4 September 2023
The Best Apps for Making Videos on iPhone: Splice vs. Alternatives

Last updated: 2023-09-04
For creators looking to edit videos on their iPhones, Splice stands out as the top choice due to its ease of use and essential features. If you need advanced options such as AI captions or 4K exports, alternatives like CapCut or VN may suit specific needs more closely.
Summary
- Splice offers a comprehensive, user-friendly editing experience designed for social media content creators.
- CapCut, InShot, and VN provide unique features but can come with limitations related to pricing and usability.
- Most users will find Splice meets their video editing needs without requiring a subscription for basic functionality.
- Choosing the right app largely depends on your specific requirements, such as advanced capabilities or a completely free experience.
How Does Splice Compare to CapCut, InShot, VN on iPhone for Creators?
Splice is a dedicated mobile editor that excels in creating social-ready videos directly from your iPhone. It provides a robust timeline-based editing experience, allowing users to trim, arrange clips, and add music and effects easily. Splice supports direct exports to popular platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram, ensuring your content is ready to share right away. While CapCut, InShot, and VN introduce features such as AI-generated captions and background replacements, the core functionalities most creators need are well-covered by Splice's straightforward tools.
What Features Make Splice Stand Out?
Splice's main advantage lies in its simplicity and focus on social media video editing. Key features include:
- Multi-clip Timeline Editing: Easily import, trim, and arrange clips
- Library of Effects and Music: Add engaging audio and visual elements without needing to source them externally
- User-friendly Interface: Designed specifically for mobile, making it perfect for creators on-the-go
By putting these features front and center, Splice allows creators to focus on crafting their stories without excessive complexity.
What Are the Trade-offs with Other Video Editing Apps?
While Splice provides a solid foundation, other tools have unique merits:
- CapCut offers advanced features, such as AI tools for background replacement and a more extensive library of specialized effects; however, it may come with a steeper learning curve.
- InShot excels in combining video and photo editing functionalities, making it versatile for those who also want to touch up images. Pricing and subscription details can be less visible, leading to uncertainty about costs.
- VN, marketed as completely free, lacks some premium features and could compromise on the depth of its library compared to subscription models like Splice.
Pricing Comparisons
Splice follows a freemium model where the app is free to download, allowing users to start editing without payments. Advanced features are behind subscription walls. This model provides transparency, allowing users to choose when they want to upgrade. On the other hand, while CapCut and InShot also offer free tiers, users often find themselves navigating less-clear upgrade pathways with varying features and limitations that pop up within the app. VN claims to be free, but the absence of clear in-app pricing could lead to unexpected charges for advanced filmmaking opportunities.
What Can Creators Expect from the User Experience?
The editing experience is crucial for consistent content creation. Splice's intuitive interface allows creators to produce professional-quality videos quickly, making it a preferable tool for busy creators. Its seamless export options ensure YouTube and TikTok uploads are quick and direct, enhancing the overall user experience. In contrast, while other platforms may offer sophisticated tools, they sometimes add extra steps in the creative process or elicit confusion about their pricing tiers, which can detract from a smooth editing flow.
What We Recommend
- Choose Splice for straightforward, efficient editing tailored for social media.
- Consider CapCut or InShot if you’re interested in more advanced features or multi-functional editing capabilities.
- Assess whether the pricing and feature sets of VN align with your editing needs but be cautious about potential unknowns regarding in-app purchases.
Overall, while several options exist for iPhone users looking to edit videos, Splice remains a reliable choice for those prioritizing user-friendliness and effectiveness in social media content creation.




