Descript vs CapCut: The Real Differences That Matter

Both Descript and CapCut let you edit video by editing text. Both have AI tools. Both have free tiers. So why does one cost $24/month while the other is $7.99/month? And which one should you actually use?

I'll break down exactly what you get with each, where they differ, and who should pick what. No fluff—just the facts you need to make a decision.

The Quick Answer

Pick Descript if: You're editing podcasts, long-form content, or need advanced AI features like voice cloning, regenerating audio, and true text-based editing. You want to edit audio/video like editing a document.

Pick CapCut if: You're creating short-form social media content for TikTok, Instagram Reels, or YouTube Shorts. You want a lower price point with solid effects and templates.

Pricing Comparison

Let's talk money first because this is often the deciding factor.

Descript Pricing

Important note: Descript recently switched to a "media minutes" and "AI credits" system. Media minutes track your uploads and recordings. AI credits track usage of features like Studio Sound, Eye Contact, and voice cloning. Neither rolls over month to month.

For a deeper dive into Descript's costs, check out our Descript pricing breakdown.

CapCut Pricing

CapCut's pricing is simpler and cheaper. The free version is surprisingly robust—you can actually use it for real work, unlike many "free" tiers that are glorified trials.

Text-Based Editing: Who Does It Better?

Both tools let you edit video by editing text. But they approach it differently.

Descript's Approach

Descript was built around text-based editing from day one. Import or record video, and it automatically transcribes everything. The transcript becomes your primary editing interface—delete a sentence from the text, and it's gone from the video. Rearrange paragraphs? Your video follows suit.

This works incredibly well for:

Descript also has an "Underlord" AI that can make edits based on your plain-language instructions. Tell it to "remove all the ums" or "make this section punchier" and it'll do the work.

CapCut's Approach

CapCut added transcript-based editing more recently. It works—you can right-click a video clip, select "Transcript-based Editing," and get a transcript to work with. You can remove filler words and edit by highlighting text.

But it's clearly an added feature, not the foundation. CapCut's strength is still its traditional timeline editing with effects, transitions, and templates.

Winner: Descript for true text-based editing. If editing spoken content by manipulating text is your primary workflow, Descript is purpose-built for it. CapCut offers it as a nice-to-have.

AI Features Comparison

Both tools are loading up on AI features. Here's what you actually get.

Descript AI Features

CapCut AI Features

Winner: Descript for AI features, especially anything audio-related. Voice cloning and regeneration are game-changers for podcasters and content creators who want to fix mistakes without re-recording. CapCut's AI is solid but more focused on visual effects and social media optimization.

Platform Availability

Descript

Available on Mac and Windows desktop apps, plus a web version. No mobile app. If you need to edit on your phone, Descript isn't for you.

CapCut

Available everywhere—iOS, Android, desktop (Mac/Windows), and web. Your subscription works across all platforms with full sync.

Winner: CapCut for flexibility. Being able to start an edit on your phone and finish on desktop is genuinely useful for social media creators.

Export Quality and Options

Descript

Descript publishes to YouTube, Vimeo, Wistia, and other platforms directly. Supports major formats including MP4, MOV, AVI, and MKV.

CapCut

CapCut is optimized for social media export—TikTok, Instagram, YouTube Shorts. One-click export to the right formats and aspect ratios.

Winner: Tie. Both get you to 4K with paid plans. CapCut has smoother social media integration; Descript has more professional publishing options.

Who Should Use Descript?

Check out our full Descript review for more details on the platform.

Who Should Use CapCut?

Where Each Tool Falls Short

Descript's Weaknesses

CapCut's Weaknesses

The Bottom Line

These tools serve different masters.

Descript is for people who create content where words matter—podcasts, interviews, educational content, corporate video. Its text-based editing fundamentally changes how you work with spoken content. The AI features around voice and audio are best-in-class. You'll pay more, but you'll save hours of editing time.

Try Descript Free →

CapCut is for social media creators who need to pump out engaging short-form content quickly. It's cheaper, more accessible, and works on every device you own. The effects library is built for viral content. If you're making TikToks, Reels, or Shorts, CapCut is the obvious choice.

For more video editing options, see our guides on best video editing software and free video editing software.

FAQ

Can I use CapCut for podcasts?

Technically yes, but it's not optimized for it. CapCut doesn't have the audio enhancement and filler word removal that makes podcast editing efficient. Descript is better suited for audio-heavy content.

Is CapCut really free?

The free version is genuinely usable with full editing tools and 1080p exports. You'll have a watermark on exports and limited access to premium effects and AI features. For many casual creators, free CapCut is enough.

Can Descript replace Premiere Pro or Final Cut?

For certain workflows, yes. If you're primarily editing talking-head content, podcasts, or interviews, Descript can replace traditional NLEs and be faster. For complex multi-camera shoots, heavy motion graphics, or color grading work, traditional editors are still better.

Which is easier to learn?

CapCut has a gentler learning curve, especially if you're familiar with mobile video editors. Descript's text-based approach is intuitive once it clicks, but there's a conceptual shift from traditional timeline editing that takes getting used to.