Capcut vs Imovie: Which Software is Better for Video Editing?

26/02/2025 2

Capcut and Imovie are both well-rated video editing software today. If you are not sure which tool to choose, you can refer to the following content that SaDesign brings to make the most appropriate decision for your video creation journey.

Capcut vs Imovie: Which Software is Better for Video Editing?
Capcut and Imovie are both well-rated video editing software today. Each application has outstanding features and functions, providing optimal support for users during their work. If you do not know which tool to choose, you can refer to the following content that SaDesign brings to make the most appropriate decision for your video creation journey. 
 

1. Overview of Capcut and Imovie

1.1. Overview of Capcut

 
CapCut is a professional video editing tool developed by ByteDance. With a simple, easy-to-use interface and a rich application store, regularly updated with the latest trends, Capcut quickly became an application chosen and highly appreciated by many people.
 
With CapCut you can access it on both your phone and desktop. CapCut not only has flexible editing features, but also applies AI tools in the editing process. 
 
 
With Capcut, video editing becomes simpler and easier than ever. They are suitable for all users, even those without experience can create impressive videos themselves.
 
1.2. Overview of Imovie
iMovie is also a simple free video editing application, suitable for all users but still ensures quality and professionalism. iMovie has a reasonable and intuitive design that makes it extremely simple and easy to use.
 
This application is built-in on both macOS and iOS operating systems. Imovie has all the basic features for video editing, including cutting, adding background music, transition effects, adjusting speed, adding text, images, etc. With Imovie, you can create high-quality videos to share on social networks or produce short films.

2. General comparison between Capcut and Imovie

 

2.1. Similarities

 
Both Capcut and Imovie are apps designed to simplify video editing, allowing users to create high-quality videos even without much experience.
 
Both Capcut and Imovie support basic video editing features that you can apply to your videos. With a simple, intuitive interface, users can easily get acquainted quickly.
 

2.2. Different 

 
2.2.1. Platform
The platform differences between these two applications are as follows:
 
Capcut: Capcut is available for desktop, iOS and Android devices giving users flexibility. 
 
Imovie: Only compatible with iOS devices, which causes certain limitations for users.
 
It can be seen that Capcut has a wider reach, meeting the needs of many users.
 
 
2.2.2. User interface
Both Capcut and iMovie have simple, intuitive interfaces that are suitable for beginners. However, each has its own interface characteristics such as:
 
CapCut: The app has a timeline-based editing process, allowing users to drag and drop clips into the timeline. You can access the features very easily on the app. But CapCut videos are limited to a single track and the video length is limited to 15 minutes.
 
iMovie: The app has a more professional interface. With this app, you can easily transfer projects between iPhone and iPad via AirDrop or iCloud Drive.
 
So if you like a simple interface with built-in editing templates, Capcut is considered the best choice. But if you want a professional interface with a clear structure, Imovie will be more suitable.
 
2.2.3. Video editing features
Both CapCut and iMovie offer a full range of superior video editing features. Accordingly, CapCut possesses a full range of outstanding features such as:
 
Keyframe animation feature to create motion for videos
 
Team collaboration allows multiple team members to work together on a project.
 
Text to Speech
 
Automatic subtitles easily recognize multiple languages ​​to create highly accurate subtitles.
 
Video stabilization feature to keep video footage steady.
 
Automatic background removal feature.
 
 
Key features of iMovie editing app:
 
Storyboards lets you choose from 20 storyboards.
 
Magic Movie feature to create complete videos from clips and photos.
 
Trailer templates with 14 trailer templates with stunning graphics and original soundtrack to create Hollywood style trailers.
 
Detect people or characters in video.
 
Provides a variety of Color grading tools that allow for adjustments to the color, as well as the tone of the video.
 
Chroma key lets you change the background of your video as you wish.
 
The Narration feature allows you to record your voice in videos to adjust volume, fade in/out, and fade out narration.
 
2.2.4. Cost
Both Capcut and iMovie are free video editing applications. This is a big plus for easy access to users, allowing you to unleash your creativity. 
 
iMovie is free, but you need to have enough storage space on your iOS device or iCloud account. In addition, additional iMovie features such as soundtracks or sound effects from iTunes or GarageBand will need to be paid.
 
