Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Lightworks VS Hitfilm Express

Compare Lightworks VS Hitfilm Express and see what are their differences

Lightworks logo Lightworks

Lightworks is an editing powerhouse, delivering unparalleled speed and flexibility, fully...

Hitfilm Express logo Hitfilm Express

Free video-editing and video-composition software in one, with the option of buying fx-packs
  • Lightworks Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-14
  • Hitfilm Express Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-08-05

Lightworks features and specs

  • Professional-grade Editing Tools
    Lightworks offers industry-standard editing tools that are used in professional film editing, including support for multi-camera editing, advanced trimming, and various video and audio effects.
  • Extensive Format Support
    Lightworks supports a wide range of video formats, making it highly versatile for different types of projects.
  • High Precision
    The software is known for its high-precision editing capabilities, allowing for frame-accurate video editing which is essential for professional-grade video production.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Lightworks works on multiple operating systems including Windows, Mac, and Linux, providing flexibility for users who work on different platforms.
  • Real-time Effects
    The software supports real-time effects, allowing editors to see the impact of their changes without having to render the video first.
  • Collaborative Editing
    Lightworks offers collaborative features that make it easier for multiple editors to work on the same project simultaneously.
  • Free Version Available
    Lightworks offers a free version with a substantial set of features, making it accessible for beginners and independent filmmakers.

Possible disadvantages of Lightworks

  • Steep Learning Curve
    Although Lightworks is feature-rich, it has a steep learning curve that may be challenging for beginners.
  • Free Version Limitations
    The free version has some limitations, such as restricted export options—maximum resolution of 720p and limited export formats, which may not be suitable for all projects.
  • User Interface
    Some users find the user interface to be less intuitive compared to other video editing software, which can slow down the learning process.
  • System Requirements
    Lightworks requires a relatively powerful computer to run smoothly, which could be an issue for users with older or less powerful systems.
  • Customer Support
    The support for the free version is limited to community forums and documentation, which may not be sufficient for users needing immediate or more detailed help.
  • Price of Premium Version
    The premium version, which includes additional features and higher export resolutions, can be relatively expensive compared to other video editing software.

Hitfilm Express features and specs

  • Cost
    HitFilm Express is free to use, making it accessible for users who may not have the budget for expensive software.
  • Feature-Rich
    Includes a wide range of features, such as compositing, visual effects, and basic 3D capabilities, usually found in more expensive software.
  • User Interface
    Intuitive and customizable user interface that provides a good balance between ease of use and advanced features.
  • Regular Updates
    The software is frequently updated with new features and improvements, ensuring users have access to the latest tools and technologies.
  • Community Support
    Large, active user community and a wealth of tutorials, forums, and other resources available for both beginners and advanced users.

Possible disadvantages of Hitfilm Express

  • Learning Curve
    Despite the intuitive UI, the extensive feature set can be overwhelming for beginners, requiring a significant investment of time to learn.
  • Performance
    May require a high-performance computer to run smoothly, particularly when working with complex projects or high-resolution footage.
  • Watermarked Features
    Some advanced features and effects are watermarked in the free version, requiring a paid upgrade to use without restrictions.
  • Export Options
    Limited export options in the free version compared to professional-grade software, which might be restrictive for some users.
  • Customer Support
    Priority customer support is only available in the paid versions, which might be a limitation for free users who need immediate help.

Analysis of Hitfilm Express

Overall verdict

  • Yes, HitFilm Express is considered a good option for both beginners and more experienced video editors looking for a cost-effective solution with a robust set of features. Its combination of advanced tools and ease of use makes it a strong contender in the free video editing software space.

Why this product is good

  • HitFilm Express is a popular video editing software known for its professional-grade features that are available for free. It offers a wide range of visual effects, compositing tools, and editing functionalities that are often only found in paid software. Users appreciate its intuitive interface, high-quality output, and the active community that provides resources and tutorials.

Recommended for

    HitFilm Express is recommended for aspiring filmmakers, content creators, YouTubers, and anyone interested in video editing and visual effects who wants a powerful tool without the financial commitment of purchasing high-end software.

Lightworks videos

Review: EditShare Lightworks from the perspective of a Premiere Pro editor

More videos:

  • Review - Is Lightworks Actually Free?
  • Review - Lightworks vs Kdenlive | Comparing FREE Video Editors

Hitfilm Express videos

Hitfilm Express 2017 Full Review - Best Free VFX and Editing Software?

More videos:

  • Review - HitFilm 4 Pro Review - Editing & Visual Effects Software
  • Review - Hitfilm Express VS Davinci Resolve

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Lightworks and Hitfilm Express)
Video Editors
63 63%
37% 37
Video
59 59%
41% 41
Video Tools
100 100%
0% 0
Video Maker
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Lightworks and Hitfilm Express

