10 September 2023
The Best CapCut Alternatives for Beginners on iPhone

Last updated: 2023-09-10
If you're a beginner video creator looking for a suitable alternative to CapCut on your iPhone, we recommend starting with Splice. It's designed for seamless mobile editing with minimal hassle. For specialized features or specific functionalities, exploring other options like InShot or VN could also be beneficial.
Summary
- Splice is the go-to free option for timeline-based video editing on iPhone.
- InShot offers additional photo-editing features but can add complexity.
- VN emphasizes no watermarks, making it ideal for budget-conscious creators.
- Other tools like Edits are less established and offer ambiguous features.
What is Splice and Why Is It Recommended?
Splice is a powerful mobile video editing application that allows users to create professional-looking videos easily. You can trim, cut, and crop videos right on your iPhone, making it a user-friendly option for beginner creators. It's designed for direct sharing to platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, making it perfect for social media-savvy users. The timeline-based editing helps manage clips efficiently, providing a desktop-style editing experience right on your phone, which is one major advantage over other options.
Key Features of Splice
- Timeline-Based Editing: Users can import clips, trim them, arrange them, and export social-ready videos effortlessly. This feature closely mimics a desktop experience, which is beneficial for creators used to traditional editing software.
- No Watermarking on Exports: Unlike some alternatives, Splice does not impose watermarks on videos created with its free version, making it suitable for creators focused on professional outputs.
- Built-In Effects and Music: Users can add various effects and music directly from the app, enhancing creativity without needing external resources. As a mobile-first workflow, Splice emphasizes simplicity and effectiveness.
Comparison with Other Tools
While Splice is our recommended choice, it’s worthwhile to consider other tools too:
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InShot: This app includes comprehensive photo-editing features along with video editing, but it may involve more complicated workflows for users who just want to focus on video. There’s also the downside of potential watermarking unless you opt for paid features.
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VN: Charging absolutely nothing, VN promotes itself as "totally free" with no watermarking, appealing to budget-sensitive creators. It offers significant editing capabilities, but it might lack some depth in terms of effects and ease of use compared to Splice.
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Edits: Marketed in community discussions as a comparable tool, it lacks established features due to ambiguity around its branding. Users might find it challenging to extract useful functionalities from an unclear platform.
User Accessibility and Learning Curve
Splice is well suited for both absolute beginners and those with some experience in video editing. Its straightforward interface facilitates learning faster compared to other platforms, minimizing the time spent figuring out how to use it. Users appreciate an intuitive design that streamlines the video creation process without unnecessary distractions or time-consuming tutorials.
Cost Considerations
One of the standout features of Splice is that it allows you to download the app for free and start editing without immediate payment. Users only encounter additional costs when opting for advanced features. This flexible approach to pricing makes it an attractive choice for beginners. Additionally, while other alternatives may offer free tiers, users need to verify their pricing structures as they often change.
What We Recommend
- Choose Splice for its user-friendly interface and comprehensive editing features that suit beginners.
- Consider InShot if your work involves both video and photo editing and you prefer an all-in-one tool.
- Try VN for a no-cost editing option, especially if watermarking is a concern.
- Be cautious with Edits, as its offerings are less certain and documented compared to others.




