How to Choose An Online Video Editor in 2026? (Tips from a Pro)

As a content creator myself, I suffered a lot in finding the right video editor for my videos. Before finding the one I am using right now, I tried numerous other solutions and saw how they affected my productivity and workflows.

But the question is, how do you pick the right one for you?

This guide will help you pick the best online video maker for your project and get through the process.

Let’s dive in!

Online video editors vs traditional video editors

You can edit your video online or locally on your device. For this, you can choose between online and traditional video editor software.

As a rule of thumb, I suggest online video editors for those who are just getting started and want to edit shorter videos. Although the traditional video editors have more features and are generally faster, they require a more advanced level.

Personally, after spending 1-3 months with online video editors, I switched to Wondershare Filmora and I still use it for my videos. Nevertheless, it is a way more complicated tool like other video editing apps.

Let’s focus on now on online video editors and let’s see how to choose them!

What makes a good online video editor?  

A good online video editor should focus on simplicity, efficiency, and accessibility to all users. As a content creator, it should bring your vision to life without needing you to spend a fortune or deal with overly complicated software. But what makes a video editor good?

Here are the essentials:  

• Ease of Use: The video editors that are easy to navigate and do not overwhelm you are the best. A user-friendly layout guarantees that you will focus on the valuable aspects of the creative process rather than struggle with the tool.
• Speed and performance: When editing videos online, you would want to work with as little buffering and interruptions as possible. The faster the videos are processed, the more time you can dedicate to editing and refining the project.  
• Flexibility: An effective online video editing software should accommodate as many video formats as possible. This way, you can work with various video clips. The ability to handle different file types, such as MP4, AVI, or MOV, is necessary for seamless video editing. 

Key features to look for in an online video editor  

The best online video editor for your needs is one that has the right tools for your video editing style. Here are some important functions of a video editor:  

1. Intuitive User Interface: Select a video editing platform that’s straightforward to understand, especially for beginners in video editing. A clean, uncluttered interface is a time-saver and reduces the frustration of guesswork.  
2. Basic and Advanced Editing tools: Different projects will need varying functions to cut, trim, merge, or add transitions to a video. A video editor should provide the basic features as well as more advanced options like coloring, audio editing, and special effects.
3. Having Tools and Options: Using preset templates can really help speed things up when working on quick projects, such as YouTube vlogs and promotional videos. Templates can really speed up the work.  
4. Exporting Videos in High Quality: No matter the social videos, professionally made videos should always be exported in high quality. If you want to edit videos that look really nice and polished, you should find an editor that allows exporting videos in HD and 4k resolution.  
5. Cloud-Based Storage: No other option can replace cloud-based editors that allow you to access your videos on different devices. If you ever need to edit your videos without your main device, look for editors that offer cloud storage.  

How to compare video editors?

It’s a tough question, as you have to consider numerous factors like features, pricing, ease-of-use, export options, and more.

So, here is my recommendation: First, check some reviews about the selected video editors, and choose the top three for you.

Normally, all the video editors offer a free trial where you can access the key features. This way, you can test it for yourself before spending money.

But here is the catch: try exporting the file you created and see how much time it takes to export the video, and what the quality of the exported video is.

Why is it important?

I run into numerous cases when the video editing was perfect, but the export process had many issues. Sometimes it crashed, the output had issues, or the export process took too long.

Factors to consider when selecting a video editor

Picking the right online video editor can make a big difference in how your project turns out and how much time you can save with the video editing process.

Here are some factors you need to consider when making a decision:

Pricing

Guys, the video editors are not cheap. No matter if you use an online video editor or a traditional one, you have to buy one of the paid plans if you want to fully utilize it.

While there are free plans at numerous video editing apps, they include limited features, a watermark, export restrictions, and more.

To summarize, if you are serious about video editing, you can not save yourself from buying a paid plan.

User-friendliness

Guys, the video editors are not cheap. No matter if you use an online video editor or a traditional one, you have to buy one of the paid plans if you want to fully utilize it.

While there are free plans at numerous video editing apps, they include limited features, a watermark, export restrictions, and more.

To summarize, if you are serious about video editing, you can not save yourself from buying a paid plan.

Related articles:

• FlexClip Review: Is It The Best AI Video Editor? (2025)
• Movavi Review | My honest experience after 7 days of testing
• Submagic Review 2025 | A Content Creator’s Test

Advice to Help You Decide on a Video Editor

Every editor comes with its own set of options and tools. Decide if a social video is really what you need to work on. Then, are there also more complex projects, such as a promotional video or YouTube vlog?

Look for Beginner-Friendly Editing Tools 

As a newbie, I find an editor with straightforward tools. This will help you complete your video without being stressed out. Some editors allow you to drag and drop your content and even have auto features to help you.

Experiment with Different Editors

You can find a lot of online video editors that have free versions or free trials. Use those to check if the platform works for you. Some editors have extra features if you pay for a subscription, so check what features you get for free and if those paid features are worth it.   

Look At the Export Quality

When your video is finished, check to see if the editor allows you to export it in high-quality in the resolution you want. If you are making a professional video, check that you can export it in at least 1080p or 4k.   

Look at the Pricing Structure 

While it is true that a lot of video editors do not charge a fee, some of their features will be locked unless you pay. Think about what you are willing to spend, and then compare their pricing in order to choose the most cost-efficient for your project.

Conclusion

The speed and quality of a film might be affected by the choice of a web video creator. Online video producers are widely available. The quality of the final video, the available editing options, and their convenience of use should all be taken into account.

By examining your demands and testing many possibilities, you can rapidly select a video maker that fulfills your specifications to create videos that have the quality of a professional. Clideo is a powerful, adaptable, and user-friendly video editing program that will enable you to realize your ideas.