Kdenlive review

Kdenlive is a free and open source editor from the KDE community, and it covers more than most people expect. It has a non-linear timeline with multicam and 3-point editing, nested sequences and markers, automatic backups and proxies that keep playback smooth on low-end computers. Hundreds of effects and transitions can be keyframed, and the color tools include LUTs, histogram, vectorscope, RGB parade and waveform. For YouTubers the most useful time saver is subtitles with automatic transcription. It runs on Linux, Windows 10 or newer, macOS 13 or newer and BSD, and the latest release when we checked was 26.08.3. A small, mostly volunteer team builds it, so it has fewer AI shortcuts and less polish than commercial editors, and DaVinci Resolve's free version offers more for most users.

Who it is for

YouTubers who want a free, open source timeline editor, especially on Linux.

Price

Free and open source, no paid plan.

Kdenlive Free and Open Source Video Editor
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 10, 2026.

Key features

• Multicam and 3-point editing with nested sequences
• Proxies for smooth playback on low-end systems
• Subtitles with automatic transcription
• Hundreds of audio and video effects with keyframes
• Color tools with LUTs, histogram, vectorscope and waveform

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Free with no paid tier
• Strength: Runs on Linux, Windows, macOS and BSD
• Strength: Proxies help older computers
• Weakness: Few AI tools beyond transcription
• Weakness: Developed by a small, mostly volunteer team
• Weakness: Less polished than commercial editors

Key facts

• Price: Free and open source
• Latest version: 26.08.3
• Requires: Windows 10 or newer, macOS 13 or newer
• Developer: KDE Community

Where it ranks

Kdenlive is No. 10 in our Best Video Editing Software for YouTubers verdict.