# Best AI video editing tools Source: https://freeaicourses.com/tools/video-editing Last checked: 2026-10-02 (free plans and prices on each maker's own pricing page) ## Short answer Of the 4 AI video editing tools we rank, Descript is our top pick at 8.5 out of 10. If you are new to this, start with CapCut. If you are experienced, try DaVinci Resolve. Descript: Free plan for text-based editing and trying the AI tools. ## Sections ### Descript (8.5 out of 10) You edit the video by editing its transcript, like a document. For talking-head videos and podcasts, nothing is quicker to learn. Interviews, tutorials, podcasts and removing filler words in bulk. It's built for speech-led videos. Heavy visual effects work belongs in a traditional editor. Free plan for text-based editing and trying the AI tools. Hobbyist is US$16 a month billed yearly, or US$24 billed monthly. ### CapCut (8.3 out of 10) The quickest way to make short vertical videos look polished, with automatic captions and templates doing most of the work. Shorts, Reels and TikToks with captions and quick cuts. Templates make everything look the same. Use them as a starting point, not the finish. Free to use online and in the app. CapCut's website has no public pricing page, so check the Pro price in the app before you subscribe. ### Runway (8.0 out of 10) The place to experiment with generating video from text or images. It's impressive, and still best for short clips and ideas. Generating short clips, visual experiments and B-roll ideas. Generated video eats credits quickly, and longer scenes still struggle to stay consistent. Free plan with 125 one-time credits. Standard is US$12 a month billed yearly, or US$15 billed monthly, with 625 credits a month. ### DaVinci Resolve (7.9 out of 10) A professional editor with AI-assisted features built in. It has a steep learning curve and a lot of depth once you're over it. Long-form edits, colour grading and projects that outgrow simpler apps. Most of the AI features, including text-based editing and Magic Mask, are only in the paid Studio version. Beginners will be quicker in Descript or CapCut. The free version edits video up to Ultra HD at 60fps. DaVinci Resolve Studio is a one-off £225 and adds the AI Neural Engine, text-based editing and Magic Mask. ## Best courses Generative AI for Everyone ## Questions people ask ### What are the best AI video editing tools in 2026? Our top pick is Descript (8.5/10), followed by CapCut and Runway. You edit the video by editing its transcript, like a document. For talking-head videos and podcasts, nothing is quicker to learn. ### Which AI video editing tools are best for beginners? Start with CapCut, then try Descript. The quickest way to make short vertical videos look polished, with automatic captions and templates doing most of the work. ### Which AI video editing tools are best for experts? DaVinci Resolve is our pick for experienced users, with Descript close behind. A professional editor with AI-assisted features built in. It has a steep learning curve and a lot of depth once you're over it. ### What's the catch with Descript? It's built for speech-led videos. Heavy visual effects work belongs in a traditional editor. ### Are there free courses that teach AI video editing tools? Yes. We recommend Generative AI for Everyone (DeepLearning.AI). Each one is free and reviewed on FreeAICourses.com. ### Which AI video editing tools have a free plan? Descript, CapCut, Runway and DaVinci Resolve have a free plan or free version. ## Related pages - [Generative AI for Everyone](https://freeaicourses.com/courses/generative-ai-for-everyone) - [Best AI audio and voice tools](https://freeaicourses.com/tools/audio-voice) - [Best AI design and presentation tools](https://freeaicourses.com/tools/design-presentations) - [Best AI automation tools](https://freeaicourses.com/tools/automation) - [How to make a faceless video with AI](https://freeaicourses.com/workflows/faceless-explainer-video) - [How to make an AI avatar video](https://freeaicourses.com/workflows/ai-avatar-video) - [AI tool rankings](https://freeaicourses.com/tools)