Task
Best AI tools to edit videos
We compared 5 AI tools to edit videos. 4 have a free plan. Descript ranks first on our task-fit signals: edits video by editing its transcript, and Underlord turns a raw recording into an edited cut from instructions. Listings were last checked on Nov 6, 2026.
AI video editors automate the slow parts of editing: cutting silences, adding captions, reframing for different platforms and editing by transcript. Compare export resolution and watermarks on the free plan, how much footage you can upload, and whether it runs in the browser or as a desktop app.
Preview build: this list has 5 of the 8+ tools a task page needs before it can be published (methodology, coverage rule).
The ranking
- 1
Descript
FreemiumFrom $24/moWhy it fits: Edits video by editing its transcript, and Underlord turns a raw recording into an edited cut from instructions.
Fit score 9/9: The task is the tool's first-listed use case; The tool's primary category matches the task's category; Five or more verified features; A free plan is available (stated on its pricing page); Plans and prices are verified from its own pricing page
- 2
CapCut
FreemiumFree plan availableWhy it fits: The smart editor syncs to beats, and EditPilot arranges clips and sets pace on the timeline from a described idea.
Fit score 8/9: The task is the tool's first-listed use case; The tool's primary category matches the task's category; Five or more verified features; A free plan is available (stated on its pricing page)
- 3
InVideo AI
PaidFrom $9/moWhy it fits: Agent Two applies plain-language edits, including batch changes across every shot, on a multitrack timeline you can take over.
Fit score 8/9: The task is the tool's first-listed use case; The tool's primary category matches the task's category; Five or more verified features; Plans and prices are verified from its own pricing page
- 4
Runway
FreemiumFrom $15/moWhy it fits: Its cloud workspace combines video editing with generation, plus 4K upscaling for finished footage.
Fit score 5/9: The tool's primary category matches the task's category; Five or more verified features; A free plan is available (stated on its pricing page); Plans and prices are verified from its own pricing page
- 5
Leonardo.Ai
FreemiumFrom $12/moWhy it fits: Video editing preserves characters, composition and style across the edited footage.
Fit score 3/9: Five or more verified features; A free plan is available (stated on its pricing page); Plans and prices are verified from its own pricing page
Side-by-side
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Platforms | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descript | From $24/mo | Yes | API | Nov 6, 2026 |
| CapCut | Free plan available | Yes | Web, Desktop app | Nov 6, 2026 |
| InVideo AI | From $9/mo | Not stated | Not stated | Nov 6, 2026 |
| Runway | From $15/mo | Yes | iOS, Android, API | Nov 6, 2026 |
| Leonardo.Ai | From $12/mo | Yes | API | Nov 6, 2026 |
Choosing a tool to edit videos: what the data says
- Free to try: Descript, CapCut, Runway and Leonardo.Ai have a free plan.
- Lowest listed entry price: InVideo AI at $9/mo; the highest entry price here is Descript at $24/mo.
- Prices not verified: CapCut. Their pricing pages couldn't be read, so we show no figure rather than a guess.
- On your phone: Runway lists an iOS or Android app.
- For developers: Descript, Runway and Leonardo.Ai offer an API.
Order is by fit score, from published signals; ties go alphabetically and no tool can pay for a position. How the score works.