1. Video
  2. Post-Production
  3. Video Editing

What is Adobe Premiere Elements? Vs Pro Version (For 2025)

Scroll to top

Video editing requires special software to gain the best results. But choosing the right editor can be tough! Maybe you're comparing two popular options: Adobe Premiere Elements vs Adobe Premiere Pro. But you may not know the similarities and differences between the two. And you might be wondering which one is right for you.

Adobe Premiere ElementsAdobe Premiere ElementsAdobe Premiere Elements
Adobe Premiere Elements is a simpler, entry-level version of Adobe Premiere Pro. (Image source: Envato Elements.)

In this guide, we’ll take a deep look at Adobe Premiere Elements. We’ll describe what it does and how it works. We’ll evaluate the key features. And we’ll also look at Pro, contrasting Adobe Premiere Elements vs. Pro.

When you’re finished reading, you’ll be able to make a smart and informed decision. You’ll know which of these powerful Adobe editing apps is right for you. Let’s get started!

What is Adobe Premiere Elements?

So, what is Adobe Premiere Elements? It’s a robust and multifunctional video editing app built by Adobe. Think of it as a simpler and more basic version of the flagship Premiere Pro editing suite. Consider the name: Premiere Elements. It takes elements of Premiere Pro and packages them in an easy-to-use software package.

Adobe Premiere Elements vs ProAdobe Premiere Elements vs ProAdobe Premiere Elements vs Pro
Adobe Premiere Elements packages an array of features into an easy-to-use interface.

Adobe Premiere Elements doesn’t have the complete featureset that you’ll find in Adobe Premiere Pro. But many of the features in that app are meant for professional editors. These people are often working on extremely complex projects. Let’s face it: most of us don’t have the need for all of these features.

That’s where Adobe Premiere Elements comes in. When you consider Adobe Premiere Pro vs. Elements, the key is to understand your mission. What is most important to you? Premiere Pro is compelling if you need advanced editing capabilities. But Premiere Elements is a great option if you want a simpler interface, while keeping the ability to make amazing videos of your own.

Why Choose Adobe Premiere Elements?

Picture this: you’re in the market for a new video editing app. Your choice has come down to Adobe Premiere Elements vs. Adobe Premiere Pro. What makes Adobe Premiere Elements stand out? Why should you choose it?

Premiere Elements vs ProPremiere Elements vs ProPremiere Elements vs Pro
Premiere Elements vs. Pro: choose Elements if you’re a newer editor without highly advanced editing needs. 

Consider these key attributes about Adobe Premiere Elements:

  • It’s easier to use. Adobe Premiere Elements is geared towards beginners and those that aren’t professional editors. The interface is easier to navigate than Adobe Premiere Pro. Think of it as geared more towards everyday users, not just studio pros.
  • It’s more cost-effective. To use Adobe Premiere Pro, you have to buy a monthly or annual subscription. With Adobe Premiere Elements, you can purchase the app for $99.99 once. It’s yours forever - no subscription required. You can also enjoy a 30-day free trial before deciding whether to purchase. 
  • It has powerful, advanced features. Don’t think of Elements as a weak option. It still includes an array of advanced editing tools to make your videos look their best. You’ll enjoy advanced graphics, corrections, and effects. 
  • You’ll enjoy included AI tools. Adobe’s Sensei AI tool is built into Adobe Premiere Elements. You can use it to automate many editing workflows to save time. 
  • Teaching tools are included. Not a video expert? No sweat. Adobe Premiere Elements includes teaching tools, which are called Guided Edits. You’ll learn how to do an array of common edits, step by step. 
  • Templates are supported. Adobe Premiere Elements includes many templates for common project needs. They help you build videos more quickly. They also handle complex design work for you. You’ll just need to drop in your own content. 

As you can see, there are many compelling reasons to consider Adobe Premiere Elements. It’s powerful enough for most projects, but simple enough to be easy to learn and use.

Adobe Premiere Pro: Should I Subscribe?

We looked at key highlights of Adobe Premiere Elements. For many, it’s a great choice of video editors. But always remember Adobe Premiere Pro. This is the most powerful video editing app in the Adobe Creative Cloud suite. For some users, it’s still the best choice. 

