New Get the Most Out of VLC Enabling Slow Motion Playback for 2024

Morgan Lv12

2024-04-28 05:24:08 2024-04-28 05:24:08 Created 2024-04-29 05:24:08 2024-04-29 05:24:08 Updated

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Get the Most Out of VLC: Enabling Slow Motion Playback

While the files of the most common formats like MP4, WAV, etc. may look identical, they might be compiled using varied codecs which may or may not support any random player that you install on your PC. The reason why VLC media player is used by the majority of users worldwide is the versatility in the codecs that it supports natively.

Furthermore, the app is available for almost every platform, i.e., Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android, and is absolutely free to download and use.

With that said, the following sections explain how to manage the playback speed of a video while using VLC media player to add a slow motion effect to video. Here you will learn how to play slow motion on VLC on Windows, Mac, and iOS/Android, and also how to set the default speed for the app so that every time a video is played, the speed remains according to your preference.

Part 1: How to Play Video in Slow Motion Effects on Windows with VLC?

VLC is one of the best media players to play videos in slow motion . You can follow the instructions that are given below to learn how to play a video in slow motion in VLC on a Windows PC:

Step 1: Start Video Playback

Launch VLC on your Windows computer (a Windows 11 PC is used here for illustrations), click Media from the menu bar at the top, click Open File from the menu, and locate and open a video that you want to watch in slow motion. If VLC is your default media player, simply double-clicking the clip automatically opens the file in the app.

Step 2: Reduce the Playback Speed (In Decrements of 0.10x)

Once the playback begins, press the Spacebar on the keyboard to pause the video. Next, go to the Playback menu from the top, go to Speed, and click Slower (fine) once. This will reduce the speed to 0.90x. Clicking Slower (fine) again will further slow down the video to 0.80x speed. You can repeat this process until you reduce the speed to your desired level. Press Spacebar again to resume the playback in slow motion.

Note: The lowest speed that you can go to using this process is 0.03x.

Step 3: Reduce the Playback Speed (In Decrements in Percentage)

Pause the playback and go to Playback > Speed as explained in the previous step. From the list that comes up, click Slower (the last option). This will reduce the speed to 0.67x. Click Slower again and the speed will further go down to 0.50x. You can repeat this process until you reach your desired playback speed. Press Spacebar to resume the playback in slow motion. With this method, you can reduce the speed to as low as 0.02x.

Note: You can click Normal from the Speed submenu to play the video at normal speed.

Step 4: Using the Shortcut Keys (Optional)

You can press the left square bracket ‘[‘ on your keyboard to reduce the speed in decrements of 0.10x. To get back to the normal speed, press the equals to ‘=’ key. Likewise, pressing the right square bracket ‘]’ increases the speed by 0.10x.

Note: As it is with the Slower (fine) and Slower options, you can use Faster (fine) to add 0.10x increments to the speed, and Faster to increase percentage-wise. Also, if Faster (fine) is clicked repeatedly or its shortcut key is used multiple times, the speed can be increased up to 31.25x. On the other hand, by using the Faster option repeatedly, the speed can be increased to more than 100x.

Part 2: How to Play Slow Motion Effects on Mac with VLC?

The process of slowing down the video playback in VLC on a Mac computer is almost identical to that in Windows. You can learn how to get this done by following the steps that are given below:

Step 1: Open and Pause the Video

Locate and right-click the video that you want to play in slow motion, go to Open With from the context menu, and click VLC from the submenu. Once the clip opens, click the Pause button from the bottom as explained in the previous section.

Step 2: Reduce the Playback Speed

Click Playback from the menu bar at the top, and drag the Playback Speed slider to the left to reduce the speed of the video.

Step 3: Resume the Playback

Click anywhere on the screen to close the Playback menu, and then click the Play button from the bottom to resume the video playback in slow motion.

Part 3: How to Control Playback Speed in VLC Media Player on Android and iOS?

Although the playback speed of a video on both Android and iOS devices can be controlled with a slider, the location where the controller is placed on the two platforms varies, and so does the process of reaching there. Both the methods are explained below for your convenience:

Play Video in Slow Motion on Android with VLC

Step 1: Pause the Playback

Launch VLC on your Android phone (Samsung Galaxy Note 10+ is used here for illustrations), locate and open the video in VLC, tap anywhere on the screen, and tap the Pause button from the bottom to pause the playback.