Lightworks Reviews

10 Best Video Editors for YouTube in 2024
Lightworks stands out as a professional video editing tool with robust multi-track editing and dynamic real-time effects. It’s perfect for semi-professional or experienced YouTubers who require advanced editing capabilities without an initial cost, as the free version is feature-rich but restricts exports to 720p. To access higher resolutions, upgrading to the pro version is...
13 Best Green Screen Software For Windows (2024)
Lightworks is a video editing software for newcomers and pros in the film world. It has easy-to-use green screen tools for creating high-quality chroma key effects in your videos. Popular with YouTuber experts, Light Works has several features that make it a leading choice for creating green-screen videos.
Source: mixilab.com
Windows Best Video Editing Software
Lightworks has a user-friendly interface that makes it simple to get started. Lightworks is a video editing software that comes with a library of detailed video tutorials, making it one of the more accessible and simple to learn Linux video editing software options on this list.
Best Free Video Editing Software for Linux
Both Resolve and Lightworks have their issues as well; Resolve’s being it only supports CentOS 7 and has features locked away behind Resolve Studio, and Lightwork’s is the same locked down features with the added subscription/license model. 720p in 2020? Get out of here. If you make you living in video, then by all means spring for the licensed copies of these – but for the...
Source: itsfoss.com
The Complete List of Video Marketing Tools (Updated for 2022)
Lightworks is a capable, versatile, and valuable video editor that almost anyone can learn-- even the amateurs. If you’re working on video production and suddenly need an advanced tool for post-production, this tool can provide you with anything you need. The color correction, filters, video effects features can help to get your audio and visuals just right.

Hitfilm Express Reviews

10 Best Video Editors for YouTube in 2024
HitFilm Express offers a no-cost solution for blending essential editing with advanced visual effects (VFX)400 effects, including Chroma Key and motion tracking, it empowers creators to elevate their content. While it may take some time to master, the robust capabilities make it an excellent pick for anyone seeking to incorporate professional-grade effects into their...
10 Best Video Editing Software for Beginners
With the particle effects and motion tracking, you can produce superpower visual effects, such as lightning, laser eye, or shrinking like the Ant Man. It is made for serious beginners who are willing to learn and enhance their skills. The best part? FXhome, the developer of HitFilm Express, hosts detailed video tutorials and project files of the tutorial. You can download...
Windows Best Video Editing Software
If you’re new to video editing, HitFilm Express might seem intimidating at first—designed it’s to create Hollywood-style films—but it’s well worth the effort because it’s one of the best all-in-one free video editors available. (When you download the software, HitFilm will ask you to share a social media status update, but that’s a small price to pay.)
5 Movie Maker Alternatives to Try in 2020
Although it may look like a tool for real filmmakers, HitFilm Express is beginner-friendly and can be used for simpler tasks like compiling a vacation video if you’re willing to invest a bit of time to get familiar with the main tabs and controls.
The Complete List of Video Marketing Tools (Updated for 2022)
If you’re looking for a video editor that provides professional-level features without the professional-level price tag, then Hitfilm Express is worth considering. This tool provides you with easy-to-use professional features, like filters and special effects, keying for green-screen effects, as well as a selection of 2D and 3D composition tools. Hitfilm Express makes it...

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Hitfilm Express should be more popular than Lightworks. It has been mentiond 33 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Lightworks mentions (19)

  • Lightworks Pro 2024 Crack Download
    Turn off the antivirus that you have on your system. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Creative logos vs the periodic table
    Haven't done video editing in a long time, but what's wrong with lightworks? Source: over 2 years ago
  • Looking for Lightworks Console
    It is always good to know different editing systems if you plan on doing this for a career. Lightworks is a very good editing system that lets you focus on the editing itself without bogging you down in lots of effects and many different panels. Lightworks has a free version which makes it very advantageous to start out with. It does have a bit of a learning curve but the people on the forum @ lwks.com are great... Source: over 2 years ago
  • What's some really useful software?
    Lightworks is a decent video editor, also great for a gaming video editing, though there are alternatives. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Daily Megathread - 09/08/2022
    No time like the present to learn a new hobby! Source: almost 3 years ago
View more

Hitfilm Express mentions (33)

  • My kid is interested in learning
    I was about 10 when I first discovered Vfx. I started out with a program called Hitfilm. Hitfilm has a free version plus a wide variety of youtube tutorials. It thought me the basics of 2D VFX. It is more beginner friendly than almost any other VFX software out there and all the official tutorials come with free project files and footage so that you can follow along. I haven't used Hitfilm in a few years and... Source: almost 2 years ago
  • What open source or free software alternatives would you recommend?
    HitFilm as a video editor available cross platform. I use it as an alternative to Final Cut Pro on my Mac. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Film equipment recommendations for a long-form podcast
    Video Editing Software - Adobe Premiere or, if you use Linux, they have some pretty good free NLEs. An alternative I like to turn people on to is HitFilm. Source: about 2 years ago
  • What free program do you use to edit go pro videos to upload to youtube?
    Another free one (heard good things haven’t used): https://fxhome.com/product/hitfilm. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Hello, I am new to all this. Could someone tell me where I can learn VFX and sound design so that I can create my own content?
    Learn by doing, and start off with some free VFX software such as HitFilm Express: https://fxhome.com/product/hitfilm. Source: about 2 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Lightworks and Hitfilm Express, you can also consider the following products

DaVinci Resolve - Revolutionary new tools for editing, color correction and professional audio post production, all in a single application!

Kdenlive - Free and open-source, full-featured video editor.

Blender - Blender is the open source, cross platform suite of tools for 3D creation.

Adobe Premiere Pro - Edit video faster than ever before with the powerful, more connected Adobe Premiere® Pro CC.

iMovie - Turn your videos into movie magic.

Final Cut Pro - Professional, non-linear video editing software created by Apple Inc.