Video editing on mobile phones and tablets has become one of the most common tasks among amateurs, content creators, marketing professionals, and social media users. Thanks to the current power of Android and iOS devices and the evolution of apps, it's now possible to achieve impressive results without resorting to computer software or investing large sums of money. free and paid apps Designed for all types of users: from beginners looking to edit quick clips to experts demanding advanced features. In this definitive guide, you'll discover the most comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of the best video editors for your phone and tablet, with comparisons, advantages, limitations, and tips to help you choose the perfect app for your needs.
What should a good mobile video editor have?
Before diving into selecting the leading apps, it is essential to understand the essential features that differentiate a quality mobile video editor:
- Support for various formats and fonts: Import videos, photos, and audio from your device's gallery, the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive), or directly from camera apps.
- Intuitive interface: Simple navigation, accessible for inexperienced users but with advanced options for demanding creators.
- Non-linear editing: possibility of Organize clips, split, trim, merge, rearrange, and apply multiple layers (Video, audio, effects, text...).
- Effects, filters and transitions: Extensive catalog of visual effects, color presets, modern transitions and support for animations and slow or fast motion.
- Audio management: Add music, voiceover, adjust volume, use royalty-free songs, sound effects, and fine-tune audio on each track.
- Automatic tools with AI: From smart cropping, automatic subtitling, scene recognition to animations or music suggestions.
- Possibility of exporting in various resolutions: Support for exporting in SD, HD, Full HD, 2K, 4K and different formats for social networks (square, vertical, horizontal).
- No watermarks (free or paid version): The option to remove the watermark, either by paying or by watching ads, is a plus for professional projects.
- Frequent updates and active community: Access to new features, templates, and resources updated according to trends.
Now, let's explore in detail the most recommended applications, from the simplest to the most professional, explaining what profile and use they are optimized for and how to get the most out of them.
1.PowerDirector
PowerDirector CyberLink's is one of the most complete and versatile video editors for Android and iOS, aimed at both beginners and intermediate and advanced creators. Its main attraction lies in its professional interface with multiple timelines, which allows you to work with multiple layers of video and audio, making it very similar to the experience of a desktop editing program.
- Advanced AI Tools: Automatic subtitle generation, video stabilizer, anime-style video animator, voice changer, and AI-assisted body effects.
- Effects, transitions and templates: Access to dozens of visual effects, animations, color filters, animated text effects, and templates for all types of formats (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, Stories, etc.).
- Extensive royalty-free multimedia bank: Music, sounds, and video and photo clips to enhance your projects without legal restrictions.
- Advanced Export Options: Allows you to save in HD, Full HD, or 4K and share directly on social media. Compatible with all video formats.
- Frequent Updates and Resources: Inclusion of new effects and templates every month.
Price: Free version with a watermark and resource limitations; a subscription removes the watermark, unlocks all effects and templates, and allows exporting in maximum quality. The premium plan is among the most affordable. Highly rated on both Google Play and the App Store.
2.CapCut
CapCut It has become the favorite app for editing vertical videos on social networks, especially TikTok and Instagram Reels, although it supports all popular formats. Developed by ByteDance (creators of TikTok), it stands out for its easy interface, the power of its automatic functions and integration with the most viral trends.
- Quick and creative editing: It allows you to crop, merge, adjust speed, insert transitions, add music, stickers, overlays, green backgrounds (chroma key), special effects and animated text.
- Smart Tools: Automatic subtitles using voice recognition, AutoCut (AI to select the best shots), body effects, slow motion, stabilization, and keyframe editing.
- Viral templates and resources: Access to countless ready-to-use templates, trending effects, filters, and popular TikTok music.
- Wide compatibility of output formats: Easily export in quality up to 4K and in the different formats required by each social network.
Price: The free version includes virtually all features, although maximum-quality exports and some exclusive features are reserved for the Pro plan, which adds cloud storage and premium filters. It's one of the most downloaded and highly rated apps on both platforms.
3. InShot Video Editor
InShot is another essential name when it comes to editing videos aimed at social networks with a professional finish. Its main virtue is the simplicity of its controls and the speed with which you can get a polished video ready to publish.
- Full compatibility with TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp and more.
- Classic Edition: Crop, split, merge, adjust speed, background and aspect ratio control, as well as rotate, crop, and zoom.
- Effects, filters and music: Library with dozens of filters, effects, stickers, animated overlays, music (your own or from the app's library), and voiceover options.
