These days there’s an app for everything, and that includes professionally editing videos from your iPhone or iPad!
There are so many iOS-compatible video editors apps available, that trying to choose one can feel daunting and overwhelming. Well, that’s where we come in.
Here at Primal Video, we’ve tested all the big iOS editing apps and with our recommendations, you’ll be able to go straight from shooting to editing to uploading like a pro – all from your iPhone or iPad!
Important: When available, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission!
Check out this guide to get our insight into which apps are worth downloading to edit your videos on iPhone. We’ll cover all our favorite apps and their features, pricing information, pros and cons, and more.
So if you’re ready to edit videos with the latest and greatest iPhone apps, let’s get started!
Our Shortlist for Best iPhone Video Editing Apps
Before we dive into our top picks for best iPhone video editor, it’s worth mentioning that there are HEAPS of video editing apps out there, but we’re here to cover the best…
So, after rigorously testing all the most popular options, we’ve compiled this shortlist of the best video editing apps for iPhones and iPads:
Let’s jump in and take a look at what makes these video editing apps our top recommendations.
VN Video Editor
First up on the shortlist is VN Video Editor.
This is the perfect place to start your iOS video editing needs for a few reasons. We love that even though it’s completely free to use, this app won’t leave your final videos with a branded watermark.
It packs in a ton of features, but it’s also very intuitive and easy to use. In terms of the features, there’s a lot to like when it comes to VN Video Editor.
The Pros of VN Video Editor:
- It offers awesome features that are easy to navigate – you won’t find any confusing menus here!
- It has multitrack capabilities, so you can layer multiple video clips for a more professional end result
- It has quick reformatting capabilities to work well with YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, or whatever platform you’re using to upload
- You can save and create templates and presets, even while you edit
- It can be used as a cross-platform editor and works on iOS, Android, Mac, and Windows
The Downsides to VN Video Editor
There is just one downfall of the VN Video Editor. Whenever you create a new project, the app automatically adds a title card to the end of the video timeline.
VN Video Editor automatically adds a title card to the end of each video timeline
Maybe this isn’t a big deal for you, especially if you prefer to use a title card in your videos. But if you forget to edit this card out of the timeline, it will appear in your edited video, so just remember to edit it out before exporting.
VN Video Editor Pricing Guide
VN Video Editor is completely free to download and use!
To recap, VN Video Editor is the best option for complete beginner video editors. It even pushes into the intermediate to advanced video editing category, but we’d say that it caters more towards newer editors.
VLLO
The second iPhone video editing app on our shortlist is VLLO. Regardless of how you choose to pronounce this one – everyone seems to say it differently! – there’s no denying that VLLO is a top choice for editing.
The VLLO interface is simple and suitable for beginners, but the app also has some really cool features to take your video editing to the next level.
The Pros of VLLO
- It offers adjustment layers, a feature that lets you apply effects and edits across multiple clips or the entire video quickly
- It’s easy to switch between formats so that you can repurpose videos for multiple platforms
- It gives you the ability to ripple edit for more control over cutting clips from the video
- The app uses an audio waveform – a visual representation of audio – overlaid on top of the video clips (not many apps have this feature)
- You can layer video clips for adding in B-roll or overlay footage
The Downsides to VLLO
To be completely honest, there’s really not much missing from VLLO. It’s a great option for intermediate editors.
VLLO Pricing Guide
The VLLO app is completely free to use, and best of all, there’s no watermark. The free version has all the basic features you’ll need to edit a video, or you can unlock all VLLO features for $3.99/month or $7.99/year.
To recap, VLLO is recommended for all editing levels from beginner to advanced. It’s simple enough for beginners to use, but it also has plenty of tools and features for advanced edits.
LumaFusion
Number 3 on the shortlist for best video editing app for iPhone is LumaFusion, which is probably considered the most professional video editing app for iPhone right now.