Step 2: Set a Slower Playback Speed

Tap the More icon from the bottom-right corner, tap Playback speed from the menu that appears, and drag the slider that is present at the bottom to the left to reduce the speed. Alternatively, you can also repeatedly tap the down arrow that is present at the right of the slider to slow down the speed in the decrements of 0.05x.

Step 3: Resume the Playback

Tap anywhere on the screen, and when the Playback speed slider disappears, tap the screen one more time. Now, tap the Play icon from the bottom to resume the video playback.

Play Video in Slow Motion on iPhone with VLC

Step 1: Pause the Playback

Assuming that you have already added the video to the VLC library by connecting it to iTunes, launch the app on your iOS device (iPhone 13 Pro Max is used here for illustrations). Tap the video that you want to play in slow motion, and then tap the Pause icon from the bottom.

Step 2: Reduce the Playback Speed

Tap anywhere on the screen, and tap the Clock icon from the lower-left corner. Next, drag the Playback speed slider to the left to reduce the playback speed.

Step 3: Resume the Playback

Right after decreasing the speed, tap the Play icon from the bottom to resume the playback. If the controllers disappear, you can tap anywhere on the screen again, and then tap the Play icon.

Part 4: How to Set up the Default Playback Speed on VLC?

The processes of setting up default playback speed on different platforms and devices vary. For your convenience, all of them are explained below:

Set up Default Playback Speed in VLC on Windows

Go to Tools > Preferences in VLC media player, and then click the All button from the Show settings section at the bottom.
Select Input / Codecs from the left pane of the Advanced Preferences box, and then specify your preferred speed in the Playback speed field that is present under the Playback control section on the right window
Click Save to save the changes

Set up Default Playback Speed in VLC on Mac

Launch VLC, and go to VLC media player from the menu bar, and then click Preferences; and then click Show All from the bottom of the Preferences box to display all preferences setting options;

Click the Input / Codecs from the left pane, and then define your preferred speed in the Playback speed field under the Playback control section in the right window, and then click Save to save the changes.

How to Change VLC Media Player Default Speed on Android

Note: At the time of this writing, the Android version of VLC doesn’t allow you to set a global default playback speed. However, you can set it on a per video basis. This means that every time that video is played, the playback speed will remain what you set for it. You must do this for each video in your VLC library individually.

Launch VLC, and then tap More from the bottom-right corner; next, tap SETTINGS from the upper-left area;
Tap Video from the Extra settings section, and then check the Save Playback Speed box

How to Change VLC Media Player Default Speed on iOS and iPhone

Tap Settings from the Home screen, and then scroll down and tap VLC
Tap Default playback speed from the GENERIC section, and then tap to select a playback speed from the available list to set it as the default.

Conclusion

It is pretty convenient to reduce the playback speed in VLC media player regardless of the platform or device you are using. While the processes of getting the job might be different, the principle behind it remains the same. When on Windows, the playback speed can be decreased to 0.02x and can be increased to more than 100x. This facility is not available on Mac, iOS, or Android platforms. Also, if you want, you can set the default playback speed for the videos so that every time a clip is played, the pace remains what you specified as default.

02 How to Play Slow Motion Effects on Mac with VLC?

03 How to Control Playback Speed in VLC Media Player on Android and iOS?

04 How to Set up the Default Playback Speed on VLC?

Part 1: How to Play Video in Slow Motion Effects on Windows with VLC?

VLC is one of the best media players to play videos in slow motion . You can follow the instructions that are given below to learn how to play a video in slow motion in VLC on a Windows PC:

Step 1: Start Video Playback

Step 2: Reduce the Playback Speed (In Decrements of 0.10x)

Note: The lowest speed that you can go to using this process is 0.03x.

Step 3: Reduce the Playback Speed (In Decrements in Percentage)

Note: You can click Normal from the Speed submenu to play the video at normal speed.

Step 4: Using the Shortcut Keys (Optional)

Part 2: How to Play Slow Motion Effects on Mac with VLC?

The process of slowing down the video playback in VLC on a Mac computer is almost identical to that in Windows. You can learn how to get this done by following the steps that are given below:

Step 1: Open and Pause the Video

Step 2: Reduce the Playback Speed

Click Playback from the menu bar at the top, and drag the Playback Speed slider to the left to reduce the speed of the video.

Step 3: Resume the Playback

Click anywhere on the screen to close the Playback menu, and then click the Play button from the bottom to resume the video playback in slow motion.

Part 3: How to Control Playback Speed in VLC Media Player on Android and iOS?

