16 Best Video Editing Software for Low-End PC in 2026

If you’re editing videos on a low-end PC, you already know how frustrating it can get. 

You install a popular video editor, open it once, and suddenly everything slows down. 

The preview lags, the timeline stutters, and sometimes the app just freezes for no real reason. 

It makes you feel like your PC simply isn’t made for video editing.

But the thing is, that’s not always true.

A lot of modern video editing software is built for powerful systems, not older laptops or budget PCs. 

So when those tools struggle, it feels like your hardware is the problem. 

In reality, you just need software that’s actually optimized for low-end machines.

In this guide, we’ve picked 16 updated video editing tools that still work well in 2026 on low-end PCs. 

Some are popular, some are underrated, but all of them are active, usable, and realistic for everyday editing.

Let’s start with the most familiar ones.

1. CapCut

Why I picked it: It’s one of the most popular editors right now and still runs surprisingly well on low-end PCs if you keep things simple.

CapCut is already huge on mobile, so a lot of people come to the desktop version expecting the same easy experience. 

And honestly, that’s exactly what you get. The interface feels clean, modern, and very beginner-friendly. 

You can drag clips onto the timeline, add text, music, basic transitions, and export without digging through confusing menus.

On a low-end PC, CapCut works best when you don’t overload it with heavy effects or AI features. 

Stick to 1080p projects, lower the preview quality, and it stays pretty smooth even on integrated graphics. 

Simple cuts, subtitles, reels, YouTube shorts — this is where CapCut shines.

It’s also updated very frequently, which matters. 

You’re not using some abandoned tool that might break after a Windows update. 

If you’re just starting out or want something familiar that actually works on weaker hardware, CapCut is an easy first choice.

Also Read: 14 Best CapCut Alternatives Every Creator is Using

2. Filmora

Why I picked it: It’s extremely popular with beginners and still usable on low-end PCs if you adjust the settings properly.

Filmora is one of those editors almost everyone has heard about, especially if you’ve searched for video editing software even once. 

The big reason is how easy it feels to use. 

Everything is laid out clearly, the timeline makes sense, and you don’t feel lost the moment you open the app. 

For basic editing, it’s honestly very comfortable.

Now, Filmora isn’t the lightest editor on this list, and that’s something to be clear about. 

On a low-end PC, it works best when you keep your projects simple. 

Editing in 1080p, lowering preview quality, and avoiding heavy effects makes a big difference. 

If you try to stack too many transitions or motion effects, you’ll feel the slowdown.

That said, for normal YouTube videos, simple reels, voiceovers, and basic cuts, Filmora still holds up well. 

It’s actively updated, stable, and polished, which is why it earns its spot this high on the list.

Also Read: Best Video Editing Apps Every Pro Secretly Uses

3. DaVinci Resolve

Why I picked it: It’s extremely well-known, powerful, and people expect to see it — even if it’s not ideal for every low-end PC.

Let’s be honest, DaVinci Resolve is not built for weak systems. 

On a truly low-end PC, it can feel heavy, slow, and sometimes frustrating. 

But the reason it still deserves a place here is simple: a lot of people try it anyway. 

They search for it, install it, and then look for ways to make it work on their hardware.

The free version is still very capable, especially if you use smart workarounds. 

Proxy editing, lowering playback resolution, sticking to 1080p timelines, and avoiding heavy color grading can make a big difference. 

On slightly better low-end PCs — say 8GB RAM with integrated graphics — it’s actually usable for basic edits.

This isn’t the editor you pick for a smooth, stress-free experience on old hardware. 

But if you want professional-level tools and are willing to optimize your workflow, DaVinci Resolve can still work, even on modest systems.

4. Shotcut

Why I picked it: It’s one of the most reliable free editors that actually runs well on low-end PCs.

Shotcut doesn’t look flashy at first, and that’s kind of the point. 

It’s built to be practical, not heavy. 

The interface might feel a little different if you’re coming from Filmora or CapCut, but once you spend some time with it, things start to click. 

You get a proper timeline, decent format support, and enough tools to edit real videos without pushing your system too hard.

On low-end PCs, Shotcut performs best when you match the project settings to your footage and lower the preview resolution. 

Do that, and it stays surprisingly stable even on older hardware. 

Simple cuts, transitions, text, and basic color adjustments work without constant lag.

It’s also actively updated and completely free, which makes it a safe long-term option. 

If you want a no-nonsense editor that doesn’t demand powerful hardware and doesn’t lock features behind a paywall, Shotcut is a very solid choice.

Also Read: 17 Best Free Video Editors You Should Try

5. OpenShot

Why I picked it: It’s simple, beginner-friendly, and one of the first editors people try on an old or slow PC.

OpenShot is often recommended to beginners because it doesn’t overwhelm you. 

The layout is straightforward, the timeline is easy to understand, and basic actions like trimming clips, adding music, or inserting text feel very natural. 

You don’t need to watch long tutorials just to get started, which is a big plus if you’re new to editing.

On a low-end PC, OpenShot works best for short and simple projects. 

Basic cuts, light transitions, and small videos are where it feels comfortable. 

