Apple iMovie (opens in new tab) is one of the finest free video editing software available by default on macOS computers. While not exactly what you would call professional video editing software, iMovie is still a very useful tool that can customize your vlog or create your first film. It has excellent visual effects and powerful capabilities that make editing your first video enjoyable.
Adobe Premiere Elements (opens in a new tab) is a paid video editing tool developed by Adobe, the creators of Photoshop. It''s not as powerful or powerful as its professional counterpart, Adobe Premiere Pro, but offers a wide range of options to create video blogs and short films.
In this case, Apple iMovie offers Adobe Premiere Elements a strong contention. Which one of the features of the video editing software (opens in a new tab) is the best for you. This article will assist you learn.
We''ve reviewed and reviewed the best video editors for the job. Check out our guides to Adobe Premiere Pro vs Apple Final Cut Pro (opens in new tab), Adobe Premiere Pro vs Lightworks (opens in new tab), and Adobe Premiere Pro vs Adobe Premiere Elements.
Features
Apple iMovie is a macOS version of a powerful video editor, which includes 4K and HEVC video editing, and it can be paired with other features. Moreover, you may even use your own voice to narrate the video or add background music to iTunes.
Adobe Premiere Elements is a paid video editing application intended for novice users. It offers a wide range of effects and transitions, as well as options to adjust the color, contrast, and saturation of your video. There are also tools that can be used in conjunction with background music and stylized text.
When it comes to the UI, iMovie isn''t as neatly organized or as straightforward to use as Premiere Elements. The latter is able to use in-built tutorials and a quick mode to simplify the video editing process to a surprising extent. Unlike the standard professional video editing interface, iMovie is a slew of fans.
Neither iMovie nor Premiere Elements support 360-degree video editing. However, Premiere Elements offers many more visual effects (opens in a new tab) and transitions than iMovie. It also features an extremely beneficial guided mode, which assists novice users in the video editing process, unlike its Apple counterpart. In short, it''s safe to say that Adobe Premiere Elements is the more feature-rich application.
Performance
Adobe Premiere Elements has a minimum requirement of a 64-bit operating system with 48GB RAM and a 2GHz+ processor. It can be used on both Windows and macOS. Apple iMovie, on the other hand, is the built-in video editor compatible with all macOS devices and runs fine without additional requirements on an iPhone or Mac. It is not available to Windows users.
Both applications run without significant interruption on devices that meet their minimum system requirements. However, as with any video editing software, the beefier your PC, the faster the render will be.
Support
Adobe Premiere Elements features a phone and chat-based support system, as well as a knowledge base and an online forum where users may discuss several topics concerning the software.
Premiere Elements is able to support a much better service network than iMovie. Queries are resolved faster, as Adobe also provides two-way communication options, such as phone and chat support.
Pricing and plans
Apple''s iMovie is compatible with your macOS laptop or desktop. Nevertheless, if you own a device that was previously purchased, you will pay $14.99 (approx. 14 / $24AUD) to get access to the latest version of the software.
Adobe Premiere Elements costs $99.99 (approx. 87 / $160AUD) while a combination of Premiere Elements and Photoshop Elements costs $149.99 (approx. 134 / $239AUD). This is a one-time fee and the application can be purchased directly through the company website. Adobe Premiere Elements is not required to purchase a Creative Cloud subscription.
Verdict
Both Apple iMovie and Adobe Premiere Elements are feature-rich video editing applications designed for novice users. One is exclusive to MacOS devices, while the other is available on both Windows and macOS devices.
However, Adobe Premiere Elements isn''t just ahead in terms of compatibility. It offers a much larger collection of premade transitions and visual effects, and comes with phone and chat support for all paid users.
On the other hand, iMovie supports HEVC, has lower system requirements, and is free on all compatible devices. The downside is that you will need to own an Apple device to get it. Its effects and transitions are relatively limited, as is reflected by the lack of a premium price tag.
This is why Adobe Premiere Elements, a paid application that features superior capabilities and enhanced support, is the ultimate winner. However, Apple users who are looking for a free alternative can still use iMovie for a decent video editing job.