Is CapCut Free? The Definitive 2026 Guide to Pricing and Features

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2 days ago
4 min read

The short answer is: Yes, CapCut is free. You can download the app on iOS, Android, and Desktop, or use the web version without paying a single cent.However, in 2026, the definition of "free" has changed.

While the core editing tools remain accessible, many of the high-end AI features and cinematic effects that made the app famous are now locked behind two different paid tiers: CapCut Standard and CapCut Pro.If you are a casual creator, the free version is likely all you need. But if you want to export in 4K, remove certain watermarks, or use advanced AI voice cloning, you might hit a paywall.

CapCut Free Version: What Do You Actually Get?

The 2026 free version of CapCut is still one of the most powerful video editors on the market. Unlike many other "free" apps that limit your project length or add massive watermarks over the entire screen, CapCut allows you to create professional-looking content for $0.

Core Free Features:

Basic Timeline Editing: Trim, split, and merge clips with ease.
Keyframe Animation: Basic movement controls are still free.
Auto-Captions (Limited): You can still generate subtitles, though premium font styles are now restricted.
Massive Music Library: Access to trending TikTok sounds and royalty-free music.
1080p Export: You can export your videos in High Definition without a subscription.

The "Pro" Sneak Peek

When browsing the app, you will notice many effects, transitions, and stickers marked with a small "Pro" icon. You can actually apply these to your video to see how they look, but CapCut will prevent you from exporting the final file until you either remove those specific elements or pay for a subscription.

The New Middle Ground: CapCut Standard

Introduced to bridge the gap between casual users and professionals, CapCut Standard is the newest tier in 2026. This plan is designed for social media managers and consistent creators who don't need Hollywood-level tools but want a cleaner look.

Price: Typically $4.99/month or $49.99/year.
Best For: Creators who want to remove the "CapCut" branding but don't need 4K resolution.

Key Benefits of Standard:

Watermark Removal: Access to premium templates that previously forced a logo on your export.
Expanded Asset Library: A wider selection of transitions and fonts than the free version.
Basic AI Tools: Access to "Beat Sync" and improved background removal.

CapCut Pro: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

CapCut Pro is the "all-access" pass. In 2026, ByteDance has packed this tier with heavy-duty AI features that compete directly with professional software like Adobe Premiere Pro.

Price: $7.99/month (special offers often appear) or $74.99/year.
Resolution: Unlocks 4K/60fps and HDR exports.
Storage: Increases your cloud storage from 1GB to 100GB (or 1TB for enterprise users).

Exclusive 2026 Pro Features:

AI Voice Cloning: Record 10 seconds of your voice, and the AI can narrate your entire script.
Advanced Motion Tracking: Lock onto objects with surgical precision.
Vocal Isolation: Remove background noise or separate music from speech with one click.
AI Scene Detection: Automatically cuts long footage into short-form highlights for TikTok or Reels.

Detailed Comparison: Free vs. Standard vs. Pro (2026)

Feature	CapCut Free	CapCut Standard	CapCut Pro
Monthly Cost	$0	~$4.99	~$7.99 - $9.99
Max Export Quality	1080p	1080p (Higher Bitrate)	4K / HDR / 60fps
Watermark	Optional Outro (Deletable)	No Watermark	No Watermark
AI Features	Basic (Auto-Captions)	Mid-Tier (Beat Sync)	Full AI Suite
Cloud Storage	1GB	10GB	100GB+
Asset Library	Limited	Expanded	Full Access

The "Watermark" Question: Can You Remove It for Free?

One of the biggest concerns for users is the watermark. There are two types of watermarks in CapCut, and luckily, you can handle most of them for free:

The Ending Outro: By default, CapCut adds a 2-second clip with their logo at the end of every video. You can delete this for free. Just tap the ending clip in your timeline and hit "Delete" before you export.
Template Watermarks: Some viral templates have a watermark in the corner. To remove this, you usually need a Standard or Pro subscription.
Permanent Removal: You can go into the app Settings and toggle off "Add default ending" so you never have to delete it manually again.

Top 3 Free Alternatives in 2026

If you feel CapCut is becoming too restrictive with its paywalls, here are three completely free (or more generous) alternatives:

DaVinci Resolve (Desktop): The "Gold Standard" for free professional editing. It has a steeper learning curve but offers 4K export and professional color grading for free.
VN Video Editor (Mobile): A fantastic mobile alternative that offers a multi-track timeline and no watermarks on exports, even in the free version.
Adobe Express (Web): Great for quick social media posts with a massive library of free templates and Adobe Stock assets.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Use?

Choose CapCut Free if: You are making videos for fun, personal social media, or school projects. 1080p is plenty for TikTok and Instagram.
Choose CapCut Standard if: You are a growing creator who wants to use premium templates without the branding and needs a bit more storage.
Choose CapCut Pro if: You are a professional, a business owner, or a YouTuber who requires 4K quality, AI-driven automation, and advanced audio tools.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use CapCut for free on PC?

Yes, the CapCut Desktop app for Windows and Mac is free to download. It offers a more stable environment for longer edits, though the same "Pro" feature restrictions apply as they do on mobile.

Why can’t I export my video without paying?

If the "Export" button is prompting a payment, you have likely used a Pro transition, effect, or font. Look for the "Pro" icons in your timeline, delete those specific elements, and you will be able to export for free.

How much is CapCut Pro per month in 2026?

The price currently sits at $7.99 per month, though it can vary by region. If you commit to an annual plan, the cost drops significantly to around $74.99 per year.

Is CapCut safe for privacy?

CapCut is owned by ByteDance (the same company as TikTok). While it is safe to use for editing, it does collect user data like most social-media-connected apps. Be sure to check your privacy settings if you are concerned about data tracking.