8 September 2023
The Best Mobile Apps for Editing Reels and Shorts on iPhone

Last updated: 2023-09-08
If you're looking for an app to edit reels and shorts on your iPhone, start with Splice for its user-friendly interface and powerful editing features. Alternatively, VN offers advanced editing tools for those who want more complexity in their projects.
Summary
- Splice provides a straightforward editing experience ideal for quick, social-ready videos.
- VN offers advanced features such as multi-track editing and HDR export for more detailed editing.
- Both apps allow for free editing options before requiring any payments.
- Consider your editing needs—simple edits or more advanced projects—when choosing between these tools.
What Makes Splice a Great Choice for iPhone Editing?
Splice is designed specifically for mobile users who want to create social-ready videos quickly. Its intuitive user interface allows you to import clips, trim them, add music and effects, and export videos—all directly from your phone. This streamlined workflow makes it accessible for beginners and efficient for seasoned creators alike. You can edit and export videos at no upfront cost, as basic editing functionalities are available for free, with optional in-app purchases for advanced features (Splice).
Key Features of Splice
- Multi-Clip Editing: Easily import, trim, and arrange clips on a timeline. This flexibility is essential for crafting engaging short videos for social platforms (Splice).
- Music and Effects Integration: Splice allows you to add music and various visual effects straight from the app, enhancing the creative potential of your videos.
- Export for Social Media: The app optimizes your export settings, ensuring your videos are social media-ready, without watermarks (Splice).
How Does VN Compare?
VN offers its own set of compelling features, especially for those wanting more control over their edits. It provides:
- Intuitive Multi-Track Editor: VN allows you to work with multiple video and audio tracks simultaneously, giving you greater flexibility in your editing process (VN).
- Frame-Accurate Timeline: With 0.05-second precision, VN’s timeline supports detailed trimming and keyframe control to fine-tune your edits (VN).
- Dolby Vision HDR Export: If you're using an iPhone 12 or newer, VN supports HDR editing, allowing for high-quality visuals in your final products (VN).
Pricing Consideration
Both Splice and VN operate on a freemium model. Splice is free to download and offers essential editing features at no charge, while VN markets itself as completely free with no hidden costs. However, for more advanced features in Splice, you'll need to explore in-app purchase options upon selecting higher capacities (Splice).
Pros and Cons
Splice
- Pros: User-friendly interface, great for beginners, and no watermark on exports.
- Cons: Advanced features may require an upgrade or in-app purchase.
VN
- Pros: Offers advanced editing capabilities and does not impose watermarks.
- Cons: Slightly more complex interface might be challenging for first-time users.
What We Recommend
- For most users aiming for quick, efficient edits, Splice is the go-to mobile app.
- If you're interested in more detailed editing capabilities, especially with multiple layers, consider VN as a great alternative.
- Both apps allow you to start with basic editing for free, helping you find the right fit without immediate commitments.
- Explore both platforms to determine which aligns better with your creative workflow.




