MotionCaption vs SubMachine
SubMachine turns an SRT file into word-by-word captions on MoGRT templates in Premiere. MotionCaption transcribes for you and works in After Effects as well.
Reviewed October 2026. Every SubMachine fact was read on its own site.
The short answer
SubMachine is a Premiere tool. You bring an SRT file, pick one of 9 MoGRT templates, and it builds word-by-word animated captions. MotionCaption runs in After Effects and Premiere, transcribes the audio itself, and ships 330+ in After Effects, 80+ in Premiere presets. Choose SubMachine if you already have an SRT and want a small template set at a low monthly price. Choose MotionCaption if you want transcription, a larger library, or After Effects text layers.
SubMachine and MotionCaption
The rows where they match matter as much as the rows where they differ.
| What matters | SubMachine | MotionCaption |
|---|---|---|
| Runs in | Premiere 2022+. After Effects is used to edit or build templates. | After Effects 2023+ and Premiere 2023+ |
| What lands on the timeline | MoGRT clips in Premiere | Native text layers in After Effects. One MoGRT clip in Premiere, split per caption when you want. |
| Ready-made animated looks | 9 templates | 330+ in After Effects, 80+ in Premiere |
| Word-by-word animation | ||
| Where the text and timing come from | An SRT file you import | Its own transcription (Local Whisper with no credits, or cloud AI at 1 credit per started minute. 99 languages.) Also imports SRT, TXT and CSV. |
| Beyond captions | Captions only | Removes silences, filler words and repeated takes, retimes captions, and adds zooms |
| Price | $8 a month, $80 a year, or $150 perpetual | $99 one-time (founding price until November 30, then $149). Optional Pro at $15 a month. |
| Free trial | Yes | 7 days, up to 14 with panel tasks |
When SubMachine is the better pick
Better to read these now than after buying.
- You already have an accurate SRT and only need it animated in Premiere.
- You want a low monthly price. SubMachine starts at $8 a month.
- You want to edit or build the MoGRT templates yourself in After Effects.
When MotionCaption is the better pick
Both animate word by word on MoGRT clips in Premiere. These are the differences.
Transcription is included
MotionCaption transcribes your audio in 99 languages and times every word, on your machine with no credits or in the cloud. There is no SRT to source first, and you can still import one.
It runs in After Effects too
In After Effects the captions are native text layers, with 330+ animated presets. You restyle and animate them with everything After Effects offers.
A larger library in Premiere
80+ caption looks in Premiere, all on one MoGRT that ships with the plugin and imports itself.
Cleanup in the same panel
Remove silences, filler words and repeated takes, retime any word, and add zooms without opening another tool.
MotionCaption or SubMachine
The questions editors ask before they choose between the two.
Does SubMachine work in After Effects?
SubMachine's listing describes it as a Premiere tool, with compatibility from Premiere 2022. It asks for After Effects so you can edit or build its MoGRT templates. MotionCaption runs as a panel in both After Effects and Premiere.
Do I need an SRT file?
SubMachine works from an SRT file. MotionCaption transcribes the audio itself and times every word, and it also imports SRT, TXT and CSV if you already have a transcript.
How do the prices compare?
SubMachine is $8 a month, $80 a year, or $150 for a perpetual licence. MotionCaption is $99 one-time (founding price until November 30, then $149), with an optional Pro subscription at $15 a month. Prices were read in October 2026.
Comparing something else? See every caption plugin for After Effects and Premiere, MotionCaption vs Captioneer, MotionCaption vs FireCut, MotionCaption vs AutoCut.
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