CapCut vs Prequel (2026): Pricing, Features & Which to Choose

Who comes out ahead

Based only on the facts in our directory. The right pick still depends on the job you need done.

Lower starting price
Not comparable
Not comparable: Prequel does not list a price
Free plan
Tie
Both have one
Higher rating
CapCut
4.4 against 3.1
Same job?
Yes
Both are Video tools

Side by side

Compared on	CapCut	Prequel
Our rating	4.4Better	3.1
Starts at	$8/mo	Free
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Category	Video	Video
Plans	FreeFree Pro$8/mo	Free
Key features	Free, mobile-first editing built for short-form vertical video Massive, trend-current template and effects library Built by ByteDance, TikTok's parent company Operating since 2019 Widely used across TikTok and Instagram Reels creators	800+ photo and video effects including 3D and AR objects AI-powered portrait and artistic-style transformation Retouching - skin smoothing, teeth whitening, facial reshaping Trendy filter aesthetics - vintage, retro, Y2K, indie Pre-built video templates with music and transitions
Pros	Free to use with a genuinely capable core feature set Template and effects library stays current with short-form platform trends Massive, well-established user base globally	Combines photo AND video editing in one app, not just one or the other Very large effects library (800+) for varied creative styles Video templates lower the barrier to polished-looking content
Cons	Advanced features require the paid Pro tier Short-form, vertical-first design suits long-form editing less naturally ByteDance ownership may be a consideration for some organizations	Specific pricing tiers aren't detailed on the site No specific underlying AI model is named Heavy beauty/retouching features warrant thoughtful use around realistic self-image
Company	ByteDance, founded 2019	Prequel

Prices come from each vendor's pricing page, last checked 20260826. Check the vendor before you buy.

FAQ

Questions people ask

Is CapCut better than Prequel?

In our reviews CapCut scores 4.4 and Prequel scores 3.1. The better pick depends on the job. CapCut: ByteDance's free, mobile-first editor, TikTok's sister app for editing. Prequel: 800+ effects, AI-powered portrait transformation, and full video templates in one mobile editor - retouching, filters, and trendy aesthetics for social content.

Which is cheaper, CapCut or Prequel?

CapCut: from $8/mo. Prequel: free.

Do CapCut and Prequel have free plans?

Yes, both have a free plan.

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