If you start stacking effects or working with longer timelines, you might notice slowdowns or occasional crashes, especially on very old systems.

That said, OpenShot is still actively maintained and completely free. 

For quick edits, school projects, simple YouTube videos, or casual use on weaker hardware, it does the job without asking too much from your PC.

6. VSDC Free Video Editor

Why I picked it: It’s specifically optimized for low-end Windows PCs and handles weak hardware better than most editors.

VSDC has been around for a long time, and there’s a reason it keeps showing up in “low-end PC” recommendations. 

It’s built to run on older systems, and you can feel that the moment you start using it. 

Even on machines with limited RAM and no dedicated graphics card, VSDC stays fairly responsive for basic editing tasks.

The interface can feel a bit different at first because it uses a non-linear editing style, but once you get used to it, it’s quite powerful. 

You can do cuts, overlays, text, simple effects, and exports without your system struggling too much. 

It also offers export presets that help keep rendering times reasonable.

VSDC is actively updated and works especially well for 1080p projects on low-end hardware. 

If you’re on Windows and your PC struggles with heavier editors, this is one of the safest free options you can try.

7. iMovie

Why I picked it: It’s already installed on most Macs and runs smoothly even on older, low-spec models.

If you’re on a Mac, especially an older one, iMovie is honestly one of the easiest ways to edit videos without stressing your system. 

Apple has optimized it really well for macOS, so even Macs with limited RAM or integrated graphics handle basic editing surprisingly smoothly.

The interface is clean and very beginner-friendly. 

You can trim clips, add music, titles, transitions, and export videos without dealing with complicated settings. 

For simple YouTube videos, school projects, or casual edits, it just works, which is exactly what you want on a low-end machine.

iMovie isn’t meant for advanced editing or heavy effects, and you’ll feel its limits pretty quickly if you try to push it. 

But for everyday editing on older Macs, it’s stable, fast, and reliable. 

Since it’s free and actively maintained by Apple, it’s a no-brainer option for macOS users with low-end hardware.

Also Read: 12 Best Video Editing Software for Mac

8. Lightworks

Why I picked it: It’s a well-known editor with a professional background that can still run on modest hardware.

Lightworks has been around for a long time and has a strong reputation in the editing world. 

At first glance, it might look like a heavy, professional tool, but the free version is actually lighter than many people expect. 

On low-end PCs, it can handle basic editing fairly well if you keep your projects simple.

The interface is a bit different from beginner-focused editors, so there’s a small learning curve. 

Once you get used to it, though, the timeline feels precise and responsive. 

Cutting clips, arranging sequences, and doing basic edits works without pushing your system too hard, especially at 1080p.

There are some limitations in the free version, like export options, but for learning and basic editing, it’s still useful. 

Lightworks is actively updated and stable, which makes it a good option if you want something more serious than beginner editors without jumping straight into very heavy software.

9. Kdenlive

Why I picked it: It’s a powerful open-source editor that stays usable on low-end PCs if you use it the right way.

Kdenlive is one of those tools that doesn’t get mainstream hype, but people who use it swear by it. 

It gives you a proper multi-track timeline, good format support, and features that feel closer to professional editors, without completely killing performance on weaker machines.

On low-end PCs, Kdenlive works best when you enable proxy clips and lower the preview resolution. 

Once you do that, basic editing becomes much smoother, even on older laptops with integrated graphics. 

Simple cuts, text, transitions, and light effects are totally manageable.

The interface can feel a bit busy at first, especially if you’re new to editing, but it’s very customizable.

Since it’s actively developed and completely free, Kdenlive is a great choice if you want more control than beginner editors while still staying within low-end hardware limits.

10. VideoPad

Why I picked it: It’s lightweight, simple, and doesn’t pretend to be more than what it is.

VideoPad is one of those editors that quietly gets the job done. 

It doesn’t try to look flashy or modern, and honestly, that works in its favor on a low-end PC. 

The interface is clean, the timeline is easy to understand, and you can start editing almost immediately without tweaking a bunch of settings.

On weaker systems, VideoPad feels very stable for basic tasks. 

Trimming clips, adding music, simple text, and exporting short videos works smoothly, even on older laptops with limited RAM. 

It’s especially good if you’re editing simple YouTube videos, school projects, or casual content and don’t need heavy effects.

It does have advanced features, but you don’t have to touch them. 

If you stick to the basics, VideoPad stays fast and responsive. 

It’s actively maintained and available on multiple platforms, which makes it a solid pick for anyone who just wants a straightforward editor that won’t slow their PC down.

11. Movavi Video Editor

Why I picked it: It offers a polished, beginner-friendly experience without completely overwhelming low-end PCs.

Movavi sits in a nice middle ground. 

It looks modern, feels easy to use, and doesn’t throw too many controls at you at once. 

For people who want something cleaner and more refined than open-source editors, Movavi often feels more comfortable right away.

On a low-end PC, it works best when you keep things realistic. 

Stick to 1080p projects, lower the preview quality, and avoid stacking heavy effects. 

If you do that, basic editing like cuts, transitions, text, and music stays fairly smooth. 

It’s not the lightest editor here, but it’s definitely more manageable than many pro tools.

