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Video Production · head to head

Kdenlive vs Stencyl

Kdenlive logo

Kdenlive

Video Production

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

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Stencyl logo

Stencyl

Game Development

Create games with visual programming

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.; Stencyl the free Starter tier can publish to the web only
  • They diverge on capability: Kdenlive covers Multi-track timeline, Stencyl covers Visual block programming.
  • Prices and features above were last checked on 30 August 2026.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Kdenlive and Stencyl actually diverge.

Attributes where Kdenlive and Stencyl differ
AttributeKdenliveStencyl
Pricing modelopen-sourcesubscription
Platformswindows, mac, linuxWindows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Flash
CategoryVideo ProductionGame Development
FoundedUnknown2011

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 Stencyl

  • Visual block programming
  • Drag-and-drop interface
  • Physics engine
  • Sprite animation
  • Sound and music
  • Tilemap editor
  • Actor system
  • Haxe support

What people use each for

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

Kdenlive

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

Stencyl

  • Game development for independent creatorsnot Kdenlive
  • Cross-platform game publishing (iOS, Android, Web, Desktop)not Kdenlive
  • Indie game studio platformnot 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.

Stencyl

  • The free Starter tier can publish to the web only
  • Desktop publishing requires the Indie plan at $99 a year
  • iOS and Android publishing require the Studio plan at $199 a year
  • Licences are annual, so continuing to publish means continuing to pay

Pricing, plan by plan

Kdenlive

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

Stencyl

Free
  • Starter (Free)Free
    • Publish to Web only
    • Includes Stencyl branding splash screen
  • Indie$99/year
    • Publish to Web and Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux)
    • Early access to latest releases
    • No watermarks or forced Stencyl branding
  • Studio (Most Popular)$199/year
    • Publish to iOS, Android, Web and Desktop
    • Early access to latest releases
    • No watermarks or forced Stencyl branding

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 Stencyl if

  • You need visual block programming.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Flash.
  • You also want drag-and-drop interface.
Stencyl review

Questions people ask

Is Kdenlive or Stencyl better?
Neither clearly leads. Kdenlive starts at Free and Stencyl at Free, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Kdenlive or Stencyl?
Kdenlive starts at Free and Stencyl at Free.
Does Kdenlive or Stencyl run on more platforms?
Kdenlive runs on windows, mac, linux. Stencyl runs on Windows, Macos, Linux, Ios, Android, Flash.
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 Stencyl is typically brought in for.
What can Kdenlive do that Stencyl cannot?
Kdenlive covers Multi-track timeline, Proxy editing, Wide format support, Titler tool. Stencyl covers Visual block programming, Drag-and-drop interface, Physics engine, Sprite animation.

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
Stencyl: How much does Stencyl cost?

Stencyl offers a free Starter plan, Indie at $99/year, and Studio at $199/year. All platforms include annual subscriptions with no royalties or per-game fees.

Source
Kdenlive: What platforms does Kdenlive support?

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

Source
Stencyl: What platforms can I publish to with each Stencyl plan?

Starter publishes to Web only. Indie adds Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux). Studio includes all Indie platforms plus iOS and Android mobile.

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
Stencyl: Does Stencyl offer a money-back guarantee?

Yes, both Indie and Studio plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee from the date of purchase, provided you have not published any games.

Source
Stencyl: Can I use Stencyl after my subscription expires?

Yes, your games will continue to work after your subscription expires. However, you cannot publish new games or updates without an active subscription.

Source
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