I love video editing. I’ve tried pretty much everything out there and actually use multiple applications, including open-source options like Kdenlive and Shotcut. There’s also a new FOSS video editor making the rounds that I haven’t had a chance to try yet. Needless to say, I’ve experimented with quite a few tools.

On mobile, however, the choices are much more limited. I used to rely on LumaFusion and Adobe Premiere Rush, and more recently, VN. CapCut wasn’t really on my radar until I finally decided to give it a try.

And I have to admit, I was impressed.

Yes, most of CapCut’s advanced features are locked behind a relatively expensive subscription, costing around $20 per month. That’s considerably more than what you’d typically pay for a mobile app. Still, there are some genuinely impressive features that kept me using it for over six months.

Here are the ones that stood out:

1. Video Upscaling

CapCut’s upscaling works surprisingly well most of the time. Occasionally, the results can look a little soft or have that artificial AI-generated appearance, but overall, I’ve found it better than many alternatives, including some desktop applications.

2. Optical Flow

This is another particularly useful feature. Optical Flow makes it possible to convert footage between different frame rates, such as 25 FPS to 30 or 50 FPS, while keeping motion looking smooth.

It’s especially handy for creating slow-motion footage, but it’s also useful when working with clips recorded at different frame rates and trying to make everything look consistent.

3. Auto Cut

Perhaps the biggest reason people find CapCut so appealing is Auto Cut.

It automatically edits your clips to match a selected song or template. You simply provide your footage, choose a style, and CapCut does much of the work for you.

Of course, you can achieve similar results manually. But Auto Cut takes care of things like timing, transitions, and syncing clips to the music, making the whole process incredibly convenient.

And speaking of transitions…

4. Transitions, Effects, and Media Library

CapCut offers a massive library of creative assets, including text animations, transitions, visual effects, and other editing tools.

There’s plenty to experiment with, from simple effects to more elaborate transitions and even bokeh effects. It’s one of those features that makes mobile editing feel surprisingly capable.

So, Why Am I Switching Away?

Simply put, my editing needs have changed.

I’ve started filming more with higher-end cameras, particularly GoPro and Insta360 cameras. Their footage is already pretty good straight out of the camera, which means I don’t need upscaling nearly as often.

I also tend to edit my own footage most of the time. My workflow is relatively simple: select my clips, arrange them, match the cuts to the beat of the music, and occasionally add a transition or two. I don’t really need the extensive effects and templates that CapCut offers.

For larger projects, such as lengthy vlogs or more important videos, I prefer working on my desktop using DaVinci Resolve or other dedicated editing software.

And then there’s the biggest factor: the price.

At around $20 per month, CapCut’s subscription adds up quickly. That’s money I could put toward other software, equipment, or simply save.

Don’t get me wrong. CapCut is an impressive application, and I can absolutely see why so many people love it. Its features are genuinely useful, especially for creators who want to produce polished videos quickly without spending hours editing.

But for my particular workflow, I’m simply not getting enough value out of the subscription anymore.

After more than six months of use, it’s time to move on.