Play Video in Slow Motion on Android with VLC

Step 1: Pause the Playback

Step 2: Set a Slower Playback Speed

Step 3: Resume the Playback

Tap anywhere on the screen, and when the Playback speed slider disappears, tap the screen one more time. Now, tap the Play icon from the bottom to resume the video playback.

Play Video in Slow Motion on iPhone with VLC

Step 1: Pause the Playback

Step 2: Reduce the Playback Speed

Tap anywhere on the screen, and tap the Clock icon from the lower-left corner. Next, drag the Playback speed slider to the left to reduce the playback speed.

Step 3: Resume the Playback

Right after decreasing the speed, tap the Play icon from the bottom to resume the playback. If the controllers disappear, you can tap anywhere on the screen again, and then tap the Play icon.

Part 4: How to Set up the Default Playback Speed on VLC?

The processes of setting up default playback speed on different platforms and devices vary. For your convenience, all of them are explained below:

Set up Default Playback Speed in VLC on Windows

Go to Tools > Preferences in VLC media player, and then click the All button from the Show settings section at the bottom.
Select Input / Codecs from the left pane of the Advanced Preferences box, and then specify your preferred speed in the Playback speed field that is present under the Playback control section on the right window
Click Save to save the changes

Set up Default Playback Speed in VLC on Mac

Launch VLC, and go to VLC media player from the menu bar, and then click Preferences; and then click Show All from the bottom of the Preferences box to display all preferences setting options;

Click the Input / Codecs from the left pane, and then define your preferred speed in the Playback speed field under the Playback control section in the right window, and then click Save to save the changes.

How to Change VLC Media Player Default Speed on Android

Launch VLC, and then tap More from the bottom-right corner; next, tap SETTINGS from the upper-left area;
Tap Video from the Extra settings section, and then check the Save Playback Speed box

How to Change VLC Media Player Default Speed on iOS and iPhone

Tap Settings from the Home screen, and then scroll down and tap VLC
Tap Default playback speed from the GENERIC section, and then tap to select a playback speed from the available list to set it as the default.

Conclusion

02 How to Play Slow Motion Effects on Mac with VLC?

03 How to Control Playback Speed in VLC Media Player on Android and iOS?

04 How to Set up the Default Playback Speed on VLC?

Part 1: How to Play Video in Slow Motion Effects on Windows with VLC?

VLC is one of the best media players to play videos in slow motion . You can follow the instructions that are given below to learn how to play a video in slow motion in VLC on a Windows PC:

Step 1: Start Video Playback

Step 2: Reduce the Playback Speed (In Decrements of 0.10x)

Note: The lowest speed that you can go to using this process is 0.03x.

Step 3: Reduce the Playback Speed (In Decrements in Percentage)

Note: You can click Normal from the Speed submenu to play the video at normal speed.

Step 4: Using the Shortcut Keys (Optional)

Part 2: How to Play Slow Motion Effects on Mac with VLC?

The process of slowing down the video playback in VLC on a Mac computer is almost identical to that in Windows. You can learn how to get this done by following the steps that are given below:

Step 1: Open and Pause the Video

Step 2: Reduce the Playback Speed

Click Playback from the menu bar at the top, and drag the Playback Speed slider to the left to reduce the speed of the video.

Step 3: Resume the Playback

Click anywhere on the screen to close the Playback menu, and then click the Play button from the bottom to resume the video playback in slow motion.

Part 3: How to Control Playback Speed in VLC Media Player on Android and iOS?

Play Video in Slow Motion on Android with VLC

Step 1: Pause the Playback

Step 2: Set a Slower Playback Speed

Step 3: Resume the Playback

Tap anywhere on the screen, and when the Playback speed slider disappears, tap the screen one more time. Now, tap the Play icon from the bottom to resume the video playback.

Play Video in Slow Motion on iPhone with VLC

Step 1: Pause the Playback

Step 2: Reduce the Playback Speed

Tap anywhere on the screen, and tap the Clock icon from the lower-left corner. Next, drag the Playback speed slider to the left to reduce the playback speed.

Step 3: Resume the Playback

Right after decreasing the speed, tap the Play icon from the bottom to resume the playback. If the controllers disappear, you can tap anywhere on the screen again, and then tap the Play icon.

Part 4: How to Set up the Default Playback Speed on VLC?

