# FFmpeg vs CleanCut

> Command-line power vs. graphical simplicity. Both remove silence, but one is actually easy to use.

## The short version

**FFmpeg** is a powerful command-line tool that can remove silence using the `silenceremove` filter. It's free and scriptable, but requires technical knowledge and trial-and-error to get right.

**CleanCut** is a graphical app that wraps the same functionality in an intuitive interface — preview results, adjust settings visually, export in one click.

## The FFmpeg reality check

Example command:

```
ffmpeg -i input.mp4 -af silenceremove=start_periods=1:start_silence=0.1:start_threshold=-50dB:stop_periods=-1:stop_silence=0.1:stop_threshold=-50dB detection=peak output.mp4
```

And that's just the start — you'll need to guess threshold values and re-run repeatedly, handle different audio levels across videos manually, re-encode the entire video (losing quality or taking hours), and work with no preview.

## Comparison

| Feature | CleanCut | FFmpeg |
|---|---|---|
| Graphical interface | Yes | No (CLI only) |
| Visual preview | Yes | No |
| Real-time threshold adjustment | Yes | No |
| Waveform visualization | Yes | Requires separate tools |
| Learning curve | ~5 minutes | Hours to days |
| Batch processing | Yes (Pro) | Yes (with scripting) |
| Cross-platform | Yes | Yes |
| Cost | Free / monthly or yearly Pro | Free |

## When to use each

**Stick with FFmpeg if**: you're already comfortable with CLI tools, need to integrate into automated pipelines, are building custom video workflows, or enjoy scripting.

**Choose CleanCut if**: you want results in minutes, prefer visual feedback, need to preview before exporting, or don't want to memorize filter syntax.

## What FFmpeg gets wrong

The `silenceremove` filter has no waveform preview (you adjust thresholds blindly and re-run), requires re-encoding the entire video, has complex parameters (start/stop periods, thresholds, detection modes), and offers no per-cut adjustment.

## Related

- [Download CleanCut](https://cleancut.video/download.md)