avclabs video enhancer ai icon
AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI
  • Enhance video resolution to 1080p, 4K, and 8K without quality loss.
  • Reduce grain and unwanted noise to improve video quality.
  • Revitalize black and white footage with AI-powered colorization.
  • Automatically blur faces, license plates, and other objects.
  • Remove shaky camera movements for smoother footage.

7 Best 4K Video Editing Software (For PC, Mac, Beginner to Pro)

Tired of your video editor crashing or lagging mid-project when you’re working on some big 4K files? Not sure which software actually fits your device specs and your editing skill level? No worries, here we’ve carefully selected seven 4K video editing software for PC, Mac, Android and iOS to help you create 4K videos easily. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced editor, you’ll be able to find the right tool for your needs.

4k video editing software

7 Best 4K Video Editors for All Skill Levels – Quick Comparison

Software Compatibility Pricing Model Hardware Requirements Pros Cons
Adobe Premiere Pro Windows, Mac Starts at $22.99/month; Creative Cloud suite available 12th-gen Intel i7+, 32GB RAM, RTX 3060 GPU+, NVMe SSD ✅ 4K/8K/HDR support, rich plugins ❌ High learning curve, expensive long-term cost
AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI Windows, Mac Free version with watermark; paid plans start at $39.95/month Intel i7 7th-gen or AMD Ryzen 7 (4GHz+) ; NVIDIA GTX 1050 Ti or AMD Radeon HD 7000 series or better ✅ Easy to use, batch processing, GPU acceleration ❌ Lacks basic video editing functions
Final Cut Pro X Mac only (Apple Silicon recommended) One-time fee of $299.99 M1+ chip, 16GB RAM+, fast SSD ✅ Smooth 4K editing, auto-save feature ❌ Mac exclusive, limited collaboration tools
DaVinci Resolve Windows, Mac, Linux Free version with core editing tools; Studio version available for a one-time fee of $295 Intel i7/AMD Ryzen 7+, 32GB RAM, RTX 4070/AMD RX 7900 XT+, NVMe SSD ✅ Cross-platform, free version powerful ❌ High hardware demand, steep learning curve
CapCut Windows, Mac, iOS, Android Free (with watermark in some exports); pro starting at $19.99/month 8GB RAM+, basic integrated GPU ✅ Multi-platform, beginner-friendly ❌ No advanced color grading
CyberLink PowerDirector Windows only Starts at $5/month; one-time fee of $139.99 16GB RAM+, dedicated GPU ✅ User-friendly, 360° editing support ❌ Not feature-rich, lag on low-end PCs
iMovie Mac, iOS only Free (pre-installed on Apple devices) Basic Mac/iOS device (4GB RAM+ recommended for 4K) ✅ Easy to use, free ❌ Limited advanced features, Mac/iOS exclusive, no 10-bit HDR export

7 Best 4K Video Editing Software

1. Adobe Premiere Pro

If you’re chasing cinematic 4K video quality, Adobe Premiere Pro is basically the industry gold standard without a doubt. It works smoothly on both Windows and Mac, and its biggest advantage lies in its seamless integration with the whole Adobe Creative Cloud ecosystem. You can jump from Photoshop for image touch-ups, to After Effects for jaw-dropping VFX, to Audition for pro-level audio mixing—all without exporting/importing files back and forth. Add in its advanced visual effects compositing and hyper-precise color grading tools, and it’s easy to see why this is the go-to pick for professional editors cranking out movie-quality content.

And Premiere Pro isn’t suitable for everyone, especially for those who don’t want to invest significant time learning it. You may need at least 30 hours to feel comfortable navigating the interface, and there are hundreds of keyboard shortcuts to memorize. The hardware requirements are also high: you’ll need a 12th-gen Intel i7 (or better), 32GB of RAM, and an RTX 3060 GPU at minimum. If you’re using a basic entry-level laptop, editing 4K footage will likely be laggy.

It is not freeware, but starts at US$22.99 per month. And the full Creative Cloud suite costs significantly more, which can lead to high long-term expenses.

adobe premiere pro
Pros:
  • Handles 4K, 8K, HDR, and high frame rate footage smoothly.
  • Supports a wide range of video formats, codecs, and camera files
  • Offers extensive plugin support for added functionality.
  • Allows users to create professional titles, lower thirds, and animations.
  • Powerful audio editing and mixing tools.
Cons:
  • Requires a monthly or annual subscription.
  • High system requirements.
  • Interface and professional features may feel overwhelming to new users.

2. AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI

AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI is an AI-driven 4K video enhancement and editing tool built for PC users—especially beginners who want fast, hassle-free video processing. Unlike basic editors, it doesn’t just stretch low-res footage to 4K; it uses multiple AI modes to genuinely restore fine details and textures, upscaling SD and HD videos to 4K (or even 8K) with remarkable clarity. It also automatically reduces noise, fixes compression artifacts, and repairs common issues in old videos—making it a great complement to other 4K editing software.

In terms of usability, AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI is highly beginner-friendly. Users can simply drag and drop a video, choose a preset, and process it with one click. Batch processing combined with GPU acceleration significantly reduces waiting time, allowing even first-time users to get started quickly.

There are a few limitations, though. Processing long, ultra-high-res videos requires decent hardware—lower-end computers may experience slowdowns. The free version also adds a watermark to exports; you’ll need a paid plan to remove it for commercial or personal use.

avclabs video enhancer ai 4K video editing software for pc
Pros:
  • Losslessly upscale low-resolution videos to 1080p, 4K, and 8K
  • Remove noise and recover and enhance facial details.
  • Colorize black-and-white videos to bring them to life.
  • Automatically blur unwanted video parts to protect privacy.
  • Rmove camera shake to achieve smoother video playback.
Cons:
  • Lack of some basic video editing functions.
  • Require payment.
  • Does not support multi-track editing or transitions

3. Final Cut Pro X

Final Cut Pro X is the top pick for 4K editing on Apple devices, and it’s a pro-level tool favored by filmmakers and video editors alike. It’s best suited for users with some editing experience—super efficient, handling multi-track timelines and long videos with ease. You can edit 4K and 8K footage smoothly, plus export quickly, and its built-in motion graphics tools let you make complex titles and transitions without needing After Effects.

That said, it only works on macOS, and you’ll need Apple Silicon (M1 or newer) with at least 16GB RAM for optimal performance, which requires a significant hardware investment. Beginners will also find it tricky to learn; getting the hang of Magnetic Timeline and Compound Clips can take a few days. The one-time price tag is steep too, so it’s overkill for casual users.

Pros:
  • Handle and export 4K and 8K videos smoothly.
  • Works on macOS and Apple Silicon hardware.
  • Built-in tools allow complex titles and effects without extra software.
  • Advanced color grading and audio editing capabilities.
  • Supports HDR and 360-degree video
  • Auto save and organized media management reduce data loss risks.
Cons:
  • Only works on macOS, not on Windows or Linux.
  • Requires M1 or later with at least 16GB RAM for best performance
  • Some features are hard to learn.
  • Collaboration features are limited for team projects.
Video Editing Software for Beginners
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4. DaVinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve is a straight-up pro 4k video editing software for Windows, Mac and Linux computer—all the tools you need are here: editing, color grading, audio post, and VFX, all in one place. Its color grading kit is the real star, with pro-level color theory controls and super precise parameter tweaks. This thing’s built for seasoned creators, no question—beginners will definitely need to put in the time to learn the ropes.

But here’s the kicker: it’s a total hardware hog. To edit 4K or H.265 footage smoothly, you need at least an Intel i7/AMD Ryzen 7, 32GB of RAM, and a GPU like the NVIDIA RTX 4070 or AMD RX 7900 XT. A fast NVMe SSD is also a must for quick media access and caching—low-end PCs will struggle to handle the load.

davinci resolve
Pros:
  • Comprehensive features that meet a wide range of video editing needs.
  • Supports team collaboration, allowing multiple users to work on the same project simultaneously, improving production efficiency.
  • Compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux platforms.
Cons:
  • Relatively high learning curve.
  • The free version limits export resolution, and 4K video editing may perform poorly on lower-spec computers.

💡 If you just need to upscale content to 4K or ever 8K, just try AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI.


5. Capcut

CapCut is the go-to 4K video editing software for casual TikTok and other short-video platform creators—it’s simple to use, works on literally every platform (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android). You’ve got all the basics covered: trim, cut, split, merge clips, tweak playback speed. Throw in fun stuff like filters, transitions, text animations, stickers, and motion graphics, plus game-changing AI tools—auto-subtitles, one-click background removal, object tracking—that save you hours of work. It’s perfect for knocking out social media shorts, and the interface is so intuitive that total newbies can make something polished in minutes flat.

However, no advanced color grading, no multi-camera editing, no fancy timeline controls. Try editing a long, complex 4K project on a cheap laptop? It’ll experience severe lag and slow rendering speeds. Also, the free version adds a watermark to exported videos, and honestly? It’s just not built for high-end professional work.

capcut 4k video editing
Pros:
  • Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
  • Intuitive design suitable for beginners.
  • Direct export for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and other platforms.
Cons:
  • Lacks advanced color grading, multi-camera editing, and detailed timeline controls.
  • Free exports may include a CapCut watermark.

