creatorapps

Updated September 2026

iMovie review

Apple's free video editor bundled with Mac, iPhone, and iPad for trimming, adding transitions, and building simple movies and trailers. Best for Mac and iPhone users who want a free, simple video editor. Starts at Free.

What's free

Fully functional, no watermark, no subscription; pre-installed or free on the App Store for compatible Apple devices

Key features

  • Magnetic Timeline
  • 4K/HDR Export
  • Storyboard Templates
  • Movie Trailers
  • Green-Screen Effects
  • Multi-Track Audio

Pros

  • Completely free with no subscription or watermark
  • Deep integration with iPhone/Mac camera and Photos library

Cons

  • Mac and iOS only, no Windows/Android/web version
  • Limited advanced color grading and effects versus pro tools

iMovie alternatives

  • 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.

    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
    • Facebook

  • Descript

    Free · $16+

    Video editing · Design & thumbnails

    A transcript-based video and podcast editor where editing the text transcript edits the underlying audio/video.

    • YouTube
    • Instagram
    • TikTok

  • VEED

    Free · $12+

    Video editing · Design & thumbnails

    A browser-based AI video creation platform for generating, editing, subtitling, and brand-styling social videos.

    • Instagram
    • TikTok
    • YouTube
    • X (Twitter)
    • Facebook
All iMovie alternatives →

Sources: www.apple.com, apps.apple.com