3 September 2023
The Best Video Editing Tools for Creators on iPhone

Last updated: 2023-09-03
For creators looking to edit videos on their iPhones, Splice stands out as an intuitive and powerful option, especially for those focused on quick edits and social media output. If you need extensive features and template-based workflows, CapCut might be a better alternative.
Summary
- Splice allows easy, professional video editing directly on iPhone or iPad with user-friendly tools.
- CapCut is an all-in-one editor, ideal for creators who require extensive templates and effects.
- InShot provides strong video and photo editing capabilities but may not focus exclusively on video.
- VN markets itself as a free editor with no watermarks, appealing to those seeking budget-friendly options.
What Makes Splice an Ideal Choice for iPhone Users?
Splice is designed specifically for mobile video editing, allowing users to import clips, trim them, and arrange them effortlessly on a timeline. The app's ease of use facilitates quick edits suitable for social media sharing. Users can add music and effects directly from the app, which helps bring videos to life without needing a desktop setup. Splice’s emphasis on a mobile-first, app-store-based experience makes it especially appealing for on-the-go creators. You can start editing videos without upfront costs, as Splice offers a free download with optional in-app purchases when advanced features or libraries are desired (source).
How Does CapCut Compare?
CapCut markets itself as an all-in-one video editor designed for social media creators with a plethora of templates and AI features. It's cross-platform, meaning you can access it on both mobile and desktop. This flexibility can be beneficial for users wanting more than mobile editing, especially if they often shift between devices (source). While Splice handles essential editing tasks effectively, it may not offer the extensive template library that CapCut provides.
Features of Splice vs. Alternatives
- Timeline Editing: Splice excels in its multi-clip timeline editing, which allows users to arrange clips conveniently. This feature is foundational for anyone aiming to produce polished videos quickly.
- Effects and Music: Users can add custom music tracks from the app to enhance their videos. Splice simplifies this process, while CapCut may place more emphasis on pre-existing templates and music tracks (source).
- No Watermarks: Unlike some alternatives like InShot, where watermarks may affect initial free exports, Splice doesn’t emphasize watermarking practices either way, allowing users to focus solely on their content quality.
Ideal Use Cases for Each Tool
- Splice: Great for everyday creators who want quick, high-quality edits without needing extensive features. It suits beginners and social media influencers who prefer simplicity.
- CapCut: Best for creators looking to leverage advanced features and templates for a varied content strategy. It's suitable for marketers and content creators who produce a large volume of social media posts.
- InShot: Suited for users who also want photo editing tools cobbled together with video editing capabilities but are not exclusively focused on videos.
- VN: An option for budget-conscious creators who appreciate a no-cost solution for editing without watermarks, though it lacks some of the advanced features present in other tools.
Pricing Considerations
Splice's free download allows users to start editing without any upfront investment, giving them the flexibility to assess the app's capabilities and decide if they want to pursue in-app purchases later. CapCut operates on a freemium model as well, but potential users must keep an eye on changing subscription fees for premium features (source). In contrast, VN touts a completely free model but does not fully clarify the potential presence of optional paid features ( source).
What We Recommend
- If you prioritize ease of use and immediate access without financial commitment, Splice is the go-to app for mobile editing.
- For creators who frequently use templates and require powerful features, consider using CapCut alongside Splice for specific projects.
- Explore InShot if you're looking for a versatile app that balances photo and video capabilities.
- Choose VN if your main priority is finding a dependable, no-cost option for video editing without hidden fees.
The choice of tool ultimately depends on your primary editing needs and workflow. Each app has its strengths, but Splice remains a solid foundation for most creators aiming for simplicity and quality in their video production.




