Skip to content
Alternatives.toolsSubmit a tool
iMovie logo

Open source iMovie alternatives

Top Video Editing like iMovie

The most popular alternative to iMovie is OpenShot, which has a free version. Other great alternatives to iMovie are Shotcut and Kdenlive.

Most alternatives to iMovie are in the Video Editing category, compared here by price, platform and features.

iMovie alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
3 apps

All iMovie alternatives

  1. OpenShot

    6.6Kstars

    OpenShot is a free, open source video editor designed to be easy to learn. It offers a multi-track timeline with drag and drop, keyframe animations, transitions, title templates, chroma key and 3D animated titles rendered with Blender. It runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS and is a common choice for beginners who want a no-cost desktop editor.

    8 OpenShot alternatives

    Pros

    • Simple drag-and-drop editing that beginners learn quickly
    • Free and open source on Windows, macOS, Linux and ChromeOS
    • Animated 3D titles rendered with Blender

    Cons

    • Performance and stability suffer on longer projects
    • Limited advanced tools compared with DaVinci Resolve or Kdenlive
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Video Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    4K exportGreen screenMulti-track timeline
    Visit websiteMore about OpenShot

  2. Shotcut

    15.4Kstars

    Shotcut is a cross-platform video editor with native timeline editing, wide format support and no import step, built on the MLT framework.

    12 Shotcut alternatives

    Pros

    • Free and open source, with no watermarks or upsells
    • Wide format support and native timeline editing with no import step
    • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux

    Cons

    • Interface feels less intuitive than consumer editors
    • Fewer templates and effects than commercial tools
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Video Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    Offline mode
    Visit websiteMore about Shotcut

  3. Kdenlive

    Kdenlive is a multi-track video editor developed by the KDE community, with effects, transitions, proxy editing and automatic subtitles.

    11 Kdenlive alternatives

    Pros

    • Free and open source, with no watermarks or paywalls
    • Multi-track editing with proxy clips for smoother playback
    • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux

    Cons

    • Can crash or behave unpredictably on complex projects
    • Interface takes time for beginners to learn
    Cost / License
    FreeOpen source
    Categories
    Video Editing
    Platforms
    WindowsMacLinux
    Features
    Auto captionsOffline mode
    Visit websiteMore about Kdenlive

iMovie vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of iMovie, compared with its most popular alternatives.

iMovie vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatforms4K exportGreen screenTemplates
iMovieFreeMac, iPhone
OpenShotFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
ShotcutFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux
KdenliveFreeOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux

iMovie alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to iMovie?

The most popular alternative to iMovie is OpenShot: Free and open source video editor for Windows, macOS and Linux. Other great alternatives are Shotcut and Kdenlive.

Is there a free alternative to iMovie?

Yes, 3 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including OpenShot, Shotcut, and Kdenlive.

Is there an open source alternative to iMovie?

Yes, 3 open source alternatives are listed, including OpenShot, Shotcut, and Kdenlive.

Is iMovie free?

Yes, iMovie is free to use.

Compare iMovie with its alternatives

Sponsored listings and products made by the publisher of this site are always labeled. How we rank · Know a good alternative? Submit it