The processes of setting up default playback speed on different platforms and devices vary. For your convenience, all of them are explained below:

Set up Default Playback Speed in VLC on Windows

Go to Tools > Preferences in VLC media player, and then click the All button from the Show settings section at the bottom.
Select Input / Codecs from the left pane of the Advanced Preferences box, and then specify your preferred speed in the Playback speed field that is present under the Playback control section on the right window
Click Save to save the changes

Set up Default Playback Speed in VLC on Mac

Launch VLC, and go to VLC media player from the menu bar, and then click Preferences; and then click Show All from the bottom of the Preferences box to display all preferences setting options;

Click the Input / Codecs from the left pane, and then define your preferred speed in the Playback speed field under the Playback control section in the right window, and then click Save to save the changes.

How to Change VLC Media Player Default Speed on Android

Launch VLC, and then tap More from the bottom-right corner; next, tap SETTINGS from the upper-left area;
Tap Video from the Extra settings section, and then check the Save Playback Speed box

How to Change VLC Media Player Default Speed on iOS and iPhone

Tap Settings from the Home screen, and then scroll down and tap VLC
Tap Default playback speed from the GENERIC section, and then tap to select a playback speed from the available list to set it as the default.

Conclusion

02 How to Play Slow Motion Effects on Mac with VLC?

03 How to Control Playback Speed in VLC Media Player on Android and iOS?

04 How to Set up the Default Playback Speed on VLC?

Part 1: How to Play Video in Slow Motion Effects on Windows with VLC?

VLC is one of the best media players to play videos in slow motion . You can follow the instructions that are given below to learn how to play a video in slow motion in VLC on a Windows PC:

Step 1: Start Video Playback

Step 2: Reduce the Playback Speed (In Decrements of 0.10x)

Note: The lowest speed that you can go to using this process is 0.03x.

Step 3: Reduce the Playback Speed (In Decrements in Percentage)

Note: You can click Normal from the Speed submenu to play the video at normal speed.

Step 4: Using the Shortcut Keys (Optional)

Part 2: How to Play Slow Motion Effects on Mac with VLC?

The process of slowing down the video playback in VLC on a Mac computer is almost identical to that in Windows. You can learn how to get this done by following the steps that are given below:

Step 1: Open and Pause the Video

Step 2: Reduce the Playback Speed

Click Playback from the menu bar at the top, and drag the Playback Speed slider to the left to reduce the speed of the video.

Step 3: Resume the Playback

Click anywhere on the screen to close the Playback menu, and then click the Play button from the bottom to resume the video playback in slow motion.

Part 3: How to Control Playback Speed in VLC Media Player on Android and iOS?

Play Video in Slow Motion on Android with VLC

Step 1: Pause the Playback

Step 2: Set a Slower Playback Speed

Step 3: Resume the Playback

Tap anywhere on the screen, and when the Playback speed slider disappears, tap the screen one more time. Now, tap the Play icon from the bottom to resume the video playback.

Play Video in Slow Motion on iPhone with VLC

Step 1: Pause the Playback

Step 2: Reduce the Playback Speed

Tap anywhere on the screen, and tap the Clock icon from the lower-left corner. Next, drag the Playback speed slider to the left to reduce the playback speed.

Step 3: Resume the Playback

Right after decreasing the speed, tap the Play icon from the bottom to resume the playback. If the controllers disappear, you can tap anywhere on the screen again, and then tap the Play icon.

Part 4: How to Set up the Default Playback Speed on VLC?

The processes of setting up default playback speed on different platforms and devices vary. For your convenience, all of them are explained below:

Set up Default Playback Speed in VLC on Windows

Go to Tools > Preferences in VLC media player, and then click the All button from the Show settings section at the bottom.
Select Input / Codecs from the left pane of the Advanced Preferences box, and then specify your preferred speed in the Playback speed field that is present under the Playback control section on the right window
Click Save to save the changes

Set up Default Playback Speed in VLC on Mac

Launch VLC, and go to VLC media player from the menu bar, and then click Preferences; and then click Show All from the bottom of the Preferences box to display all preferences setting options;

Click the Input / Codecs from the left pane, and then define your preferred speed in the Playback speed field under the Playback control section in the right window, and then click Save to save the changes.

How to Change VLC Media Player Default Speed on Android

Launch VLC, and then tap More from the bottom-right corner; next, tap SETTINGS from the upper-left area;
Tap Video from the Extra settings section, and then check the Save Playback Speed box

How to Change VLC Media Player Default Speed on iOS and iPhone

Tap Settings from the Home screen, and then scroll down and tap VLC
Tap Default playback speed from the GENERIC section, and then tap to select a playback speed from the available list to set it as the default.

