Starts atFrom $22.99/mo
- No free option listed
Head-to-head
Adobe Premiere Pro vs Final Cut Pro: which pro editor should a creator buy?
At a glance
Starts at$299.99 one-time, or $12.99/mo / $129/yr in Apple Creator Studio; 30-day trial
- No free option listed
Final Cut Pro is Mac only and costs $299.99 once, or $12.99/month ($129/year) through Apple Creator Studio after a 30 day free trial. Premiere Pro runs on Windows and Mac and costs $22.99/month on an annual plan billed monthly, with a 7 day trial. On a Mac, Final Cut costs less over two years. On Windows, Premiere is the only choice of the two.
Quick verdict
- Choose Adobe Premiere Pro if you use Windows, work with a team, or already use After Effects and Photoshop.
- Choose Final Cut Pro if you edit on a Mac and want to pay once.
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | Adobe Premiere Pro | Final Cut Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $22.99/month, annual plan billed monthly | $299.99 one-time, or $12.99/month or $129/year (Apple Creator Studio) |
| Free trial | 7 days | 30 days (Apple Creator Studio) |
| Platforms | Windows and Mac | Mac only |
| Two-year cost | About $552 at $22.99/month | $299.99 one-time |
| Students | Creative Cloud Pro $19.99/month first year | $2.99/month or $29.99/year |
| Watermark | None on paid plan | None |
| Best for | Windows users, Adobe workflows, teams | Mac users who want to pay once |
For YouTube, Shorts and TikTok creators
- Both edit vertical 9:16 timelines and export for Shorts.
- Long YouTube videos on a Mac: Final Cut, for the one-time price.
- Sharing projects with editors on Windows: Premiere.
- Just making Shorts on a phone: you may not need either. See phone editors below.
How to choose
- Look at your computer first. Windows means Premiere.
- On a Mac, try Final Cut free for 30 days.
- If you use other Adobe apps, Creative Cloud Pro at $34.99/month includes Premiere.
- Compare two-year cost: about $552 for Premiere vs $299.99 for Final Cut.
Common questions
Is Final Cut Pro cheaper than Premiere Pro?
Over time, yes. Final Cut is $299.99 once. Premiere is $22.99/month on an annual plan.
Can I use Final Cut Pro on Windows?
No. Final Cut Pro is Mac only.
How long is the Premiere Pro free trial?
Adobe lists 7 days for individuals.
Related: CapCut vs Premiere Pro, CapCut vs DaVinci Resolve, desktop video editing tools.
Sources: adobe.com/products/premiere/plans.html, apple.com/final-cut-pro. Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.