Top 9 OBS Video Editors - From Beginner to Pro
OBS is perfect for streaming and offers powerful tools for those learning how to record with OBS, but it doesn't support direct editing. If you want to cut, trim, add music, or effects to your OBS videos, you will need a separate editing app. That is where this article comes in. We have listed the top OBS video editors. Whether you're just starting out or a pro, this article has got you covered.
Bonus: The Best Camera for OBS Recording - OBSBOT Tail 2
Using OBS to record video? Then you know how important smooth, high-quality footage is. That's where the OBSBOT Tail 2 shines — shooting in sharp 4K at 60fps to keep every frame looking clean. Its compact, plug-and-play design fits right into your workflow, so you can spend less time setting up and more time creating. Pair it with your favorite OBS video editor, and you're ready to produce polished, professional content from the start.
Key Features：
- Precise, Dynamic, Accurate Focus: Delivers precise autofocus across most lighting conditions, ensuring your OBS recordings stay sharp and in focus.
- AI Tracking 2.0: Intelligently follows the speaker as they move, keeping them centered and in focus at all times.
- High-Resolution: Records in 4K at 60 fps and 1080p at 120 fps with a 1/1.5″ CMOS sensor for crisp, detailed visuals.
- Professional Framing with Auto Zoom: Automatically adjusts your shot from close-ups to full-body views during OBS recording, giving your videos a polished, dynamic look.
Part 1: Top 9 OBS Video Editors From Beginner to Pro
Best OBS Video Editors for Beginners
1. CapCut
When you start with OBS recordings, often raw, stream-of-consciousness footage, you need a simple tool to trim, polish, and prep for sharing. CapCut fits the bill perfectly. Its online and mobile platforms let you add captions, apply filters, and speed up editing with AI tools that require no heavy software. That means you can quickly turn an OBS clip into a shareable video without fuss with this amazing video editing software for OBS.
Key Features:
- Video upscaler, speech-to-text, text-to-speech (11 voices, 10 languages)
- Motion tracking
- Rich media assets: music, stickers, filters, templates, effects
- Cross-platform support and team collaboration tools
Pros:
Free, powerful, and intuitive
Great AI features for voice, captions, and effects
Cons:
- The free version may watermark and require internet
- The desktop version lacks some advanced tools
Price Plan:
Free version; Pro plan (subscription-based with watermark-free export and AI tools) costs $179.99/yearly or $19.99/monthly
2. Filmora
For creators who want to go beyond simple cuts and make their OBS content look polished and engaging, Filmora's balance of ease and power shines. With its drag‑and‑drop timeline and AI helpers like audio cleanup and mask effects, you spend less time tweaking and more time creating. It's great for YouTubers or educators editing OBS screencasts or tutorials.
Key Features:
- AI tools like Smart Cutout, Audio Enhance, Thumbnail Creator, Voice Clone
- Standard editing tools: transitions, effects, chroma-key, multi-track timeline
Pros:
- Intuitive with rich asset library and presets
- Cross-platform compatibility and social media integration
Cons:
- No 360-degree editing
- Performance issues on low-end devices
- Confusing licensing
Price plan:
Free version; annual plan at $49.99/year or lifetime license at $79.99
3. FlexClip
If you need an OBS editor wherever you are, on a laptop, tablet, or borrowed computer, FlexClip offers web-based convenience. It's particularly handy for quickly creating intros, promotional clips, or short-form videos from OBS footage. With a library of templates and built-in voiceover tools, your videos get a professional touch, even with limited time.
Key Features:
- 2600+ templates, AI subtitles text-to-speech (400 voices, 140 languages)
- Drag-and-drop editing, stock media, and voiceover capabilities
Pros:
User-friendly, browser-based, no installation required
Packed with assets and AI tools
Cons:
- The free version has a watermark and limited export quality/time
- Lacks advanced editing features
- Performance issues with large projects
Price plan:
Free basic plan; paid plans start at $9.99/month
4. iMovie (Mac/iOS only)
For Apple users who record gameplay, tutorials, or vlogs with OBS and want a native editor that just works, iMovie is ideal. It integrates with all your devices and lets you apply themes, music, and transitions seamlessly. Plus, with features like Magic Movie, even beginners can produce polished videos without learning complex editing software.
Key Features:
- Magic Movie auto-edits with themes
- Storyboards guide storytelling
Pros:
- Free and simple with polished results
- Great for Apple ecosystem users
- Rich library of audio, themes, and visual effects
Cons:
- Lacks advanced audio mixing and professional tools
- Can struggle with long/ high-resolution projects
- Mac/iOS only
Price plan:
Free to use
Best OBS Video Editors for Advanced Users
5. DaVinci Resolve
When your OBS videos demand professional-level polish (especially in color grading or sound mixing), DaVinci Resolve is a powerhouse. It's perfect for creators ready to dive deep into their footage, offering high-end tools usually reserved for filmmakers. And the best part? The standard version is free, so you get cinematic results without upfront costs.
