The old adage asserts that a poor workman always blames his tools, but a great worker can also be hampered by shoddy equipment. As video editors, we are no strangers to the importance of having top-of-the-line software. However, keeping the cost of your tools affordable while maximising the creative possibilities and the marketing potential of your work can be a struggle.

To help you out, this article explores the differences between Filmora and Premiere Pro, two video editing software popular with industry professionals. With this review, you will better understand the digital tools and be empowered to make an informed decision.

Features of Filmora vs Premiere Pro

1. Ease of Use

The functionality and ease of use of an editing platform are largely defined by its interface. With Filmora, frequently used options are placed directly on the main screen, providing users with clear visibility of their tools, and facilitating a smooth editing experience.

In contrast, Premiere Pro offers a minimalist workspace that separates different features into individual panels, each with its function. As these multiple features are not easily visible, Premiere Pro can be challenging for beginner videographers to navigate. Thus, Filmora is preferred for individuals who value the speed of production or are new to video editing, whereas experienced video editors may opt for the clean workspace afforded by Premiere Pro.

2. Texts and Titles

Both Premiere Pro and Filmora provide a broad selection of text and title options. However, with Premiere Pro, users will enjoy greater control over text animation, drop shadows, and numerous effects, thanks to its plugin support. Its partner programme, After Effects, even allows for the embedding of 3D titles in the footage you use.

Meanwhile, Filmora’s text options are more preset based, making titles easy to implement but less customisable. For instance, it will be harder to animate titles using Filmora and the title cannot be embedded into the video. In this regard, Premiere Pro is better for professionals who desire precise control.

3. Colour Correction

Colour correction is another essential aspect of post-production that can significantly enhance your video’s appeal and emotional impact. The extent to which you can achieve your desired colour grading effect depends on your editing software, and this is where Premiere Pro outshines Filmora.

With Filmora, you get a simple and intuitive tool that allows for basic adjustments such as changing saturation, contrast and temperature or adding LUTs (look-up table). However, its drawback is your limited control over the editing process.

In contrast, Premiere Pro offers more creative freedom as you can manipulate every aspect of colour correction and colour via waveforms, linear graphs, and colour wheels. Considering these pros and cons, Filmora is ideal for video editors requiring only basic features.

4. Effects and Plugins

In terms of plugins and effects, Filmora and Premiere Pro differ significantly. If you’re searching for a design or transition that gives you the vibe you desire—you typically have limited options on Filmora, and the choice is easily made. However, with Premiere Pro, you can access a significantly broader selection of plugins tailored to every purpose.

As the go-to programme for millions of users, there’s a very good chance that you can find what you seek on Premiere Pro. In addition, Premiere Pro also offers advanced tools for audio mixing and motion graphics. These powerful capabilities make it an industry standard for film and TV. If creative control is important to you, Premiere Pro is the clear choice by far.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, Filmora’s set of editing tools, effects, and templates are available for free. However, your video will bear a watermark when exported, and removing this mark requires you to subscribe to Filmora. The annual fees can cost between S$49.99 to US$79.99 for individuals and US$155.88 for teams, which is about S$67.31 to S$107.71 and S$209.90, respectively.

Meanwhile, Premiere Pro is offered at a monthly price between S$27.87 for individuals and S$50.50 for businesses, which translates to S$334.44 and S$606 per year, respectively. Based on price considerations, Filmora is more affordable upfront.

Maximise Your Video’s Potential with @ASK Training

Ultimately, choosing the right video editing software largely depends on your creative goals and preferred level of control. Besides powerful technical execution, maximising the impact of your creative production is also contingent on having a good marketing strategy that enables you to create a compelling message that sells. This is where @ASK Training can fill the gap for you.

With 12 years of experience in offering training programmes, you can be confident that our videography programmes and digital marketing courses provide all the support you need to enhance your creative production and marketing potential. If you’re looking to improve your digital content skills, here are some courses that are suitable for you:

As a SkillsFuture Singapore accredited Approved Training Organisation, many of our courses fall under Singapore’s Workforce Skills Qualifications (WSQ) system. This means you will be eligible for subsidies, enabling you to upskill with minimal out-of-pocket expenses. Sign up for our programmes today to gain an edge in the competitive market.

Filmora vs Premiere Pro (Free Vs Paid): What’s the Difference?