Kiru
Kiru: A local-first transcript editor for fast cleanup, captions, and NLE handoff. Ranked #41 of 78 in AI Video Editors by our editors (5.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for local-first creators removing bad takes quickly.
At a glance
- Editor score5.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLocal-first creators removing bad takes quickly
- Free planYes
- Paid from$15/mo
- Text-based editingYes
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Detects bad takes, false starts, stammers, retakes, and silences
- Offers transcription-driven editing with automatic styled captions
- Exports MP4, WAV, and projects for Resolve, Premiere, and Final Cut
Where it doesn't
- The feature set is narrower than a full video editing suite
- The browser version has limited functionality
- Transcription sends extracted audio to an external service
Our verdict on Kiru
Kiru is a desktop video editing application for creators and video professionals who want to clean up local footage through its transcript. It synchronizes words to a timeline, identifies bad takes and false starts, removes silent sections, and generates styled captions. The app runs on macOS, Windows, and Linux, with a limited browser version. Its local-first approach suits creators who want editing centered on files stored on their own computer, while still allowing extracted audio to be sent for transcription.
The workflow focuses on spoken-word cleanup rather than broad, general-purpose production. Kiru can detect stammers and retakes, remove silences automatically, catalog B-roll, and suggest B-roll placement. It also supports LUTs in .cube format and exports MP4, WAV, and NLE project files. That combination gives creators a direct path from transcript-based cleanup to finishing work in DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro. The narrower scope is useful for reducing repetitive edits, but buyers seeking a wider editing toolkit may prefer a more comprehensive application.
Kiru uses a freemium model. The Free plan is available forever and includes automatic cutting of bad takes, silences, and mistakes, plus MP4 export. Plus costs $15 per month and adds exports for Resolve, Premiere, and Final Cut. Pro costs $30 per month and adds priority support to the Plus features. Choose Kiru for fast local-footage cleanup, captions, and handoff to an established NLE. It is less suitable for teams or creators who need a broad, all-in-one editing environment or a fully browser-based workflow.
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Kiru pricing
Kiru fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $15/mo |
| Text-based editing | Yes |
| Automatic captions | Yes |
| Silence removal | Yes |
| AI audio cleanup | Not verified |
| Maximum export resolution | Not verified |
| Supported platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux, web browser |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 3 integrations: DaVinci Resolve, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | kiru.app |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Kiru integrations
Kiru lists 3 integrations on its own site.
- DaVinci Resolve
- Adobe Premiere Pro
- Final Cut Pro
Alternatives to Kiru
- DaVinci ResolveA full post-production suite with an unusually capable free version.9.4
- Adobe PremiereA deep Adobe-centered editor for professional video work and collaborative production.9.3
- Avid Media ComposerA deep editor for teams needing transcript tools, high-resolution media, and shared projects.9.1
Also Ranked In
Kiru is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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