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Honestly, making software tools comparisons has been my day to day job. Most of the comparisons that are usually made are always based on the writer’s own views, which makes it difficult to form definitive conclusions. In this article, we are going to examine the specifications of each product and narrow down their effects on workflow, usability, and output to make correct decisions that surpass the ‘this is the one I prefer.’ However, making a fair decision might be hard, but we will be near that. With much said, let’s dive in!


Top Aspects to look at when Comparing Sony Vegas and Filmora
Are you just starting out in video? Are you wondering how to begin comparing your video editing options? Are you looking for software that is easy to use and will also deliver great results? We are going to have a look at two popular and affordable choices that many people who are new to video creation tend to pick, and they are Sony Vegas and Filmora9.
Some of the main areas that we are going to compare are:
· Pricing
· Editing
· Color Correction
· Visual Effects
· Audio
· Export
Pricing
Currently, some of the options that you can opt for are not only limited to outright purchase prices known as perpetual licenses, but there are also many other programs that are available at a cheap monthly or even annual subscription fee.
Click this affiliate link to get Vegas Pro 16.
Purchase Option vs Subscription
At first look, a flat purchase will always tend to be more expensive than the monthly fee, but again, monthly fees may always add up to the purchase price. Usually, annual subscription fees may be cheaper than the monthly payments. When looking at a flat fee again, the benefit is that the software will always remain to be yours forever, unlike the monthly fee where you lose the software when you cease to pay.
Back to our comparison, you will walk home with a Sony Vegas and keep it forever for a one-time price of $49.99 and also a Sony Vegas Platinum that goes for $79.99. If you choose the Filmora9, you will also have to pay a one-time fee of $69.99 or alternatively opt for an annual subscription of $39.99.
In terms of pricing, there is no big difference, which can make us say that one is cheaper than the other. Let’s move into another area.
Editing
When talking about editing, we discuss how you will find the editing and also how fast, easy, and intuitive it is when using the program. A good editing software tool is one that is easy to work with and aids you in focusing on your creativity than your tools. One of the worst things you wouldn’t want to run into is a program that makes things more difficult than they are.
Workflow/Ease of Use
Here, we are going to talk about your experience when working with the app. You need to ask yourself if the workflow helps with creativity or it’s just a liability to you. Does the app make things more difficult or perhaps more sluggish than they should be?
Back to our comparison, Sony Vegas was designed to be intuitive, to adapt to how the user wants it to work rather than forcing the user on a specific way of working. You will notice that Vegas offers you several ways on which you can accomplish most tasks, so you will love doing things on your own. With this option of flexibility, you will find Vegas to be very easy to learn and understand when you’re a beginner. To add more, Vegas features the Guided Video Creator that guides you step by step when you’re new to making your first videos.
What about Filmora9? Here you will notice a short tutorial when you run the software for the first time ever, but it lacks a guided creator. Filmora is very different from most video editing software tools because it locks you to do tasks in certain ways.
So, if you’re after doing things in your own ways without restrictions, then Vegas should be your pick. In this case, Vegas wins in editing and ease of use.
Timeline
If you’re a pro editor, you’ll need a flexible and quick timeline that takes any file format, can be arranged in whatever way you want, can play back videos more smoothly with no dropped frames, and lastly, won’t waste your time with difficult to use tools or redundancy steps, isn’t that so?
In this area, you will realize that Sony Vegas was designed with speed and flexibility in mind. The Vegas timeline allows you to work under your own schedule. You can arrange and rearrange tracks the way you want and also mix and match file formats on the same tracks. Again, simple options such as automatic crossfades on overlapping video triggers transitions, unlike other tools where you have to pull the “handles.” You will also see that you can drag media from folders into the Project Media window or even directly to the timeline without running the import process hence saving a lot of time.
What about Filmora? The Filmora timeline will let you drag the media from the media pool to the timeline. This isn’t the true drag and drop from folders into either the media pool or timeline. You will still run the import process. You will also notice that each time you drag the media to overlap on the timeline, the new clip will overwrite the existing clip instead of creating an automatic crossfade. You will also be forced to re-trim the existing clips so that you can recover the parts overwritten.
Again here, it’s clearly evident that the Vegas is easier and more precise steps of performing tasks than its rival the Filmora that appears to have many steps and is a bit difficult to use.
