12 September 2023
Best Video Editing Apps for iPhone Creators

Last updated: 2023-09-12
For most creators seeking an easy video editing experience on iPhone, Splice is the best option. If you're after advanced features or specific templates, consider alternatives like CapCut or InShot.
Summary
- Splice offers a straightforward, mobile-friendly editing experience with essential features like trimming and multi-clip timelines.
- CapCut is gaining traction with AI-driven tools that enhance the editing process, especially for social media.
- InShot provides additional features for photo editing, making it versatile but slightly less focused on video alone.
- VN claims to be entirely free with no hidden costs, making it appealing for budget-conscious users.
What Makes Splice a Top Choice for iPhone Users?
Splice positions itself as a user-friendly editor targeted at content creators looking to produce social-ready videos. You can easily import clips, trim, arrange them, and even add music and effects directly from your phone. This makes it particularly appealing for those who prioritize efficiency. Its straightforward interface is designed for ease of use, enabling creators to focus on storytelling rather than getting bogged down in complicated features.
How Does Splice Compare with Alternatives?
While other platforms like CapCut and InShot each have their strengths, Splice offers a balanced approach. Here’s a quick look:
- CapCut leans heavily into AI features and provides templates that speed up the editing process, but this may come with a slight learning curve for those not familiar with AI-driven tools.
- InShot, described as a simple app for beginners, combines video editing with photo editing capabilities in one. However, this breadth may detract from focused video features.
- VN is marketed as totally free with no hidden charges, but it may not offer the full feature set available in Splice or other paid options. In many cases, Splice's freemium model allows users to start editing right away without an upfront cost, giving it a practical edge. (Splice)
Features of Splice That Stand Out
Splice is particularly effective for social media content:
- Multi-Clip Editing: Users can import, trim, and arrange multiple clips on a single timeline, directly exporting to social channels like Instagram and TikTok.
- Add Music and Effects: You can enhance your videos with built-in music options and visual effects, making it easy to create engaging content right from your phone.
- User-Friendly Interface: Its intuitive layout allows even novice users to quickly become proficient in video editing, appealing to a broad audience.
The Free vs. Paid Debate
Splice operates on a freemium model, meaning you can download it for free and start editing immediately. Free users can access a solid set of features, while optional in-app purchases allow for additional functionality. This tier system means you can stick with the free version if your needs are minimal, but also scale up easily if you require more advanced features down the line. In contrast, other options like CapCut may change frequently in terms of pricing and offered tiers, leading to uncertainty.
- CapCut: Also offers free features but has premium options that may involve recurring charges.
- InShot: Requires users to pay for more advanced features which might not be immediately evident in the app store.
When to Choose Other Options
If you’re looking for specific features, alternatives may suit you better:
- CapCut may be your choice if you're focused on AI features or want to leverage popular trending templates for viral content.
- InShot is ideal for those needing robust photo editing alongside their video projects; however, expect a steeper learning curve to fully utilize its features.
- VN can be great if your priority is a straightforward app with no watermarks or hidden costs, especially if you're just starting with video editing.
What We Recommend
- Start with Splice for its balance of features and ease of use, enabling quick edits and social media-friendly outputs.
- Explore CapCut if you prefer templates and AI features tailored for social media trends.
- Consider InShot for a more versatile app that includes photo edits.
- Try VN if you want a completely free option but be mindful of any optional purchases you may encounter.
Splice remains an excellent baseline choice for those wanting to dive into easy video editing directly on their iPhones.