- Flexible export: It allows you to choose between various resolutions, up to 4K, and different frame rates.
Price: Free with ads, a watermark, and limitations on some effects. Remove restrictions by paying a small monthly subscription or a one-time purchase.
4. KineMaster
KineMaster It is a powerful professional video editor that brings non-linear editing to the mobile environment, allowing you to work with layers, precision trimming, advanced effects, and a fluidity that rivals computer programs.
- Multilayer editing: Combine clips, images, text, stickers, visual effects, and audio across multiple timelines.
- Professional tools: Chroma key for green screen backgrounds, keyframe animation, speed adjustments, blending, inversions, opacity control, and much more.
- Asset Library: Extensive repository of effects, royalty-free music, and customizable text fonts.
- Export up to 4K and in multiple professional formats.
Price: The free version has a watermark and limitations on certain features. To access its full potential, a monthly or annual subscription is required. Highly recommended for those seeking advanced results and maximum creative flexibility.
5. Filmora Video Editor / FilmoraGo
Filmora It is well-known in the PC world, but its mobile version —FilmoraGo— maintains the philosophy of ease without giving up advanced tools.
- AI Editing: From automatic cropping to removing unwanted objects in video and voice cloning thanks to artificial intelligence.
- “Text to Video”: Create videos from text or script with the help of smart templates.
- Effects, transitions and music: A large repertoire of royalty-free filters, effects, animated titles, and music bank (IA Music & Sound Effects).
- Pro features: Keyframe animations, speed control, PIP (Picture in Picture), masking, overlays, smart tracking, multi-layer editing, among other resources.
Price: Free app with premium options to remove watermarks and unlock advanced assets. One-time purchase available in some cases.
6. Quik – GoPro Editor
Quik It is the official GoPro app but it is fully functional even if you don't have one of their cameras. It stands out for its intelligent automatic editing and its integration with the GoPro ecosystem to upload and edit your videos in the cloud.
- Automatic editing: Choose clips, music, and a theme, and let the app do the rest, generating synchronized videos with unique transitions and effects.
- Manual tools: Allows cropping, speed adjustment, text insertion, filters, and basic adjustments to customize your project.
- Music Library and Cloud Storage: Access to royalty-free music tracks and unlimited space (subscription-based) for your projects.
- Smart Wall Panel: Automatic organization of your multimedia content.
Price: Free basic functionality. Enhanced features are unlocked with a monthly or annual subscription.
7.Adobe Premiere Rush
Adobe Premiere Rush brings the professional Premiere Pro experience to mobile, with a clear interface and direct export to social networks.
- Multitrack timeline and layer editing.
- Crop tools, titles, transitions, and color effects.
- built-in camera to record clips directly in the app.
- Optimized export for YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, etc.
Price: Fairly complete free version. Paid versions for premium features.
8. Clipchamp (from Microsoft)
Clipchamp It's an innovative, web-based, installation-free solution that allows you to edit videos from any mobile browser, tablet, or computer. Owned by Microsoft.
- Basic and quick editing: Trimming, splitting, rearranging clips, transitions, filters, animated text, and overlays.
- Cross-platform compatibility thanks to its online nature.
- Direct screen and webcam recording: Ideal for tutorials or explanatory videos.
- Export up to 1080p in free version (with watermark).
- Creator Plan to remove watermark and export up to 4K.
Ideal for quick projects and users who prioritize convenience and simplicity.
9 iMovie
iMovie It is Apple's official tool for video editing on iPhone and iPad, free and very powerful.
- Multi-layer editing, cropping, and high-quality visual transitions.
- Professional trailer templates and themes.
- Support for 4K and 1080p video at 60 FPS.
- Optimized export and synchronization with iCloud.
A highly recommended option for Apple users due to its integration, ease of use, and quality of results.
10. Video show
Video show It is a classic, veteran editor, highly valued for its comprehensive features, although somewhat less modern in interface.
- Multiple effects, filters and transitions (more than 40 filters and about 70 transitions).
- Supports slideshow type videos with photos, music and animated effects.
- Extra features: Stickers, voiceover, text tool, HD and 4K export without watermark when you pay for the VIP version.
Ideal for those looking for lots of customization options, although at the cost of a steeper learning curve.
11. Funimate
Funimate It stands out among young people and TikTok users looking for modern effects and instant creativity.
- Over 100 advanced video effects, animated stickers, emojis, and creative loops.
- Quick and easy editing with tools for cropping, text, and music.
