Investigation Flow vs. Investigation Video Editor (IVE)
Both tools timestamp and edit surveillance video for private investigators. Investigation Flow is the modern alternative: native Mac and Windows apps, a free trial, licenses you can move between computers, and flexible monthly, yearly, or one-time pricing.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Investigation Flow | IVE |
|---|---|---|
| Verifiable timestamps | Yes | Yes |
| Stitch & order multiple clips into one sequence | Yes | Yes |
| Keep or remove audio per clip | Yes | Yes |
| One-click timestamped still shots | Yes | Yes |
| Batch-process whole folders | Yes | Not advertised |
| Native macOS app | Yes | Not advertised |
| Native Windows app | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial before you buy | First 25 conversions free, no credit card | Download trial |
| Move a license between computers (deactivate & reactivate) | Yes | No, keys are non-transferable |
| Monthly, yearly, or one-time billing | Yes | One-time only |
| Team volume pricing | Yes | Per-key, up to 3 |
IVE details sourced from investigationve.com. Comparison last reviewed June 2026.
Why investigators choose Investigation Flow
Your license moves with you
Switch or upgrade computers without buying again. Deactivate the key on the old machine and activate it on the new one. IVE keys are locked to one computer and may need repurchasing after a crash.
Native Mac and Windows
A real desktop app on both platforms, with a free trial so you can run the workflow on your own footage before you buy. IVE doesn't advertise a Mac version.
Pricing that fits how you work
Pay monthly, yearly, or once for a lifetime license, and get volume discounts when you outfit a team. IVE is a one-time per-computer purchase only.
Where IVE may fit
IVE is an established Windows tool with a lower one-time entry price (from $69.99), unlimited updates, and built-in branding extras like company watermarks and design screens. If you only work on a single Windows machine and want the cheapest one-time option, it's worth a look. If you need Mac support, transferable licenses, a browser trial, or team pricing, Investigation Flow is the better fit.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best alternative to Investigation Video Editor (IVE)?
Investigation Flow is a modern alternative built for the same job: timestamping, stitching, audio control, and clean stills for surveillance footage. It adds native macOS and Windows apps, a free trial, and licenses you can move between computers.
How is Investigation Flow different from IVE?
Both timestamp and edit surveillance video for private investigators. The main differences: Investigation Flow runs natively on Mac and Windows, lets you try it free in the browser, offers monthly, yearly, or one-time billing with team volume discounts, and its license is transferable between machines. IVE is a one-time Windows purchase whose keys are locked to a single computer.
Can I move my Investigation Flow license to a new computer?
Yes. Each license runs on one computer at a time, but you can move it by deactivating the key on the old machine and activating it on the new one. IVE states its keys are non-transferable and a computer crash may require repurchasing a key.
Does Investigation Flow work on Mac?
Yes. Investigation Flow ships native apps for both macOS and Windows. IVE does not advertise a macOS version.
How much does Investigation Flow cost compared to IVE?
Investigation Flow is $19.99/month, $199/year, or $299 one-time for a Version 1 lifetime license, with volume discounts for teams. IVE is a one-time purchase from $69.99 (1 computer) to $129.99 (3 computers). IVE is cheaper up front; Investigation Flow adds cross-platform apps, transferable licenses, flexible billing, and a browser trial.
Comparing other editors?
See how Investigation Flow stacks up against the other tools investigators use.
Investigation Flow vs. V3 Video Editor
The same case workflow with modern pricing and no Windows-only requirement.
Read the comparison →Investigation Flow vs. iMovie
Automatic verifiable timestamps instead of hand-placed title overlays.
Read the comparison →Investigation Flow vs. Wondershare UniConverter
A surveillance case workflow rather than a general conversion toolbox.
Read the comparison →See it for yourself
Download Investigation Flow and run it on your own footage. Your first 25 conversions are free, with every feature unlocked.