When video editing went from basic cuts and transitions to motion graphics and advanced visual effects, it was already a big leap. And now, with AI algorithms it opened up a world of creative possibilities for people all over the world.
It’s not only a professional skill but also a commonplace hobby, and video editing applications are constantly evolving, offering more advanced capabilities to satisfy the growing demand of users.
iMovie may be a good start for any novice Mac user, but it definitely lacks advanced tools and AI features. Yeah, you can use the Magic Movie feature, but that’s just about it.
In this article, we will list six good alternatives to iMovie for Windows, Mac, and even mobile that offer AI to make a difference and create stunning videos.
Comparison of AI Capabilities
| Software | AI Features |
| Kdenlive | AI models and plugins |
| Animoto | AI video creation, cropping, color correction, music sync |
| Movavi Video Editor | AI video creation, background removal, noise removal, motion tracking, stabilization |
| WeVideo | Video question generator, subtitle generator, background noise reducer |
| Vegas Pro | Masking, text to speech, style transfer |
| Biteable | Text-to-video content creation |
6 Great iMovie Alternatives to Try
1. Kdenlive
Platform: macOS, Windows, Linux
Kdenlive, short for KDE Non-Linear Video Editor, is an open-source video editing freeware that runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows. It’s a powerful tool for both beginners and professionals looking for a video editor with no watermark. There are also many tutorials, especially on YouTube, to guide you on how to use the software.
AI Capabilities: Kdenlive doesn’t provide any direct AI features but rather different models and plugins that add such tools to the editor. For example, with OpenAI’s Whisper, you can automatically generate subtitles from the audio in your video.
Pros:
- Free and open-source
- Cross-platform availability
- Set of features to suit various needs
- Updates and community support
Cons:
- The interface looks a bit outdated. The learning curve may be steep for beginners
- Using advanced features requires some technical knowledge and additional plugins
Price: Free
2. Animoto
Platform: macOS, Windows, Android, iOS
Animoto is a web-based video editing platform that boasts a user-friendly interface and various pre-made templates. It’s perfect for creating quick social media posts or promotional content.
You can make professional-looking videos in minutes. However, it may not be suitable for more complex projects that require advanced editing.
AI Capabilities: Animoto uses AI to suggest suitable templates and music, crop clips, correct color, and sync audio to your video.
Pros:
- User-friendly with drag-and-drop functionality
- Excellent for quick video creation
- Wide range of templates and music library
Cons:
- Limited editing options compared to more advanced editors
- Requires an internet connection
Price:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $16/month
3. Movavi Video Editor
Platform: macOS, Windows
Movavi Video Editor is known as one of the iMovie alternatives that excels in beginner-friendliness but doesn’t sacrifice on features. Get creative with a library of media content or make a slideshow/montage with transitions and music in a few clicks.
The program also supports export to various formats and platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
AI Capabilities: Movavi Video Editor integrates AI for video stabilization, noise removal, background removal, color correction, and other features to enhance the overall video quality.
Pros:
- Suits even for complete beginners
- Wide range of filters, transitions, titles, etc.
- Export to online platforms
Cons:
- Some effects require a purchase
- Not as feature-rich as professional-grade editors
Price:
- Free version available
- Full version starts at $19.95/month
4. WeVideo
Platform: macOS, Windows, Android, iOS
Another online video editor that allows for collaboration among users and works on multiple devices. It’s suitable for both personal and professional use, offering various pricing plans to cater to different needs. The free version, however, only allows for low-quality exports and limited features.
AI Capabilities: WeVideo has AI Interactions to generate video questions, AI Subtitle Generator, and Background Noise Reducer.
Pros:
- Easy to grasp
- Collaborative editing features
- Integration with cloud storage services
Cons:
- Watermark on the free version
- Limited offline capabilities
Price:
- Free plan available
- Paid plans start at $9.99/mo
5. Vegas Pro
Platform: Windows
Vegas Pro is a professional-grade editing software for NLE systems used by filmmakers and content creators. It offers a comprehensive feature set, including advanced motion tracking and 3D editing capabilities. It may not be beginner-friendly, but it’s a great option for experienced video editors.
AI Capabilities: Vegas Pro includes AI-driven features like smart masking, text to speech, and style transfer, and some others, allowing users to apply effects to videos easily.
Pros:
- Highly advanced features suitable for professional use
- Extensive plugin support.
- Optimal rendering times
Cons:
- Expensive compared to other alternatives
- Can be overwhelming for beginners
Price:
- Free trial
- Price editions range from $399 to $799
6. Biteable
Platform: macOS, Windows
This cloud-based editing tool is perfect for creating short, attention-grabbing videos for social media posts, presentations, marketing campaigns, and more. When templates are not enough, you can also upload your footage and customize it as you wish.
And with its drag-and-drop interface, it’s easy to use for beginners.
AI Capabilities: Biteable’s AI allows you to automatically create videos based on your text inputs, making video creation faster and more efficient.
Pros:
- Straightforward to use
- Rich library of templates and stock footage
- Great for creating promotional content quickly
Cons:
- Limited to short videos
- Fewer customization options for advanced editing
Price:
- Free account plan available
- Paid plans start at $29/month
Conclusion
So, there you have it – six great equivalents to iMovie to try for your video editing needs. Each option comes with their own AI-based capabilities and features, so depending on your preferences and project needs, you can find the perfect fit for your video creation process.
Whether you’re on a Mac, Windows, Linux, or mobile device, you can edit your videos effortlessly and create professional-looking content. Get creative and have fun exploring these tools to enhance your video editing skills.
