# VFX Editor Video After Effects vs Reel Decoder

The clearest difference is ads: Reel Decoder at none against VFX Editor Video After Effects's shown. Reel Decoder also leads on update cadence (every 3 days vs fortnightly). VFX Editor Video After Effects's advantage is device support (3 vs 1) and iOS requirement (15.0 vs 17.0). On price and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. VFX Editor Video After Effects sells 4 in-app purchases, starting at $3.99 per month and Reel Decoder sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $4.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

VFX Editor Video After Effects ships an update fortnightly, Reel Decoder every 3 days. The most recent releases landed on October 1, 2026 and September 13, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | VFX Editor Video After Effects | Reel Decoder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.6 (1.1K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vfx-editor-video-after-effects/id1604510001/reviews)** | — |
| Number of ratings | **1.1K** | — |
| Positive reviews | 61.8% of reviews | — |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | Yes | **No** |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | **Every 3 days** |
| Monetization | Freemium | — |
| Size | 53 MB | 3 MB |
| Requires iOS | **15.0** | 17.0 |
| Devices | **iPhone, iPad, iPod** | iPhone |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [Do Nam](https://appshunter.io/developer/915416758) | [Aura Bionics Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/1884239619) |

## What reviewers say

### VFX Editor Video After Effects

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/vfx-editor-video-after-effects/id1604510001)

Add incredible magic and stylish special effects to your videos with this easy-to-use editor. Create stunning CGI movie scenes with powers like fire control, lightning, and laser swords. Share your cinematic masterpieces instantly on social media.

**Highlights:** Magic and stylish special effects, Super power effects, Fire, lightning, laser swords, Real-time guide for effects, Beginner-friendly editing, Easy saving and sharing, Weekly effect updates

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (4)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 1 month | $3.99 | per month |
| 1 week | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| 1 year | $19.99 | per year |
| 1 year | $24.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Great app with many free features
- 🚀 Powerful and realistic effects
- 💡 Lots of customization options
- 😊 Fun and engaging to use

**What reviewers complain about**

- 💰 Too many paid features/subscriptions
- 🔍 Difficult to navigate/find effects
- ⏱️ Ads required to use many features
- 🐛 Bugs and glitches in the app

**Reported bugs**

- App crashes when trying to record
- Effects not appearing properly
- Inability to save/export videos
- Compatibility issues with new devices

**Requested features**

- Add more free/unlockable effects
- Improve video saving and sharing
- Implement post-production editing
- Add more superhero/fantasy powers


### Reel Decoder

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/reel-decoder/id6767954501)

**Features:** macOS Compatibility

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Reel Decoder Pro Weekly | $4.99 | per 7 days |
| Reel Decoder Pro Monthly | $9.99 | per month |
| Reel Decoder Pro Yearly | $79.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is VFX Editor Video After Effects free?

VFX Editor Video After Effects is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Reel Decoder free?

Reel Decoder is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Do VFX Editor Video After Effects or Reel Decoder have ads?

VFX Editor Video After Effects shows ads; Reel Decoder does not.

### Which is updated more often, VFX Editor Video After Effects or Reel Decoder?

VFX Editor Video After Effects ships an update fortnightly, and Reel Decoder every 3 days. Most recently, VFX Editor Video After Effects was updated on October 1, 2026 and Reel Decoder on September 13, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*