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Head-to-head

OpusClip vs CapCut: which should you use to make Shorts?

At a glance

OpusClipAI clipping
Starts atFree plan · paid from $14.50/mo billed yearly
  • Free plan60 processing minutes/month; 1080p, 3-day export window
  • Free trial7-day Pro trial, 90 minutes
  • Watermark on free exports
Full OpusClip details →

OpusClip finds the best moments in a long video and turns them into captioned vertical clips for you. CapCut is an editor where you make the cuts yourself. If you repurpose podcasts or long YouTube videos, OpusClip saves hours. If you film short clips directly, CapCut is free and enough.

Quick verdict

  • Choose OpusClip if you turn long videos into many Shorts and want AI to pick the clips.
  • Choose CapCut if you edit short videos by hand and want templates and captions for free.

Side-by-side comparison

DetailCapCutOpusClip
Free planYes, basic editing and free templatesYes: 60 credits a month, watermark, up to 1080p, clips expire after 3 days
Paid plansFree plan. Pro $19.99/month or $179.99/year, 1,200 AI credits. Ultra $79/monthStarter $15/month (monthly only), 150 credits. Pro $29/month or $14.50/month yearly ($174), 300 credits
WatermarkNot on CapCut's pricing page (Oct 2026)Free: yes. Starter and up: no
Long video to clipsManualAutomatic, with Virality Score
Auto-postingNot listedShorts, TikTok and Reels from Starter
Best forShort clips you film yourselfPodcasts and long YouTube videos

For Shorts, TikTok and Reels creators

A 60 minute podcast can give OpusClip a dozen clip ideas at once. CapCut needs you to scrub the footage. Many creators let OpusClip pick the clips, then polish a few in CapCut. OpusClip Pro also exports to Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve.

How to choose

  1. If your source is long-form, try OpusClip Free first.
  2. If you shoot short vertical videos, use CapCut Free.
  3. Pay for OpusClip Starter only to drop the watermark and auto-post.
  4. Pick OpusClip Pro yearly ($14.50/month) if you need more than 150 credits.

Common questions

Is OpusClip better than CapCut?

For turning long videos into Shorts, yes. For hand editing, CapCut gives more control for free.

Does OpusClip have a free plan?

Yes, 60 credits a month with a watermark, and clips must be exported within 3 days.

Can CapCut make clips from long videos automatically?

CapCut lists AI clipping in its features, but OpusClip is built around it and adds a Virality Score and auto-posting.

Related: Klap vs OpusClip, OpusClip vs Submagic, OpusClip alternatives, long video to Shorts tools.

Sources: capcut.com/pricing, opus.pro/pricing. Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.