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On-device · watermark removal with Pro · three videos a day free

A free CapCut alternative for captions

If you only opened CapCut to auto-caption a clip, you don't need a full editor — or its Pro plan. Just Captions transcribes and styles subtitles on your iPhone instead: three videos a day free, watermark removal with Pro, and on-device transcription available.

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Processed on device Watermark removal with Pro No card to start

CapCut is a capable all-in-one editor, but for a lot of creators it was only ever the place to drop in a clip and let it write the subtitles. That job has gotten more expensive: CapCut's free auto-captions are now capped at about 10 minutes per video, unlimited captions and the fancier caption features live on paid plans, and Pro sits at $19.99/month (checked June 2026). If subtitles are the whole reason you open it, a captions-first tool gets you the same result with far less friction.

Side by side

Just Captions vs. CapCut for captions

 Just CaptionsCapCut
What it isA captions-first toolA full video editor
Where it runsOn your device (iOS)App with cloud-backed AI
Footage uploadedLocal in on-device mode; optional cloud recognition sends audioUploaded for cloud features
Auto-caption lengthUp to 30 minutes per videoCheck current CapCut plan limits
Watermark on exportIncluded on free exports; removed with ProSome free exports (AI / templates)
Works offlineOn-device mode after model downloadCloud AI needs internet
Account requiredNoYes
Price to start3 videos/day; watermark includedCheck current CapCut plan and regional pricing

Competitor features, allowances and prices change. Check the current plan at capcut.com before choosing.

In three taps

How Just Captions captions without the paywall

  1. Import your clipOpen Just Captions and drop in a video, or pick up to 20 from your camera roll. Vertical, square and landscape all work — no re-framing.
  2. Auto-caption on deviceThe app transcribes the speech locally and times clean subtitles to every word. Nothing uploads, and it works with no connection. 50+ languages are recognised automatically.
  3. Style and exportPick one of 15 caption styles, fix a name or term with a tap if you need to, then export an MP4 with the captions burned in — watermark removal with Pro.
Being honest about the trade-off: Just Captions is iOS-only and it captions — it isn't a full editor. If you need a timeline, effects and B-roll in one place, keep CapCut. If subtitles are the job, this is the lighter way to do them.
Why people switch

What you gain leaving CapCut for captions

What you gain

  • Three free videos a day with a watermark; Pro removes it
  • No 10-minute caption cap and no $19.99 Pro plan
  • Privacy — clips are transcribed on your phone, kept local in on-device mode
  • Captions in a few taps, with no timeline to learn

When CapCut still fits

  • You want a full editor — cuts, effects, B-roll, transitions
  • You're on Android or editing on desktop
  • You want highly animated, trend-driven caption templates

Different tools, different jobs. For private, Pro watermark-free subtitles on your phone, Just Captions is the lighter choice.

More alternatives

Comparing other caption tools

Submagic alternativeOn-device captions vs the cloud caption SaaS.Read →
Captions app alternativeHow Just Captions compares to the Captions app.Read →
Create an SRT file on iPhoneExport an editable subtitle file, no upload.Read →
FAQ

Switching from CapCut, answered

Can I try Just Captions for free?
Yes. Just Captions offers three videos a day free with a watermark and no account. Pro removes the watermark. It transcribes and burns in subtitles on your device, so on-device transcription keeps your video local unless you enable cloud recognition.
Can I add auto-captions on iPhone without uploading my video anywhere?
Yes. Just Captions transcribes the speech on your device, so on-device recognition can keep processing local. That also means it keeps working with no connection.
Does CapCut still have free auto-captions in 2026?
CapCut features and allowances depend on its current plan and region; check CapCut before subscribing. Just Captions has a 30-minute single-video limit and watermark removal with Pro.
What's the best CapCut alternative if I only need subtitles, not editing?
A captions-first tool beats a full editor when subtitles are all you want. Just Captions does auto-captions in a few taps with no timeline to learn, then exports an MP4 with the captions burned in. If you also need cuts, effects and B-roll, a full editor still makes sense.
Does Just Captions work offline?
Yes. Because transcription runs on your device, you can caption a clip on a plane or with no signal. CapCut's cloud-backed AI features need a connection.

Just the captions. No subscription.

Three videos a day free, no card, watermark removal with Pro, on-device transcription available. Drop in a clip and watch the captions write themselves.

Download on theApp Store

Just Captions 2.6: three videos a day free, with a watermark. Choose from 15 styles: seven static styles are free; animated styles require Pro, with one free single-video Emoji export. Pro removes the watermark. On-device transcription is available after the model download. Optional cloud recognition sends audio for processing; AI editing and translation send caption text. These online features need a connection.

Compare options for your workflow: Captions app alternative, Submagic alternative, or CapCut alternative for captions.