Conclusion

Vegas Pro for Mac Not Working? Try These 10 Alternative Video Editors

For creating high-grade dynamic videos, simply shooting or recording a clip is not enough. Finding the best Sony Ve gas alternatives for Mac is essential since the software mainly targets Windows users.

Thanks to developers, there are many free and paid options to start your video editing journey on a Mac. Let’s first have a look at alternative software you could consider.

Lightworks
Wondershare Filmora
Adobe Premiere Pro
HitFilm Express
Kdenlive
OpenShot
Blender
Jahshaka
Final Cut Pro
Cyberlink PowerDirector 365

What are the limitations when using Sony Vegas (Vegas Pro) on Mac?
Hot FAQs about Vegas Pro Alternatives

Part 1: Sony Vegas Pro Alternatives & Competitors Overview

Here is a list of the top 10 tools we found after research. For an easier understanding, the following are the essential points of difference between alternative video editing software types for Sony Vegas Pro in a tabular form.

Software	Supported OS	Price	Editor’s Verdict
Lightworks	Windows, Mac, Linux	Create-$9.99/month, Pro-$23.99/month	Medium-Difficult
Wondershare Filmora	Windows, Mac	Annual-$49.99, Perpetual-$79.99	Easy
Adobe Premiere Pro	Windows, Mac	$20.99/month	Easy-Medium
HitFilm Express	Windows, Mac	Free	Easy
Kdenlive	Windows, Mac, Linux	Free	Medium-Difficult
OpenShot	Windows, Mac, Linux, OsX	Free	Medium-Difficult
Blender	Windows, Mac, Linux	Free	Easy
Jahshaka	Windows, Linux, OsX	Free	Easy-Medium
Final Cut Pro	Mac	Lifetime-$299.99	Easy-Medium
Cyberlink PowerDirector 365	Windows, Mac	Lifetime-$52.50	Easy-Medium

Part 2: Top 10 Sony Vegas (Vegas Pro) Alternatives & Competitors

Now that you know the primary differences between the Sony Vegas Pro alternatives. Are you find anything you like? Let’s move on to more details for your further consideration.

1. Lightworks

With Lightworks, using the independent timeline codec, format, and resolution alteration in videos is extremely simple. In addition, you can use the multi-cam editing feature for real-time, high-quality editing work. Moreover, drag and drop elements into videos for optimized video editing work, including pre-existing Storyboard points.

Main Features:

Industry-grade features like QC, transcoding, and automated transfer are available.
Edit files at different FPS limits and use three-point editing for recording/source files.
Insert files and overwrite on a new project, replace, backfill, and fit to fill your video clips.
Attach Storyboard tiles and match-frame clips/sub-clips easily.

Pros

Flexible functionality and speedy transfers
Edit files with professional movie-like quality
Auto Sync feature for automatic timeline re-syncing is available

Cons

Direct X is only available on the Windows version
TotalFX plugin is not available for free- you have to upgrade to use them

OS Compatibility: Windows , Mac , Linux

Best For: Editing experts creating visually animated and professional-looking short videos can work with Lightworks.

What users say:

For professional-level video editing work, Lightworks brings a lot of resources and elements to users. According to reviews , people who have tried it have experienced better video editing functionality with these resources.

2. Wondershare Filmora

The top Vegas Pro alternative that both Windows and Mac users can opt for is Filmora. The software has advanced AI-incorporated editing functions for automated editing work, including preset effects from FX plugins. Besides that, you can easily add pre-set transitions, audio clips, text, images, and more.

Beginners find it simple to navigate through its interface and can opt for the Instant Mode function for automatic video edits .

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

For a better idea of how this works, you should check out this tutorial video: https://filmora.wondershare.com/get-creative/make-a-video-quickly.html

Main Features:

Instant Mode is available for automatic video/audio project editing out of 6 shorter clips.
Support Advanced editing tools like Chroma Key and AI Portrait.
Record voiceover, apply speech-to-text/text-to-speech functions, and more audio editing features.
OpenFX plugins like BorisFX and NewBlue FX for a better list of pre-set effects.

