​ Best Drone Video Editing Apps on a Budget.

Elevate Your Footage Without Breaking the Bank

Drone videography has transformed how we capture and experience the world, offering breathtaking aerial perspectives that were once reserved for professional filmmakers. We're going to start with the most easy to use editing apps which you can even get on your phone to apps that need some training to get by.

Capturing stunning footage is just the beginning—editing plays a crucial role in transforming raw clips into compelling visual narratives. Whether you're a novice enthusiast or a seasoned aerial cinematographer, having the right tools can make all the difference. 

Let's explore some of the best drone video editing apps available today, each offering unique features to help you craft cinematic masterpieces.

LightCut

LightCut is a versatile video editing app designed specifically for mobile devices, offering a comprehensive range of editing tools tailored for on-the-go editing. Available on iOS & Playstore,  LightCut empowers users to trim, cut, merge clips, apply transitions, and enhance footage with filters and effects—all from the convenience of their smartphone or tablet. Its user-friendly interface and intuitive controls make it accessible to beginners while still providing enough depth for advanced editing techniques. Whether you're capturing landscapes or documenting events, LightCut ensures your drone footage shines with professional polish without requiring expensive desktop software.

Downsides: While Lightcut offers powerful editing capabilities on mobile devices, its functionality may be limited compared to desktop-based software like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro. Mobile editing can also be more restrictive in terms of screen size and processing power, potentially affecting workflow efficiency for complex projects.

​CapCut (formerly viamaker)

CapCut has gained popularity for its simplicity and powerful editing capabilities, making it a favorite among social media content creators and drone videographers alike. Available for both iOS and Android devices, CapCut offers essential editing tools such as trimming, cutting, merging clips, adding music, text overlays, and applying filters. Its user-friendly interface and straightforward workflow make it suitable for beginners looking to enhance their drone footage quickly and efficiently. CapCut's ability to export videos in high-definition ensures your aerial captures retain their clarity and visual impact when shared across platforms.

Downsides: CapCut, while convenient and feature-rich for basic editing tasks, may lack some advanced features found in more professional editing software. Users looking for extensive color grading options, complex effects, or precise audio editing may find CapCut's capabilities somewhat limited.

​Davinci Resolve

DaVinci Resolve stands as a powerhouse in the world of video editing, renowned for its advanced color grading capabilities and professional-grade editing tools. Available in both free and paid versions (DaVinci Resolve Studio), this software is favored by filmmakers and content creators alike for its robust feature set. 

For drone videographers, DaVinci Resolve excels in handling high-resolution footage with ease, offering tools for editing, color correction, audio post-production, and visual effects. Its intuitive interface and real-time collaboration features make it ideal for projects of any scale, ensuring your drone videos maintain their visual integrity and storytelling impact.

Downsides: DaVinci Resolve's comprehensive feature set can be overwhelming for beginners, requiring a learning curve to master its full capabilities. Additionally, while the free version is powerful, some advanced features are exclusive to the paid Studio version. 

Choosing the Right App for Your Needs

When selecting a drone video editing app, consider your editing style, technical requirements, and budget. DaVinci Resolve stands out for its professional-grade features and robust capabilities, making it suitable for filmmakers and advanced users who require precise control over every aspect of their projects. 

Lightcut and CapCut offer convenient mobile solutions for editing on the go, catering to users who prioritize flexibility and ease of use without sacrificing quality. 

Whether you're editing for personal projects, social media, or professional endeavors, these apps provide the tools needed to transform raw drone footage into captivating visual stories that captivate and inspire.