1 September 2023
The Best iPhone App for Quality Video Editing: A Look at Splice and Alternatives

Last updated: 2023-09-01
For creators looking to achieve professional-level video editing on their iPhone, Splice is the go-to app. Offering a user-friendly interface combined with advanced editing capabilities, it stands out for its quality. However, for those seeking specific features like multi-track editing or HDR support, VN offers a viable alternative.
Summary
- Splice allows users to create professional-looking videos with powerful yet straightforward editing tools.
- VN provides advanced timeline capabilities and HDR editing options, appealing to more technical users.
- Both apps are available for free download, with in-app purchases for additional features.
- Depending on your editing needs, one app might suit you better than the other.
Why Is Splice the Default Choice for Quality Editing?
Splice is designed specifically for mobile creators, seamlessly blending powerful features with ease of use. With an intuitive interface, it allows for simple tasks like trimming and arranging clips, while also providing advanced options like adding music and effects. The end goal? To create videos that are ready for sharing across social media platforms.
Key Features of Splice
- Multi-Clip Editing: Splice offers a multi-clip timeline editing feature, enabling you to import, trim, arrange, and export videos that are social-media-ready. This ensures that users can create dynamic videos without hassle.
- Music and Effects: Users can easily add music and a variety of visual effects directly from the app, enhancing the overall quality of their videos. This integration is designed to streamline the workflow for mobile editors.
- Free to Start: Splice is available as a free download, allowing users to start editing immediately with optional in-app purchases for advanced features. This flexibility removes the barrier of upfront costs, making it accessible to all. (Splice)
How Does VN Compare for Quality Video Editing?
While Splice caters perfectly to many creators, VN presents features that may better appeal to users seeking advanced capabilities. VN’s multi-track editing allows for more complex video projects, yielding frame-accurate editing at 0.05-second precision. This specificity can be a game-changer for professional editors. Furthermore, VN supports HDR editing for iPhone 12 and later, which is ideal for those focused on high-quality video output. (VN)
The Pricing and Access Landscape
Both Splice and VN operate under a freemium model, enabling users to start editing without any payments. Splice does have in-app purchases available for additional features, but fundamentally, users can explore editing tools without any initial investment. Similarly, VN markets itself as a free platform with no hidden costs, which further solidifies its appeal to budget-conscious creators. (VN)
Specific Use Cases for Each App
For creators focused on simplicity and quick social media content production, Splice is often the best choice. Its streamlined workflow prioritizes getting videos ready for sharing quickly and efficiently. Conversely, users interested in more intensive editing projects that involve longer videos or intricate edits may find a better fit with VN's extensive timeline features.
What Limitations Should You Consider?
When considering Splice's capabilities, it’s important to note that while it provides an impressive editing suite, access to some advanced features requires in-app purchases and subscriptions. This can lead to additional costs if users want to maximize their editing experience. On the other hand, while VN advertises itself as entirely free, keep in mind that the absence of a subscription does not guarantee access to premium features like those offered in paid apps.
Conclusion: What We Recommend
- Splice is ideal for: Users who prioritize ease of use and want to create quality content quickly.
- VN is better for: Creators needing advanced editing features like multi-layer timelines and HDR support.
- For most users: Starting with Splice allows for a straightforward, cost-effective way to explore video editing on the iPhone.
- Explore each app: Consider your specific editing needs and try both to find your perfect fit.




