High Dynamic Range (HDR) takes your videos beyond basic color correction, delivering richer tones, deeper contrast, and vibrant highlights that truly shine. Mastering HDR editing is essential for anyone who wants footage that looks as vivid and lifelike as the moment it was captured.
Choosing the right HDR editor can feel overwhelming given the sheer number of options available. To simplify your search, we’ve compiled a definitive list of the most reliable HDR video editing tools for both desktop and mobile. Whether you need a quick mobile tweak or a full‑featured desktop workflow, our picks cover all scenarios.
Our Top 3 HDR Video Editor Picks
While our full list contains six standout recommendations, three editors consistently impressed us with their blend of power, ease of use, and robust HDR support.
1. Wondershare Filmora – All‑in‑One HDR Desktop Editor
Filmora delivers professional‑grade HDR tools in a user‑friendly interface. It supports HDR10 and HLG exports without complex settings, includes AI‑powered effects, and offers cross‑platform editing on desktop and mobile.
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2. Lightworks – Desktop HDR Editing Made Simple
Lightworks combines a sleek timeline with precise color grading, striking a balance between professional features and an intuitive interface. Available in free and paid tiers, it suits editors across all budgets.
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3. VN Video Editor – Mobile HDR Editing on the Go
VN is built for rapid HDR edits on mobile, offering tools to boost brightness, contrast, and depth while optimizing exports for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
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Part 1. HDR Video Editor Comparison Chart
The following chart gives a side‑by‑side overview of six HDR editors, helping you match features to your workflow.
| HDR Editor | Platforms | HDR Formats Supported | Key Highlights | Best For |
| Filmora Mobile | Android, iOS | Dolby Vision, HDR10 | AI Ultra HD, Auto Enhance, Optical Flow, rich template library. | Influencers, vloggers, social media creators. |
| Lightworks | Windows, macOS, Linux | HDR10, HLG | LUT support, smooth HDR playback, professional effects. | Editors on budget, colorists, indie filmmakers. |
| VN Video Editor | Android, iOS, macOS | Dolby Vision (iPhone 12+) | No watermark, 4K 60FPS export, keyframe animation. | Travel influencers, YouTubers, quick mobile edits. |
| Filmora Desktop | Windows, macOS | HDR10, HLG, PQ (Rec.2100) | AI Color Palette, AI Video Enhancer, LUT support, smooth preview. | Beginners to pros, cinematic videos, YouTube creators. |
| Vegas Pro | Windows | HDR10, HLG | Advanced compositing, AI image tools, 4K HDR export. | Professional editors, filmmakers, documentary makers. |
| iMovie | iOS, iPadOS, macOS | HDR10 (mobile), HLG (limited) | Green screen, preset filters, soundtrack library. | Students, casual creators, simple projects. |
After reviewing the chart, let’s dive deeper into the three apps that earned our top‑tier rating.
1. Filmora Mobile
Filmora Mobile offers the same reliability as its desktop counterpart, but with a focus on speed and convenience. It supports Dolby Vision, providing cinematic results that go beyond standard HDR10. AI‑powered tools, ready‑to‑use templates, and a rich media library make it feel like a studio in your pocket.
- Supports Dolby Vision and exports up to 4K.
- Comprehensive toolkit for clip enhancement and detail fine‑tuning.
- Instant editing via customizable templates.
- Direct sharing to social platforms.
- Free version includes a watermark.
- Versatile and beginner‑friendly, ideal for influencers, students, and professionals alike.
- Perfect for polished social media posts, engaging vlogs, and short films.
Features You’ll Love:
- AI Ultra HD for crystal‑clear quality.
- Optical Flow for smoother motion.
- AI Auto Enhance for instant brightness, contrast, and color balance.
- Wide array of preset filters and effects.
Pricing: Free version; subscription or one‑time license available.
Target Users: Influencers, educators, and professionals seeking a quick, high‑quality HDR workflow.
Ratings: 4.6/5 on Google Play, 4.7/5 on Apple App Store.
2. VN Video Editor
VN (VlogNow) excels on Android, iOS, and macOS, and it uniquely allows Dolby Vision HDR editing on iPhone 12 and newer models. This gives mobile users cinematic editing power on the go.
- No watermark on free exports.
- Exports in 4K at up to 60 FPS.
- HDR mode limited to select devices.
- Export times can be slower for longer projects.
Features You’ll Love:
- Cinematic color grading filters.
- Keyframe animation for dynamic transitions.
- Cross‑platform compatibility.
Pricing: Free; pro plans start at $9.99/month.
Target Users: Travel influencers, YouTubers, and content creators needing mobile HDR.
Ratings: 4.7/5 on Google Play, 4.8/5 on Apple App Store.
3. iMovie
iMovie is a free, pre‑installed option for Apple users, enabling HDR video capture and export with a simple toggle. It’s ideal for casual creators who want quick, watermark‑free edits.
- Completely free and pre‑installed on Apple devices.
- Exports without watermarks.
- Apple‑only ecosystem.
