Creating professional-grade YouTube videos doesn’t have to break the bank. For aspiring and budget-conscious YouTubers, finding an affordable video editing software that offers robust features without limiting exports is absolutely essential. Fortunately, there’s a growing list of budget-friendly video editing apps out there that deliver excellent performance for under $20/month. Whether you’re editing gaming content, vlogs, tutorials, or cinematic projects, the right app can make all the difference both creatively and financially.
TL;DR
The following article explores five of the best budget video editing apps available for YouTubers for under $20/month. Each of these tools allows for unlimited exports, making them perfect for content creators who post on a regular schedule. Expect features like multi-track editing, color grading, motion graphics, and more, all without draining your wallet. If you’re looking for value-packed, easy-to-use editing apps, keep reading to find out which ones made the list.
1. Clipchamp (Premium Plan)
Price: $11.99/month
Platform: Web-based, Windows
Unlimited Exports: Yes
Clipchamp is a user-friendly and highly accessible video editing tool that’s now owned by Microsoft. With its cloud-based interface, you can start editing from anywhere without bulky downloads. The Premium plan under $12/month gives you access to high-quality exports (including 1080p), extensive stock footage, audio libraries, and advanced editing features.
What makes Clipchamp particularly attractive is its tight integration with cloud storage and YouTube, simplifying the publishing process. You also get intuitive tools such as text overlays, transitions, filters, and green screen effects—all wrapped in an interface that’s beginner-friendly yet powerful enough for intermediate creators.
2. InVideo
Price: $15/month (Business Plan billed monthly)
Platform: Web-based
Unlimited Exports: Yes
InVideo is ideal for YouTubers who want to create eye-catching videos quickly. With its template-driven approach and drag-and-drop editing tools, even creators without prior editing experience can come up with high-impact, professional-looking content.
The business plan offers unlimited HD exports, access to over 1 million royalty-free media assets, automated text-to-speech, and branding kits. You can also reformat videos for different platforms, making it great for repurposing your YouTube content into shorter clips for social media.
InVideo’s AI features for script-to-video conversion and automatic voiceovers are particularly useful for tutorial and explainer channels.
3. Movavi Video Editor Plus
Price: $19.95/month
Platform: Windows, macOS
Unlimited Exports: Yes
Movavi Video Editor Plus is one of the most complete offline tools on this list, offering a full suite of editing utilities while still coming in just under the $20 mark. It supports multi-track timelines, chroma keying, a library of filters and transitions, and advanced slow-motion and speed effects.
This editor strikes a balance between simplicity and feature-richness, making it great for both new and experienced YouTubers. One unique asset is its built-in montage wizard, which automatically creates videos from your clips and music—great for highlight reels or channel trailers.
4. Wondershare Filmora
Price: $19.99/month (Individual Plan, Monthly Billing)
Platform: Windows, macOS
Unlimited Exports: Yes
Filmora has long been a favorite among YouTubers for good reason. It offers a clean interface, a rich variety of effects, and supports up to 4K video exports. For under $20/month, you get premium features such as advanced text animations, motion tracking, audio ducking, keyframing, and built-in screen recording.
Filmora is particularly appealing for creators who love to experiment with transitions, filters, and special effects to enhance video quality without a steep learning curve. Their Filmstock library also offers royalty-free music, overlays, and effects that integrate seamlessly into your projects.
Another standout feature is Filmora’s instant mode, which uses AI to quickly create videos from your clips for hassle-free editing. This is perfect for vloggers and those working with a tight deadline.
5. CapCut for Desktop (Pro Version)
Price: $7.99/month (Pro Desktop)
Platform: Web-based, Windows, macOS
Unlimited Exports: Yes
CapCut, developed by ByteDance (the creator of TikTok), has grown from a mobile editing sensation to a fully-fledged desktop video editor. Its pro desktop version offers professional editing controls, intuitive drag-and-drop timeline, and a surprisingly comprehensive suite of tools—all for just $7.99/month.
With CapCut, you can leverage built-in effects, keyframing, animations, auto-captions, and even AI-powered features like smart background removal. The app is extremely optimized for vertical as well as horizontal video, which is handy if you’re creating Shorts alongside standard YouTube videos.
If you’re on a tight budget, this is arguably the best value for powerful editing features under $10/month.
What to Consider When Choosing Your Budget Editor
While price is a big consideration, there are other factors that matter just as much when selecting a video editor for your YouTube journey:
- Ease of Use: Can you learn it quickly without experience?
- Asset Libraries: Does it include stock music, video, or templates?
- Render Speed: How fast does it export your videos?
- Special Features: Supports green screen, audio editing, text overlays?
- Licensing: Does the plan include content licensing for commercial use?
Some editors focus more on aesthetics and preset-driven editing (like InVideo), whereas others offer fine control over the production process (like Filmora and Movavi). Know your content goals and match them with your tool’s strengths.
Final Thoughts
High-quality video editing doesn’t have to be expensive. These five apps provide incredible power and flexibility for under $20/month, paired with the freedom of unlimited exports. Whether you’re looking for beginner-friendly ease or advanced creative control, one of these platforms is bound to fit your style and workflow.
Ultimately, investing in the right tools can elevate your content, boost your engagement, and fast-track your channel’s growth—all without compromising your budget. Happy editing!