Selecting the right video editor is a critical decision for any 360 video creator. It impacts both your financial investment (upfront or long-term) and the time required to master the software.

In this article, I’ll compare the top four desktop-based 360 video editors, evaluating their pros and cons, and recommending the best options based on specific needs.

The Four Contenders:

1. Adobe Premiere Pro
2. DaVinci Resolve
3. Final Cut Pro
4. Insta360 Studio

These programs excel at reframing 360 videos into flat 16x9 formats and editing 360 videos for VR. While other options exist, these four stand out for their feature richness and capabilities.

1. Insta360 Studio

Insta360 Studio is a great starting point for any 360 video creator, offering a streamlined, cost-free reframing experience.

PROS:

• Ease of Use: Simple interface designed for quick 360 video reframing.
• Low System Requirements: Operates smoothly on less powerful computers.
• Cost-Effective: Free for Insta360 camera owners.

CONS:

• Limited Features: Lacks advanced editing tools and capabilities.
• Format Restrictions: Primarily supports 360 video, requiring additional software for non-360 content.

2. Adobe Premiere Pro

Adobe Premiere Pro is ideal for professional video editors, offering a comprehensive suite of tools despite its higher cost and complexity.

PROS:

• Versatility: Suitable for various video editing tasks.
• Robust Editing Tools: Advanced features for audio, video, effects, and color correction.
• High-Resolution Exports: Supports exports beyond 4K.
• Inbuilt 360 Viewer: Facilitates 360 video editing.
• No Stitch Workflow: Integrates seamlessly with Insta360 files.

CONS:

• Steep Learning Curve: Can be challenging for beginners.
• High System Requirements: Needs a powerful computer.
• Cost: Subscription-based, which can add up over time.

3. DaVinci Resolve 

DaVinci Resolve is perfect for those seeking powerful, cost-effective editing capabilities, especially for color correction enthusiasts.

PROS:

• Free Version: Offers extensive features at no cost.
• Multi-Format Support: Handles both 360 and non-360 videos.
• Advanced Features: Excellent color correction and comprehensive editing tools.
• Karta VR Plugin: Allows detailed 360 video reframing.

CONS:

• Steep Learning Curve: Interface can be overwhelming for beginners.
• Resource-Intensive: Requires significant computing power.
• Limited Export Quality: Free version caps at 4K resolution.

4. Final Cut Pro by Apple 

Final Cut Pro is the best choice for Mac users, offering a balance of ease of use and powerful features.

PROS:

• User-Friendly: Intuitive interface suitable for all skill levels.
• Comprehensive Tools: Includes multi-track editing, advanced color correction, and more.
• 360-Friendly: Optimized for VR editing with high performance on Mac.
• Fast Performance: Efficient on Mac systems.

CONS:

• Cost: One-time purchase price can be expensive.
• Mac-Only: Not available for PC users.
• Basic Reframing Tools: Limited customization for transitions and effects.

Which One Should You Choose?

All four editors are viable options, and your choice should depend on your budget and specific needs:

• Budget-Friendly: Insta360 Studio and the free version of DaVinci Resolve.
• Professional Use: Adobe Premiere Pro or the paid version of DaVinci Resolve.
• Mac Users: Final Cut Pro for its optimized performance and user-friendly interface.

 
Price Comparison

Insta360 Studio: Free for Insta360 camera owners.

DaVinci Resolve: Free, with a $295 upgrade for advanced features.

Final Cut Pro: $299 one-time purchase.

Adobe Premiere Pro: $20.99/month (annual subscription) or $54.99/month for Creative Cloud Suite.

Conclusion

Consider what you can comfortably afford and the features you need. For occasional use, free tools like Insta360 Studio and DaVinci Resolve suffice. For professional editing, investing in Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro offers advanced capabilities.

The key to creating amazing 360 videos lies not just in the tools you use, but in mastering them to achieve the best results. For more in-depth guides and expert tips, check out my 360 Video 101 course.

Here

Full YouTube video here. 👇

Happy 360ing!

Ben Claremont