Best Drone Video Editing Software: Free and Paid Software for Stunning Results
What is the best video editing software for drone pilots? We understand that capturing the perfect drone shot is only half the battle! In this article we will explore the BEST options for drone pilots to edit, perfect, and produce high quality video without compromising on your budget.
But First, Here’s a Summary Of Our Top 3 Picks
*Ratings provided by Capterra.com and Google Play
1. Premiere Pro
Platform: Windows and macOS
Best For: Professional editors, filmmakers, and content creators who need advanced editing tools and features
Price: Paid plans start at $20.99/month (as part of Adobe Creative Cloud)
Adobe Premiere Pro is an industry standard editing platform that is packed with all the features professionals use.
The software is suitable for both content creation and commercial production.
If you want editing software that is used widely among the film and television industry, then Premiere Pro is probably for you. The software provides you with a comprehensive suite of tools to elevate your videos to a polished, cinematic level.
If you operate a drone business then we highly recommend Premiere Pro. It has more support for plugins than some of the other editing programs on this list. This is especially important if you plan to use plugins such as motion templates from Envato.com and Motion Array.
Premiere comes with a range of unique AI features that are very helpful for your editing workflow, especially with attributes like AI color correction, audio enhancements, and text-based editing make editing easier than ever!
Premiere Pro plans start at just $22.99/month but also includes a discounted rate for students and teachers.
2. Final Cut Pro
Platform: Desktop software (macOS only)
Best For: Mac users, filmmakers, and intermediate to advanced editors seeking a powerful, Mac-optimized editor
Price: One-time purchase for $299.99
Final cut pro is an old standby. Originally developed for iMac, Final cut pro is an editing software with all the features needed to create professional edits.
Lucky for us, Final Cut Pro has thousands of tutorials online to get you started. So even if you haven’t done any video editing before, there are plenty of resources to help you learn.
Final Cut Pro is generally easier to learn while offering a diverse set of professional-grade effects.
If you do not want to pay a monthly subscription for professional editing software, we recommend you looking into Final Cut Pro. Unlike Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro is a one-time fee of $299 for lifetime access!
Unfortunately, Final Cut Pro only has support for MacOS and has moved past its prime. Apple does not update Final Cut as much as they used to. However, it is still a powerful editing program that will suffice for drone video editing.
3. DaVinci Resolve
Platform: Desktop software (Windows, macOS, and Linux)
Best For: Professional colorists, filmmakers, and editors needing robust color grading and visual effects capabilities
Price: Free version available (DaVinci Resolve); Paid version for a one-time payment of $295 (DaVinci Resolve Studio)
Davinci Resolve offers industry-leading color grading features. If you are serious about perfecting your drone shots, then we recommend looking into this one!
If you’re focused on color grading and want access to professional tools, DaVinci Resolve is a standout choice. It’s known for advanced color correction features, making it perfect for drone pilots who want to enhance the visual impact of their aerial footage
The best part? The basic version of Davinci Resolve is free, offering a broad set of features at no cost. The Studio version, priced at a one-time fee of $295, unlocks additional tools for those needing more advanced capabilities.
Unfortunately, the software does have a steeper learning curve. However, the time and effort are worth it as many editors online are starting to notice the software’s impressive capabilities.
4. CapCut
Platform: Mobile (iOS and Android) and Web-based
Best For: Beginners, social media marketers, and quick online edits with simple, user-friendly features
Price: Free version available; Paid plans start at approximately $15/month for CapCut Pro
CapCut is completely free and has a heavy focus on content creation. Not only does CapCut offer a desktop version, but it also gives users a free mobile app with thousands of social media templates that make building your social media presence easier than ever!
The templates feature is a huge game-changer for anyone running a social media account. It can give creators inspiration for content ideas, and the templates are professional and highly engaging. The templates reduce the amount of time spent designing and help you output higher-quality content.
CapCut is primarily free but does come with premium features. Most of the essential editing tools come standard at no charge to the user.
If you are interested in any AI features, access to a wider range of filters and transitions, and no watermarks, then your best bet may be to invest in the premium subscription.
5. InVideo
Platform: Web-based (accessible via browser)
Best For: Beginners, marketers, and quick video edits for social media with a focus on templates
Price: Free version available; Paid plans start at $15/month
InVideo is a free online video editor that comes with all the features you need to make quick drone edits.
InVideo stands out with its browser-based platform, allowing you to edit on any device with internet access. This flexibility is ideal for drone pilots who need to work on the go or quickly create social media content without diving into complex software.
Additionally, InVideo includes essential tools for trimming, adding text, and applying effects, helping you achieve a professional look with minimal effort.
Since most video editing software requires a decent graphics card and a significant amount of RAM, Individuals may find InVideo useful for small projects and social media production.
Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific requirements, budget, and editing style. So, gear up, pick your software, and let your creativity soar as you transform your drone footage into breathtaking visual stories. Happy editing!
