One of the most common questions from video editors is: Is Final Cut Pro free? The short answer is no, but Apple does offer a free trial for users who want to test the software before purchasing.
In this guide, we will break down everything you need to know about Final Cut Pro’s pricing, trial options, and whether it’s worth the investment.
1. Is Final Cut Pro Free?
Final Cut Pro is not free—it is a one-time purchase software developed by Apple for professional video editing. However, Apple offers a free 90-day trial, allowing users to explore its features before committing to the purchase.
Unlike other professional editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, which operates on a subscription model, Final Cut Pro follows a one-time payment structure with free updates.
2. Final Cut Pro Pricing Plans (2025)
As of 2025, Final Cut Pro is available for a single upfront payment of $299.99 on the Mac App Store. This price includes:
✅ Full access to all professional editing tools
✅ Free lifetime updates with no additional cost
✅ No recurring subscription fees
Is There a Subscription Plan for Final Cut Pro?
No, Apple does not offer a subscription model for Final Cut Pro. Unlike Adobe Premiere Pro, which requires a monthly or annual subscription, Final Cut Pro is a one-time purchase.
📌 Pro Tip: If you prefer not to pay upfront, you can use Apple’s financing options to pay in installments.
3. How to Get Final Cut Pro for Free (Legally)
Although Final Cut Pro is not free, Apple offers a 90-day free trial for new users. This allows you to test the software risk-free before making a purchase.
How to Download the Free Trial
- Visit Apple’s Final Cut Pro Page – Go to Apple’s official website.
- Click on "Download Free Trial" – This will start the 90-day free trial.
- Install & Test – Explore all features before purchasing.
Limitations of the Free Trial
✅ Includes all features of the full version
❌ Expires after 90 days
❌ Cannot be extended after expiration
📌 Pro Tip: If you are a student or educator, check for Apple’s education discount bundle, which may include Final Cut Pro.
4. Can You Get Final Cut Pro for Free on Mac?
No, Final Cut Pro does not come pre-installed on Mac computers. Unlike iMovie, which is a free video editor included with macOS, Final Cut Pro must be purchased separately.
However, Apple provides free updates to all users who have purchased the software. This means no additional costs for new features or bug fixes.
5. Is Final Cut Pro Worth the Price?
For many video editors, Final Cut Pro’s one-time purchase model is a better long-term investment compared to subscription-based editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro.
Reasons Why Final Cut Pro is Worth It
✅ One-time payment – No monthly subscription fees
✅ Optimized for Mac – Fast performance on Apple devices
✅ Free updates – New features are included at no extra cost
✅ Professional-grade tools – Used by filmmakers and content creators worldwide
Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Final Cut Pro?
If you are a professional or aspiring video editor using a Mac, Final Cut Pro is a worthwhile investment. With a one-time payment of $299.99, free lifetime updates, and powerful editing tools, it is one of the best value-for-money editing software options available.
🚀 Key Takeaways:
✅ Final Cut Pro is not free, but offers a 90-day free trial
✅ One-time purchase of $299.99 – no subscription required
✅ No hidden fees – free lifetime updates
✅ Great alternative to Adobe Premiere Pro’s subscription model
If you are unsure, download the free trial first to see if Final Cut Pro meets your editing needs.
FAQ Is Final Cut Pro Free?
1. Is Final Cut Pro free?
No, Final Cut Pro is not free. It is a one-time purchase software priced at $299.99 on the Mac App Store. However, Apple offers a 90-day free trial for new users.
2. Does Final Cut Pro have a free trial?
Yes, Final Cut Pro offers a 90-day free trial. The trial includes full access to all features but expires after 90 days. It cannot be extended.
3. Can I use Final Cut Pro for free after the trial?
No, once the 90-day trial expires, you must purchase Final Cut Pro to continue using it. Apple does not offer an extended free version.
4. Is Final Cut Pro a one-time purchase or a subscription?
Final Cut Pro is a one-time purchase. Unlike Adobe Premiere Pro, which requires a monthly or annual subscription, Final Cut Pro requires a single payment of $299.99 with free lifetime updates.
5. Does Final Cut Pro come pre-installed on Mac?
No, Final Cut Pro is not pre-installed on Mac computers. It must be purchased separately from the Mac App Store.
6. Is there a student discount for Final Cut Pro?
Yes, students and educators can purchase Final Cut Pro as part of the Apple Education Bundle, which includes other creative software at a discounted price.
7. Can I pay for Final Cut Pro monthly?
No, Apple does not offer a subscription plan for Final Cut Pro. It is only available as a one-time payment of $299.99.
8. Will I get free updates after purchasing Final Cut Pro?
Yes, once you purchase Final Cut Pro, all future updates are free. Apple provides regular software improvements without additional charges.
9. What is the difference between Final Cut Pro and iMovie?
- Final Cut Pro is a professional video editing software with advanced tools.
- iMovie is a free, beginner-friendly video editor included with macOS.
10. Is Final Cut Pro worth the price?
Yes, Final Cut Pro is worth it for professional and aspiring video editors. The one-time payment model saves money in the long run compared to subscription-based software like Adobe Premiere Pro.