Premiere Pro interfacePremiere Pro interfacePremiere Pro interface
Premiere Pro is a professional-level editor with every tool you could need. (Premiere Pro template: Envato Elements.)

Why would Premiere Pro be better for some users? Remember, it’s a truly professional tool. It’s been used for movie productions, in studios, and more. 

Consider this:

  • Premiere Pro has incredibly advanced features. In Premiere Pro, you’ll find studio-grade editing features and effects. While Adobe Premiere Elements includes many of these, some complex effects feature in Premiere Pro only. 
  • It has more powerful color control tools. Color grading and correction has long been a hallmark of Premiere Pro. Premiere Elements includes some basic tools for this. But most reside only in Premiere Pro.
  • More formats are supported. Premiere Pro supports a wider amount of file formats for both audio and video. While Premiere Elements handles common formats, more esoteric options will need to be handled in Premiere Pro. 
  • Audio editing is emphasized. One standout feature of Premiere Pro is the powerful audio editing features. You can transform sound without having to use another editing app just for audio. 
  • You’ll enjoy more updates and expanded features. Premiere Pro is purchased by a subscription license. Regular updates are provided to subscribers. You’ll enjoy more updates and new features than you would with a one-time purchase of Adobe Premiere Elements.

As you can see, if you have more complex needs, Premiere Pro is still a strong option. Again, as you decide between Premiere Elements vs. Pro, the key is to know how powerful you need the features to be. This knowledge helps drive your purchase decision.

Adobe Premiere Elements vs. Adobe Premiere Pro: How Do They Compare?

We’ve outlined the key differences between Adobe Premiere Elements vs. Pro. But it’s often useful to consider these at a glance. Refer to this handy table to easily compare and contrast Adobe Premiere Pro vs. Elements in 2024:

Features and Attributes Premiere Elements Premiere Pro

Price

$99.99 to purchase

$22.99 monthly (a subscription is required)

Color Control

Limited editing tools.

A full suite of Color Grading and correction tools.

Effects and Transitions

Basic effects.

Studio-grade cinematic effects with more variety.

Motion Graphics

Limited, primarily titles.

Full support, with the ability to link to Adobe After Effects for greater flexibility.

File Formats

Basic formats are supported.

Wider compatibility with uncommon file formats.

Audio Editing Features

Simple audio corrections.

A full set of editing tools for audio and music. 

Ease of Use

Easier for beginners, with limited features.

More complex due to advanced features.

Premiere Elements vs. Pro: How Do I Choose?

Now, it’s time to choose between Adobe Premiere Elements vs. Pro. Which one is right for you? The key, again, is to know what you want to do. If you’re a beginner, Premiere Elements is a good choice. It’s easier to use, but you’ll still enjoy powerful editing features. It suffices for most simple video projects. If you don’t need advanced corrections and editing tools, Premiere Elements is a budget-friendly option.

If you’re a pro, working on complicated cinematic projects, Premiere Pro stands out. It supports much more complex editing tools, like color grading. If you need the ultimate level of creative control, Premiere Pro is your best bet. 

Another Adobe Option: Premiere Rush

We compared Adobe Premiere Elements vs. Adobe Premiere Pro above. But are these your only two choices when it comes to Adobe video editors? No! Adobe also offers a third alternative, called Adobe Premiere Rush.

Premiere Rush is targeted towards creating social media videos. It’s a cross-platform app, and you can even use it on your mobile phone or tablet. While it has a limited set of features, you can use Rush to create basic videos in moments. 

Adobe Premiere RushAdobe Premiere RushAdobe Premiere Rush
Adobe Premiere Rush is a free editor that you can use on mobile devices to make videos fast.

They’ll be ready to post on all of your favorite social networking channels. Adobe Premiere Rush is most notable for the striking price point: free! You can download and use Rush without purchasing it, or paying for a monthly subscription. 

Adobe Premiere Rush has fewer features than Adobe Premiere Elements or Premiere Pro. But if all you want to do is create quick, fun videos, it has you covered. 

Check out tutorials to learn more about Adobe Premiere Rush:

Top Tips to Make the Most of Adobe Premiere Elements

Adobe Premiere Elements offers an array of cool features to edit videos. If you choose Premiere Elements, check out these helpful tips to get started. They’ll give you a head start creating amazing videos in Adobe Premiere Elements.

