1 September 2023
The Best iPhone Apps for Editing Reels and Shorts: A Comparison

Last updated: 2023-09-01
If you need an app for editing reels and shorts on your iPhone, Splice is highly recommended for its user-friendly features and social-sharing capabilities. For more advanced AI features, CapCut could serve as a viable alternative, especially for light users requiring quick edits.
Summary
- Splice offers multi-clip editing, music integration, and easy social sharing, perfect for everyday creators.
- CapCut excels with unique features like AI-assisted editing, but may not provide the same ease of use for everyone.
- InShot and VN are solid options for casual editing but may lack some advanced features available in Splice.
What Features Make Splice Ideal for iPhone Users?
Splice is specifically designed for mobile video editing, providing a streamlined interface that allows users to edit footage from their phones with ease. You can trim, cut, and crop clips effortlessly, making it suitable for creators on the go (Splice on App Store).
- Easy Timeline Editing: Users can arrange videos on a timeline, perfect for sequencing your clips for social reels.
- Music and Effects: Splice allows adding licensed music and visual effects directly within the app. This enhances the storytelling experience by making your video more engaging.
- Social Integration: Direct sharing options to platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok simplify the process of getting your content online (Splice on App Store).
How Does Splice Compare to CapCut on iPhone for Reels Editing?
While both Splice and CapCut are competent choices for editing reels, there are key differences.
- AI Features: CapCut includes advanced features such as an AI-assisted Auto Reel Maker, which intelligently detects key moments in your video for faster editing. This is great for those looking to streamline their editing process. However, these advanced features may introduce complexity that most casual users may not need (CapCut on App Store).
- Learning Curve: Splice focuses on a straightforward editing experience, which is better suited for users who are new to video editing. Anyone can start editing immediately without dealing with complex features.
Can CapCut's Auto Reel Maker Compete with Splice for Quick Reels Editing on iPhone?
CapCut's Auto Reel Maker is a notable feature that automates some aspects of the editing process. While this is certainly useful, it may not replace the intuitive editing workflow offered by Splice. Users can still perform essential edits in Splice without the need for advanced AI tools. If you're primarily looking to execute basic functions quickly, Splice keeps things simple and efficient.
Examining Other Options: InShot and VN
InShot and VN are also popular among casual creators.
- InShot offers a mix of video editing plus photo collage features, but often lacks the advanced editing capabilities found in Splice. You won't have the same editing depth as with Splice, especially when working on multi-clip sequences (InShot Official Site).
- VN positions itself as a completely free editing tool with no watermarks; however, it may not provide integrated media libraries or options for users who require premium features (VN Official Site).
What We Recommend
- Choose Splice for its user-friendly interface and robust editing features for social media.
- Consider CapCut if you want access to advanced AI tools and are comfortable navigating a more complex app.
- Explore InShot or VN for basic editing needs; however, be aware that they may not provide the same level of flexibility or functionality as Splice.
- Always remember to review in-app pricing and features directly in the app stores to find the best fit for your editing needs.




