Starts atFree plan · paid from $19.99/mo
- Free plan
- Watermark not statedThe provider does not say
Head-to-head
CapCut vs Filmora: which video editor fits a Shorts or TikTok creator?
At a glance
Starts atFreemium (watermark); Advanced US$59.99/yr
- Free option listed
- Watermark on free exports
CapCut is the better free start for Shorts and TikTok. You can begin for free, and Pro costs $19.99/month or $179.99/year. Filmora has a free version too, but it adds a watermark to exports. Its paid plans are billed yearly and start at $49.99/year.
Quick verdict
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | CapCut | Filmora |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes: free templates and basic editing tools | Yes, but exports get a watermark |
| Entry paid plan | Pro: $19.99/month, or $179.99/year | Basic: $49.99/year, auto-renewing |
| Higher plans | Ultra: $79/month, or $900/year | Advanced: $59.99/year. Premium: $99.99/year |
| Monthly billing | Yes | No. Plans are billed yearly |
| AI credits | Pro: 1,200 a month. Ultra: 8,645 a month | Basic: none. Advanced: 1,000 a month. Premium: 2,000 a month |
| Cloud storage | Paid plans: 1 TB | Basic: 1 GB. Advanced: 10 GB. Premium: 100 GB |
| One-time purchase | Not offered: CapCut's pricing page lists monthly and yearly plans only (checked 16 Oct 2026) | Perpetual plan offered; price not shown on the Filmora shop page (Oct 2026) |
What you pay in a year
CapCut Pro billed yearly is $179.99. Filmora Basic is $49.99 a year, but it has no AI credits. Filmora Advanced at $59.99 a year adds 1,000 AI credits a month. CapCut notes its prices are for reference and may change at sign-in.
The watermark question
Filmora's buy page says the free version adds watermarks to exported files. All its paid plans remove it. If you want to post free with no watermark, see our list of free editors below.
Which one for a Shorts creator?
- Phone editing, zero budget: CapCut Free.
- Want AI features and lots of credits: CapCut Pro.
- Edit on a laptop, want the lowest paid price: Filmora Basic at $49.99/year.
- Need AI tools on desktop: Filmora Advanced.
Common questions
Does CapCut have a free plan?
Yes. CapCut pricing: Free; Pro $19.99/mo or $179.99/yr. Prices change, so check the official site.
Does Wondershare Filmora have a free plan?
Yes. Wondershare Filmora pricing: Freemium (watermark); Advanced US$59.99/yr. Prices change, so check the official site.
Which is better, CapCut or Wondershare Filmora?
Pick CapCut if you edit on your phone, want free templates, and post mostly vertical video. Pick Filmora if you edit on a computer and want a low yearly price with no watermark.
Related: CapCut vs DaVinci Resolve, Canva vs CapCut, CapCut alternatives, free video editors with no watermark.
Sources: capcut.com/pricing, filmora.wondershare.com/shop/buy/buy-video-editor-na.html. Checked on 15 October 2026. Based on published plans, not a hands-on test.