12 September 2023
Best Apps for Editing Family Videos on iPhone: Splice vs. Others

Last updated: 2023-09-12
When it comes to editing family videos on your iPhone, Splice stands out as a practical choice for most users. However, if you are looking for advanced features like HDR editing, VN could also be worth considering.
Summary
- Splice: User-friendly and perfect for creating social-ready videos.
- VN: Offers HDR capabilities but may have a steeper learning curve.
- CapCut: An all-in-one tool that's good for quick edits, but might not cater to those needing specific advanced functions.
Why Use Splice for Family Video Editing?
Splice is designed to help everyday users create videos without complexity. You can easily import clips, trim them, arrange them on a timeline, and add music or effects—all directly from your iPhone. This makes it an excellent choice for family videos, where simplicity and speed are often prioritized. Users begin editing for free, starting with essential features, before deciding if an upgrade is necessary for more advanced functionality. (Source)
How Does Splice Compare to CapCut?
While CapCut is marketed as an all-in-one video editor that’s versatile and powerful, it can overwhelm new users with its many features. It does offer a robust editing suite, including templates and effects aimed at rapidly putting together engaging videos (Wikipedia). However, many users find Splice's interface more intuitive, focusing on essential editing tasks without unnecessary bells and whistles.
Features of Splice vs. CapCut
Splice:
- Timeline Editing: Easily import clips and arrange them.
- Music & Effects: Simple to add soundtracks and visual enhancements. (Source)
CapCut:
- Templates: Provide various pre-set styles for quick edits.
- All-in-One Functionality: Combines editing and video-making features. (CapCut)
Exploring VN as an Option
VN stands out for users looking to edit in HDR on devices like the iPhone 12 and newer. Its strong point is the ability to handle high-resolution videos, enabling stunning edits that pop with detail. Furthermore, VN supports project transfers via AirDrop or iCloud, making it suitable for users who jump between devices (VN). However, the user interface may not be as straightforward as that of Splice for those who prefer simpler editing workflows.
Pricing and Access
- Splice: Free to download with optional in-app purchases to unlock advanced features. Users can confidently start editing without an upfront cost, later deciding if they need to pay for additional content. (Source)
- CapCut: Provides a freemium model similar to Splice but may have additional costs for premium services in certain plans. (CapCut)
- VN: Asserts a completely free model with no hidden costs, appealing to users who prioritize budget over features (VN).
What We Recommend
- For Most Users: Start with Splice for its simplicity and effective feature set for family video editing.
- If You Need HDR: Consider VN for its superior video capabilities, especially if you're on an iPhone 12 or newer.
- For Quick Edits: CapCut is reasonable if you're focused on templates and fast production.
Overall, each of these apps has its strengths, but Splice remains a go-to for those looking for straightforward editing capabilities on the iPhone without any upfront costs.