6. CyberLink PowerDirector

CyberLink PowerDirector is a solid Windows-only 4K video editing software—works with every version of the system, no weird compatibility hoops to jump through. The best feature is 360-degree video editing, which is perfect if you’re into making immersive clips for TikTok or YouTube Shorts. And the audio ducking tool is perfect for vloggers and tutors: it automatically turns down background music when you start talking, so your voice always stays front and center.

But editing 4K footage here needs at least 16GB of RAM and a dedicated GPU. If you’re using a cheap laptop or an old PC? It’s gonna lag bad. On top of that, it’s lacking in advanced AI tools. The built-in media library updates slowly, and compared to other pro editors, its visual effects are relatively generic and lack originality.

cyberlink powerdirector
Pros:
  • Boasts a user-friendly interface.
  • Supports 360-degree video editing.
  • Utilizes AI-powered features for quick edits.
  • Offers fast rendering and export capabilities.
  • Provides affordable pricing options.
Cons:
  • May not be as feature-rich as some competitors.

7. iMovie

iMovie is Apple’s go-to 4K video editing software, built exclusively for Mac and iOS devices. It offers excellent compatibility with Apple hardware, making it an ideal choice for beginners on Mac and iOS. It supports 4K H.265 footage, with smooth basic editing features like trimming and audio overlay. Plus, it comes loaded with built-in templates and themes, so you can whip up home videos, vlogs, and other quick projects in no time. On top of that, it integrates smoothly with other Apple apps, so importing media and sharing your final cuts is a breeze.

However, iMovie has some limitations. It doesn’t offer any AI-powered tools or advanced editing features, so it’s not cut out for professional-grade video production. It also does not support exporting 10-bit HDR videos, limiting its potential for high-quality output. Additionally, it is only compatible with Apple devices, which restricts cross-platform use.

Extended reading: How to Blur Video in iMovie

imovie mac
Pros:
  • Known for its straightforward and intuitive interface.
  • Offers a variety of templates and themes.
  • Easily share your edited videos directly to social media platforms.
  • Includes basic audio editing tools, enabling users to adjust audio levels.
Cons:
  • Limited advanced features.
  • Mac exclusive.

How to Upscale Video to 4K with AI

As mentioned above, AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI is a dedicated 4K video upscaling software, capable of enhancing all blurry footage and creating high-quality 4K videos. The process is extremely simple—just download the software and follow our three-step guide to get your 4K video.

Step 1: Import Low-quality Videos

Launch it and click the Browse button or drag and drop to import your low-quality videos.

add video
Step 2: Select the AI Model and Set the Output Resolution

The easiest way to enhance video quality to 4K is to go to the Presets section and select “Upscale Video to 4K.”

presets

1. Video Settings: you are allowed to adjust the brightness, saturation, and contrast of the video and preview the effect in real time.

video settings

2. Output Settings: In the Output Settings part, you can set the output video format(MKV, MP4, AVI, MOV, WEBM), the encoder (H.264, H.265, VP9 Good, VP9 Best, AV1), the bitrate, audio settings, as well as the output path.

output settings
Step 3: Start Upscaling Video to 4K

Once all the necessary preparations have been finished, click on Preview to review 30 frames in order to ensure that the processed video meets your requirements. If it doesn't, please adjust the settings accordingly. Lastly, initiate the video quality enhancement process by clicking the "Export" button.

preview and start exporting video

FAQs about 4k Video Editing Software

Which system is best for 4K video editing?

There’s no absolute best system for 4K video editing—it depends on your software and budget. Windows offers flexible, customizable hardware and supports all editing tools (including AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI, Premiere Pro). macOS (with Apple Silicon) delivers seamless, optimized performance for Final Cut Pro X, ideal for users who prioritize plug-and-play reliability. Both require 32GB+ RAM, a dedicated GPU, and an NVMe SSD for smooth 4K workflows.

Can CapCut do 4K?

Yes, CapCut can handle 4K video editing and exporting—but only on high-end desktops/laptops with a dedicated GPU and 16GB+ RAM, or flagship mobile devices, plus CapCut Pro.


Conclusion

Here are 7 of the best 4k video editing software out there. We’ve got pro-grade software like Adobe Premiere Pro, user-friendly picks like iMovie for beginners, and robust all-rounders like DaVinci Resolve—there’s something for everyone, no matter your skill level or how big your project is. And if you want to boost and upscale your video quality in one click, AVCLabs Video Enhancer AI is the one you should turn to.