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Comparison · Video editing software

Final Cut Pro vs Shotcut: which is better in 2026?

Final Cut Pro90.5#2 in best video editing softwareShotcut86.5#4 in best video editing software

Final Cut Pro ranks higher in our list of video editing software (#2 against #4, score 90.5 against 86.5).

  • 90.5
    Editorial score
    86.5
  • 2
    Platforms
    3
  • No
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose Final Cut Pro if you want

Mac editing with ProRes performance.

Strong on Apple silicon, with ProRes acceleration and a one-time price on the App Store. It runs only on Mac and iPad, so Windows and Linux editors fall outside its reach.

Choose Shotcut if you want

Free open-source editing on any desktop.

A free, open-source editor for Windows, macOS and Linux that edits media without importing it first. Its timeline takes time to learn, and it is less focused on color grading than DaVinci Resolve.

The main differences

  • Only Shotcut runs on Linux.
  • Only Shotcut runs on Windows.
  • Shotcut is open source; Final Cut Pro is not.
  • Shotcut can be used for free; Final Cut Pro requires payment.

Side by side

Final Cut ProShotcut
Score90.586.5
Rank in list#2 of 7#4 of 7
PriceOne-time purchaseOne-time purchase on the Mac App Store; also part of Apple Creator StudioFree and open sourceFree and open source under GPLv3
Free to useNoYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsmacOSiPadOSmacOS, iPadOSWindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, Linux
Made byAppleMeltytech
Best forMac editing with ProRes performanceFree open-source editing on any desktop
Strengths
  • Media Engine speeds up ProRes on Apple silicon
  • One-time purchase on the Mac App Store
  • Free and open source under GPLv3
  • No import needed before editing
Limits
  • Limited to Apple devices
  • Timeline takes time to learn
  • Less guided than consumer editors
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about Final Cut Pro vs Shotcut

Is Final Cut Pro better than Shotcut?
Final Cut Pro ranks higher in our list of video editing software (#2 against #4, score 90.5 against 86.5). Final Cut Pro is best for: mac editing with ProRes performance. Shotcut is best for: free open-source editing on any desktop.
Which is cheaper, Final Cut Pro or Shotcut?
Final Cut Pro: One-time purchase on the Mac App Store; also part of Apple Creator Studio. Shotcut: Free and open source under GPLv3.
Do Final Cut Pro and Shotcut run on the same platforms?
Final Cut Pro supports macOS, iPadOS. Shotcut supports Windows, macOS, Linux.