Our verdict: Pinnacle Studio is a one-time-purchase editor that offers more control than most beginner apps: keyframes, color grading and, in Ultimate, video masks and unlimited tracks. The 15-day trial is of the Ultimate edition, so check which tools the cheaper Standard edition keeps. After the trial you can still open projects, but exports are locked until you buy.
About Pinnacle Studio
Pinnacle Studio is published by Corel. Version 26 focuses on stability and speed, with a new proxy codec and fixes for more than 200 user-reported issues. It edits HD, 4K and 360° video across unlimited tracks, with titles, transitions, color grading with tone curves and color wheels, video masks, stop motion and an audio editor with noise profiles.
The free trial lasts 15 days from installation and includes the royalty-free features of Pinnacle Studio Ultimate, without MyDVD, MultiCam Capture, MultiCam Editor and the 3D Title Editor, and with fewer formats. Once it expires, project exports are locked until you upgrade. Pinnacle Studio 26 Standard lists at $59.99 and Ultimate at $129.99, both one-time; prices are often discounted. An internet connection and registration are required.
What it does well
- Multi-track timeline. Standard edits HD video on 6 tracks; Ultimate adds 4K, 360° video and unlimited tracks.
- Video masking. Draws masks to blur, clone, hide or isolate parts of a frame (Ultimate).
- Color grading. Simplified in Standard; tone curves, color wheels and HSL in Ultimate.
- Keyframes and motion. Animates effects, titles and position frame by frame.
- Audio editor. Noise profiles, pitch scaling and multi-track mixing for voiceovers.
Who it is for
Good fit
Home and hobby editors who want advanced tools with a one-time price instead of a subscription.
Look elsewhere
People who need a free editor, or Mac users.
Pros and cons
Pros
- One-time license, no subscription
- Masks, keyframes and color grading
- Trial shows the Ultimate edition
- Projects carry over after purchase
Cons
- Exports lock after the 15-day trial
- Masking and unlimited tracks need the $129.99 Ultimate
- Registration and internet needed
How to install Pinnacle Studio
The button downloads Pinnacle's small trial downloader, which fetches the full program, so stay online. Registration is required to use the trial. Projects made in the trial can be opened after you buy, so keep them to export later.
Questions about Pinnacle Studio
Is Pinnacle Studio free?
No. The free trial lasts 15 days and includes most Ultimate features; after it expires, exports are locked until you buy. Pinnacle Studio 26 Standard lists at $59.99 one-time and Ultimate at $129.99. Registration is required.
Can I keep my trial projects?
Yes. Corel says projects, libraries and customizations transfer when you buy, and you can convert the trial to a full version during or after the trial.
Does Pinnacle Studio run on a Mac?
No. It requires 64-bit Windows 10 or 11.
