The basics of video editing—joining, trimming, and splitting clips and then outputting the result as a single file—are possible in all the software here. But there’s so much more that you can do with your video. Fun effects, text titles, and captions, as well as transitions, all come in limitless variations. You might also want features such as chroma keying, picture-in-picture, motion tracking, and speed-changing effects, like slow motion or fast forward.

Entry-level and enthusiast-level programs include templates that help you organize your content for a compelling and coherent presentation. iMovie’s Storyboard and Premiere Elements' Smart Trim tools and templates are standouts among these capabilities.

And then there’s audio. Most video editing apps for Mac let you add background music and effects, make adjustments, and record voice-over narration. Want to make it sound like you recorded your video in a concert hall or stadium? This software can do that.

Don't ignore the final stage of editing: output. Does the program make it easy to format your project for your target platform? For most hobbyist video editors these days, that means online social video—Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and YouTube—but you may also want to share an HD or 4K file privately or upload it to the pro-minded Vimeo. You may even want to embed it on your website, in a presentation, or in a Zoom session. Some programs allow you to create a DVD or USB drive with your video to share as a physical gift or promotional item.

The video editing software you choose must be able to output to your specifications, whether that’s a phone screen or a wall-sized 4K TV. Maybe you even want to output for VR headsets. Whatever the output, you don’t want to be waiting around for long periods while the program processes your project, and that’s what our next section discusses.

Beginners and dabblers in Mac video editing who just want to join clips, add transitions between clips, overlay text, and apply basic effects need look no further than iMovie. It comes with every Mac and is very good for beginners.

If you want to delve deeper into the intricacies of the craft, I recommend the free version of DaVinci Resolve, which encompasses the full range of professional video editing capabilities. A couple of other free options include the open-source ShotCut and Kdenlive, both of which are powerful but lack some usability features.

There are roughly three tiers of video editing software for macOS: beginner, enthusiast, and professional. Here's a quick rundown of each level.

The best-known entry-level video editing application for macOS is Apple’s iMovie. It comes with Macs and is impressively capable. iMovie ties in well with the iOS version of the app, allowing you to pick up where you left off on the Mac from the iPhone. Other entry-level options are Lightworks and NCH Videopad.

The old standby in this category is Adobe Premiere Elements, which offers a clear interface and great tutorials for special effects. Another choice in this space is our longtime Editors’ Choice-winning video editing application for Windows PCs, CyberLink PowerDirector. The program offers excellent support for new formats and technologies, and it was among the fastest at rendering our test project. The only caveat is that you get more of the new flashy AI features with the Windows version.

At the professional level, choices for video editing software on the Mac shine, particularly because it's the only platform on which you can run Apple’s excellent Final Cut Pro. Adobe Premiere Pro has taken over much of Final Cut Pro’s market share among professionals after Apple completely revamped the traditional Final Cut interface, however. The current version of Final Cut Pro is a boon to enthusiasts and those transitioning from iMovie due to its trackless timeline and simplified interface. Don’t think that means Final Cut Pro isn’t usable for pros; it matches and sometimes even beats Premiere Pro in terms of deep editing tools, format support, and performance.

Other pro-level editing software available for macOS includes the far more expensive and complex Avid Media Composer ($259.99 per year) and the excellent and powerful DaVinci Resolve ($295 one-time, with a free version available).