It offers an insane amount of tools and features that you’d normally only find on desktop editing software. You have everything you need right in the app, no matter if you’re creating a short clip or a full-on documentary.
While the interface itself isn’t the most beginner-friendly, that’s not necessarily a bad thing considering all the advanced features, controls, and settings it gives you access to.
Aside from the fact that LumaFusion caters to the professional video editors of the world, there’s a lot to like when it comes to this app.
The Pros of LumaFusion
- It offers amazing performance and power, even when using an older iOS device
- In addition to advanced features, there are also simple features, like allowing users to easily adjust audio and move clips around without missing a beat
- It makes it easy to switch the layout of the app’s interface to customize it to your editing needs
- It features a magnetic timeline for editing, which mimics desktop editing interfaces like Final Cut Pro and DaVinci Resolve
- It’s possible to dial in your audio control with keyframes for exact audio settings and audio ducking for automated audio adjustments
- You can even import your videos into Final Cut Pro for further video editing
The Downsides to LumaFusion
The only thing that you might see as a flaw is that LumaFusion isn’t the easiest app to use. So if you’re a complete newbie to video editing on an iPhone, you might want to start with something simpler – like VN Video Editor or VLLO – before moving on to LumaFusion.
With that being said, beginners can still definitely use LumaFusion and create some amazing video content. Just expect there to be more of a learning curve. If you’ve got the time and patience to learn and take your editing to the next level, by all means, go for it.
LumaFusion Pricing Guide
There’s no free version of LumaFusion, which isn’t surprising at all considering the pro-level functionality of this app.
To access LumaFusion, you’ll have to pay a one-time fee of $29.99. That’s ridiculously cheap considering this is the MOST powerful video editor for iPhones and iPads.
To quickly recap, LumaFusion is a great option for anyone who’s looking for intermediate or advanced editing capabilities. While it’s possible for beginners to use LumaFusion, it just might take some time to learn the interface and navigate through all the features.
And the Winner Is…
Since there can only be one winner today, the award goes to… drumroll, please… LumaFusion!
The main reason we find this to be the best video editing app for iPhone is the number of features and editing controls, all for the ridiculously low price of $29.99
VN Video Editor rightfully earns the title of Runner Up, especially if you’re looking for a free, easy-to-use app.
Other Apps for Editing on iPhone Devices
While the apps listed above are some of our favorites, there are a few more that are worth noting such as:
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- InShot
- Adobe Clip
- Quik
- Videoleap
- KineMaster
- AlightMotion
- PowerDirector
- YouCut
- Action Director
- WeVideo
- VivaVideo
Even though none of these applications have earned the title of ‘Best iPhone Video Editing App’ this time around, they all come equipped with helpful editing features.
Now You Know the Best Apps for Video Editing on iPhone!
No matter which iPhone video editing app you choose, you can’t go wrong with any of our shortlisted options.
If you’re looking for a super simple app, then VN Video Editor is hands-down the simplest one that will allow you to do quick and easy edits.
VLLO packs a powerful punch with editing features and controls that are still suitable for entry-level editing. This app has surprised us with its simple interface combined with advanced features like audio waveforms and adjustment layers.
Finally, LumaFusion is a great option for anyone who’s looking for intermediate or advanced editing capabilities. By downloading any one of these apps, you’ll be able to edit with ease, and best of all, you can do it straight from your iOS device.
For more information on iPhone video editing, check out our complete guide on the ULTIMATE Process for Editing Videos Faster. In this guide, you’ll learn how to cut your video editing time in half, no matter which app or software you’re using.
And if you’re interested in learning about how to shoot high-quality footage on your iOS device, be sure to check out our tutorial on How to Film Like a Pro with iPhone Smartphones.
Links
When available, we use affiliate links and may earn a commission!
Best iOS Video Editor in 2021:
Runner-Ups:
Recommended Gear & Resources
Check out an up-to-date list of all the gear, software & tools we use and recommend right now at Primal Video on our resources page here!
Related Content