Pros

Simple to use and navigate on the editor timeline, especially with drag-and-drop support
Output your editing files in different video/audio formats
Quickly share the file on Vimeo or YouTube, besides downloading it on the local hard drive

Cons

Free trial users cannot bring their Instant Mode-created videos into the editor timeline
4K support only with selected MKV, MOV, M4V (for Mac), and MP4 codecs

OS Compatibility: Windows , Mac

G2 Rating: 4.4 out of 5

Best For: All types of users like educators, students, homeowners, businesses, and video editors for comprehensive video editing tools and uses.

What users say:

Filmora is extremely simple to use, with advanced features available for top-level video editing work. Users mention in reviews how they have benefitted from the simple functionality and dynamic AI-based features available here for video editing.

3. Adobe Premiere Pro

If you are looking for high-quality programs like Sony Vegas, Adobe Premiere Pro is a reliable choice. This editing software allows you to easily create, delete, and move big video projects. Moreover, you can work on multiple files simultaneously and use shortcuts for faster editing work.

Preset filters and editing features are also available here, especially if they choose the Adobe Creative Cloud option.

Main Features:

Multiple pre-set transitions and effects are available for quick thematic changes.
Add graphics, titles, and captions.
Color grading and correction tools are available.
It is possible to add keyframing and animation elements.

Pros

Opting for group plans for video editing practice and learning using Adobe Premiere Pro is possible
Aligns audio with videos instantly during editing
Utilize Quick Export functionality for video files in some taps

Cons

Windows High Contrast Mode is supported but to a limited extent, like with menus and title bars
HDR workflows can only be handled on the Windows version with DisplayHDR 400 support

OS Compatibility: Windows , Mac

G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Best For: Professional editors and trainers can use the various plans under Adobe Premiere Pro for video/audio editing.

What users say:

Advertisers and videographers enjoy high-grade video editing features and like the simple effects and interface quality. The motion graphics support in Adobe Premiere Pro is high-grade as well.

4. HitFilm Express

A capable Sony Vegas free alternative that you should check out is HitFilm Express. With this, you can expect many prepared designs for quick video edits. Additionally, you can manually customize the video files you are working on with high-grade personalization features available in the timeline.

Main Features:

Pre-set customizable designs are available.
Built-in sound effects and soundtracks are usable for free.
Cache renders in timelines are optimized.
The New Grade Clips feature allows users to apply varying effects to many video clips.

Pros

Stable process of switching between timelines with an active orbit tool
Easy to switch between 2D/3D timelines while using the text tool
Simple to use for an unlimited period

Cons

Does not work on older versions than Windows 10 and macOS 10.14
Users cannot integrate this with Vegas Pro like before

OS Compatibility: Windows , Mac

TechRadar Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Best For: This software is a high-quality video editor for custom video editing work, fit for beginners and professionals alike.

What users say:

HitFilm Express is easy to use and efficient in the market for professional-level editing. The tutorial is available here for quick learning about the steps, and expandable features are well-admired by users.

5. Kdenlive

A high-quality Sony Vegas open-source variety that you should seriously consider is Kdenlive. The video editor comes with MLT framework support and holds many tools for optimizing video editing.

To simplify, you can arrange and adjust various video/audio tracks and mute or lock specific ones as needed. Add everything from filters, texts, and transitions using this editor for high-grade video projects.

Main Features:

Get an automatic backup of your video project while you are editing it.
Use proxy editing to create low-resolution source clip copies and render them later on computers.
Multiple video/audio scopes are available for monitoring projects like vectorscope, waveform, and RDB Parade.
Many transition and effect choices to use.

Pros

Flexibility with themes to add with multiple options
Pre-render specific timeline parts for preview
Effects are simple to use with keyframing quality

Cons

Complex for completely non-technical users to adapt to
Only supports 64-bit versions in regards to Windows-based compatibility

Trustpilot Rating: 3.7 out of 5

Best For: High-level editing experts who need strong video editing and monitoring features in an open-source platform.

What users say:

Kdenlive, as an open-source video editing software, assures quick and straightforward usability with projects. Per reviews , users like the ability to make simple video edits without bugs in this editor and quickly export finished projects.

6. OpenShot

OpenShot is a high-quality cross-platform video editor that you can use on different devices for quick but dynamic video project edits. Use keyframing ability here to adjust the animated elements you add to the file.

Moreover, cut the videos with simple steps and add many audio tracks/background videos/watermarks in layers. Also, get several video effects to optimize the video look easily.

Main Features:

Adjust video speed in reverse motion, fast forward, and slow motion.
Render effects and 3D animated elements into the video project.
Get title templates and edit them as needed.
Visualize the background audio beats with waveform support.

