Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

PhotoGrid vs CapCut

PhotoGrid 4.9★ · Free + IAP 45
Winner CapCut
CapCut 4.6★ · Free to download 60

CapCut is generally preferred for video editing capabilities, despite its increasing paywalls, while PhotoGrid struggles with an overwhelming amount of ads and aggressive monetization tactics.

Full reviews: PhotoGrid · CapCut

PhotoGrid, a long-standing photo collage and editor, is facing significant backlash due to excessive ads and a shift towards paid features that were once free. CapCut, a popular video editor, also draws criticism for its increasing number of paid 'Pro' features, but users still praise its editing capabilities and ease of use.

Head to head

Features & Functionality edge: CapCutR3R21R27R31
PhotoGrid PhotoGrid users appreciate its ability to create collages, add stickers, and perform basic photo and video editing, with some praising its AI removal tool . However, many lament the removal of previously free templates and grids, and the shift of basic functionalities behind paywalls R3R21R27R31.
CapCut CapCut is highly regarded for its wide variety of editing options, making it suitable for both beginners and intermediate editors . Users specifically mention making ranting videos, animal mask videos, and general video edits . However, a significant complaint is that many desirable features, including effects, animations, and even audio extraction, are now locked behind a 'Pro' subscription R63R64R66R75.
Ease of Use edge: PhotoGridR2R3R7R8
PhotoGrid PhotoGrid is frequently described as very easy to use for quick edits, adding text, and creating collages R2R8. Some long-term users found it convenient for years R3R7.
CapCut CapCut is generally considered easy to use, especially for beginners . Users appreciate its simplicity for making edits and videos . However, some report lag issues when working with multiple layers, making it difficult to move overlays .
Reliability & Performance tieR9R25R29R80
PhotoGrid PhotoGrid users report frequent crashing and glitchiness R9R25. Ads are also cited as causing the app to disable or crash phones R29.
CapCut CapCut experiences issues such as glitches, clips not working, music playing over other music, and keyframes stopping . Some users also report templates not loading or being unavailable R80. A specific bug turns brush masks into stars upon reopening a project .
Price & Value tieR1R3R7R11
PhotoGrid PhotoGrid is heavily criticized for its aggressive monetization. Users report an overwhelming number of repetitive ads, even for basic functions like removing watermarks or saving in good quality R1R3R7R13. Many feel that features that used to be free are now paid, leading to a perception of greed and disappointment R13R21R27R31. There are also multiple complaints about scam-like free trial practices, where users are charged instantly or unexpectedly R11.
CapCut CapCut users express significant frustration over the increasing number of features locked behind paywalls, with many stating that 'everything is pro' R64R66. The subscription cost is described as 'ridiculously expensive' by some . Even after paying for premium, some users report still being bombarded with ads or hitting paywalls .
Support & Customer Service tieR35
PhotoGrid One user reported that their email regarding subscription problems was not responded to R35.
CapCut There are no specific reviews detailing interactions with CapCut's customer support.
Pick PhotoGrid if

You need a simple, quick photo collage maker and are willing to tolerate frequent ads or pay for a subscription to avoid them R2R8.

Pick CapCut if

You are looking for a comprehensive video editing app with a wide range of features, are comfortable with a free-to-download model that heavily pushes paid 'Pro' features, and are aware of potential content moderation issues .

Evidence note: Both apps have a significant number of recent negative reviews, primarily concerning aggressive monetization and a decline in free features. PhotoGrid's issues also include app stability and scam accusations related to free trials. CapCut's negative reviews also highlight concerns about inappropriate content and excessive AI features.

