Our verdict: iMovie until it limits you, then choose a cost model
Most Mac owners already have a capable free editor in iMovie. The real decision comes when you outgrow it, and it is mostly about how you want to pay: once (Final Cut Pro one-time, DaVinci Resolve Studio), a low annual fee (Filmora, Apple Creator Studio), a monthly subscription (Premiere Pro), or nothing (DaVinci Resolve free, Shotcut). We would pick the cost model you can sustain, then trial the editor within it.
Mac editors compared
Figures from official pages on 30 Oct 2026. Apple silicon notes only repeat what each vendor states.
| Editor | Cost model | Apple silicon notes | Learning curve (editorial view) | Trial or free option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iMovie | Free | Faster HEVC/H.264 export on M1 Max, M1 Ultra, M2 Max, M2 Ultra, M3 Max | Lowest | Free |
| Final Cut Pro | $299.99 one-time, or Apple Creator Studio $12.99/mo or $129/yr | Some features require Apple silicon, including Transcript Search | Moderate | 30-day Creator Studio trial |
| DaVinci Resolve | Free; Studio $236 | Studio optimized for Metal and Apple silicon GPUs | Steep | Free version |
| Filmora | Advanced US$59.99/yr (Win and Mac); Perpetual is per device | Not stated on pages read; check tech specs | Low to moderate | Free version with watermark |
| Premiere Pro | $22.99/mo on annual plan billed monthly | Not stated on plans page | Steep | 7-day trial |
| Shotcut | Free, open source | Not stated | Moderate | Free |
What each one is for
iMovie: free on the Mac App Store, edits up to 4K, includes 29 trailer templates and 48 video and audio effects, and has export presets for YouTube and Facebook. It suits family, school and simple YouTube videos.
Final Cut Pro: Apple describes a Magnetic Timeline that keeps clips in sync while you rearrange and trim, caption generation from spoken audio, and ProRes transcoding. It is available as a one-time $299.99 Mac purchase or inside Apple Creator Studio, which also covers the iPad version; students and educators pay $2.99 a month or $29.99 a year.
DaVinci Resolve: Blackmagic describes it as an all-in-one tool for editing, color, VFX, motion graphics and audio on Mac, Windows and Linux. The free version handles virtually all 8-bit formats up to Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 at 60fps. Studio adds up to 32K at 120fps, 10-bit encoding and most professional formats, and is optimized for Metal and Apple silicon GPUs on a Mac.
Filmora: a Windows and macOS desktop editor with a built-in screen recorder, speech-to-text and AI audio denoise. Advanced covers both platforms under one license.
Premiere Pro: $22.99 a month on an annual plan billed monthly, with 100GB cloud storage and 25 monthly generative credits, a 7-day trial; it fits teams already in Adobe tools.
Cost over three years
Long-term cost often decides the choice more than features. These use listed prices, exclude tax and assume prices do not change.
| Editor | Year 1 | Three years |
|---|---|---|
| iMovie | $0 | $0 |
| DaVinci Resolve (free) | $0 | $0 |
| Final Cut Pro one-time | $299.99 | $299.99 |
| Apple Creator Studio (annual) | $129 | $387 |
| Filmora Advanced | US$59.99 | US$179.97 |
| DaVinci Resolve Studio | $236 | $236 |
| Premiere Pro (annual, billed monthly) | $275.88 | $827.64 |
Mac storage and RAM considerations
Check free internal storage before choosing an editor, and budget for an external SSD for footage if the internal drive is small. The editors' own minimums are a floor, not a comfortable working setup.
- iMovie: listing states 4GB memory and 3.5GB of available disk space; the download itself is 3.6GB.
- Final Cut Pro: macOS 15.6 or later, 8GB memory (16GB recommended), 7.2GB free disk space.
- iMovie's App Store page lists a recent macOS requirement and is inconsistent about the exact version, so check it on your Mac before relying on it.
- Keep project libraries and media on a fast drive; proxies help on 8GB machines.
- Leave free space well beyond the size of your footage for render and cache files.
Pick by scenario
Editorial pairings from documented features and prices.
- Family videos, school projects, first YouTube channel: iMovie.
- Weekly YouTube on Apple silicon, want speed and one payment: Final Cut Pro one-time.
- Also edit on iPad, or a student: Apple Creator Studio subscription.
- Color grading or audio mixing matters, budget is zero: DaVinci Resolve free.
- Effects-led social videos and you also use Windows: Filmora Advanced.
- Agency or team already on Creative Cloud: Premiere Pro.
- Want open-source software that also runs on Linux: Shotcut.
Questions before you decide
Is Final Cut Pro a one-time purchase?
Apple lists Final Cut Pro for Mac as a one-time purchase at $299.99, and also includes it in the Apple Creator Studio subscription at $12.99 a month or $129 a year, with a 30-day free trial.
Is DaVinci Resolve free on Mac?
Yes. Blackmagic offers a free version for Mac, Windows and Linux that handles up to Ultra HD 3840 x 2160 at 60fps. Studio, listed at $236, is optimized for Metal and Apple silicon GPUs.
What is the best free video editor for Mac?
For simple edits, iMovie, which is free and edits up to 4K. For more advanced work, DaVinci Resolve's free version.
Sources & verification
Product details and prices can change. Check the linked provider before buying.
- iMovie on the Mac App Store Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Apple: Final Cut Pro Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Blackmagic Design: DaVinci Resolve Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Blackmagic Design: DaVinci Resolve Studio Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Filmora plans and pricing Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Filmora product overview Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Adobe Premiere plans Accessed 30 Oct 2026
- Shotcut Accessed 30 Oct 2026
Sources link directly to providers. Product buttons may use separately labeled affiliate links. Read our disclosure.