Movavi is actively updated and stable, which matters if you’re editing regularly. 

It’s a good choice for casual YouTubers or beginners who want a simple, good-looking editor and are okay with a paid option that still respects weaker hardware.

12. Clipchamp

Why I picked it: It comes built into Windows now and works surprisingly well on low-end systems for simple edits.

Clipchamp is one of those tools many people overlook, even though it’s already sitting on their PC. 

Since Microsoft integrated it into Windows, it’s become a very familiar name, especially for beginners who just want to edit something quickly without installing heavy software.

Because Clipchamp is partly browser-based, it doesn’t put the same kind of load on your CPU or GPU as traditional desktop editors. 

On low-end PCs, that actually helps. 

Simple tasks like trimming clips, adding text, music, transitions, and exporting short videos feel smooth and stable.

It’s not meant for complex timelines or advanced effects, and you’ll hit limits if you try to do too much. 

But for quick YouTube videos, reels, presentations, or social clips, Clipchamp gets the job done without stressing your system. 

For many low-end Windows users, it’s an easy and realistic option.

Also Read: 14 Best Video Editing Software for Windows 11

13. Canva Video Editor

Why I picked it: It runs in the browser, so your PC hardware barely matters.

Canva isn’t a traditional video editor, but it’s extremely popular, and for low-end PCs, that actually works in your favor. 

Since everything runs online, your system isn’t doing the heavy lifting. 

If your PC can open a browser smoothly, you can edit videos in Canva.

The editor is very drag-and-drop. 

You can trim clips, add text, music, animations, and use ready-made templates without touching complicated settings. 

It’s especially good for social media videos, reels, presentations, and quick visual content.

Of course, Canva has limits. It’s not built for long timelines or detailed video editing. 

But for simple edits and fast exports, it’s reliable and stress-free on weak hardware. 

That’s exactly why it deserves a spot here — it solves a real problem for people whose PCs struggle with traditional editors.

14. LosslessCut

Why I picked it: It’s insanely lightweight and perfect when you just want fast cuts without stressing your PC.

LosslessCut is very different from most video editors on this list. 

It’s not about effects, transitions, or fancy timelines. 

It’s built for one thing — cutting and trimming videos as fast as possible without re-encoding them. And because of that, it runs extremely well on low-end PCs.

Even on very old systems, LosslessCut feels quick and responsive. 

You can trim large video files, remove unwanted parts, split clips, and export almost instantly since it doesn’t reprocess the video. 

That alone makes it a lifesaver if your PC struggles with heavy editing software.

The interface is simple and clean, but it’s not meant for creative editing. 

If you need text, music, or transitions, this isn’t the tool. 

But for quick edits, trimming recordings, or cleaning up footage on weak hardware, LosslessCut is hard to beat and still actively updated.

15. Icecream Video Editor

Why I picked it: It’s lightweight, easy to understand, and works well on older or slower PCs.

Icecream Video Editor is a good option if you want something simple that doesn’t overwhelm your system. 

The interface is clean and beginner-friendly, so you don’t feel lost when you open it. 

Basic tasks like trimming clips, adding music, text, and simple transitions are straightforward.

On low-end PCs, Icecream performs best with short projects and 1080p videos. 

It’s not built for heavy effects or long timelines, but for everyday editing, it stays fairly smooth and stable. 

You won’t see your system struggling the moment you add a clip, which is important on weaker hardware.

The free version has some limitations, but the core editing experience is still usable. 

Since it’s actively maintained and light on system resources, Icecream Video Editor is a solid pick for beginners who just want a simple editor that runs without problems on older machines.

16. Avidemux

Why I picked it: It’s extremely light, fast, and still works on PCs that struggle with almost everything else.

Avidemux feels very old-school, and honestly, that’s part of its strength. 

It doesn’t try to look modern or fancy, and it doesn’t load your system with unnecessary features. 

Because of that, it runs incredibly well on very low-end PCs, even ones with limited RAM and older processors.

This tool is mainly for basic tasks like cutting clips, trimming videos, filtering, and exporting in different formats. 

There’s no multi-track timeline, no effects library, and no transitions. 

But if your goal is to make quick edits without lag or crashes, Avidemux does exactly that.

It’s actively maintained, launches quickly, and stays stable even with larger files. 

For people with very weak hardware who just need simple edits done fast, Avidemux is still one of the safest options you can rely on in 2026.

Final Thoughts

If you’re working on a low-end PC, the biggest mistake is trying to force heavy editing software to work when it clearly isn’t built for your system. 

That’s usually when the lag, crashes, and frustration start. 

The tools in this list exist for a reason — they’re realistic options for weaker hardware, not just software that claims to be lightweight.

You don’t need all the features or fancy effects to make good videos. 

For many people, simple cuts, clean audio, basic text, and smooth exports are more than enough. 

Once you pick an editor that matches what your PC can actually handle, editing becomes a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable.

If your system is very weak, start with the lighter tools near the bottom of the list. 

If your PC can handle a bit more, try the popular options at the top and adjust the settings. 

Either way, there’s no need to upgrade your hardware just to edit videos — the right software makes all the difference.

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