creator
CapCut
Free · $9.99+Video editing · Design & thumbnails
A free-to-start AI video and photo editing app from ByteDance for cutting, captioning, and generating short-form social content.
- TikTok
- YouTube
- X (Twitter)
Updated September 2026
CapCut vs iMovie (2026)
CapCut is best for quick AI-powered short-form video edits and trending templates; iMovie is best for Mac and iPhone users who want a free, simple video editor. CapCut starts at $9.99/mo and iMovie at Free.
iMovie
FreeVideo editing
Apple's free video editor bundled with Mac, iPhone, and iPad for trimming, adding transitions, and building simple movies and trailers.
| CapCut | iMovie | |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | quick AI-powered short-form video edits and trending templates | Mac and iPhone users who want a free, simple video editor |
| Starting price | $9.99/mo | Free |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Platforms | Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X (Twitter), Facebook | — |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Users | 660M+ users | — |
| Key features | AI Video Generator, Auto Captions, Background Remover, Text To Speech, Templates, Cloud Storage | Magnetic Timeline, 4K/HDR Export, Storyboard Templates, Movie Trailers, Green-Screen Effects, Multi-Track Audio |
| Integrations | — | Final Cut Pro, Photos app, iCloud |
| Founded | 2019 | 1999 |
Questions people ask
+Is CapCut or iMovie cheaper?
CapCut starts at $9.99/mo; iMovie starts at Free.
+What does CapCut have that iMovie doesn't?
AI Video Generator, Auto Captions, Background Remover, Text To Speech, Templates, Cloud Storage.
+What does iMovie have that CapCut doesn't?
Magnetic Timeline, 4K/HDR Export, Storyboard Templates, Movie Trailers, Green-Screen Effects, Multi-Track Audio.