PowerDirector Review: Pros, Cons, Verdict & Alternatives

PowerDirector is the flagship video editing tool from CyberLink that perfectly bridges the gap between professional and casual video editing software tools. PowerDirector is loaded with features that content creators around the world find attractive, useful, and convenient. Naturally, PowerDirector has enjoyed a comfortable position on the list of top video editing tools. But is it everything you need in a video editor? How does it fare in real-world applications? Who is it suited for? Are there any better alternatives? These and many more questions will be answered in this detailed PowerDirector review.

Part 1: What is CyberLink PowerDirector?

PowerDirector belongs to a new class of video editing tools that prioritize convenience and ease of editing over all else. Using powerful AI models, PowerDirector enables users to create professional-grade edits to their videos with just a few button clicks. Although PowerDirector is loaded with rich features, the user experience is remarkably smooth because of AI-driven editing. No complex editing or workflows are involved.

In fact, users only need to provide instructions to the AI in the form of text prompts, and PowerDirector will perform the edits on its own. Users can refine and edit the output by providing increasingly specific instructions until the desired results are achieved. In short, PowerDirector is the video editor for the non-editor. That said, experienced users can switch to granular editing with dedicated AI models for different types of editing.

Part 2: Key Features of CyberLink PowerDirector

• Vast Array of AI Tools: With PowerDirector, AI is not a mere companion. It's the whole package. Almost every feature of PowerDirector is powered by AI.
• Intuitive: PowerDirector is designed to be beginner-friendly, making it ideal for everyone from amateurs to professionals.
• Brilliant Edits: Remove backgrounds, replace backgrounds, change objects, track motion, and a variety of powerful video effects are available.
• 4K Rendering: PowerDirector supports an impressive 4K resolution for all its output. It can also enhance regular videos to 4K resolution.
• Extensive Effects: Text, animations, graphics, filters, and a host of other professional-quality effects are available as presets.

Performance

PowerDirector brings cutting-edge video editing features to users in a user-friendly package. However, the tool is beleaguered by performance issues, especially on older devices. The AI tools, such as speech-to-text, are wrought with errors. That said, PowerDirector's highlight is its remarkably fast video rendering, even on relatively low-powered devices. More importantly, prompts and instructions given to the built-in AI usually result in the realization of desired results. It's a mix of hits and misses with PowerDirector in terms of performance.

Feature Availability

PowerDirector gives users full control over how they wish to edit their videos. They can manually edit videos using standard tools or switch to AI editing mode and let it do all the heavy lifting. Either way, the sheer breadth of features available is impressive. Missing something? There are plenty of plugins to fill the gap, too.

The fact that PowerDirector offers advanced features like screen recording, live streaming, and motion tracking makes it an all-in-one tool for everything related to video, especially if you're a content creator. PowerDirector offers a wide range of basic and advanced features for video and audio editing. So, you are rarely left wanting for something.

Output Quality

PowerDirector supports video exports up to 8K resolution. PowerDirector supports 360°/VR video export, which is a nice advantage to have, especially if you work with these types of videos. Unsurprisingly, 8K exports and 360°/VR video exports are available only to premium users, while free users are limited to exporting in HD quality.

Assets and Content Creation

Although PowerDirector's user interface is optimized for everyone, from casual editors to professionals, the focus remains on helping creators produce high-quality content at scale. One of the ways the tool seeks to achieve this is by providing a vast library of stock images, videos, audio, templates, and more. PowerDirector has everything you need to create high-quality content.

However, the bulk of these assets are available only to premium users, whereas free users get a woefully limited library of assets.

Verdict

Starting at $74.99 per year, PowerDirector is an affordable option. The free version is practically unusable due to its limited features, even for casual users, since many basic tools are available only in the premium version. Despite all its rich features and AI tools, PowerDirector's competitor offers superior value for money.

Part 3: Best CyberLink PowerDirector Alternative: HitPaw VikPea

HitPaw VikPea offers all the AI features that users prefer in PowerDirector, wraps them in an even more user-friendly package, and offers it at an unbelievable price. Everything from AI upscaling to background removal to denoising is available as standard on VikPea. Moreover, VikPea kicks it up a notch with features that you won't find in PowerDirector in the first place. All of this is available at an unbelievable price of just $43.19. FOREVER.

FAQs on PowerDirector

Conclusion

PowerDirector is a great video editing tool that works well for both beginners and more experienced users. With its easy-to-use features and cool AI tools, it helps you make professional-looking videos quickly. However, the free version is limited and comes with watermarks, whereas the premium version is too expensive for most users. HitPaw VikPea achieves the right balance between price and features to give users everything they like about PowerDirector, except for the price tag. VikPea is more affordable and offers some nifty features not available in PowerDirector. Enhance your first video with VikPea today.