 
2.2.5. Performance
Both Capcut and iMovie offer fast and smooth editing experiences for quality video processing. However, Capcut’s limitations are that it only has one track for editing and limited video length. Meanwhile, iMovie offers more flexible and versatile features for you to edit on both tracks and export videos with long length.
 

3. Compare Capcut and Imovie on Mac and Iphone 

 

3.1. Capcut and Imovie when used on Mac

 
3.1.1. Main features
With Capcut users can use the same features on desktop devices as on mobile devices such as:
 
Easy word removal for more professional content.
 
Add sound effects to make your video more lively
 
Many filters and effects to edit objects in videos more beautifully
 
Flexible aspect ratio adjustment, suitable for all platforms such as TikTok, Instagram or YouTube.
 
Voiceover tool, you can create content adding different character voices to the project.
 
Voice filter to improve sound quality and tone.
 
Speech to song feature, making the content more engaging.
 
Impressive video captioning feature.
 
Regularly update new effects to keep content trendy and engaging.
 
Supports high quality video output, giving users the perfect experience.
 
Intuitive interface for efficient editing.
 
 
With Imovie, the default interface on Mac is similar to that on iOS. Besides basic editing features, Imovie also provides advanced features to create professional videos such as:
 
Offers multiple pre-made intros and themes to create professional-looking videos.
 
Various video effects and filters make videos more attractive
 
Supports editing and exporting videos at 4K resolution, making images more impressive and realistic.
 
Integrates with many other Apple products and services like iCloud, making it convenient to access photos and videos.
 
Share videos easily to different media.
 
3.1.2. Detailed comparison
Here is a detailed comparison table of Capcut and Imovie when used on Mac:
 
 
 
 
Capcut
 
Imovie 
 
Price
 
- Free for Windows and MacOS.
 
- Provides full features completely free.
 
- Free for all Mac and IOS devices
 
- Requires free storage on iOS or iCloud 
 
Interface
 
- Timeline interface with intuitive controls.
 
- Easy for both newbies and professional editors.
 
- Drag and drop support with many tools and features.
 
- User friendly, designed for mac OS with reasonable layout
 
- Simple options that require new users to learn and train.
 
Input format 
 
- Video formats: MP4, MOV, M4V, AVI, FLV, WMV, 3GP, MPEG, and many more.
 
- Audio formats: MP3, WAV, M4A, AAC, AIFF and others 
 
- Image formats: JPEG, PNG, PDF and many others.
 
- Video formats: MOV, MP4, M4V, AVCHD and some AVI and WMV file types.
 
- Audio formats: MP3, WAV, M4A, AIFF, AAC,
 
- Image formats: JPEG, PNG, GIF and BMP.
 
Export format
 
- Video format: Mainly MP4 and MOV.
 
- Audio format: M4A, FLAC, MP3, WAV.
 
- Main video formats are MP4 and MOV 
 
- Audio format: MP3 or AAC file.
 
Efficiency
 
Stable, smooth performance with few crashes.
 
Reliable performance, making editing efficient.
 
 
 
3.2. Capcut and Imovie used on Iphone
3.2.1. Main features
Both CapCut and iMovie are powerful mobile video editing apps with outstanding features:
 
CapCut mobile app: CapCut is available on both iOS and Android platforms with the following outstanding key features:
 
Freeze, mirror, reverse, and split clips to remove unwanted content or create shorter segments. These features increase the storytelling possibilities for editors.
 
Voiceover, recording and basic audio features for users to make adjustments to the recording to enhance the overall audio experience.
 
Get access to a wide range of music and sound effects so you can easily find the right tune for your video, eliminating the need to search for music elsewhere.
 
Provides text editing tools such as adjusting fonts, colors, and sizes. This helps to convey information better and makes the video more engaging and impressive.
 
Multiple aspect ratios, suitable for different social media.
 
With CapCut you can easily optimize videos for different media platforms using custom preset aspect ratios as required by the platforms, ensuring the video is in the perfect format for optimal viewing.
 
Smooth automatic background removal feature makes background replacement simple and easy. 
 
