From quick class projects to advanced productions, these publishers cover K-20 needs. (Links verified on October 14, 2025.)
Best Free Video Editors
DaVinci solve
Price: Free (Studio upgrade available)
Summary: Professional-quality editing, color, audio, and visual effects in one app. Excellent choice for multimedia programs and advanced students on macOS/Windows/Linux.
Gunshot
Price: Free and open source
Summary: Cross-platform editor with large format support. Good balance of usability and capacity for laptops and school labs.
OpenShot
Price: Free and open source
Summary: Beginner-friendly timeline editor for simple cuts, titles, and effects on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Blender (video sequence editor)
Price: Free and open source
Summary: Primarily a 3D suite, but includes a capable video editor for STEM/media courses that require 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 rating.
Microsoft Clipchamp
Price: Free Tier (extended 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 level; education plans available
Summary: Fast screen/voice recording with lightweight editing. Ideal for flipped lessons, student explanations and quick feedback.
YouTube Studio Editor
Price: Free (YouTube account)
Summary: Cut, blur, add audio, and make quick edits right in YouTube after uploading—handy for basic cleanup.
The Best Paid Video Editors
Adobe Premiere Elements
Price: Single purchase (no subscription)
Summary: Guided edits and classroom-appropriate effects. Good option for schools avoiding subscriptions.
Final Cut Pro (macOS)
Price: Single purchase (Mac App Store)
Summary: Professional-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 accessible interface, multicam and integrated screen capture. Suitable for intermediate classes.
CyberLink PowerDirector
Price: Perpetual or 365 subscription
Summary: Feature-rich Windows editor with templates, animated graphics and AI assistance. Solid balance of power and ease.
Pinnacle Studio Ultimate
Price: Perpetual license
Summary: Advanced timeline controls, color tools, and masking in Windows. For students ready to go beyond the basics.
Camtasia
Price: License per seat; education pricing
Summary: Screen recording + editor in one. Excellent for tutorials, flipped lessons and assessment procedures.
Best Classroom and Mobile Apps to Create Videos
Canva (web and mobile)
Price: Free level; Canva for Education is free for eligible K-12 students
Summary: Drag-and-drop builder with templates, stock, captions, and easy export, ideal for quick student projects.
Vimeo online editor
Price: Free level; 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 automatic templates and subtitles. Availability varies by region/platform policies.
In the moment
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Summary: Mobile editor for quick cuts, social-sized text and exports. Easy for explainers, PSAs, and reflection videos.
Splice
Price: Free trial; subscription for all features
Summary: Mobile timeline editor with multitrack, keyframes and effects. Suitable for intermediate creators on phones/tablets.
GoPro Quik (Mobile)
Price: Free with in-app purchases; enhanced with GoPro subscription
Summary: Quick creation of montages from clips/photos. Perfect for event recaps and field trip highlights.
Video library
Price: Free with in-app purchases
Summary: Long-running mobile editor with simple tools, voiceovers and sound effects. Ideal for light modifications in the classroom.