- Lacks advanced AI tools.
Features You’ll Love:
- Green screen for background swapping.
- Preset filters for quick mood changes.
- 130+ royalty‑free soundtracks that auto‑fit length.
Pricing: Free.
Target Users: Casual creators and beginners tackling small projects.
Ratings: 4.3/5 on Apple App Store.
How to Edit HDR Videos on Your Phone
Editing HDR footage on mobile mirrors standard editing workflows but benefits from specialized HDR tools. Filmora Mobile and VN support Dolby Vision and high‑resolution exports, with Filmora’s AI enhancements boosting clarity and motion.
Step 1: Import & Activate HDR Mode
Open Filmora Mobile, start a new project, add your HDR clip to the timeline, and tap the HDR toggle below the preview.
Step 2: Enhance with AI Tools
Use AI Ultra HD to sharpen details, Optical Flow for smoother motion, and Auto Enhance to balance brightness, contrast, and color.
Step 3: Export
Confirm edits, tap Export, enable Dolby Vision, select 4K resolution, and save. From there, share directly to social media.
Part 3. Top HDR Video Editor Software
While mobile apps are convenient, dedicated desktop software offers deeper control. We’ve highlighted three standout options that deliver professional HDR capabilities.
1. Wondershare Filmora (Desktop)
Filmora combines power with simplicity, providing HDR10 and HLG export, AI‑powered enhancements, and a rich media library that elevates everyday footage to cinematic quality.
- Flexible export color space: SDR (Rec.709), HDR (Rec.2100HLG), HDR (Rec.2100PQ).
- Real‑time preview performance.
- Built‑in LUTs for quick grading.
- Extensive templates and presets.
Free version adds a watermark.
Features You’ll Love:
- AI Color Palette for instant tone matching.
- AI Video Enhancer for detail sharpening.
- Professional color correction tools.
- Large media library with filters, effects, stickers, and royalty‑free music.
Pricing: Free trial; paid plans listed on Filmora’s pricing page.
Target Users: Beginners to seasoned editors; ideal for short films, documentaries, vlogs, tutorials, and social media content.
Ratings: 4.5/5 on Software Advice and 4.5/5 on Capterra.
2. Lightworks
Lightworks is a professional‑grade editor known for precise color and VFX tools. It handles HDR workflows with accuracy, making it a solid choice for creators who need cinematic quality without a steep learning curve.
- Free version supports HDR workflows.
- Cross‑platform: Windows, macOS, Linux.
- Free version limits exports to below 1080p.
- Some advanced effects require paid plan.
Features You’ll Love:
- Professional‑quality effects and adjustments.
- Pre‑built and custom LUTs.
- 700+ customizable titles and motion graphics.
Pricing: Free trial; paid plans start at $13.99/month.
Target Users: Colorists, editors, VFX artists; great for YouTube travel vlogs, trailers, or short films demanding professional visuals.
Ratings: 4.2/5 on Capterra; 4/5 on TechRadar.
3. Vegas Pro
Vegas Pro offers full HDR10 preview support and compatibility with HDR10 and HLG formats. It delivers a comprehensive set of color grading tools, professional effects, and AI‑powered features for serious projects.
- HDR export up to 8K.
- Smooth playback in HDR mode.
- Some color grading tools lack full HDR compatibility.
- Higher cost compared to other options.
Features You’ll Love:
- Full library of third‑party LUTs.
- AI image enhancement tools.
- Advanced compositing modes.
Pricing: One‑time purchase at $199.00.
Target Users: Professional editors and advanced creators needing full HDR support; ideal for movies, documentaries, and commercial projects.
Ratings: 4.6/5 on Software Advice and 4.6/5 on Capterra.
How to Enhance HDR Videos on Desktop
Filmora stands out as the most balanced choice for desktop HDR editing, offering comprehensive AI tools, a cross‑platform experience, and reasonable pricing.
Step 1: Start a New Project & Import Clip
Open Filmora, click “New Project,” and import your HDR clip via the Media tab. Drag the clip to the timeline.
Step 2: Switch to HDR Color Space
Go to File → Project Settings and change the Color Space to “HDR PQ” (the official HDR standard).
Step 3: Enhance with AI Color Palette
In the property panel, enable AI Color Palette, choose a palette, adjust strength and skin tones, and preview the results. Explore Filmora’s media library for additional filters, effects, stickers, and royalty‑free music.
Step 4: Save and Export
Click “Export,” set the Export Color Space to “P3‑D65,” and click Apply then Export to save your HDR video.
Conclusion
Choosing the right HDR editor is key to making footage look sharp and vibrant. On mobile, Filmora Mobile, VN, and iMovie provide flexibility and speed, while Filmora Desktop, Lightworks, and Vegas Pro deliver full‑featured desktop solutions. Among all, Filmora consistently offers the most comprehensive blend of HDR support, AI enhancements, and media resources, making it the go‑to tool for creators of all levels.
Whether you’re editing on a phone or a desktop, these editors empower you to transform raw footage into cinematic masterpieces.