cut Pro works seamlessly on macOS because it’s specifically designed to work with Apple products. And like all high-end editors, there may also be a learning curve to accessing all its features.
So far, this software has a good user interface and it is an ideal tool for professional video editors. Using this software, you will be able to conduct various experiments while doing video editing to get highly customized projects. It also features powerful tools like magnetic, trackless timeline, useful organizational tools, support for 360 degree video and HDR videos, etc. And also stands as one of the best post production tools for advanced colour grading, audio, and motion graphics delivery.
Features
- Non-linear editing
- Non-destructive editing
- QuickTime compatible formats
- 8K support
- Import direction from iMovie for iOS and iPadOS
- Simultaneous editing
- Multicam
- Unlimited audio tracks
- 360-degree video editing
- Roll, slip, slide, scrub, cut, remapping editing
- Range of audio and video filters
- Multiple color correction tools
- Video scopes like slugs and test cards
Pros
- Powerful industry-leading software
- Everything you need for professional editing
- Convenient asset management tools
- Specifically designed for macOS users
- Multicam video editing.
Cons
- May require a learning curve
- Only available for macOS
Pricing
Final Cut Pro offers a free trial and one-time payment of $299. Though there are many bundles available.
7. Cyberlink’s PowerDirector
PowerDirector is one of the best GoPro editing software that provides users with a wide range of high-end features. This editing software has over 25 animated theme templates to choose from. With templates, you can easily create amazing videos by just dragging and dropping your videos into the templates.
Cyberlink’s PowerDirector is one of the easiest editing software with advanced features to learn. This makes it recommendable for beginners who want to create amazing action videos in a few clicks.
Other things to point out is its clean UI and multicam editing feature, 3D and 4K video editing capability, and motion tracking feature.
Features
- Split screen
- Motion tracking
- Key-framing
- Speed ramping
- Screen recorder
- Preset templates
- Audio beat sync
- Video effects
- Green screen
- Mask and Blend
- AI portrait
- Audio ducking
- Silence detection
- Audio synchronization
- Color match
- Color correction
Pros
- Intuitive, easy-to-use interface
- Advanced video editing
- Drag and drop functionality
- Free lite version available
- Everything you need to produce action videos
Cons
- Need subscription for the full version
- Not as advanced as Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, or Final Cut
Pricing
Cyberlink’s PowerDirector is free to install and use. There is also a subscription of $89 per year and a free version to know if it is worth upgrading.
8. Wondershare Filmora
Wondershare Filmora is one of the best mid-level video editing software that offers tons of tools that are easy-to-use. With an interface designed for both beginners and professionals, Wondershare Filmora is also fully compatible with macOS and Windows (including older versions). The free version lets you create simple or professional-looking videos in minutes, but you’ll need to buy a subscription to unlock all of Wondershare’s features.
Features
- Non-linear editing
- Audio sync
- Noise reduction
- Audio transitions
- Motion tracking
- Animations
- Transitions
- Pan and zoom
- Warp and distort
- Transform
- Text and Tiles
- Masking
- Auto correction
- Color control settings
- Color wheels
Pros
- Good value for the price
- Lots of tutorials
- User-friendly
- Advanced features
- Lightweight and fast
Cons
- Limited options for headings and titles
- Some users have reported crashing
Pricing
Wondershare Filmora goes for an annual fee of $49.99 or $79.99. There are extras and bundles available for purchase.
9. Magix Movie Edit Pro
Magix Movie Edit Pro offers powerful and feature-rich video editing tools at a fraction of the price of other premium options. This editing software has more than 900 templates, 32 multimedia tracks, and enough power to edit 8K videos. That kind of feature makes it a practical, and budget-friendly choice. If you are a beginner and don’t know where to start, this software also comes with helpful video tutorials to help go from novice to advanced level.
In general, Magix Movie Edit Pro is one of the ideal action camera editing tools people can use. It offers a great combination of advanced features and a good user interface. Another impressive offering is Multicam editing apart from the basic editing tools. But on the downside, users have reported issues with speed and an unfriendly interface for beginners.
Features
- Non-linear editing
- Multicam
- Effects
- Titles and Transitions
- Tiles
- 8K support
- Image stabilization
- Color correction
- Export to DVD, Blu-ray, YouTube, and Vimeo
- Accelerated export
- Travel route animation
- Video collages
- Panorama storyboard
- Multi-format timeline
- GOY support for NVIDIA and AMD graphics card
- Automatic shot match
- Libraries
- Animations
Pros
- Affordable and feature-rich
- Short learning curve
- 900+ templates
- One-click sharing
- Available for PC and macOS
Cons
- Somewhat outdated interface
- Limited default effects
Pricing
Magix Movie Edit Pro offers a free version. Access to advanced tools will need you to make a subscription of $49.99, $69.99, or $79.99 per year. You will also have a free trial.