Key Features:
- Multi-track editing
- Fusion for VFX
- Fairlight audio editing
- Pro-level color grading
Pros:
- Free, yet delivers professional tools across platforms
Cons:
- Very steep learning curve
- Studio features (e.g., HDR, multi-GPU) are paid-only
Price Plan:
Free version; Studio for $295 (one-time)
6. Lightworks
If you're editing OBS footage for documentaries, creative projects, or just need flexibility across operating systems, Lightworks is a stellar choice. It's a fast and efficient editing suite that supports multi-track and multicam workflows, making it easy to assemble complex OBS shots with precision and speed.
Key Features:
- Multi-sequence editing
- Color grading
- VFX
- Export to SD/HD/4K
Pros:
- Powerful and fast
- Handles large files
- Cross-platform support
Cons:
- Unique UI may need time to learn
- Free version limited to 720p export
- No built-in motion tracking
Price Plan:
Free basic plan; Pro plan (monthly/yearly or one-time with Boris FX bundle) costs $27.99/monthly or $279.99/yearly
7. HitFilm Express
For OBS users who want to add visual effects, such as overlays, motion graphics, or green-screen compositing, HitFilm Express combines editing and VFX into one free package. It's especially useful for content creators making short films, intros, or stylized videos, letting you enhance your OBS clips in creative ways.
Key Features:
- 100+ effects
- Composting, animations, picture-in-picture
Pros:
- No watermark
- Free VFX toolkit
- Great for special effects
Cons:
- Requires powerful hardware
- Limited features in the free version
- Steeper learning curve
Price Plan:
Free to use; optional paid add-ons and Pro subscription
Best OBS Video Editors for Professionals
8. Adobe Premiere Pro
If you're shooting with OBS for professional projects, including branded content or long-form tutorials, Premiere Pro is the go-to tool. Its precision editing, AI-powered captioning, audio mixing, and seamless integration with Adobe's ecosystem make it ideal for high-stakes workflows. The tool is perfect for creators wanting full control over every frame.
Key Features:
- AI tools: Auto Ducking, Speech-to-text, Color Match, Morph Cut, Media Search via AI
- Pro Editing Tools: VFX, Multicam, audio mixing, 4K/HDR export
Pros:
- Highly customizable
- Top-tier performance
- Seamless creative cloud integration
Cons:
- Subscription-only
- High system requirements
- Steep learning curve
Price Plan:
$22.99/month (single app) or $69.99/month (All Apps Bundle - Creative Cloud Pro)
9. Final Cut Pro
Mac-based professionals editing OBS files will find Final Cut Pro a perfect match. It leverages Apple hardware to fluidly edit multicam footage, 4K files, and even 360° content. For creators looking to raise recording quality in OBS and polish footage in post, the new Magnetic Mask and automatic captioning features save time, while their speed makes editing a breeze.
Key Features:
- Magnetic Mask
- Transcribe to Captions
- AI color/light tools, VR/360, HDR
Pros:
- Fast and intuitive
- Optimized for mac
- Powerful AI tools
Cons:
- Mac only
- UI may differ for pros used to Premiere
- Limited audio mixing tools
Price Plan:
$299.99 (one-time purchase)
Part 2: FAQs about OBS Video Editor
1. Does OBS have video editing software?
No, OBS Studio does not have built-in video editing tools. It's mainly used for recording and live streaming, not editing. To edit the videos you record with OBS, you'll need to use a separate OBS video editor.
2. What is the best video editor for OBS?
It depends on your skill level and what you want to create. Beginners often prefer tools like CapCut or Filmora because they're simple and fast. If you're more advanced, DaVinci Resolve or Lightworks gives you powerful features for free. Professionals often go for Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro. All of these work well for OBS video editing needs.
3. Can you edit videos in OBS?
No. OBS lets you record and stream, but it doesn't offer trimming, cutting, adding music, or effects. That's why many creators use a separate OBS video editor after recording — to clean up and polish their content before uploading.
Conclusion
While OBS Studio is perfect for recording and streaming, it doesn't support direct editing. That's why using the right OBS video editor is key to turning raw footage into polished content. Whether you're a beginner using tools like CapCut and Filmora or a professional working with Premiere Pro or Final Cut Pro, there's something for every level. Each editor offers unique features to make your OBS video editing process smoother and faster.
