What is Filmora?
Filmora is a desktop and mobile video editor from Wondershare that combines a traditional timeline with AI tools for captions, text-based editing, audio cleanup and video generation. The current version, Filmora 16, runs on Windows and macOS, with apps for iOS, iPadOS and Android. Wondershare says millions of creators use it, and it includes a library of more than 2.9 million templates, effects, music tracks and other creative assets.
Filmora sits between simple mobile editors and professional suites: it keeps drag-and-drop editing approachable while adding features such as keyframes, color correction, camera tracking, audio ducking and beat sync. Its AI tools are where it has grown most. Auto captions and speech-to-text speed up subtitling, AI text-based editing lets you cut a video by deleting words in the transcript, and the AI object remover, video enhancer, audio denoise and vocal remover fix footage. Generation tools turn text, images, scripts or audio into video clips, including text-to-video and image-to-video powered by Google's Veo 3.1. YouTubers, TikTok and Reels creators, small businesses making promo videos and educators are typical users. The free version exports with a watermark.
Main Features
- Edit on a multi-track timeline with keyframes, color correction and camera tracking.
- Generate subtitles automatically with auto captions and speech-to-text.
- Cut footage by editing the transcript with AI text-based editing.
- Remove unwanted objects from video with the AI object remover.
- Clean up audio with AI denoise, audio enhancer and vocal remover.
- Generate clips from text, images, scripts or audio, including Veo 3.1 text-to-video.
- Turn long videos into short clips with Smart Short Clips.
- Use more than 2.9 million templates, effects, music tracks and titles.
How to Get Started with Filmora
- Download Filmora for Windows or Mac from filmora.wondershare.com, or install the mobile app.
- Create a project and import your footage, audio and images.
- Arrange clips on the timeline and add titles, transitions and music.
- Run AI tools such as auto captions or object removal on your clips.
- Export the video, or buy a plan to export without the watermark.
Filmora Pricing
The free version includes the editing tools but adds a Filmora watermark to exports. On the official pricing page, Basic is currently $49.99 per year (normally $59.99) and removes the watermark with 4K export and 1 GB of cloud storage, while Advanced is $59.99 per year (normally $69.99) and adds 1,000 AI credits per month. A Perpetual license costs $79.99 one time (normally $129.99) with 1,000 one-time AI credits and updates within Filmora 16 only, and most AI features are paid for with AI credits.
Who Should Use It?
- YouTubers editing long-form videos with captions.
- TikTok, Reels and Shorts creators producing short vertical clips.
- Small businesses making product and promo videos.
- Teachers and course creators recording lessons and tutorials.
- Beginners moving up from mobile editors to a desktop timeline.
Filmora Alternatives
- Descript AI: Stronger for transcript-first editing of talking-head and podcast video.
- Clipchamp AI: Free browser editor from Microsoft for quick, simple edits.
- VEED: Browser-based editor with AI subtitles, no install needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Filmora free?
Yes, Filmora has a free version, but exported videos include a Filmora watermark. Paid plans start at $49.99 per year and remove the watermark.
Does Filmora have AI features?
Yes, Filmora includes AI captions, text-based editing, object removal, audio denoise and AI video generation. Most AI tools use AI credits, which come with the Advanced and Perpetual plans or can be bought separately.
Is there a one-time purchase for Filmora?
Yes, Filmora sells a Perpetual license for a one-time payment, currently $79.99. It includes updates within Filmora 16 only and 1,000 one-time AI credits.
Filmora vs Descript: which is better?
Filmora is better for general video editing with effects, templates and a classic timeline, while Descript is better for editing talking-head and podcast videos through the transcript. Both have free versions.