1. CapCut: the default. Free, templates, auto-captions, TikTok integration. Optional Pro tier for power features.
  2. VN Video Editor: free multi-track editing with keyframing. No watermark. The thinking creator's pick.
  3. InShot: free but watermarks exports unless you go Pro. Great aspect-ratio tools for multi-platform posting.
  4. YouCut: free, no watermark on the base tier, simple trim-and-merge workflow.
  5. KineMaster: free tier exists but exports carry a watermark; Pro removes it.

Start with CapCut for speed and VN for control. That pair covers 95% of mobile editing. Add InShot only if you post the same video to five platforms weekly and need its resize presets. Sources: Adobe, Blackmagic Design Convert it free: PicConvert handles the format chores.

The best mobile video editing apps now handle the no-watermark basics that used to need a desktop.