Tool review · est. 2017
Descript
Text-based video and audio editing with AI co-editor Underlord
Visit Descript →descript.com
Tier across use cases
Strengths
- G2 rating of 4.7/5 across 846 reviews — strong satisfaction signal across large sample.
- Transcript-based editing is genuinely unique — text-edit workflow that competitors have struggled to replicate; reviewers consistently cite it as a 10x productivity gain for podcast/spoken-word editing.
- Underlord (AI co-editor) handles tightening cuts, removing silences, generating B-roll, writing scripts, and creating YouTube descriptions from plain-language prompts — broader than any single-purpose AI editor.
- Voice cloning (Regenerate) replaces incorrect words in your voice with matched lip movements — eliminates need to re-record for small fixes.
- Transcription accuracy of 95-98% for clear English audio with 25-language support and automatic speaker diarization.
- Enterprise customer roster (NYT, HubSpot, NPR, Al Jazeera) provides procurement validation for serious creators and media teams.
Trade-offs
- AI credits get burned fast — Underlord, voice generation, dubbing, and Studio Sound all consume credits; multiple Trustpilot reviewers flagged this as the biggest pain point after the September 2025 pricing shift.
- Subscription plans described as "confusing" by G2 reviewers — no credit for unused subscriptions on upgrade, and learning curve is steep for new users.
- No native Linux app — runs on macOS, Windows, and web; Linux users get the slower browser version.
- No offline editing — requires internet connection for most AI features, limiting travel and remote use.
- Performance reportedly degrades on larger projects per multiple G2 reviewers — described as "resource-heavy" and "slow with large files".
- Customer service reported as "basically non-existent" with primarily AI bot responses per G2 reviewers.
- Some features (own branding assets, certain video formats) require Business plan ($50/mo) — significant step up from Hobbyist tier.
Key features
- Transcript-based editing (edit text → edit video)
- Underlord AI co-editor (plain-language prompts)
- Studio Sound (audio cleanup)
- Filler word removal (one-click)
- Voice cloning / Regenerate (replace words in your voice)
- Screen recording (built-in)
- Remote recording (Rooms, up to 10 guests)
- Transcription in 25 languages (95-98% accuracy)
- Speaker diarization (automatic)
- Eye contact correction
- Real-time collaboration
- B-roll generation (Underlord)
- YouTube description writing (Underlord)
Pricing
Freemium. Free (1 hour monthly transcription, watermarked). Hobbyist $16/mo (annual). Creator $24/mo. Business $50/mo. Enterprise custom. Annual saves up to 35%. Founded by Andrew Mason (ex-Groupon CEO). 6M+ creators.
Free
$0/mo
1 seat
- 1 hour transcription/month
- Basic editing
- Filler word removal
- Studio Sound
Hobbyist
$16/mo
1 seat
- Watermark-free exports
- Underlord AI co-editor
- Voice cloning (Regenerate)
Creator
$24/mo
1 seat
- Higher AI credits
- Eye contact correction
- Studio Sound
- Remote recording (Rooms, up to 10 guests)
Business
$50/mo
- Brand kit assets
- Custom domain
- Advanced collaboration
- Higher AI credits
Enterprise
Custom
- SSO
- SCIM
- Tailored security
- Volume discounts
What reviewers say
g2
4.7/5
846 reviews
Large G2 sample with strong satisfaction signal
Best for
Podcasters, YouTube creators (especially talking-head and interview formats), content teams at media organizations, and educators producing spoken-word content — particularly users with weekly publishing cadences where transcript-based editing speed compounds across episodes.
Frequently asked
- Who is Descript best for?
- Podcasters, YouTube creators (especially talking-head and interview formats), content teams at media organizations, and educators producing spoken-word content — particularly users with weekly publishing cadences where transcript-based editing speed compounds across episodes.
- How is Descript ranked on TIERSAI?
- Descript earns A tier (8.38/10) for AI Video Editing, and is ranked across 3 use cases in total. Every score uses the same transparent 0-to-10 scale across five axes.
- How much does Descript cost?
- Freemium. Free (1 hour monthly transcription, watermarked). Hobbyist $16/mo (annual). Creator $24/mo. Business $50/mo. Enterprise custom. Annual saves up to 35%. Founded by Andrew Mason (ex-Groupon CEO). 6M+ creators.
Ready to try Descript?
Start with the free or entry plan and test it on your own work — pricing and limits change often, so check the current options on their site.
Try Descript →