I frequently share video reviews and comparisons of photography and videography gear on my YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok accounts. That’s why I need the best video stitching app to ensure my content looks professional and interesting.
Recently, I decided to look for a new video stitching app that provides enhanced control without sacrificing ease of use. In the course of my tests, I evaluated both the latest products and updated versions of well-known apps that are leading the charts. I wanted to discover the top offers for both Android and iPhone platforms.
I downloaded 30+ video merging apps and compared them based on such aspects as ease of navigation, adaptability to smaller screens, the simplicity of merging videos on both phones and tablets, as well as overall performance on Android and Apple devices. I also checked extras like filters, VFX, and color correction tools to ensure it is possible to create different content types.
I like to make reviews where I compare photo gear. I put together videos from different cameras or lenses to show them side by side. The trim tool in Adobe Express is very helpful in this case. With it, I can control how smooth the transitions between frames are. Besides, I can use handlebars to pick the exact moments I want in my videos.
Merging videos in Adobe Express for my product demos is super easy. It is also possible to fill the frame to achieve consistency across the video. This is very important for vertical or cropped clips where there are risks of defocusing a subject. Another great function is audio muting. I resort to this trick when I need to overlay music or voiceovers.
This video stitching app makes editing a breeze no matter whether you are using a computer or a mobile. The best part is that anyone can get Adobe Express free of charge. Content creators with limited funds will definitely like such a possibility.
Adobe Express key features:
Pricing: free plan, Premium plan from $9.99/mo
When testing the apps, I concentrated mainly on product reviews and behind-the-scenes. Adobe Premiere Rush ticks all the boxes, as it contains tools for merging several video pieces even on the go.
Most of all I like that this video stitching app is very user-friendly. Though it is advertised as a pro-level program, the design process is understandable no matter whether I need to merge videos, improve them, apply transitions, or embellish my clips with beautiful effects. Another important benefit is that I can use Adobe Rush on desktops and mobiles.
To my mind, the app will become a perfect tool for people dealing with different editing tasks. Here you can improve colors, adjust speed, manipulate sound, and make other corrections. This video editing software for Windows contains all the needed instruments.
Adobe Premiere Rush key features:
Pricing: free trial, from $22.99/mo
While I was testing the app, I mainly focused on editing short videos for TikTok and Instagram. InShot was really helpful for this. What I noticed right away was how neat it looked. Even though my phone screen is small, I can easily locate the needed tools and features. The functionality is rather extensive, but it didn't make me feel confused or stressed out.
This video and photo stitching software did even better than I hoped. It had all the tools I needed to make my review videos, like trimming, adding transitions, and putting footage together. I especially liked that I could save my videos in 4K resolution, so they looked really good when I played them on different devices.
But, I always care about keeping my content private, so I got worried when the app asked to see all my photos and videos. In other apps, I can choose which files to use. InShot wants access to everything and it seemed like it was prying too much.
InShot key features:
Pricing: Free, from $3.99/mo
I have tested CapCut and I think this video stitcher app is great for basic video cuts and edits. I like that it is user-friendly and contains all the needed tools for making videos for social networks like TikTok and Instagram.
Even though you need to pay for additional tools and effects in the 'Pro' version of this video joiner, to my mind, the free functionality is rather broad. It has the instruments for stitching videos, removing backgrounds, controlling speed, editing audio, and even turning speech into text for captions.
As someone who makes TikTok videos regularly, I admire how CapCut works smoothly with the platform. The app is easy to use, but one thing to note is that you can only edit in vertical mode on your phone, unlike some other apps like CapCut.
CapCut key features:
Pricing: Free, from $7.99/mo
When making video reviews of equipment, I want to complete the tasks promptly and this MP4 joiner is ideal for such activities. What’s more, to get started with the app, I don’t have to register or pay anything. However, some users still opt for a subscription to access more powerful tools.
But even a free version is rather feature-rich. I can take advantage of straightforward controls for blending videos, and an asset store with a bunch of tools, effects, and transitions. Some effects are paid, but even free ones are sufficient for creative experiments.
The only serious and annoying limitation in a free version is that all processed videos are watermarked. But, you don’t have to put up with HD export quality only unlike most KineMaster alternatives. In fact, you can go as high as 4K for free.
KineMaster key features:
Pricing: Free, from $8.99/mo
If you are searching for a user-friendly stitch video app that still comes with modern editing tools, you should pay attention to this offer. It allows performing most operations on the go be it video trimming, cropping, or merging. Besides, it is very flexible.
I think the most impressive aspect of this 4k video editing software is a collection of royalty-free assets. There are different effects, filters, sounds, and transitions that can be used to diversify footage. The sharing tools deserve special mention. Here I can export completed projects right to TikTok or YouTube.
Despite all the advantages of the app, I think it will be confusing for total novices. What’s more, I consider the offered variety of assets doesn’t reach present-day demands.
Splice key features:
Pricing: Free, from $9.99/mo
I regularly need to improve videos recorded on the go and I’m totally in love with Filmora because it allows doing so with ease. I can import several pieces of footage and then combine them in the app within a short time. It doesn’t matter what video content I’m manipulating, with Filmora I can produce really like-worthy products.
Another benefit of the app is its customization. It is possible to improve colors, add and tweak music, and make other changes in the app to end up with a really unique clip.
Unfortunately, I noticed a serious limitation that can put off some users. You can work with a single layer of video, which can feel very restricting. Besides, when using a free version, don’t expect to get all the goodies. In addition, your project will contain a watermark. When exporting finished videos, I faced another shortcoming – the max resolution in 720P. If you want to export with higher resolution, you have to pay.
