Video editing on Ubuntu has come a long way, offering powerful tools for both home creators and professionals. Whether you run Ubuntu, Linux Mint, or another Linux distro, having access to reliable video editing software can boost your creative workflow.
In 2025, there are still excellent free and paid options and on this list, we will focus on the FREE video editors for your Linux systems. Some editors now include AI-assisted tools like smart captions or voice-over assistants.
If you see a tool we missed (or think something needs updating), leave a comment below and or contact us, we love the feedback.
Best Free Video Editors on Ubuntu in 2025
Blender
Blender isn’t just for 3D, its Video Sequence Editor (VSE) is a powerful tool for cutting, compositing, and rendering videos. Plus, Python scripting support allows customization and automation. AI-driven add-ons (like easy motion tracking) are increasingly supported by the community. Learn more about Blender.
- Fully integrated 3D + editing workflow
- Scriptable via Python for automation or plug-ins
- Stable updates via official Ubuntu or Snap repos
[ Download Blender ]
Natron
Natron is still a staple for node-based visual effects and compositing. While updates slowed slightly, it’s stable on Ubuntu 24.04 and 26.04. Ideal for compositors working with Blender or Kdenlive for finishing effects.
- OpenFX plugin support (e.g. TuttleOFX, Yadif)
- 32-bit floating point color pipeline via OpenColorIO
- Lightweight and scriptable for node-based workflows
[ Download Natron ]
Kdenlive
Kdenlive remains the most popular video editor on Linux. Its active development in 2025 (KDE Project) added proxy editing, customizable workflow layouts, and faster render engine support. Recently, plugins offer AI-assisted subtitle generation and smart clip tagging. Learn
- Proxy editing for smoother handling of 4K video
- AI plugins for subtitles and clip categorization
Shotcut
Shotcut keeps evolving as a stable open-source editor. In 2025 it supports GPU-accelerated filters, advanced color grading, and hardware-accelerated exports. It’s regularly updated and handles broad format support via FFmpeg.
- 4K resolution support with GPU hardware encoding
- Audio filters, color grading, and transition effects
- Live preview and real-time performance improvements
[ Download Shotcut ]
DaVinci Resolve 20 (Free Version)
DaVinci Resolve 20 offers a professional-grade editing suite with a powerful free tier. The Linux version now includes AI tools like AI subtitles, voice-over assistant, smart multicam switching, and layered PSD support.
- Hollywood-level color grading, Fusion compositing, Fairlight audio tools
- AI features in the free version (speech-to-text, smart edit suggestions)
- Supports export up to 4K/60fps without watermark
Quick Comparison Table
| Editor | Ubuntu 24.04/26.04 Support | Free / Paid | AI Features | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blender VSE | ✅ | Free | Community add-ons | 3D + Video Workflows |
| Natron | ✅ | Free | No | VFX & Compositing |
| Kdenlive | ✅ | Free | Plugin AI subtitles | General Editing |
| Shotcut | ✅ | Free | GPU filters, non-AI | Beginner to intermediate |
| DaVinci Resolve | ✅ | Free + Studio | Built-in AI edit tools | Professional/Film |
If you’ve used any of these editors or want others (like Flowblade, Olive, or Lightworks) added, drop a comment below, we’ll update this list regularly.
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