Mode-Based Workflows
As you know, different editing operations like cutting on the timeline, adding transitions, adding effects, and export need different sets of tools to execute. Mode-based workflows offer you a set of different interface configurations that allows you to easily complete any task you may have in progress. Vegas provides mode-based workflows for adding media, adding transitions, adding texts, adding FX, and you will also be able to enjoy the Power User mode that lets you access all the tools. You can also switch between them as your wish. Filmora only provides its users with only one interface configuration. So, in terms of mode-based workflows, Vegas took an early lead.
Click this affiliate link to get Vegas Pro 16.
Storyboards
Figuring out a rough cut is one of the first steps that you will always perform when editing, right? With Storyboards, all this is made easier because you can select, arrange, and also experiment with the clips you have in the project’s media pool, which can also be the same as arranging photos on a desk. This is a quick and intuitive way to make the first rough cut before proceeding to the timeline.
The Vegas Storyboard has a fast, easy and also allows for a playback preview of a sequence just immediately from the media pool without going through the long way to the timeline. You will also notice that the storyboard contents will also appear and update immediately on the timeline; this saves you from dragging the storyboard sequence onto the timeline. Vegas will also update the timeline each time you change the storyboard and will also uniquely update the storyboard whenever you change the timeline or any time you choose to do it manually. Sadly, the Filmora doesn’t provide storyboards.
Regarding the Storyboards, it’s a plus if you choose to use the Vegas.
Colour Correction
Do you know that one of the fundamental functions of editing is the ability to correct and grade color? I believe you need an editing tool that provides you with great control over the color, lightness, and darkness of your images, isn’t that so?
Color Tuning Tools
Here, Vegas will provide you with tools to adjust and rebalance so that you can correct problems, create styles, and even unify your looks. You will love more color features when you choose the Vegas Platinum. Some of these features include the Unified Color Grading panel, HSL adjustment, color wheels, and several other tools. Filmora provides basic tools for adjusting and rebalancing color. Again here, Vegas is better than the Filmora.
Visual Effects
Slow Motion
Slow-motion is well known for adding drama, tension, and excitement to a scene. Some of the best slow-motion effects support the ramping of speed down and up for the spectacular temporal transitions. Vegas allows you to change the speed of a clip; you only need to enter the value into the media properties. You will also enjoy the Optical Flow Slow Motion that is available in the Vegas Platinum. Filmora will also allow you to enter the playback value when you want to control the speed of a clip.
Video Stabilization
Are you thinking about fixing shaky video footage? Vegas provides better video stabilization. Filmora will also provide a video stabilization tool.
AUDIO
As the phrase has it, sound is 70% of what you see.
Meters
Vegas provides you with professional meters for any of the channel stereo sound. Vegas Platinum provides meters on every soundtrack. Filmora only offers meters when editing audio clips.
EXPORT
Wide Format Support
Both Vegas and Filmora provide export to several variety formats, together with customizable templates.
GPU Acceleration
Vegas provides GPU acceleration for encoding into AVC, and Vegas Platinum adds GPU encoding for HEVC formats. Filmora also provides the GPU for encoding videos.
Click this affiliate link to get Vegas Pro 16.
10 Reasons why Sony Vegas is better than Filmora
· It has a more flexible and intuitive timeline
· It has faster editing
· It has storyboards
· It has Guided Video Creator
· It has GPU acceleration/ decoding/encoding
· It’s easier to learn
· Offers more ways to perform tasks
· It’s more user friendly
· It comes with greater features
· Many people prefer to use it
10 Reasons why Filmora is better than Sony Vegas
· You can choose either a flat fee or subscription
· Its compatible with both Windows and Mac
· It has several sound effects
· It comes equipped with GPU Acceleration/ encoding/decoding
· It has a clean interface
· Has Animated elements library
· It’s less complicated
· It has a given order on how things are done
· Its slightly cheaper
· It’s better for a one-time project
Conclusion
It’s clearly evident that the Sony Vegas beats its rival Filmora in almost all features mentioned. From here, you can make your own decision. Good luck!
Click this affiliate link to get Vegas Pro 16.

Luis Gillman
Hi, I Am Luis Gillman CA (SA), ACMA
I am a Chartered Accountant (SA) and CIMA (SA) and author of Due Diligence: A strategic and Financial Approach.
The book was published by Lexis Nexis on 2001. In 2010, I wrote the second edition. Much of this website is derived from these two books.
In addition I have published an article entitled the Link Between Due Diligence and Valautions.
Disclaimer: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure that the information published on this website is accurate, the author and owners of this website take no responsibility for any loss or damage suffered as a result of relience upon the information contained therein. Furthermore the bulk of the information is derived from information in 2018 and use therefore is at your on risk. In addition you should consult professional advice if required.