Montaj vs 
Submagic
The Submagic alternative where captions are free.
Montaj captions your video on your computer, every word timed to your voice. Claude or ChatGPT does the rest of the edit. No credits.
Say it. Your AI edits it.
add captions and cut the ums
- Transcribed it on your computer
- Timed every word to your voice
- Cut the pauses and filler words
- Sized it 9:16 for Reels
Done. It's in the editor if you want to change anything.
Hub
Free captions
Made on your computer, every word timed to your voice. Submagic's Starter is $19 a month for 15 videos.
Your AI, free
Claude or ChatGPT does the edit, at no cost from Montaj. When Claude drives Submagic, it spends API credits, one per minute of video.
A real timeline
Trim handles, ripple edits and snapping, to finish by hand. Submagic edits the transcript in place of a timeline.
Side by side.
 Montaj | Submagic | |
|---|---|---|
| Auto captions | MontajFree, made on your computer | SubmagicFrom $19 a month, for 15 videos |
| Caption styles | MontajRestyle any caption. Your style profile on Hub. | SubmagicDozens, ready-made. Premium ones on Pro and Business. |
| Where your video goes | MontajStays on your computer | SubmagicUploaded to its cloud |
| AI you can use | MontajClaude or ChatGPT. Free. | SubmagicIts own AI. Claude can drive it, spending API credits by the minute. |
| Editing | MontajA real timeline: trim handles, ripple edits, snapping | SubmagicBy transcript, in place of a timeline |
| B-roll | MontajYour own clips, cut to your words, with Hub | SubmagicStock B-roll, added for you |
| Planning and posting | MontajIdeas, scripts and a calendar with Hub. Posts via Sprout Social or Metricool. | SubmagicSchedules and posts from the editor |
| Watermark | MontajNone | SubmagicOn free-trial downloads |
| Runs on | MontajMac and Windows. | SubmagicWeb |
We checked Submagic's own pages in October 2026. Plans change. See something out of date? Email hello@bycrux.com.
Templates your AI already knows.
See every templateSee allQuestions.
How is Montaj different from Submagic?
In Montaj, captions are free and made on your computer, your own AI does the edit, and a real timeline is there to finish by hand. Submagic is a web editor you upload to, with credits for each video.
When is Submagic the better pick?
If you want dozens of ready-made caption styles, stock B-roll added for you, or posting straight from the editor.
When is Montaj the better pick?
If you want free captions that never leave your computer, your own AI doing the edit, and a real timeline to finish by hand.
Are captions free in Montaj?
Yes, on every plan, with no account. Every word is timed to your voice.
Can Claude or ChatGPT use Submagic too?
Claude can, through Submagic's MCP server, and it spends Submagic's API credits. In Montaj, your AI edits at no cost from Montaj.
Can Montaj plan and schedule posts?
Yes, with Montaj Hub, $14.99 a month with 7 days free: trend ideas, scripts in your voice and a content calendar. You schedule posts through tools like Sprout Social or Metricool.
Does my video leave my computer?
No. Your footage and finished videos stay on your computer.