The capabilities of today’s video editing apps are amazing. It’s possible to create high-quality videos right on your mobile device, without the need to use desktop software. These apps prove to be incredibly useful when you’re on the go or when you want to work with a video that was recorded on your smartphone.
We’ve scoured the web and tried just about every video editing app there is. Here are the top five you need to try.
1. LumaFusion
Available for iOS only
One-time fee
If you’re looking for professional-level video editing on your mobile device, LumaFusion is an excellent choice. This app was developed by the team behind the award-winning Pinnacle Studio app. LumaFusion combines powerful features and a user-friendly interface that helps to minimize the learning curve.
Standout features include:
- 6 tracks for photos, videos, audio, titles, and graphics
- 6 additional audio tracks for narration, music, and sound effects
- Dozens of transitions
- An option to display your preview on an external monitor
- Full color correction
- Loads of effects like blurs, pixel effects, color, and distortion
- Choose from many different aspect ratios
- Create projects with 18, 24p, 25p, 30p, 50p and 60p frame rates to eliminate conversion jitter
- Plenty of sharing and exporting options
Many users love the fact that LumaFusion can be purchased for a one-time price without the need for a subscription. There are also some optional in-app purchases that will unlock advanced features.
2. KineMaster
Available for iOS and Android
Free trial with subscription to upgrade
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KineMaster is another advanced app with pro-level features, but unlike LumaFusion, Kinemaster is available for both iOS and Android. It also features a relatively straightforward user interface that’s pretty easy to pick up.
Standout features include:
- 8 different blending modes
- Composite multiple videos with chroma key
- 3D transitions
- Color LUT profiles
- Multi-track audio mixing
- Work with multiple layers of video
- Edit and export 4K videos at up to 60 fps
There is a free version of KineMaster, however, its usefulness is limited because all of your videos will have a watermark. In order to remove the watermark, you’ll need to pay monthly or annually for a subscription. A subscription is also needed to export videos at 1080p or 4K. Because of this, you can use the free version as a trial to make sure you like the app before paying, but sticking with the free app long-term is not a viable option.
3. GoPro App
Available for iOS and Android
Free with subscription to upgrade
If you’re a GoPro user, you’ll definitely want to make use of their mobile app. It allows you to remotely control your GoPro device and camera, and it also provides you with basic video editing features. The editing features you’ll find here will not rival the professional features of LumaFusion or KineMaster, but you can easily make simple edits and share your videos or photos. Your GoPro footage will be conveniently imported to the app automatically.
Standout features include:
- Very clean interface that makes editing simple
- Live preview to see what your camera sees
- Mark key moments while you’re recording
- Browse footage frame-by-frame to pick out still images
- Sync your clips to music
- Horizon leveling will adjust the angle to straighten out your video
- Upload your videos or photos to YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and others
The GoPro app is free to use and you have the option to upgrade with a subscription, which comes with unlimited cloud storage, camera replacement, and exclusive discounts.
4. Filmmaker Pro
Available for iOS only
Free trial with subscription to upgrade
Filmmaker Pro favors ease of use over advanced features. While it has a lot to offer, it’s not as advanced as LumaFusion or KineMaster. However, the clean and logical user interface is easier for beginners.
Standout features include:
- A wide selection of filters, transitions, and text effects
- Chroma keying
- 4K video support
- HDR video support
- Green screen support
A free version of Filmmaker Pro is available, but like KineMaster, the free version will watermark your videos. The features of the free version are also limited. As a result, you’ll need to pay monthly for a subscription if you want to get the most out of Filmmaker Pro.
5. FilmoraGo
Available for iOS and Android
Free with optional upgrades
Looking for a free app for basic video edits? FilmoraGo is easy to use and doesn’t add a watermark. The feature set is solid but not at a professional level. FilmoraGo excels in the area of simplicity and ease of use, while still giving you enough functionality to create quality videos.
While FilmoraGo does not support advanced features like 4K video or multi-track editing, it does have some standout features like:
- Transitions
- A nice collection of effects
- Decorate your videos with stickers and text
- A library of filters
- Royalty-free music and sound effects
- Easy sharing to YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram
FilmoraGo is totally free to download and use, but there are some optional in-app purchases, like additional audio tracks and effects. However, the free version is much more complete than the free versions of KineMaster and Filmmaker Pro. Sticking with the free app and never upgrading is a legit possibility with FilmoraGo.
Conclusion
While there are many different video editing apps out there, we believe these five are worthy of more attention than they get. If you’re looking for an easy way to edit videos right on your smartphone, you can use these apps to create shareable videos in no time!
