Video Editing Software

Final Cut Pro vs iMovie

Both are video editing software. The short answer: choose Final Cut Pro if you are mac users wanting fast professional editing; choose iMovie if you are simple edits on iPhone and Mac.

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Final Cut Pro logo Final Cut ProiMovie logo iMovie
Best forMac users wanting fast professional editingSimple edits on iPhone and Mac
Free planNo (trial may exist)Yes
PricingSee providerSee provider
Built for IndiaGlobalGlobal
CategoriesVideo Editing SoftwareVideo Editing Software
Strengths
  • Very fast on Apple silicon
  • One-time purchase on Mac
  • Free
  • Very easy
Watch out for
  • Apple devices only
  • Apple devices only
  • Basic features
Visit Final Cut ProVisit iMovie

Which should you choose?

Final Cut Pro: Apple's professional video editor for Mac and iPad.

iMovie: Apple's free video editor for Mac, iPhone and iPad.

The best way to decide is to run the same week of real work through both — most offer a free plan or trial — and compare how long tasks take, what your team prefers, and the total cost for your number of users including renewal pricing.

Not sure either fits? See all video editing software compared.