Descript: Complete Guide & Pricing 2026
Everything about Descript - pricing ($12-24/mo), Overdub voice cloning, text-based audio editing, and how it compares to ElevenLabs.
Descript
The all-in-one audio/video editor where you edit by editing text.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Pricing | $12-24/mo |
| Free Tier | 1 hour transcription/mo |
| Best For | Podcasters, content creators |
| Platform | Mac, Windows, Web |
| Key Feature | Edit audio by editing text |
| Founded | 2017 |
What is Descript?
Descript is a revolutionary audio and video editor that lets you edit recordings by editing their transcription. Delete a word from the text, and it’s removed from the audio. Add a sentence via Overdub, and AI generates it in the speaker’s voice.
Beyond editing, Descript includes transcription, screen recording, video editing, and publishing tools. It’s become the default tool for podcasters and video creators who want a simpler workflow than traditional DAWs.
What sets Descript apart is the text-first paradigm. Audio editing becomes as easy as editing a document. Combined with Overdub voice synthesis, you can fix mistakes, add content, and polish episodes without re-recording.
Key Features
- Text-Based Editing - Edit audio by editing transcript
- Overdub - AI voice cloning for corrections/additions
- Studio Sound - One-click audio enhancement
- Filler Word Removal - Auto-remove “um”, “uh”, etc.
- Eye Contact - AI correction for video
- Screen Recording - Built-in capture
- Publishing - Direct to podcast hosts
- Transcription - Accurate speech-to-text
Pricing
| Plan | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free | $0 | 1 hr transcription/mo |
| Hobbyist | $12/mo | 10 hrs transcription |
| Creator | $24/mo | 30 hrs, Overdub, filler removal |
| Business | $40/mo | Team, unlimited transcription |
Overdub Voice Cloning
Overdub requires Creator plan ($24/mo). Train your voice by reading scripts. Use it to fix mistakes or add new content without re-recording.
Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Revolutionary text-based editing
- Great for fixing podcast mistakes
- Studio Sound enhancement is magic
- All-in-one workflow
- Cross-platform
- Reasonable pricing
Cons:
- Voice quality behind ElevenLabs
- Overdub only for your voice
- Heavy application
- Learning curve for advanced features
- Not ideal for pure TTS needs
Best Practices
- Podcast editing: Record rough, polish in Descript
- Mistakes: Overdub corrections instead of re-recording
- Cleanup: Use filler word removal, then manual review
- Video: Use eye contact feature for direct camera effect
- Export: Use Studio Sound before final export
Alternatives
- ElevenLabs - Better TTS, no editing
- Adobe Podcast - AI enhancement, simpler
- Riverside - Recording focus, less editing
- Audacity - Free, traditional editing
FAQ
Is Descript free? Free tier includes 1 hour of transcription monthly. For Overdub and serious editing, Creator plan is $24/mo.
What is Overdub? Overdub is Descript’s voice cloning feature. Train it on your voice, then type text to generate speech in your voice.
Can I clone other people’s voices? No. Overdub only works with voices that have consented and completed training. You can’t clone arbitrary voices.
How does Descript compare to ElevenLabs? Different tools. ElevenLabs is pure text-to-speech. Descript is an editor with TTS built in. Use ElevenLabs for quality TTS, Descript for podcast/video editing workflows.
Last verified: 2026-03-11