Frequently asked

Is PhotoGrid truly free to use?
PhotoGrid is free to download and offers some free options, but many users report that essential features, good photo quality when saving, and the removal of watermarks now require payment or are heavily interrupted by ads R3R6R13R18.
What are the main complaints about CapCut's pricing?
The main complaints about CapCut's pricing are that an increasing number of features, including effects, animations, and even basic functions like extracting audio, are now locked behind a 'Pro' subscription R63R64R66R75. Some users find the subscription to be 'ridiculously expensive,' with one mentioning a cost of $70 a month .
Does CapCut have inappropriate content?
Yes, several CapCut users have reported encountering inappropriate or 18+ content within the app, which they deem unsuitable for younger audiences R70R72R73R85.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R3] PhotoGrid 3/5 · US I’ve used PhotoGrid forever: This is the most convenient option out there that I know of, but it could be better. There are ads to get rid of the watermark, it’s really hard to see the grids when selecting one. The app has only gotten worse over the years. Maybe there are better options out there, and it is a headache to use, but I couldn’t find a better option when I looked years ago and so I’ve
  2. [R21] PhotoGrid 1/5 · GB Increasingly difficult to use: I originally liked this software, but then the watermark started requiring ads, and the basic templates I used to have disappeared, replaced by many paid and rarely used templates. I just uninstalled it. · translated
  3. [R27] PhotoGrid 1/5 · GB I used to love but they have removed the normal grid: They removed the normal grids and you now have to pay for everything I’ve had this app for 4 years but deleting now
  4. [R31] PhotoGrid 1/5 · GB Don’t fix things that aren’t broken: I used to absolutely love this app, I had used it for 10 years. It was free to use, now they seem to have made it so you HAVE to pay the monthly fee or the collage is blurry and unusable? Such a shame as I loved this app, should’ve kept it how it was.
  5. [R2] PhotoGrid 5/5 · US Great!!: Very easy to use
  6. [R7] PhotoGrid 2/5 · US To many ads! 🙄: This used to be a quick and easy app to use and I’ve had it for many years (5+ maybe). As of recent the app is becoming very annoying with a lot(repetitive) ads, To many bs ads!!It takes away from just wanting to edit your photos quickly. Currently looking for a new app.
  7. [R8] PhotoGrid 5/5 · US Easy: Super ready to add text and images
  8. [R9] PhotoGrid 1/5 · US Just get rid of it: What should be a very simple and easy to use app is one of the glitchiest and most annoying pieces of garbage I’ve ever used on a phone. I would recommend Microsoft paint before I recommended this trash. Whoever made this app I hope you see this and never make another dime off of it ever again. You’re garbage. Period!
  9. [R25] PhotoGrid 2/5 · GB Sort it out!: It used to be good, now it’s awful. Keeps crashing all the time. Looking for something else now. This is rubbish. :(
  10. [R29] PhotoGrid 1/5 · GB Ads disabled the app and crashed my phone: This is what happens when you mess with the Jesus!!!! The ads last 5 minutes and you can’t skip them and they come up in the middle of a design - that’s where I’m done … bye forever there’s better tools out there
  11. [R80] CapCut 4/5 · US Help: Im not able to watch templates anymore. ive checked for updates, restarted my phone, and even deleted and redownloaded the app. Is there something wrong on my end or yours? other than that this is a great editing app!!
  12. [R1] PhotoGrid 1/5 · US Terrible news: Soooooooooooooooooo many adds
  13. [R11] PhotoGrid 1/5 · US Payment and free trial: Used the free trial but it’s trying to charge my card so now I can’t download anything
  14. [R35] PhotoGrid 1/5 · GB Subscription problems: I paid to upgrade the app for a year but after a month, it’s locked all of the features again and my email hasn’t been responded to. Very disappointed and feeling scammed!
  15. [R6] PhotoGrid 3/5 · GB iphone grid: i think this app is great it would be better if we didn’t have to pay for it xx
  16. [R13] PhotoGrid 1/5 · US Pushy for money: This app used to be great but now they have ads and heavily try to push you into paying for things that used to be free like good photo quality when saving. So disappointing.
  17. [R18] PhotoGrid 5/5 · US Muy buena app: Siempre que quiero editar cualquier cosa relacionado a fotos o videos, uso esta app. Es muy buena incluso en su versión gratuita.
  18. [R63] CapCut 3/5 · US Rose: I think all there edits are really cool and it’s a great app but what I don’t like about it is how you have to pay for small things and how almost every nickname is token even 1234
  19. [R64] CapCut 2/5 · US Very greedy: Can’t export because of the amount of “CapCut pro” that pops up on almost every effect. It also needs to have adjustment and room for people who don’t want to have to buy Pro just to enjoy the app, it’s really dumb. Just big and greedy for the money, let people enjoy the app without always having some “Pro” in it.
  20. [R66] CapCut 3/5 · US CapCut is amazing but: I love CapCut but I can’t use most of the features anymore cause everything costs now
  21. [R75] CapCut 3/5 · US Fix ur app: It’s really mid. It’s helpful and all for editing normal videos. But NO I am not buying pro for literally EVERYTHING. every single effect, every for good quality you need to have pro. Pro pro pro. Like okay I got pro the there is Another one? I just got pro now I need teams? Fix this app
  22. [R70] CapCut 1/5 · US I dunno :/: CapCut kinda sucks… it’s pretty kewl to make vids on but on what’s aloud to be posted is disgusting. I know it’s 12+ but my little sister has CapCut and won’t delete it. :(
  23. [R72] CapCut 3/5 · US Dear CapCut, I wanna say a platform is good but some people make inappropriate content so please fix: It’s good but need to fix inappropriate content to nice content
  24. [R73] CapCut 2/5 · US Not good for kids!: It has many inappropriate videos that are 18+ that should not be on this app and they’re not suitable for young audiences. But the rest of the app is fine.
  25. [R85] CapCut 1/5 · US THIS APP SUCKS: I USED TO THINK IT WAS SO GOOD UNTIL THEY STARTED ALLOWING TIC TOKS ONTO THE APP AND NOW TONS OF KIDS GET TO SEE SWEARING AND WHO KNOWS WHAT #THISISANEDITINGAPP

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store