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iMovie for PC: Why Apple Should Consider a Windows Version

Nowadays, we can save our memories not only on tape but also create a digital video, which we can edit. Many video editors use iMovie because it’s an easy-to-use tool for combining all clips into a single, emotional story.

Can you get iMovie on Windows? Unfortunately, the Windows version of iMovie doesn’t exist. Then what should those who don’t use Mac do? After all, we also want to create a stunning movie.

This article brings the six best alternative options to iMovie you can use to have a similar or better editing experience.

1. VSDC Free Video Editor

Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Linux

VSDC

If you are just starting to study video editing, then VSDC may be a great start. This freeware for beginners doesn’t have difficult settings or require special knowledge to use it.

You can quickly understand how to crop a video, glue different fragments, add simple transitions, and insert the music. The interface is very friendly, even if you’ve never worked with video editors before.

 

Pros Cons
Free

  • You don’t need to spend money on a purchase. You can start editing right away.
 Not for professionals

  • In comparison with paid analogues, the functionality is limited, and all the fancy effects aren’t available.
Easy to use

  • The software has a simple interface without many complexities, making it suitable for beginners.
 It is not always convenient

  • At some points, you may need to dig into the menu to find the desired function.
Basic tools

  • Cropping, gluing, adding transitions, effects, music, titles, and superimposing images on videos.
 Outdated interface
Work without lags

  • The program is stable and doesn’t “freeze” when processing video, even with a few effects.


Pricing: 

  • Free to use
  • Pro version — $29.99/one-time

2. OpenShot

Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Linux

OpenShot

OpenShot is an open-source video editor for Windows and Mac that is available for free. It’s a great option to make short travel videos, photo slideshows, or educational videos.

 

You can easily combine videos, trim unnecessary parts, overlay effects, add text and music. The software can work with different video formats, so you don’t need to reformat all your files before you start working.

 

Pros Cons
Free and open source

  • You can use the program without restrictions, as well as study and even modify its code.
 Limited audio capabilities

  • OpenShot doesn’t have many tools for precise audio processing.
Multi-format support

  • You can easily import and export videos in various formats, including popular MP4 and AVI.
 Some functions are unstable

  • The software can sometimes be “buggy” or doesn’t work as expected.
Simple interface

  • May not be that advanced like professional editors, it still doesn’t confuse casual users.
 Few tools for pros

  • The software is designed for amateur users. If you intend to seriously create movies, you will need a more powerful video editing app.
A wide range of tools.

  • Explore multiple tools for basic video work: cropping, merging, applying transitions, animation, slow motion, etc.

 

Pricing: Free access to all program features.

3. Movavi Video Editor

Supported OS: Windows, Mac

Movavi

This iMovie for PC alternative editor is easy to learn, even for novice users. The UI is clean, without any clutter, unclear menus, etc. Users get the whole specter of features to get creative and make something unique.

The best thing is you can first automatically make a quick video with pre-made themes and then edit it manually. Although it’s not that advanced as pro-level editing software, for those who want to create exciting videos, this is a solid choice.

 

Pros Cons
Simple usage

  • The interface is pleasant and not overloaded with details.
 Limited free version

  • The trial version has a watermark on the output videos. Plus, you can only save half the audio.
A wide range of editing tools

  • From basic cutting to split screen, chroma key, and AI-based tools, you can find almost anything.
 Lacks pro features

  • Movavi Video Editor doesn’t suit professionals that require high-level features like multi-camera editing or color correction on specialized monitors.
Library of assets

  • You can apply filters, transitions, music, animated titles, and more to your videos.
Export

  • Save files to MOV, AVI, MP3, GIF, and other video file formats. Plus, share your videos on popular online platforms like YouTube and Google Drive.

 

Pricing: 

  • Free trial available
  • Monthly subscription — $19.95/month
  • Annual subscription — $79.95/year
  • Lifetime license — $99.95/one-time

4. Lightworks

Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Linux

Lightworks

Lightworks is an advanced video editing tool to create high-quality videos with various effects. The software offers a wide range of tools for working with video, audio, and graphics, as well as for creating animations.

This program also supports many video and audio formats. It was widely used in the film and television industry, making it a popular choice for professional video editors.

 

Pros Cons
Pro-level features

  • Set of tools that experienced video editors often use: advanced color grading, motion graphics, DAW workstation, etc.
 Limited free version

  • In the free version, you can’t export videos to 4K, and not all professional options are available.
Extensive features

  • You can use pre-build and custom LUTs, VFX suite, handle footage of any size, frame rate, and quality.
 Complex interface

  • Some tools may seem too complicated for beginners.
4K support

  • The program is capable of processing high-resolution videos, up to 4K.
 Paid subscription

  • To access the full set of features, you need to purchase a paid subscription.
Free version

  • Basic set editing available before purchasing the paid version.

 

Pricing: 

  • Free version
  • Create — $13.99/month
  • Pro — $27.99/month

5. BeeCut

Supported OS: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS

BeeCut

Do you want to create an exciting video for a blog or quickly edit a video for YouTube? This online editing app allows you to do that without any prior editing experience.

 

You don’t require something like the best desktop PC. Easily fine-tune color, slow down/speed up clips, stabilize videos, and create masks for blurring, highlighting, or hiding elements in your movie.

 

Pros Cons
Simple and clear

  • All features are easy to find and intuitive to use.
 Limit free use

  • Confined functions in the free version. There will be a watermark on the video output.
Basic editing

  • You can crop, rotate, change the speed of the video, and create a picture-in-picture effect.
 Not for professional use

  • Isn’t suitable for more complex projects with many effects and transitions.
Ready-made templates.

  • The library includes templates for presentations, social network videos, music videos, and more.
 Small effects library.

  • The software doesn’t have as many ready-made effects as other editors.

 

Pricing:

  • Free version available
  • Monthly plan — $39.95/month
  • Annual plan — $59.9/year
  • Lifetime license — $99.9/one-time

6. Reduct

Supported OS: Web-based

Reduct

This transcript-based video editor helps you transform raw material into a completed project. It automatically makes a text script, creating a convenient “map” of key points for you to edit your video/audio by just clicking on the words. The program supports over 90+ different languages and can generate AI-transcriptions with high accuracy in just a few minutes.

 

Pros Cons
AI transcription

  • AI transcribes audio/video files and generates a draft script rapidly.
 Free version limitations

  • A 20-minute time limit for video and 100 minutes for transcription.
Marks and tags

  • Reduct allows you to add marks and tags to fragments, which makes it easier to find the information you need.
 Cost

  • Paid subscriptions may seem expensive, especially for small projects.
Collaboration

  • Users can share projects with others. This is very useful when several people are working on the same video.
 Intricate interface

  • Not every tool is simple to discover and use.

 

Pricing:

  • Free to use
  • Standard — $30/editor per month
  • Advanced — $50/editor per month
  • Enterprise — starting at $75/month

Choosing the best iMovie analog for Windows

Finding a good a valuable analog of iMovie for PC is not an easy task. After all, we always want something simple to use but with wider editing options.

Some above-mentioned editing software are a great starting point for beginners, while others may attract professionals looking for an equivalent to iMovie with a little more advanced features. Go through the free trials and find the perfect match for your needs.

Published on June 19, 2024 under , , , . Modified on October 31, 2024.

Lucija

I used to write about games but now work on web development topics at WebFactory Ltd. I've studied e-commerce and internet advertising, and I'm skilled in WordPress and social media. I like design, marketing, and economics. Even though I've changed my job focus, I still play games for fun.