Starts atFree plan · paid from $24.99/mo
- Free planlimited feature set, no generative AI
- Watermark not statedThe provider does not say
Head-to-head
Captions vs Descript: which AI editor for talking-head videos?
At a glance
Starts atFree plan · paid from $16/mo billed yearly
- Free plan
- Watermark on free exports
Captions is a phone-first AI editor: captions, chat-based edits and batch clips from long videos. Max is $24.99/month on iOS for 500 credits. Descript edits video by editing the transcript, on desktop and web. Free gives 1 media hour at 720p with a watermark. Hobbyist is $16/month yearly or $24 monthly for 10 hours at 1080p.
Quick verdict
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | Captions | Descript |
|---|---|---|
| Where it runs | Mobile-first app | Desktop and web |
| Free plan | Yes: basic tools, 1 caption template, no AI credits | Yes: 1 media hr/mo, 100 one-time AI credits, 720p, watermark |
| Entry paid plan | Max: $24.99/mo (iOS), 500 credits | Hobbyist: $16/mo yearly, $24 monthly |
| Next plan | Frontier: $69.99/mo, 1,400 credits | Creator: $24/mo yearly, $35 monthly; 30 hrs, 4K |
| Export | Not stated on the pricing page | Free 720p, Hobbyist 1080p, Creator 4K |
| Watermark | Not stated on the pricing page | Free only |
| Long video to clips | Batch clipping on Max | Clip creation from transcript |
| Best for | Phone talking-head edits | Podcasts and transcript edits |
For Shorts, TikTok and Reels
Captions has 100+ caption templates on Max, which matters for the bold, word-by-word style on TikTok. Descript is better for cutting a 60-minute podcast into clips: delete words in the transcript and the video follows. Descript Free exports 720p with a watermark, so plan on Hobbyist to post.
How to choose
- Shoot on phone and post same day? Captions.
- Record long talks on a computer? Descript.
- Want animated caption styles? Captions Max.
- Captions shows iOS prices only, so confirm on Android or web.
Common questions
Is Captions better than Descript?
For phone edits and caption styles, Captions. For transcript editing of long videos, Descript.
Is Descript free?
Yes: 1 media hour a month, 720p export with a watermark.
How much is Captions Max?
$24.99/month on iOS, with 500 credits.
Related: Captions vs VEED, CapCut vs Descript, Descript vs Riverside, auto caption tools.
Sources: captions.ai/pricing, descript.com/pricing. Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.