What Are The Best Video Editors For The Classroom?
Best Video Editing Tools For Teachers And Students (2025)
From quick classroom projects to advanced productions, these editors cover K–20 needs. (Links checked October 14, 2025.)
Best Free Video Editors
DaVinci Resolve
Price: Free (Studio upgrade available)
Summary: Pro-grade editing, color, audio, and VFX in one app. Strong choice for media programs and advanced students on macOS/Windows/Linux.
Shotcut
Price: Free, open source
Summary: Cross-platform editor with wide format support. Good balance of usability and capability for school laptops and labs.
OpenShot
Price: Free, open source
Summary: Beginner-friendly timeline editor for cuts, titles, and simple effects on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Blender (Video Sequence Editor)
Price: Free, open source
Summary: Primarily a 3D suite, but includes a capable video editor for STEM/media classes that need both 3D and editing tools.
Apple iMovie
Price: Free on Apple devices
Summary: Entry-level editor on iOS/macOS for trailers, captions, and simple projects. Easy exports for sharing or assessment.
Microsoft Clipchamp
Price: Free tier (expanded features with Microsoft 365 plans)
Summary: Browser-based editor (also built into Windows 11) with templates and screen recording—useful on shared school devices.
Loom (Education)
Price: Free tier; education plans available
Summary: Fast screen/voice recording with light editing. Ideal for flipped lessons, student explainers, and quick feedback.
YouTube Studio Editor
Price: Free (YouTube account)
Summary: Trim, blur, add audio, and make quick edits directly in YouTube after upload—handy for basic cleanup.
Best Paid Video Editors
Adobe Premiere Elements
Price: One-time purchase (no subscription)
Summary: Guided edits and classroom-friendly effects. Good option for schools avoiding subscriptions.
Final Cut Pro (macOS)
Price: One-time purchase (Mac App Store)
Summary: Pro-level performance and media management on Mac. Common in film programs and advanced media courses.
Corel VideoStudio
Price: Perpetual license (upgrade options)
Summary: Windows editor with approachable interface, multicam, and built-in screen capture. Fits intermediate classrooms.
CyberLink PowerDirector
Price: Perpetual or 365 subscription
Summary: Feature-rich Windows editor with templates, motion graphics, and AI assists. Solid balance of power and ease.
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate
Price: Perpetual license
Summary: Advanced timeline controls, color tools, and masking on Windows. For students ready to go beyond basics.
Camtasia
Price: Per-seat license; education pricing
Summary: Screen-recording + editor in one. Excellent for tutorials, flipped lessons, and assessment walkthroughs.
Best Classroom & Mobile Apps To Make Videos
Canva (Web & Mobile)
Price: Free tier; Canva for Education is free for eligible K–12
Summary: Drag-and-drop creator with templates, stock, captions, and easy export—great for quick student projects.
Vimeo Online Editor
Price: Free tier; paid plans for more features/storage
Summary: Browser-based timeline editor with recording and stock. Works well for announcements, demos, and portfolios.
CapCut
Price: Free with optional paid features
Summary: Popular short-form editor with templates and auto-captions. Availability varies by region/platform policies.
InShot
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Summary: Mobile editor for quick cuts, text, and social-sized exports. Easy for explainers, PSAs, and reflection videos.
Splice
Price: Free trial; subscription for full features
Summary: Mobile timeline editor with multi-track, keyframing, and effects. Suited to intermediate creators on phones/tablets.
GoPro Quik (Mobile)
Price: Free with in-app purchases; enhanced with GoPro subscription
Summary: Rapid montage creation from clips/photos. Perfect for event recaps and field-trip highlights.
Videoshop
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Summary: Long-running mobile editor with simple tools, voiceovers, and sound effects. Good for lightweight classroom edits.