Pros

Very user-friendly interface with a simple navigation guarantee
Supports more than 70 languages that you can translate as well using LaunchPad
Drag-and-drop functionality is supported for adding images, audio, and videos into the OpenShot editor timeline

Cons

Some bug issues can occur
Slightly complex learning curve

OS Compatibility: Windows , Linux , OsX

G2 Rating: 4.4 out of 5

Best For: Professional-level video editing experts can opt for this cross-platform free software for high-quality video creations.

What users say:

The OpenShot software is suitable for high-quality video editing across different devices and operating systems. Users like the lack of automated watermarks on all videos, its simple dashboard, and its multi-track editing ability, all available for free.

7. Blender

Blender is free video editing software like Sony Vegas that users can use for video editing, but it is also effective for game development with animations. Indeed, you can create and render dynamic-looking scenes with features like Cycles.

Furthermore, the software has a rich modelling toolset with solutions like curves and sculpting tools.

Main Features:

Completely customization-friendly UI, shortcuts, and window layout here.
Customization and scripting are possible to do with this software due to the Python API support.
Supports access and integration of many pipeline tools for projects.
Comes with advanced simulation-based features available in MantaFlow and Bullet libraries.

Pros

Basic and advanced tools for quick video edits
Strong composition and masking ability with object-based motion tracking benefits
Easily create short animations with Blender

Cons

Data under the standalone games created here fall under GPL conditions
Strict licensing rules are applicable here

OS Compatibility: Windows , Mac , Linux

G2 Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Best For: Game developers and videographers for companies can use this open-source platform for creation and editing.

What users say:

Blender is a capable software for animation-based editing, with high-quality game-based features and interactive elements that make editing simple. As per reviews , users like the simple animation-based tools and fast rendering it offers.

8. Jahshaka

Users of Jahshaka can experience an inclusive, collaborative environment for metaverse-level editing work. This free editing software, like Sony Vegas, focuses mainly on VR-based editing functions and comes with powerful tools for project management and content creation.

Take the help of other team members to collaborate on dynamic virtual world building, editing, and publishing.

Main Features:

Compatible player for different desktop and mobile devices.
Create diversified worlds and scenes with one comprehensive platform.
Immersive software 3D video development.
Access to pre-built content and libraries of scenes and assets

Pros

Easily share and distribute your virtual projects
Deliver final projects offline and online
An interactive multi-user engine is available

Cons

Usable for a niche audience and does not include standard video editing tools
Jahshaka V2 legacy support is no longer active

OS Compatibility: Windows , Linux , OsX

SourceForge Rating: 4.4 out of 5

Best For: Professional video editors who want a collaborative experience in VR-based development and publishing.

What users say:

Jahshaka is a suitable program for optimized VR-based editing with many preset features and themes to choose from. Most users enjoy the new features and worlds and can work with them efficiently.

9. Final Cut Pro

One of the top Sony Vegas alternatives Mac users can safely turn to is Final Cut Pro, which has powerful modern video editing features. With this software, you will access Cinematic Mode, which you can use to create stylish and thematic video scenes.

Similarly, the Object Tracker features utilize ML technology to automatically detect objects and faces in moving videos. It can align effects and titles accurately with the graphical elements in videos.

Main Features:

Object Tracker feature for using color correction and adding texts into moving videos.
Accelerated functional for motion tracking with Apple Neural Engine.
Add high-quality effects and titles into videos with Cinematic Mode support.
Preset audio tracks and royalty-free sound effects are available for editing.

Pros

Handle color grading for optimized scene quality
Adjust the field depth and focus depth in clips
Share projects across iOS and macOS platforms

Cons

Not valid for Windows users
Relatively high cost to avail the paid version with all advanced features

OS Compatibility: Mac

TrustRadius Rating: 4.8 out of 5

Best For: Professional video editors, students, and filmmakers who want to create cinematic-quality video projects.

What users say:

Final Cut Pro is an efficient Mac-based video editing tool with easy sharing and editing capabilities, rich effects/transitions options, and fast rendering ability. Customers enjoy the intuitive non-linear editor, easy accessibility to social media platforms for file exporting, and live scrubbing, as noted in one review .

10. Cyberlink PowerDirector 365

Another Sony Vegas mac alternative for Windows you should give a try is PowerDirector 365 from Cyberlink. This software removes or compiles video clips and uses masking features like image/custom masks.