CapCut offers customizable templates, so for beginners you can create professional-looking videos without compromising on aesthetics. 
 
Automatically adjusts framing and speed to provide precise and detailed video control, optimizing composition, ensuring the subject is in focus and remains framed throughout the video. 
 
CapCut provides automatic cutting and editing features to simplify the editing process and save time.
 
Video stabilization automatically smooths out shaky footage, so even when you're walking or running, it ensures stable video without any shake. 
 
Video noise removal feature allows you to easily remove unwanted noise from your videos. This helps improve the sound quality so viewers can focus on the content and avoid distractions. 
 
Advanced audio features like voice changer, noise reduction and audio extraction. These features make it easy to adjust the audio according to user requirements.
 
Imove with the following features:
 
iMovie's audio recording feature allows users to record audio right within the application, along with the option to adjust the audio for better sound.
 
Helps detect faces in video clips so that specific individuals in the scene can be located and adjusted accordingly.
 
Video length and duration control feature
 
 
Ambient noise reduction feature for improved overall sound
 
Transitions and effects add flair and polish to user edits.
 
Chroma key is an advanced feature of Imove that allows editing to replace a specific color in a scene with another image or video.
 
Features to adjust and enhance video clip color and tone to help editors achieve the right look.
 
Automatic video stabilization feature, keeps the video stable without shaking.
 
3.2.2. Detailed comparison
 
 
 
CapCut mobile app
 
Imove 
 
Availability
 
iOS and Android
 
iOS
 
Interface
 
Intuitive, user-friendly.
 
Smooth, simple, suitable for both beginners and professionals.
 
Export options
 
- High resolution output up to 4K at 60fps, custom frame rate.
 
- Export in high quality formats like MP4 and MOV at up to 4K resolution at 60fps.
 
- Support 4K video output. 
 
- Export primarily in MOV format, with resolution options up to 4K.
 
Apple ecosystem integration
 
Not directly integrated but compatible with IOS
 
Seamless integration with iCloud, Photos, and other Apple services.
 
Input format
 
Supports multiple formats like MP4, MOV, GIF and many more.
 
Mainly supports formats compatible with iOS devices such as MOV, MP4, M4V.
 
 
 

4. Should I choose Capcut or Imovie?

 
Whether to choose Capcut or Imovie will depend on the user's needs and preferences. Accordingly, you should choose Capcut if you are looking for a free, easy-to-use video editing application with a diverse effect store and available templates to create trending videos. Especially for those who use Android devices or use on computers, Capcut is the best choice.
 
You should choose Imovie if you are using an Apple device (Mac, Iphone) and are looking for a built-in video editing application that is simple, professional and effective. You also want the application to integrate well with Apple services.
 
Overall, Capcut and iMovie are both the best options for those who want to edit videos on their smartphones. So the choice between CapCut and iMovie will depend on the needs of each specific audience.
 

5. Alternative software for Capcut and Imovie

 

5.1. MiniTool MovieMaker

 
MiniTool MovieMaker is considered one of the top alternatives to CapCut and iMovie that you should not miss for yourself. MiniTool MovieMaker is suitable for all users even if you do not have much experience.
 
With MiniTool MovieMaker you can easily create, edit, export movies, vlogs,... The application provides many available templates for video types such as: Travel videos, wedding slideshows, Christmas videos,... for you to choose from.
 
 
Outstanding features of MiniTool MovieMaker application:
 
Free, easy to use.
 
Supports all formats from video to audio.
 
Cut, split, reverse, rotate, flip,... easily.
 
Change video speed easily
 
Own a diverse music and sticker resource warehouse
 
Support 1080P video output.
 

5.2. Adobe Premiere Rush

 
Adobe Premiere Rush is also a video editing application with outstanding features. Adobe Premiere Rush is available on both iOS and Android operating systems and macOS, Windows. You can use this application to create and share high-quality videos on different platforms.
 
Here are some of the outstanding features of Adobe Premiere Rush:
 
Works great on all devices like: iOS, Android, macOS and Windows.
 
Add, edit titles with available templates
 
Easy sound adjustment
 
Adjust colors manually or with presets.
 
