Starts atFree plan · paid from $19.99/mo
- Free plan
- Watermark not statedThe provider does not say
Head-to-head
CapCut vs iMovie: which free editor is better for short videos?
At a glance
Starts atFree
- Free option listed
- Watermark not statedThe provider does not say
Both cost $0 to start. iMovie is Apple's free editor for iPhone, iPad and Mac, with no paid tier. CapCut runs on phone, desktop and web, and is built around vertical video with templates, auto captions and AI tools. CapCut Pro costs $19.99/month or $179.99/year if you want 1,200 AI credits and 1 TB of cloud storage. For TikTok and Reels, CapCut has more short-form tools. iMovie is simpler and stays on Apple devices.
Quick verdict
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | CapCut | iMovie |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free. Pro: $19.99/month or $179.99/year. Ultra: $79/month | Free |
| Devices | Phone, desktop and web | iPhone, iPad and Mac only |
| AI tools | Auto captions, AI clipping. Pro: 1,200 AI credits a month | Not on Apple's iMovie support page (Oct 2026) |
| Cloud storage | Pro and Ultra: 1 TB | Not offered |
| Watermark | Not stated on CapCut's pricing page (Oct 2026) | Not stated on Apple's iMovie page (Oct 2026) |
| Templates | Large template library for social formats | Built-in themes and trailers |
| Best for | TikTok-first creators | Beginners on iPhone or Mac |
Which one for Shorts, TikTok and Reels?
- Captions on every clip: CapCut. Auto captions are part of the free editor.
- Trending templates: CapCut.
- Simple cut, music and export on an iPhone: iMovie is enough.
- Windows or Android: CapCut, since iMovie is Apple only.
How to choose
- Check your device. Not on Apple? Use CapCut.
- Need captions or templates on vertical video? Use CapCut Free.
- Want a basic edit with zero upsells? Use iMovie.
- Only pay for CapCut Pro if you run out of AI credits or need cloud storage.
Questions people ask
Is CapCut better than iMovie for TikTok?
For most TikTok creators, yes. CapCut is built for vertical video with auto captions and templates. iMovie is a general beginner editor.
Is iMovie completely free?
Yes. iMovie is free on iPhone, iPad and Mac with no paid plan.
How much is CapCut Pro?
CapCut Pro is $19.99/month or $179.99/year, with 1,200 AI credits a month and 1 TB of storage.
Related: CapCut vs InShot, CapCut alternatives, phone video editing tools.
Sources: capcut.com/pricing, support.apple.com/imovie. Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.