# Descript vs Skim

> Descript: Edit video and podcasts by editing their transcript, with AI audio cleanup and clips
> Skim: Find the five contract clauses most likely to cost you money before you sign

- Descript profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/descript
- Skim profile: https://finderatlas.com/tools/skim
- Comparison page: https://finderatlas.com/compare/descript-vs-skim
- Last reviewed: October 2026

## Verdict

Descript is listed under Video AI and Skim under Productivity. Descript scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.5 vs 7.6 out of 10), led by ease of use. Only Descript has a free plan or trial. Only Descript is available on Windows and macOS and offers an API.

### 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 Skim if

- You want a tool built for quick pre-signature review of leases, contractor quotes and terms of service, drafting a reply to push back on a clause.
- Simple one-off $9 price covering up to 3 documents, with no subscription.
- No account or prompt writing required.

## Pricing

| | Descript | Skim |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Paid |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | No |
| Starting price | $0 | $9 |

## Features

| Feature | Descript | Skim |
| --- | --- | --- |
| 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 |
| Five red flags | Not listed | Yes |
| Plain-English rewrite | Not listed | Yes |
| Paste-ready reply | Not listed | Yes |
| PDF upload or pasted text | Not listed | Yes |
| No account | Not listed | Yes |
| Free sample | Not listed | Yes |
| One-time pricing | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Descript | Skim |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | No |
| macOS | Yes | No |
| iOS | No | No |
| Android | No | No |
| API | Yes | No |
| Browser Extension | No | No |

## 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

## Skim strengths

- Simple one-off $9 price covering up to 3 documents, with no subscription
- No account or prompt writing required
- Output includes a rewrite and a ready-to-send reply, not just a list of risks
- Free sample report to judge quality before paying
- Privacy page clearly states what is and is not stored

## Skim limitations

- Only the first 20,000 characters of a document are analyzed
- Document text goes to xAI, whose retention Skim does not control
- Fixed five-flag output with no follow-up chat
- Operator, company and contact details are not disclosed on the site
- Not legal advice, and no independent reviews found

## FAQ

**Is Descript better than Skim?**

It depends on your workflow. Descript is built for podcast editing. Skim is built for quick pre-signature review of leases, contractor quotes and terms of service, drafting a reply to push back on a clause.

**What are the key feature differences between Descript and Skim?**

Descript: Edit video and podcasts by editing their transcript, with AI audio cleanup and clips. Skim: Find the five contract clauses most likely to cost you money before you sign. Descript is rated 4.0/5 from 1 user review.

**Does Descript or Skim have a free plan?**

Descript has a free plan or trial; Skim is paid only.

**Which is cheaper, Descript or Skim?**

Descript starts at $0 and Skim starts at $9. See the pricing table above for what each tier includes.