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Video Production · head to head

Kdenlive vs Overcast

Kdenlive logo

Kdenlive

Video Production

Free, open-source non-linear video editor from the KDE community

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Overcast logo

Overcast

Entertainment

The best podcast app for iPhone

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Each has a real cost: Kdenlive relies on volunteer development so release cadence and bug fixes can be slower than commercial tools.; Overcast iOS and Mac only, with no Android version or plans for one
  • They diverge on capability: Kdenlive covers Multi-track timeline, Overcast covers Podcast app.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Kdenlive and Overcast actually diverge.

Attributes where Kdenlive and Overcast differ
AttributeKdenliveOvercast
Pricing modelopen-sourceUnknown
Platformswindows, mac, linuxiOS, macOS, watchOS
CategoryVideo ProductionEntertainment
FoundedUnknown2014

Identical on both: starting price (Free), free tier (Yes), user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Kdenlive

  • Multi-track timeline
  • Proxy editing
  • Wide format support
  • Titler tool
  • Effects and transitions
  • Cross-platform

Only in Overcast

  • Podcast app
  • Smart Speed
  • Voice Boost
  • Sync
  • Discovery
  • Apple services
  • Podcast services
  • Privacy-focused

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Kdenlive

  • Free video editing for hobbyistsnot Overcast
  • Linux-native video productionnot Overcast
  • Educational video editingnot Overcast
  • Community/open-source project video worknot Overcast

Overcast

  • Podcast listeningnot Kdenlive
  • Apple integrationnot Kdenlive

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Kdenlive

  • Relies on volunteer development so release cadence and bug fixes can be slower than commercial tools.
  • Lacks built-in advanced VFX/compositing found in tools like DaVinci Resolve.
  • Performance and stability can vary depending on system configuration and GPU drivers.
  • No official cloud collaboration or review features.

Overcast

  • iOS and Mac only, with no Android version or plans for one
  • No web version for accessing podcasts across browsers
  • Dependent on Apple ecosystem, limiting accessibility for Windows and Android users

Pricing, plan by plan

Kdenlive

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Full editor
    • All effects and transitions
    • Community support

Overcast

Free
  • FreeFree
    • Podcast playback
    • Smart Speed
    • Voice Boost
  • Premium$9.95/year
    • No ads
    • Custom icons
    • Upload personal audio

Which should you pick?

Choose Kdenlive if

  • You need multi-track timeline.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on windows, mac, linux.
  • You also want proxy editing.
Kdenlive review

Choose Overcast if

  • You need podcast app.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on iOS, macOS, watchOS.
  • You also want smart speed.
Overcast review

Questions people ask

Is Kdenlive or Overcast better?
Neither clearly leads. Kdenlive starts at Free and Overcast at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Kdenlive or Overcast?
Kdenlive starts at Free and Overcast at Free.
Does Kdenlive or Overcast run on more platforms?
Kdenlive runs on windows, mac, linux. Overcast runs on iOS, macOS, watchOS.
Can I use Kdenlive for free?
Both have a free tier, so you can try either at no cost before committing.
What is Kdenlive best used for?
Kdenlive is most often used for free video editing for hobbyists, linux-native video production, educational video editing, community/open-source project video work. Of those, free video editing for hobbyists and linux-native video production are not what Overcast is typically brought in for.
What can Kdenlive do that Overcast cannot?
Kdenlive covers Multi-track timeline, Proxy editing, Wide format support, Titler tool. Overcast covers Podcast app, Smart Speed, Voice Boost, Sync.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Kdenlive: Is Kdenlive free to use?

Yes, Kdenlive is completely free and open source, distributed under the GPL license with no cost to download or use, though donations to KDE e.V. are welcomed.

Source
Overcast: Is Overcast free or paid?

Overcast is free with ad banners promoting podcasts. Premium subscription of $9.95 per year removes ads, enables custom icons, and allows uploading personal audio files.

Source
Kdenlive: What platforms does Kdenlive support?

Kdenlive runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, and BSD.

Source
Overcast: What platforms does Overcast support?

Overcast is available on iOS (iPhone, iPad) and Mac with Apple M1 or later. It is not available on Android, Windows, or web.

Source
Kdenlive: Where can I get help with Kdenlive?

Users can consult the user manual at docs.kdenlive.org, join the community Matrix channel, or ask on the KDE discussion forum.

Source
Overcast: What are Overcast's signature features?

Overcast features Smart Speed, which dynamically shortens silences in podcasts while maintaining natural sound, and Voice Boost, which normalizes audio levels across episodes.

Source
Overcast: Who develops Overcast?

Overcast is developed and maintained by Marco Arment, a software developer who previously created Instapaper and served as CTO of Tumblr.

Source
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