Why is SplitRig free when Mixcam charges a monthly subscription?

Different business models. Mixcam runs a subscription. SplitRig is built by a solo indie developer in Tokyo with no subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads, and no account. Every feature is unlocked at first launch and stays unlocked. Mixcam moves its rate from time to time, so read the current one on its App Store listing rather than trusting a number on a comparison page.

Does SplitRig watermark recordings like Mixcam's free tier?

SplitRig adds a small, optional SplitRig logo that comes off free in one tap. There is no paid tier: every export is full-resolution, and removing the logo costs nothing. Mixcam is different. It forces a watermark on free exports and only removes it if you pay for the subscription.

Does SplitRig have everything Mixcam paywalls?

SplitRig has the four major layouts (PiP, Split Screen, Single, Face Mode background removal), eight live GPS / metrics overlays, an Apple Watch companion, AirPods Camera Remote, and iPhone 16 Camera Control integration. All free. Mixcam does not offer GPS overlays or the Apple Watch app at any tier; its other features are subscription-gated.

Comparison

SplitRig vs Mixcam

A polished subscription app vs a free indie one. The free one wins on almost every axis.

TL;DR

Mixcam markets aggressive App Store screenshots but locks most features behind a monthly subscription. Without paying, recordings are watermarked, capped at short durations, and missing layout transitions. SplitRig is fully free with no in-app purchases and no recording time cap, and includes features Mixcam still asks money for: Apple Watch app, AirPods Camera Remote, GPS speedometer overlay, Face Mode segmentation. SplitRig also has an optional logo that comes off free in one tap. Mixcam stamps one on free exports that you can only remove by paying. Unless you specifically want what Mixcam paywalls, SplitRig wins on value.

Feature

SplitRig

Mixcam

Price

Free, no IAP, no ads, no subscription

Monthly subscription for full features. Upper end of the category.

Watermark on output

Optional SplitRig logo, removable free in one tap

Forced on free tier, pay to remove

Recording time limit

None, records until storage fills

Capped on free tier

Layout transitions during recording

Yes, switch mid-shot without stopping

Subscription-gated

Layout modes

4 (PiP, Split Screen, Single, Face Mode)

Similar count, different naming

Background removal

Face Mode: Neural Engine, on-device

Available with subscription

GPS speedometer overlay

Free, baked into recording

Not offered

Apple Watch companion

Free, full control

Not offered

AirPods Camera Remote

Yes (iOS 26 + H2 chip)

Not offered

iPhone 16 Camera Control button

Full integration

Basic

Privacy

On-device only, no account, no cloud

Account required

Where SplitRig pulls ahead

Free, with no in-app purchases, no subscription, no ads. Every feature is unlocked at first launch.
The watermark comes off free in one tap. SplitRig has an optional logo, and removing it is one tap and costs nothing. Mixcam forces a watermark on free exports and only lifts it if you subscribe. No recording time cap either, on the free tier (which IS the only tier).
Eight live overlay widgets (GPS speedometer, distance, altitude, pace, goal gauge, sound level, watermark, duration) that Mixcam doesn't offer at any tier.
Apple Watch companion + AirPods Camera Remote. Mixcam offers neither.
No account required. SplitRig is fully on-device: your video and location never leave your iPhone.

Split Screen: the Tokyo skyline over a rooftop selfie, shot on SplitRig — Shot on SplitRig. Split Screen.

The Tokyo skyline above, a rooftop selfie below.

Where Mixcam has the edge

Being honest builds trust. Here's where the other app does it better.

Mixcam's App Store screenshots and onboarding polish look more "designed" than SplitRig's purely functional UI.
If you want a paid product because you trust paid products more than free ones, Mixcam fits that mental model.

Common questions

Why is SplitRig free when Mixcam charges a monthly subscription?: Different business models. Mixcam runs a subscription. SplitRig is built by a solo indie developer in Tokyo with no subscription, no in-app purchases, no ads, and no account. Every feature is unlocked at first launch and stays unlocked. Mixcam moves its rate from time to time, so read the current one on its App Store listing rather than trusting a number on a comparison page.
Does SplitRig watermark recordings like Mixcam's free tier?: SplitRig adds a small, optional SplitRig logo that comes off free in one tap. There is no paid tier: every export is full-resolution, and removing the logo costs nothing. Mixcam is different. It forces a watermark on free exports and only removes it if you pay for the subscription.
Does SplitRig have everything Mixcam paywalls?: SplitRig has the four major layouts (PiP, Split Screen, Single, Face Mode background removal), eight live GPS / metrics overlays, an Apple Watch companion, AirPods Camera Remote, and iPhone 16 Camera Control integration. All free. Mixcam does not offer GPS overlays or the Apple Watch app at any tier; its other features are subscription-gated.

Pick SplitRig if

You don't want to subscribe to record dual-camera footage. You want all features unlocked from day one. You care about privacy.

Pick Mixcam if

You specifically want a subscription product, or you found a Mixcam-only feature that genuinely matters to your shoot.

Compare SplitRig with other apps

See more: full comparison of every dual-camera iPhone app for iPhone 17 Pro

Built by one developer. For creators who don't compromise.

No subscriptions, no ads, no accounts, and the price stays zero. The next time the moment matters, hit record once and capture every angle.

I'm in, get SplitRig free