10. GoPro Quik
GoPro editing software is the best for beginners. It is free and highly rated on both Google Play and the App Store. If you have a large number of videos, the mural feature can be useful, and you can buy unlimited storage for a few dollars a month. There are also cool features, like a speedometer that works through GPS to aid you while shooting action videos.
Photo importation is usually fast and syncing them to music plus doing a lot more can be achieved in just a few clicks. GoPro Quik lets you add photos and time lapse sequences to your videos, making them come alive with panning effects. Not to talk of graphs and gauges, creation of short video clips, editing burst and time lapse photos. Aside from the tons of features you can get for free on this software, users can also backup their photos and videos on cloud with GoPro Plus and share them on social media.
Features
- Cloud updates
- Adjust playback speed of videos easily
- HiLight tags to mark important moments in videos
- Supports windows and Mac
- Regular updates
Pros
- One of the best free apps
- The mural feature is good for large libraries
- Nice sharing options
- Beginner-friendly
- Unlimited storage available for cheap
Cons
- Need subscriptions to unlock all the features
- Limited number of HiLight tags (10 for 30-sec video)
Pricing
GoPro Studio is completely free to install and use.
11. Adobe Premiere Pro
Adobe Premiere Pro is one of the best video editing software known for its reliability and versatility. It has cross-platform compatibility which makes it ideal for macOS and Windows users. With Adobe Premiere Pro, you stand a chance of enjoying a long list of high-end features for action video editing. But it comes with a price.
Adobe Premiere Pro has an interactive platform which will help you share and publish your content quickly. Its interface is intuitive and it has easy-to-use features. In general, Adobe Premiere Pro is a comprehensive and powerful tool that is fast, has excellent video stabilization capability, and supports unlimited video tracks.
Using this software lets you access Adobe’s cloud, Creative Cloud for storing the footage and edit footage from a cinema-level camera.
Features
- Non-linear editing
- Simultaneous projects
- Shared projects
- VR rotate sphere
- Effects
- Transitions
- Multiple video types
- VR editing
- Video tilting and graphics
- Closed captioning
- Lumetri support
- Direct publishing
Pros
- A great choice for professionals
- Edit content in real-time
- Work in any format you want
- Useful for action videos and nonlinear editing
- Available for PC and macOS
Cons
- Could involve a learning curve
- Resource intensive
Pricing
Adobe Premiere Pro costs $20.99 per month plus it offers bundles too. You will also get a free trial to test out the software.
12. VSDC
VSDC is an easy-to-use video editor for computers, and it offers some slightly more advanced editing options compared to some editing software on the market. This software has a range of features like enhancement, resolution adjustment, and parameters. Using this software lets you enjoy its impressive editing speed for a free plus 4K and HD importing. It has all the basic tools needed to create a professional-looking video and help you upload them on social media right from your computer.
Features
- Title customization
- Auto movie options
- Special effects
- Large audio track library
- Credit customization
- Timeline narration
- Transitions
- Filters
Pros
- Free
- Good for beginners
- Hardware acceleration for fast editing
- Features like blending, color correction, etc
- Good visual effects.
Cons
- Lacks advanced editing features
- Not as user-friendly as other free editors
Pricing
VSDC is completely free to install and use.
Conclusion
Some of the free GoPro editing software have Pro versions which promise to offer advanced features. Most of the video editing software are easy for beginners to grasp and are also great for editing videos on the go. You can also find free GoPro editing software that offer certain features you may find on premium editing software. But in all, it is ideal you stick to the one that works best for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the overall best free editing software?
The overall best free video editing software is DaVinci Resolve as it offers advanced tools that most premium software would want you to pay for.
What is the easiest editing software for beginners?
Some of the easiest video editing software for beginners include iMovie, GoPro Quik, VSDC, and Adobe Premiere Rush.
How can I edit a video like a pro for free?
To edit a video like a pro for free you need to have an advanced knowledge of video editing and a free video editing software for professionals, like DaVinci Resolve or GoPro Quik or Blender.
References
- Techpout.com – 11 Best GoPro Editing Software For Windows & Mac in 2022
- Coolmuster.com – Select the Best GoPro Editing Software – 10 Excellent Options
- Remotebliss.com – 13 Best GoPro Editing Software: Outstanding Video Editors