Alternatives
Captionry vs Subtitle Tools, Subtitle Edit and command-line scripts
Four ways to convert subtitle files, compared on facts you can check yourself: where the files are processed, how batches work and how you pay.
- Runs in your browser, no upload
- Whole folders to one zip
- $19 once, no subscription
At a glance
Where each option runs, and how it handles a batch
Captionry is a web page that converts inside your browser. The others work differently, and each fits a different job.
| Captionry | Subtitle Tools | Subtitle Edit | Command-line scripts | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Where files are processed | In your browser tab; never uploaded | On its servers; files are uploaded | On your computer | On your computer |
| What you install | Nothing | Nothing | A desktop app | A script runtime and the script |
| Folder in, one zip out | Yes, structure kept | See its site for batch limits | Has its own batch convert tool | You write the loop and the zip step |
| Mixed formats in one batch | Yes, detected by content | See its site | Yes | Depends on the script |
| How you pay | Free for 3 files per batch; $19 once for unlimited | See its site for current plans | Free, open source | Usually free |
Choosing
When each one is the right pick
Captionry
You have a folder of other people's subtitle files, cannot or would rather not upload them, and want one zip back without installing anything.
Subtitle Tools
You have a single file, the content is not sensitive, and a website that does the conversion on its server is fine.
Subtitle Edit
You also want to edit, sync and review subtitles line by line, and can install a desktop application.
Command-line scripts
You are comfortable in a terminal and want to wire conversion into your own pipeline.
Captionry specifics
What Captionry does in a batch
- Reads SRT, WebVTT, ASS/SSA and MicroDVD; writes those four and plain text.
- Detects each file's format from its content and detects its encoding (UTF-8, UTF-16 and common legacy encodings).
- Shifts timing in milliseconds, strips tags and sets the MicroDVD frame rate.
- Skips malformed lines and lists them under the file with line numbers.
- Free for 3 files per batch with every feature; $19 once for unlimited batches; refund within 14 days.
Other tools change over time. Check each tool's own site for its current features and terms before you decide.
FAQ
Questions
Does Captionry upload my subtitle files?
No. The converter runs inside your browser tab, so the files you drop are never sent to a server.
Is Captionry a replacement for Subtitle Edit?
No. Subtitle Edit is a full subtitle editor. Captionry only converts: whole folders between SRT, WebVTT, ASS/SSA, MicroDVD and plain text, with a timing shift and tag stripping.
Do I need a subscription?
No. Captionry is free for 3 files per batch, and Unlimited is a single $19 payment with a 14-day refund.
How do Captionry and command-line scripts differ?
A script runs in a terminal and you set it up and maintain it yourself. Captionry is a page you open: drop a folder, choose a format and save a zip.
Related
More from Captionry
Converting more than 3 files at a time?
Unlimited removes the batch limit for $19 once, with no subscription.