So you went out with your GoPro and got some great footage of your skateboarding skills, and now you need to edit them. But where do you start? What software do you need?
We have compiled a list of the best GoPro editing software to turn your raw footage into video masterpieces.
Let’s see what makes them great, and why we believe they are perfect for your video editing needs.
Contents
Who Should Get This
If you own a GoPro, you will need a video editing software. Most of the solutions on this list are extremely powerful and are capable of making fantastic videos. They could certainly take your shaky, raw footage and turn it into the next viral sensation.
Another great use is editing other types of videos. No matter if you record them on your phone or a more expensive camera, editing your videos in proper software will get you greater results than just using the base video file.
How to Choose a Video Editing Software for GoPro
Taking the following factors into account, your decision-making will be much easier.
Supported Resolutions
The first thing you should make sure before purchasing your editing software is to make sure your GoPro’s footage is compatible. If you record in 4k, but the software doesn’t support it, then you will not be able to edit the video. It is imperative to know what the software is capable of before making your purchase.
Usable Outputs
Another thing to consider is what resolution and quality the software exports your files to. If it uses old or outdated codecs it can severely degrade your image quality. Make sure there is full support for the latest technologies built in.
Price
The last, and possibly the most important thing to consider is your budget. You want to make sure you spend enough to get a good piece of editing software but don’t overdo it if you simply don’t have it. Find one that fits your budget, and then look at the features and see if it is a match.
The Best GoPro Video Editing Software
Here is a list of our top recommendations, along with a quick review of each option so you understand its pros and cons.
1. Cyberlink PowerDirector
- Price: One-time Purchase $139.99 (or Subscription from $4.33 per month)
- Supported OS: Windows & Mac
Cyberlink is a name known around the world, and PowerDirector is its extremely powerful video editing software.
The Ultimate edition has all the features you could ever want out of an editing software suite, and the Cyberlink reputation for fast and good customer service.
Featuring a ton of effects, chroma key editing, and motion tracking, PowerDirector Ultimate has all the tools you need to make your videos look professional.
If you are wanting an editing software that is easy to use, has visual effects that will add flair to your videos, and can export your files ready for upload to YouTube, then you should give PowerDirector a shot!
2. Pinnacle Studio 26
- Price: One-time Purchase $119.99
- Supported OS: Windows
Pinnacle has been making video editing software for a long time, as noted by the 26 in the Pinnacle Studio name.
This latest edition of this powerful software makes another step forward in terms of power and usability, fixing issues with the previous iterations.
The thing that really stands out to us about this software is the in-depth color grading possibilities. Their tools for tweaking your colors are as good as any software on the market, professional or otherwise.
It can do much more than just color grade, but that is definitely one of its strong points.
3. Magix Movie Studio
- Price: 30-day Free Trial (One-time purchase starting from $29.99)
- Supported OS: Windows
Magix makes a plethora of creative software products, and MAGIX Movie Studio is one of the better ones.
With this program, you get many of the same bells and whistles that software two or three times as expensive brags about. This makes it a no-brainer at its relatively affordable price.
Even though this software is extremely impressive in its powerful tools, where the real magic lies here is with their wizards and templates.
Using them makes this software really easy to use, just import your video, use a template, and export to your favorite file format.
4. Corel VideoStudio Pro
- Price: 30-day Free Trial (One-time purchase $79.99)
- Supported OS: Windows
If you are on a strict budget and are just looking for a simple video editing solution, VideoStudio Pro is just what you need.
It doesn’t have nearly as many features as the other software on this list, but it is still capable of doing basic editing and exporting.
There are a ton of templates and effects here, but not much manual control. You will be able to put all sorts of filters and cool effects on your videos but don’t expect to create cinema-quality videos here.
If you are just looking for an editor to cut your videos and add some cool effects, this is a great choice.
Final Words
Finding the perfect GoPro editing software is just as important as finding the right camera to film your videos. Without a perfect marriage between the two, you could get less than optimal results on your videos.
The options we listed above are all fantastic video editing options, so pick the one that fits your needs the best and get to work!
Do you normally do your video editing on a PC or Mac? Let us know in the comments below!