Filmora key features:
Pricing: Free, from $6.99/mo
This video collage app makes cutting, pasting, editing, and merging clips really easy. I can rely on it when I want to put together footage for a vlog or make an equipment comparison video. VivaVideo contains the tools I need to create great content. I also like that it’s possible to jazz up videos with templates, transitions, and effects.
The app has an easy-to-use interface and built-in camera mode. Therefore, it is very simple and straightforward to edit footage. For instance, I could easily merge several clips into a cohesive gear review and record new videos directly in the app. This is a fantastic time-saving offer. Besides, the app supports 4K resolution and slow-motion video creation.
Anyway, while testing the application, I faced some defects. For instance, there are so many ads in a free version, that the overall workflow becomes tiring. Besides, I can create videos that last no more than 5 minutes – this is a huge inconvenience for users dealing with large projects. Another disadvantage is occasional glitches that arise with new updates.
VivaVideo key features:
Pricing: Free, from $6.50/mo
When testing iMovie, I understood that it wasn’t the best video stitching app for professional content creators due to the lack of advanced functionality. Still, it is a solid choice for basic operations like video trimming and merging.
I often record videos on my iPhone and I wanted a free video editing app that is beginner-friendly. iMovie meets my requirements. It works smoothly on iOS devices and has all the tools neatly organized on the UI.
The app offers different approaches to video editing. For instance, there is the “Movie” mode, granting full control over a video editing process. It includes guidelines on how to insert transitions and soundtracks, etc. Alternatively, there is the “Magic Movie” mode, pleasing users with automatic movie creation. Choose what suits you better.
iMovie key features:
Pricing: Free
Quik is a great free video stitching app, especially if you record footage with GoPro cameras. If you use other recording devices, you can still take advantage of the tool as it is capable of handling videos from multiple media.
I particularly appreciated the built-in camera feature. With it, I can record and merge videos right from my smartphone. The best thing is that I don’t have to purchase additional equipment. This is very convenient, especially if you need to evaluate the results produced by several phone apps.
Still, like any other app, Quik has some drawbacks. For instance, this GoPro video editing software lacks an undo feature. Besides, the customization is rather limited since most operations are done automatically by AI algorithms. Though it is time-efficient, I want to have more control while editing videos.
Quik key features:
Pricing: Free, from $1.99/mo
When I tried out this app to make reels, I was impressed by different approaches to video editing it offers. There are handy tools for cutting and joining videos, adding and changing pictures, or extracting sound from videos for comparing photo gear.
I like that I can change how my videos look, make them brighter, or adjust the colors. Besides, with this app, I can make the video go faster or slower, add captivating effects, and even insert music.
But I did find a few problems that I want to highlight. The free version doesn't have many features, so if you want to do complete advanced editing tasks, you may have to look for another application. Also, I noticed that VidTrim uses up a lot of battery, so your device may accidentally die.
VidTrim key features:
Pricing: Free, from $3.49/mo
PowerDirector is a good video stitcher compatible with both Android and iOS devices. If you want, you can also download PowerDirector for PC. It allows combining videos automatically, editing with multiple timelines, making shaky videos steady, and handling high-quality 4K videos. Thanks to such features, I can make videos about photography gear look very professional.
I am amazed by how many cool things I can do with this video editor for Android. I can add voiceovers, music, and moving titles, and insert transitions, special effects, and filters without switching between several applications. Creating photo gear reviews has never been easier.
But some of the premium tools are only available if you pay for them. Besides, when using the free version, I can only export projects in HD quality. Still, I think PowerDirector is a fitting app for people just starting out as it is intuitive and easy to master. However, I don’t like that it requires access to all my media, even just to export projects, especially when other apps don't need that.
PowerDirector key features:
Pricing: Free, from $5.57/mo
Being seriously engaged in video blogging, I have used lots of apps to find those that fully cater to my needs. Now I want to share my insights on how to pick a suitable application:
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Ease of use |
There is no point in choosing apps that take much time to master. Opt for applications that are easy to understand and have simple controls. If you're just starting to edit videos, programs with tutorials should be your top choice. |
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Features and tools |
Clarify what tasks you want to complete. Typically, basic video stitching may not be sufficient. Check out whether apps offer tools for cutting, resizing, adding transitions between scenes, applying filters, and special effects. Some apps also have extra features like fixing colors, making the video smoother, and improving the sound. |
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Compatibility |
Compatibility is an important aspect because you need a video stitching app that runs smoothly on your device. Currently, there are offers for all OS. Besides, make sure the app supports the formats you typically work with. |
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Export quality |
Exporting your video with optimal quality is a must when sharing it on YouTube or similar platforms. Viewers anticipate high-resolution content and you have to meet their expectations. Look for applications that facilitate exporting in HD or even 4K. Keep in mind that some free apps may restrict export to lower resolutions. |
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Cost |
There are numerous free video stitching apps out there, but they impose restrictions such as watermarks or advertisements. Some users decide to get a paid version of the app or subscription to unlock premium features. |
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Reviews and recommendations |
Take a look at reviews from other users to understand the prevailing opinion. As a blogger, I frequently seek recommendations from my colleagues who have similar working styles and requirements. |
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Support and updates |
If a developer regularly updates an app, adding new features, this is probably a promising behavior. Besides, you need to check whether there is customer support available to users. |
