I use video editing tools quite often in my work and social activities. The video is more and more widely used format and there are lots of tools available that you can use and choose from. For this post I thought I pick two of them: Flexclip, which is a browser based editor, and ClipChamp that you can use with browser or Windows app.
FlexClip is an online video creation and editing tool that allows users to create and edit videos quickly and easily. It offers a range of features and tools to help you to create good looking videos for various purposes, such as social media, presentations, and more. You can can import your own media, including videos, photos, and music, or use FlexClip’s library of stock media. It is possible to trim and edit footage, add text, captions, music, and other effects, and export their finished video in various formats and resolutions. It is a browser-based tool, which has of course advantages (no need to install apps) but also some limitations on UI.
ClipChamp has the same description than FlexClip. On top I think it is good to mention that ClipChamp is a Microsoft product and it has also a standalone Windows application available. Some other differences between them are:
- ClipChamp seems to have more templates and stock media than FlexClip
- Some say FlexClip has a simpler and more intuitive interface than ClipChamp, but this is more about what you have used to use.
- ClipChamp includes more advanced editing options such as speed control, chroma key and audio mixer
- FlexClip has a lower price for its premium plans than ClipChamp, but ClipChamp’s premium plan is more comparable to FlexClip’s business plan and this makes ClipChamp to have a lower price.
- ClipChamp integrates with Windows 11 and the app uses PC for rendering videos
- And on the contrast FlexClip doesn’t rely on PC power when rendering video
So both these tools have pros and cons. Both have templates and resources to create short and engaging videos. You can use AI capabilities on both tools – including Text to Speech.
Creating new content is easy as well. In Clipchamp you can record and create in the same place.
What I like with ClipChamp is that it has also Speaker Coach to help you train yourself to be better.
ClipChamp has recording limited to 30 minutes. It is good to note that while ClipChamp has Windows app, it is just a shell over a browser implementation. In reality these two tools are very similar to each other when it comes to technology.
FlexClip has more limited recording options – you can choose to record either screen or webcam, but not both at the same time.
What I liked in FlexClip is that you can use Remove Background on photos to make average photos more usable in videos. That is very well embedded to the tool. However removing background takes too much time.
Some adjustments in ClipChamp are a bit hidden to the right side, and depend on selected content.
In FlexClip tools are very visible on the UI.
It is really the situation where you-win-some you-lose-some between these two tools.
ClipChamp costs 11,99€ per month compared to FlexClip costs on Plus level $9,99/month and on Business-level $19.99 / month. FlexClip has limitations on video length and also on stock videos per project.
ClipChamp has free and essential levels only. To be fair I think you could compare ClipChamp Essentials to FlexClip Business. In this comparison ClipChamp is actually cheaper.
Which one I prefer to use?
For me the answer is ClipChamp out of these two. I have also used FlexClip, but unless you have a Business-subscription you have quite much limitations there and exporting your videos don’t have good quality on Free and Basic level. If you go for free tool, then looking at features included ClipChamp again wins that. Sorry, FlexClip.
But the answer is not so simple in a way. ClipChamp is quite limited without Essentials and FlexClip has the right cloud attitude: you can easily pick up on editing video on another client if you want to. With ClipChamp you need to turn on cloud backup on separately, to be able to continue. While you can see your project in a different client, your media isn’t necessarily there.
To me ClipChamp wins on layers and the UI. User Experience in ClipChamp is overall more to my liking. Both tools have filters, adjustments and other options available. Both are powerful tools that can help with content generation. I am sure some people rank the easiness of browser based tool over other features. It is also good to note that video export does take time in ClipChamp – if you have a lower power computer you can expect longer export times too.
My answer stays at ClipChamp. What’s yours and why?
Vesa Nopanen - My Metaverse Day 