A CapCut alternative for auto captions.
CapCut is still a great video editor. But if you mostly opened it for auto captions, and now keep hitting the Pro paywall, Caption Build is built for exactly that: word-by-word captions, generated on your computer, with a license you buy once.
Why creators look for a CapCut alternative
Depending on platform, region and app version, CapCut's auto captions have moved behind the Pro subscription or come with usage limits. For many creators, that was the main feature.
Another point: CapCut generates captions online, so you need a connection and have to send your video's audio.
What Caption Build does differently
Caption Build isn't a full video editor. It's a tool dedicated to captions that does that part better, with no subscription:
- Local transcription with Whisper: nothing is uploaded to a server, and it works offline.
- Word-level timing: every word is synced to the voice, and you can move it on the timeline.
- Styles made for shorts: karaoke, pill or color active word, word entrances, emphasized key words.
- Video export with no watermark, or an SRT file.
- One-time purchase, updates included.
Keep CapCut for editing
You don't have to choose. Edit your video in CapCut, export it, then add captions in Caption Build. Or the other way around: generate and fix captions in Caption Build, export an SRT file and import it into your CapCut, Premiere or DaVinci Resolve project.
Captions: Caption Build vs CapCut
| Caption Build | CapCut | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing model | One-time purchase, €59 (founder price) | Free with limits, Pro by subscription |
| Auto captions | Included, unlimited | Depends on plan, region and version |
| Where captions are generated | On your computer | Online, connection required |
| Word-level timing edits | Yes, on the timeline | Per caption block |
| SRT export | Yes | Yes |
| Full video editing | No, captions only | Yes |
CapCut information gathered in October 2026. CapCut's plans vary by country and device and change often: check capcut.com.
Frequently asked questions
Is Caption Build free like CapCut?
No, it's paid software with a one-time purchase (€59 for the first 50 licenses). In return: no subscription, no quota, no watermark. The beta itself is free for people on the waitlist.
Can I import Caption Build captions into CapCut?
Yes, through the SRT export, which contains the text and timing of every caption.
Does Caption Build run on Mac and Windows?
Yes, one license covers Mac and Windows, on two machines.
Your auto captions, no subscription.
Join the waitlist to try Caption Build for free during the beta.
Join the waitlistMac + Windows · No subscription · Free sign-up