- Creating viral videos and popular effects with eye-catching animations.
The ideal option for those who want to stand out in short-form content, especially on TikTok and reels.
12. Film Maker Pro
Movie Maker Pro is another editor focused on Android devices that offers good features even in its free version.
- Basic and advanced tools, including animations, stickers, effects, and title templates.
- Support for professional formatting, flexible export, and popular effects.
Perfect for those looking for a step beyond simple editing but without reaching the pure professional level.
13.Split
Splice It is a modern, minimalist, and very easy-to-learn app for content creators who value speed and ease of use.
- Intuitive and modern interface with frequent updates.
- Royalty-free music collection, customizable text, and voiceover option.
- Video templates to create content in seconds.
Works under premium subscription to unlock its full potential.
14. VivaVideo
VivaVideo It continues to be one of the most downloaded apps, designed to create colorful, animated videos with lots of visual material.
- Built-in tutorials, effects, stickers, animated titles, transitions, and more.
- Tools for long and short videos, HD and 4K export, themed templates.
The free version adds a watermark, which can be removed with a VIP subscription.
15. Youcut
youcut It is a basic and efficient option for those who are just looking for quick cuts and simple editing.
- Wide variety of filters and effects, text tools, stickers and audio track editor.
- Direct export to social networks and local storage.
Most features are available for free, although with ads and limitations for specific plugins.
16. Other featured editors and tools
In addition to the main players, there are other mobile video editing apps that, although less well-known, can be very useful in certain cases:
- Magisto: Perfect for those looking for AI-powered automatic editing with custom themes. Especially used in business environments.
- Movie Maker: Ideal for beginners, with simple mixing, overlays, transitions, and narration features.
- Google Photos: For ultra-basic editing, it lets you crop and combine photos/videos, add music, and little else. No watermark and completely free.
- Promeo: Focused on quick templates, specifically designed for creators, brands, and influencers who want to publish quickly and with a good image.
How to choose the best video editor for your phone or tablet
The ideal choice depends on several factors. Here are the keys to assessing which one suits you best:
- Type of content: If you're looking for quick viral videos for TikTok or Reels, CapCut and Funimate stand out for their speed and templates. If you're aiming for YouTube vlogs or tutorials, PowerDirector, KineMaster, or Filmora offer advanced control.
- Ease of use vs. functionality: InShot, Clipchamp, and Splice focus on simplicity, while PowerDirector, KineMaster, and Filmora are more focused on those who want to explore professional options.
- Budget: Virtually all of them have a free version, but if you need to remove the watermark and unlock their full potential, you'll have to pay a small monthly or annual fee.
- Compatibility: Some only work on Android, others only on iOS, others on both, and are compatible from the web in any browser.
- Integration and export: Check which networks you can post directly to and whether the app respects the aspect ratio and quality of your videos.
Quick comparison of the best video editors for mobile and tablet
| App | Ease of use | Layers | Filters and Effects | Templates | Watermark (free) | Export | Premium version price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PowerDirector | High | Yes | Advanced | +1000 | Yes | 360p/720p/1080p/4K | From 2,99 € / month |
| CapCut | Very high | Yes | Complete/Popular | Yes | Yes | 1080p / 4K | €7,99/month or €74,99/year |
| InShot | Very high | No | +100 | Yes | Yes | 720p/1080p/4K | €2,99/month, one-time purchase available |
| KineMaster | High average | Yes | Advanced | Yes | Yes | HD/Full HD/4K | €4,99/month or €29,99/year |
| Filmora | High | Yes | Advanced (AI) | Yes | Yes | HD/Full HD/4K | Subscription or one-time purchase |
| Quik | High | No | Medium | Yes | No | Full HD / 4K | €4,99/month; €49,99/year |
| Clipchamp | Very high | No | Basic | Yes | Yes | 1080p (free)/4K (paid) | 11,99 € / month |
| iMovie | High | Yes | Basic-advanced | Yes | No | HD/4K | Free (iOS) |
| Video show | Media | No | +40/70 transitions | Yes | Yes | HD/4K | €22,99/year or €41,99 for life |
| Funimate | High | No | +100 effects | Yes | Yes | HD | € 3 / week |
As mobile devices continue to improve and apps are updated with new AI-powered features, the gap between us and desktop editors is narrowing. You no longer need advanced skills or expensive equipment to create eye-catching, professional, or viral videos. Simply choose the app that suits your needs, practice, and take advantage of all the resources these powerful pocket tools offer.