As we work, you’ll see beautiful stock footage from Envato Elements in use. Download it today to follow along. 

1. Embrace the Learning Opportunities

In many ways, Adobe Premiere Elements is targeted towards newer editors. So, you’ll find it helpful that teaching tools are built into the app.

These are called Guided Edits. Guided Edits are step-by-step guides to common edits that you’ll find yourself making over and over.

Guided edits Adobe Premiere ElementsGuided edits Adobe Premiere ElementsGuided edits Adobe Premiere Elements
Guided Edits help coach you through editing steps in Adobe Premiere Elements.

With Guided Edits, you’ll work through each piece of the editing process. Premiere Elements will coach you as you work in real time. This way, you can gain understanding and knowledge to perform edits on your own later. It’s a useful learning tool, and it comes built in to Adobe Premiere Elements. 

2. Work with Effects in Real Time

In Adobe Premiere Pro, many effects can be previewed in real time. In other words, you don’t have to render or export a video to see the finished results. Often, the best way to add effects is through trial and error. You can always undo unwanted changes! 

Effects Adobe Premiere ElementsEffects Adobe Premiere ElementsEffects Adobe Premiere Elements
Using effects in real time helps you preview changes to clips as you work.

This is a good way to gain familiarity with the app as well. Explore the numerous included effects and try them out on your own footage. 

3. Explore Fun Graphics

Premiere Elements includes an array of artistic graphics and effects. For example, have you ever wanted to transform your video into a serene watercolor visual? There is an effect for this. These graphics also come in the form of overlays that you can add atop a video. Want balloons flying across the screen? You can do it!

Graphics Adobe Premiere ElementsGraphics Adobe Premiere ElementsGraphics Adobe Premiere Elements
Graphics and artistic effects help you make unforgettable videos with ease in Adobe Premiere Elements.

These graphics make Adobe Premiere Elements stand out. With them, you can transform mundane footage into something special. All you have to do is drag and drop them onto your clips in Premiere Elements. It’s really that easy!

Learn More About Adobe Premiere Pro

Make no mistake: Premiere Pro is a powerful tool, but it features a learning curve. After all - "pro" is in the name. That's why it helps to have tutorials that show you how to use key features in the app. 

On Envato Tuts+, we've built out a deep learning library with the best tutorials for Adobe Premiere Pro. We've got you covered with more tutorials that you can use to level up your Premiere Pro knowledge. Check out top tutorials below:

The Top Source for the Best Adobe Premiere Pro Templates (With Unlimited Downloads)

Adobe Premiere Pro stands out for many reasons. One is the ability to use premium project templates to create amazing videos. The best source for these templates is Envato Elements. For a flat monthly rate, you can download and use as many premium Adobe Premiere Pro templates as you want. It’s an incredible way to unlock new creative flexibility.

Premiere Pro templates ElementsPremiere Pro templates ElementsPremiere Pro templates Elements
Download unlimited Adobe Premiere Pro templates as part of your subscription to Envato Elements.

Premiere Pro templates are but one of many types of digital assets that Elements has to offer. You’ll also enjoy fonts, music, stock footage, graphics, and so much more. Every single piece of content on Elements is included in the unlimited downloads offer. Tens of millions of creative resources are at your fingertips.

Now, Envato Elements makes it easier than ever to source the perfect digital content for you. Simply use the brand-new AI-powered search assistant. In a few words, you can describe your project needs. Then, Elements will search the vast library and deliver the perfect digital assets for your project. It saves you time, while helping you find ideal content for any theme. 

Elements AI searchElements AI searchElements AI search
Use Envato Elements AI-powered search to find exactly what you need.

So, what are you waiting for? Envato Elements is the best creative value in 2024 and beyond. Join today and get started!

Adobe Premiere Pro vs. Elements: Make Your Choice Today

This was an in-depth study of Adobe Premiere Elements vs. Pro. We explored the features and differences of each editing app. For everyday use, Premiere Elements is an effective and budget-friendly option. For advanced editing, Premiere Pro is still the way to go. And we explored a free alternative, the newer Adobe Premiere Rush. It’s a useful tool for building quick videos to post online.

So, it’s time to consider your own project needs! Decide what features matter most to you. Then, make your selection. In no time, you’ll be building amazing video designs of your own in 2024.