Ranking updated
Best subtitle apps in 2026
To add subtitles to a video for free, VN generates captions from the audio automatically, with no watermark. On iPhone, Captions makes AI subtitles and can also dub a video into other languages. To see live speech around you as text on Android, Google’s Live Transcribe. Details below.
How we picked: “subtitles” means two different jobs, captioning a video you post, or turning live speech into text on screen. We checked each app’s own store description for which of the two it does and on which platform.
Subtitles for your videos
VN is a free video editor with no watermark; its Auto Captions generate subtitles from the audio in multiple languages, with subtitle templates and animated text, and can cut filler words and silences. Captions on iPhone automatically generates captions or subtitles in many languages with your choice of fonts and colours, and its AI Dubbing voices a video into other languages.
Live captions for conversations
Google’s Live Transcribe on Android turns speech around you into text in real time, in many languages and dialects, lets you type replies and can vibrate when someone says your name. It was built for people who are deaf or hard of hearing.
| App | Best for | Platforms | Price | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VNApp StoreGoogle Play | free auto captions in a video editor | iOS, Android | free, no watermark | video subtitles |
| CaptionsApp Store | AI subtitles and dubbing | iOS | free to download | video subtitles |
| Live TranscribeGoogle Play | real-time captions of speech around you | Android | free | live captions |
Frequently asked questions
How do I add subtitles to a video for free?
VN is free with no watermark and generates captions from the audio automatically.
Which app shows live speech as text?
Google Live Transcribe on Android transcribes the conversation around you in real time.