# Descript vs Submagic

> Descript: Edit video and podcasts by editing their transcript, with AI audio cleanup and clips
> Submagic: Add captions, B-roll and edits to short-form videos with AI in minutes

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

## Verdict

Descript and Submagic are both Video AI tools. Descript scores higher in FinderAtlas's editorial review (8.5 vs 7.9 out of 10). Only Descript has a free plan or trial. Only Descript is available on Windows and macOS.

### 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 Submagic if

- You want a tool built for captioning and repurposing talking-head, podcast and interview footage into short vertical clips.
- Wide caption language coverage, claimed at 123 languages.
- Combines captions, B-roll, zooms, clipping and publishing in one workflow.

## Pricing

| | Descript | Submagic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Free trial |
| Free plan or trial | Yes | No |
| Starting price | $0 | $19 |

## Features

| Feature | Descript | Submagic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Text-based editing | Yes | Yes |
| 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 |
| AI Captions | Not listed | Yes |
| Magic Clips | Not listed | Yes |
| Text-Based Editing | Yes | Yes |
| Auto B-roll and Effects | Not listed | Yes |
| Bad Take and Silence Removal | Not listed | Yes |
| Caption Translation | Not listed | Yes |
| AI Avatars | Not listed | Yes |
| Scheduling and Publishing | Not listed | Yes |
| Team Workspace | Not listed | Yes |
| Video Editing API | Not listed | Yes |

## Platforms

| Platform | Descript | Submagic |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | No |
| macOS | Yes | No |
| iOS | No | No |
| Android | No | No |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| 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

## Submagic strengths

- Wide caption language coverage, claimed at 123 languages.
- Combines captions, B-roll, zooms, clipping and publishing in one workflow.
- Text-based editing removes the need for a timeline for simple cuts.
- Public API with webhooks and word-level transcripts.
- Entry price of $19 per month, or $12 per month billed annually.

## Submagic limitations

- No permanent free plan; the trial length is not published.
- Starter limits videos to 2 minutes and Pro to 5 minutes.
- Credit-based limits cap output: 45 credits on Starter equals about 15 videos.
- No official mobile app found; web only.

## FAQ

**Is Descript better than Submagic?**

It depends on your workflow. Descript is built for podcast editing. Submagic is built for captioning and repurposing talking-head, podcast and interview footage into short vertical clips.

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

Descript: Edit video and podcasts by editing their transcript, with AI audio cleanup and clips. Submagic: Add captions, B-roll and edits to short-form videos with AI in minutes. Descript is rated 4.0/5 from 1 user review.

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

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

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

Descript starts at $0 and Submagic starts at $19. See the pricing table above for what each tier includes.