Preset special effects, blending modes, and sound effects are available here for quick editing. Additionally, the AI-powered Motion Tracking traces objects in clips and adds graphics, animations, and text quickly in line with it.

Main Features:

You can create and remove videos with masking features.
Drag and drop the pre-set effects and texts into videos.
Adjust video clips with tools for border, gradation, and shadowing.
Multiple animations, callouts, graphics, and stickers to add to videos.

Pros

Use green screen functionality for quick background removal or editing
Automatic audio mastering and mixing functionality are available
Keyframing benefits for customized animations like scaling and positioning

Cons

Dolby Digital-centric audio codec is not available for users
Users can try features like Room Echo Removal and NVIDIA A/V Denoise only on Windows 11

OS Compatibility: Windows

TechRadar Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Best For: Professional videographers and regular users who want a Windows-based video editing software for standard video clip editing.

What users say:

Cyberlink PowerDirector is a powerful video editor with standard editing functions many users have tried and benefited from. According to customers , the program has high-quality video and audio editing benefits for presentations, with additional effects/splitting/cropping features.

Part 3: What are the limitations when using Sony Vegas (Vegas Pro) on Mac?

Yes, with the given Sony Vegas alternatives, Mac and Windows users can benefit heavily. But why is it important to try for a replacement when Sony Vegas Pro is relatively efficient software?

To know the answer, you should take the time to understand its limitations, which do exist.

It only works for Windows users

The Sony Vegas Pro software is not available for Mac or other operating systems besides Windows. In addition, it’ll be really complex and time-consuming, even if you opt for virtual machine software or handle dual booting techniques to configure the software on your Mac or Linux.

You need to invest in other hardware

Sony Vegas Pro does do not work within one comprehensive platform like other capable video editing software types, like Wondershare Filmora . You have to acquire a powerful PC and tools to operate it separately. The software works very slowly on older devices.

Not incredibly unique

The functions of Sony Vegas Pro match somewhat with other options in the market. So, users would not expect much value in purchasing this software’s plans that they want to upgrade from their previous system, but on the other hand, the available features are mostly standard-level in functionality as well.

Hot FAQs about Vegas Pro Alternatives

After knowing these details, many users still have specific common queries about opting for a Sony Vegas Pro alternatively. So these are some common FAQs about this- answered.

1. Can Sony Vegas be used on a Mac?

No, it is impossible to directly use Sony Vegas on macOS devices since it does not support it. Instead, you have to separately use a dual boot strategy or virtual machine software to activate the video editor on Mac devices, but the process for that is complex.

2. Is Wondershare Filmora or Vegas Pro better?

Wondershare Filmora and Vegas Pro are top-level options in video and audio editing projects with professional-level editing accuracy. However, Filmora has a cohesive ecosystem with rich AI and standard functions and comes with Mac/Windows support. So, in that sense, Filmora is comparatively a better choice.

Final Words

In place of Sony Vegas Pro, any of these options would also give you a great user experience. Out of them, Filmora is one that we will recommend due to its multi-faceted benefits and features for Mac and Windows users. Ultimately, make your decision based on your particular needs.

Free Download For Win 7 or later(64-bit)

Free Download For macOS 10.14 or later

Part 1: Sony Vegas Pro Alternatives & Competitors Overview

Software	Supported OS	Price	Editor’s Verdict
Lightworks	Windows, Mac, Linux	Create-$9.99/month, Pro-$23.99/month	Medium-Difficult
Wondershare Filmora	Windows, Mac	Annual-$49.99, Perpetual-$79.99	Easy
Adobe Premiere Pro	Windows, Mac	$20.99/month	Easy-Medium
HitFilm Express	Windows, Mac	Free	Easy
Kdenlive	Windows, Mac, Linux	Free	Medium-Difficult
OpenShot	Windows, Mac, Linux, OsX	Free	Medium-Difficult
Blender	Windows, Mac, Linux	Free	Easy
Jahshaka	Windows, Linux, OsX	Free	Easy-Medium
Final Cut Pro	Mac	Lifetime-$299.99	Easy-Medium
Cyberlink PowerDirector 365	Windows, Mac	Lifetime-$52.50	Easy-Medium

Part 2: Top 10 Sony Vegas (Vegas Pro) Alternatives & Competitors

Now that you know the primary differences between the Sony Vegas Pro alternatives. Are you find anything you like? Let’s move on to more details for your further consideration.