7 Free GoPro Editing Software

So you’ve filmed some fantastic GoPro footage and are looking for the best way to add some spice. Luckily, I have a list of the 7 best free GoPro video editing software that you can begin using immediately.

The best free GoPro editing software are DaVinci Resolve, OpenShot, and HitFilm Express. These video editors offer advanced video editing features for no cost whatsoever.

Hi, my name is Larry. I’ve been filming GoPro content and editing my footage for nearly 10 years. For this reason, I have a wealth of experience using dozens of different free video editing software.

Today, I’m going to share the best free GoPro editing software so you can transform your raw GoPro videos into incredibly edited videos.

Although some of the programs in this list offer a paid version, the free version is more than enough to edit and create superb GoPro videos.

Let’s begin.

1. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is the best free and advanced video editing software. This program includes many of the advanced features you find in expensive video editors like Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro.

In a single editing program, DaVinci Resolve combines video editing, visual effects, color correction, audio post-production, and motion graphics. However, since DaVinci Resolve is so advanced, beginners will find it very difficult to use.

I only recommend using DaVinci Resolve if you’re already an experienced video editor or are willing to spend some time learning how to use it properly.

This program is compatible with Windows, Mac, and Linux. 

DaVinci Resolve offers these key features:

• Comprehensive editing toolkit
• Studio-grade color correction
• Visual effects and motion graphics

2. OpenShot

OpenShot is the best free and simple video editor for beginners. Its easy-to-use interface is exceedingly intuitive because of how plain and basic it is. While other video editing software offers more advanced editing features, OpenShot is excellent for less intensive editing requirements. 

This video editor is available on Windows, Mac, and Linux computers. 

A few key features OpenShot offers are:

• Unlimited tracks and layers
• Drag and drop support
• Clip resizing, scaling, trimming, snapping, cutting, and rotating
• Video transitions with real-time previews
• Title templates, title creations, sub-titles
• Frame accuracy
• Compositing, image overlays, watermarks

As you can see, OpenShot offers more than enough tools to create an amazing GoPro video. I personally used OpenShot to edit my GoPro videos when I was a beginner video editor. Although I moved on to more advanced editing software, OpenShot is an incredible free editing program.

3. HitFilm Express

Available for Windows and Mac systems, HitFilm Express is a free editing program that includes professional-grade video effects (VFC) tools and everything else you need to create jaw-dropping GoPro videos.

Similar to DaVinci Resolve, HitFilm Express is another robust video editor with dozens of advanced features. So whether you’re creating cinematic GoPro videos or fast-based action montages, HitFilm Express lets you produce excellent content.

You should use HitFilm express to edit your GoPro videos if you’re relatively new to video editing but want an advanced video editor that’s easy to learn.

However, since HitFilm Express is a graphics-oriented software, you should look at its system requirements before using it.

HitFilm Express offers:

• Professional editing tools
• VFX toolkit
• 4K exports and professional formats without watermarks
• Motion tracking and animation tools
• Over 100 hours of free tutorials

4. Blender

Entirely free to use, Blender started off as a tool used for creating 3D animations but has evolved into a video editing powerhouse. This is an open-source software available for Windows, Mac, or Linux systems.

Inside Blender, you’ll find a timeline that allows you to add 32 layers of videos, images, audio, and effects. Its editing toolkit includes cutting, splicing, video masking, speed control, transitions, and much more.

Blender is ideal for GoPro users who have a moderate experience using other video editing programs. However, because of Blender’s advanced features and unique interface, it may be difficult to simply jump in and begin editing your GoPro videos.

Blender’s features include:

• Audio mixing, syncing, scrubbing, and waveform visualization
• Basic editing toolkit
• Animation and rendering 

5. VSDC (Only available for Windows devices)

VSDC is a plain and simple video editor only available on Windows systems. This editing program is great for more basic video projects where you only need the essential editing tools like cutting, merging, transitioning, and filtering. 

A unique feature of VSDC is how many Instagram-like filters it offers. These filters can add a beautiful touch to your GoPro videos. VSDC also has other features you don’t find in every free video editor. These include video stabilization, the ability to upload multiple YouTube videos at once, and picture-in-picture viewing.

The VSDC interface is robust, but it isn’t exactly intuitive or beginner-friendly. Its interface displays a lot of information at once, which may be confusing for first-time video editors. 

Here are a few key features VSDC offers:

• Support for all the popular video/audio formats and codecs
• A comprehensive set of trendy video effects, filters, and transitions
• Tools like zoom, 360 video editing, charts, and color correction

Best of all, you can use VSDC on any PC. With the lowest system requirements possible, VSDC is perfect for GoPro users who have outdated PCs that can’t handle more advanced software like HitFilm Express and DaVinci Resolve.

6. Windows Movie Maker (Only available for Windows devices)

Windows Movie Maker is a free editing program created by Microsoft exclusively available for Windows computers. Used by over ten million people, Windows Movie Maker is extremely easy to use and set up.

If you’re new to video editing and use a Windows computer, Windows Movie Maker is an excellent option for your GoPro videos. 

Core features include:

• Trim, rotate, join, and flip video clips
• Convert video, timelapse, mute video, and extract audio from video
• Titles and credits
• Transition effects like fade, ripple, wave, cross-zoom, and pixelate
• Text, emoticon, and photo overlay

7. Apple iMovie (Only available for Apple devices)

The best part about Apple iMovie is that it comes pre-loaded onto all Macs and iPhones. As such, you already have access to this video editor if you’re part of the Apple ecosystem.

Similar to Windows Movie Maker, iMovie is extremely easy to use with a simple interface. Nonetheless, iMovie also offers classy themes and excellent movie templates to create beautiful cinematic GoPro videos.

Unlike more advanced software like DaVinci Resolve and HitFilm Express, iMovie’s interface is uncluttered and easy to understand. It will only show the tools you currently need in its standard three-pane video editing interface.

Unfortunately, the main drawback of iMovie is you can only use two video tracks. This is inconvenient if you’re trying to clip together multiple GoPro videos for a montage.

Apple iMovie includes features such as:

• Supports 4K video resolution
• Automated video editing
• Audio editing tools
• Video color settings
• Stabilization

FAQs

Here are a few common questions I get asked about free GoPro editing software.

What is the easiest way to edit GoPro videos?

The easiest way to edit GoPro videos is by using the GoPro Quik mobile app. GoPro Quik allows you to quickly and easily edit your GoPro footage right from your phone. It also allows you to transfer videos from your GoPro to your phone wirelessly. However, OpenShot is the best desktop video editor for beginners.

What software can edit GoPro videos?

You can use any video editing software to edit GoPro videos. However, some video editors limit the number of videos you can add to one video. For example, you can only use two video tracks on iMovie, which severely limits your GoPro editing capabilities. With DaVinci Resolve, you can add as many video tracks as you want.

Is GoPro video editor free?

The GoPro video editor, GoPro Quik, is a freemium mobile app that offers free and paid features. With the free plan, you get access to basic editing tools and a limited range of filters and music. If you subscribe to the paid plan, you unlock advanced editing tools and many other features.

Closing Thoughts

This concludes my guide on the free video editing software for GoPro. The programs listed in this guide can be used to create incredible GoPro videos to share with your friends, family, and fans.

But now it’s your turn: Which free video editor are you going to use to edit your GoPro videos? Do you have any further questions about GoPros or editing software?

Let me know by dropping a quick comment down below!