Change the speed of your video on the fly
 
Export to different platforms ensuring correct aspect ratio.
 
Adobe Premiere Rush

5.3. InShot

 
InShot is also one of the powerful video editing applications for iOS and Android. With the application, you can easily create vlogs. With many video editing features from basic to advanced, you can create impressive videos. So if you are looking for an alternative software to Capcut and Imove, InShot is really a choice worth considering. 
 
Here are the basic features when editing videos with InShot:
 
Video speed can be adjusted from 0.2x up to 100x.
 
Apply AI body and Smart Cutout effects to enhance video quality.
 
Can create photo slideshows as well as stop-motion videos.
 
Can add sound effects, voice recording.
 
Adjust the aspect ratio to suit different platforms.
 
 

5.4. PowerDirector

 
PowerDirector is also a great alternative to CapCut and iMovie, developed by CyberLink. Similar to Adobe Premiere Rush, the app is available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows with powerful, advanced editing features, suitable for both beginners and professionals.
 
Here are the outstanding features of PowerDirector:
 
Add photos, music, effects,... with available video templates.
 
Adjust video speed fast or slow as required.
 
Adjust the shaking scene with the adjuster 
 
Automatic subtitle generation
 
Remove background from video very simple
 
Edit and export video clips in high resolution up to 4K.
 
 

5.5. Final Cut Pro

 
Final Cut Pro is also a professional video editor developed by Apple for macOS. Final Cut Pro is designed for professional video editors, filmmakers, and complex projects with impressive results.
 
Here are the key features of the Final Cut Pro application:
 
Edit quickly with the magnetic timeline 
 
The Object Tracker feature is incredibly handy.
 
Edit videos at up to 8K resolution
 
Sync, edit camera angles with multi-camera video editing.
 
Supports 2D and 3D titles.
 
Super fast video export.
 
 

6. Frequently Asked Questions

 

6.1. What platforms are supported by CapCut and iMovie?

 
Both CapCut and iMovie are supported on iPhone and iPad platforms. In addition, CapCut supports Android operating systems, while iMovie supports Mac. Both are not supported on platforms such as: Windows, Linux, Chromebook, On-Premise.
 

6.2. Which apps offer a free version?

 
Both CapCut and iMovie offer free versions for users, in which some features of iMovie users will need to pay. As for Capcut, you can upgrade to the paid version to use advanced editing features.
 

6.3. Does either software provide a user manual?

 
CapCut doesn’t offer any specific in-app training, while Apple does provide learning materials on its website. Both apps are basically beginner-friendly, making video editing easier.
 
Besides, there are many videos and online articles created by third parties on YouTube so that you can use CapCut or iMovie more conveniently and easily. 
 
 

6.4. Which editing app has better customer support?

 
Both Capcut and iMove do not provide 24/7 live customer support, instead they provide online support when needed. Overall, the customer support capabilities of both applications are the same.
 
In particular, when you upgrade your Capcut Pro account, you will enjoy priority customer support. This will help you quickly resolve any issues related to your account or while using the software. This will save you time and help you quickly troubleshoot problems during the editing process.
 
With the above information, it can be seen that both Capcut and Imovie are great video editing applications. Accordingly, Capcut is suitable for those who are looking for a simple, easy-to-use video editing application, while Imovie is suitable for Apple users who are looking for a stable, high-quality application.
 
Having an overview of these two video editing applications will help readers choose the right tool for their needs and goals to create impressive videos!
 
Sadesign Co., Ltd. provides the world's No. 1 warehouse of cheap copyrighted software with quality: Panel Retouch, Adobe Photoshop Full App, Premiere, Illustrator, CorelDraw, Chat GPT, Capcut Pro, Canva Pro, Windows Copyright Key, Office 365 , Spotify, Duolingo, Udemy, Zoom Pro...
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Sadesign Co., Ltd. provides the world's No. 1 warehouse of cheap copyrighted software with quality: Panel Retouch, Adobe Photoshop Full App, Premiere, Illustrator, CorelDraw, Chat GPT, Capcut Pro, Canva Pro, Windows Copyright Key, Office 365 , Spotify, Duolingo, Udemy, Zoom Pro...
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