# Descript vs Otter.ai

> Descript: Edit video and podcasts by editing their transcript, with AI audio cleanup and clips
> Otter.ai: Record, transcribe and summarize meetings, with action items and searchable AI chat

- Descript profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/descript
- Otter.ai profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/otter-ai
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/descript-vs-otter-ai
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Descript is listed under Video AI and Otter.ai under Audio & Speech AI. Both have a free plan or trial. Only Otter.ai is available on iOS, Android and Chrome Extension.

### Choose Descript if

- You want a tool built for podcast editing.
- Editing by transcript makes cutting speech content faster than a timeline alone.
- Studio Sound, filler word removal and retake removal are built in.

### Choose Otter.ai if

- You want a tool built for meeting transcription and summaries.
- Permanent free plan with 300 monthly transcription minutes.
- Works through a notetaker bot or bot-free via desktop apps and Chrome extension.

## Pricing

| | Descript | Otter.ai |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | Yes |
| Starting price | $0 | $0 |

## Features

| Feature | Descript | Otter.ai |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Text-based editing | Yes | Not listed |
| Underlord | Yes | Not listed |
| Studio Sound | Yes | Not listed |
| Filler word and retake removal | Yes | Not listed |
| AI speech and voice clones | Yes | Not listed |
| Create clips | Yes | Not listed |
| Recording | Yes | Not listed |
| Translation and dubbing | Yes | Not listed |
| Generation tools | Yes | Not listed |
| API and MCP | Yes | Not listed |
| Live transcription | Not listed | Yes |
| Notetaker bot | Not listed | Yes |
| Bot-free recording | Not listed | Yes |
| AI summaries and action items | Not listed | Yes |
| Otter AI Chat | Not listed | Yes |
| Channels | Not listed | Yes |
| File import | Not listed | Yes |
| CRM sync | Not listed | Yes |
| Otter MCP server | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Descript | Otter.ai |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | No | Yes |
| Android | No | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | No | No |
| Chrome Extension | No | Yes |

## Descript strengths

- Editing by transcript makes cutting speech content faster than a timeline alone
- Studio Sound, filler word removal and retake removal are built in
- Includes recording, transcription, captions and clip creation in one app
- Free plan available with no credit card required
- API and MCP server allow automated editing
- SOC 2 Type II and SSO or SCIM on Enterprise

## Descript limitations

- Free plan exports 720p with a watermark and allows only 1 media hour per month
- Paid prices are $24 to $65 per month on monthly billing, with annual billing needed for the lowest rates
- Media hours and AI credits are capped, with top-ups only on Creator and above
- Desktop app needs macOS 14 or Windows 11 and there is no listed mobile app

## Otter.ai strengths

- Permanent free plan with 300 monthly transcription minutes
- Works through a notetaker bot or bot-free via desktop apps and Chrome extension
- Summaries, action items and AI Chat across past meetings
- Apps for web, iOS, Android, Mac and Windows, rated 4.8 on the App Store from 86K ratings
- Integrations with Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, Slack and CRMs such as Salesforce and HubSpot

## Otter.ai limitations

- Free plan caps conversations at 30 minutes and file imports at 3 lifetime
- Pro caps monthly transcription at 1,200 minutes and meetings at 90 minutes
- Business costs $30 per user per month on monthly billing
- API access, SSO and HIPAA add-on require the Enterprise plan
- Transcription is limited to six listed languages

## FAQ

**Is Descript better than Otter.ai?**

It depends on your workflow. Descript is built for podcast editing. Otter.ai is built for meeting transcription and summaries.

**What are the key feature differences between Descript and Otter.ai?**

Descript: Edit video and podcasts by editing their transcript, with AI audio cleanup and clips. Otter.ai: Record, transcribe and summarize meetings, with action items and searchable AI chat. Descript is rated 4.0/5 from 1 user review.

**Does Descript or Otter.ai have a free plan?**

Yes, both do. Descript is freemium and Otter.ai is freemium, and each has a free plan or trial.

**Which is cheaper, Descript or Otter.ai?**

Both can be used for free. Paid plans differ in limits and features, so compare the tiers in the pricing table above.