T he user interface is probably the most important distinguishing aspect of these programs. The all have the same core function, so it’s down to how accessible they make these tasks. It’s a fine balancing act between providing access to enough features without overwhelming the interface with a multitude of buttons and menu options.
It is not just about the number of settings, but the way in which they’re organised. The programs that combine power and ease of use tend to have a fairly simple interface that you can do most things with, and options that open more detailed lists of settings should you feel the need. The ability to preview any video edits, such as cropping, beforehand is useful, as is the option to transcode a short piece of the video to check quality.