VideoPad review

VideoPad is NCH Software's long-running editor and the only one here that still offers versions for Windows 98, 2000 and XP/Vista, alongside the current build for Windows 7 to 11 and macOS 10.5 or above. That breadth matters if your PC cannot be upgraded. The editor covers the essentials with a drag and drop timeline, over 50 effects and transitions, 60+ video formats, chroma key, picture-in-picture, subtitles, stabilization, 3D and 360 degree editing, and export to DVD or online. NCH describes it as one of the fastest video stream processors on the market, but it does not publish a minimum RAM or CPU figure to check against. The free version is limited to non-commercial home use, so anyone editing for a business needs a paid license, and the license prices load only inside the checkout page, which is why the price here is pending.

Who it is for

Home users on old Windows versions

Price

Free version for non-commercial use; paid licenses: see vendor pricing (USD check pending).

US price check pending. See the vendor pricing page.

Key features

• Runs on Windows 7 to 11, with downloads for Windows 98, 2000 and XP/Vista
• Over 50 visual and transition effects
• 60+ supported video formats, including avi, wmv, mp4 and mpeg
• Burn to DVD or export for YouTube and portable devices
• 3D and 360 degree video editing

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Compatible versions offered for very old Windows releases
• Strength: Free version needs no signup
• Strength: Drag and drop timeline with chroma key and picture-in-picture
• Weakness: Free version is for non-commercial use only
• Weakness: No published minimum RAM or CPU
• Weakness: Paid license prices load only at checkout

Key facts

• Windows support: Windows 7 to 11, older builds for 98 to Vista
• Mac support: macOS 10.5 or above
• Effects: 50+ visual and transition effects
• Free version: Non-commercial home use

Where it ranks

VideoPad is No. 9 in our Best Video Editors for Low-End PCs verdict.