Starts atFree plan · paid from $16/mo billed yearly
- Free plan
- Watermark on free exports
Head-to-head
Descript vs Loom: do you need a video editor or a quick screen recorder?
At a glance
Starts atFreemium; Business $18/user/mo, Business + AI $24/user/mo
- Free option listed
- Free trial14 days of Business + AI
- Watermark not statedThe provider does not say
They do different jobs. Loom records your screen and camera and shares a link fast. Descript edits video and audio by editing the transcript, and exports finished files. Loom Starter is free for 25 videos of up to 5 minutes at 720p. Descript Free gives 1 media hour a month with a watermark at 720p. For Shorts, Descript is the one that edits.
Quick verdict
Side-by-side comparison
| Detail | Descript | Loom |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | 1 media hour/month, 100 one-time AI credits, 720p with watermark | Starter: 25 videos per person, 5 min each, up to 720p |
| Entry paid plan | Hobbyist: $16/month yearly, $24 monthly, 1080p, no watermark | Business: $18/user/month, unlimited videos and length |
| Next plan | Creator: $24/month yearly, $35 monthly, 30 hours, 4K | Business + AI: $24/user/month, 14-day trial |
| Top resolution | 4K on Creator and Business | Up to 4K on paid plans |
| Watermark | Free: yes. Paid: no | Not on Loom's pricing page (Oct 2026) |
| Best for | Editing and podcast clips | Async screen messages |
Which one for Shorts, TikTok and Reels?
Loom is not built to export vertical edits. Descript can cut a long recording into short clips with captions. Use Loom to send a sponsor a quick explainer, and Descript to make the post.
How to choose
- If you need to edit and export, pick Descript.
- If you need to record and share a link, pick Loom.
- Try Descript Free with one video. Pay for Hobbyist to remove the watermark.
Questions people ask
Can Descript replace Loom?
For editing, yes. For instant share links of screen recordings, Loom is built for that.
Is Loom free?
Loom Starter is free: 25 videos per person, 5 minutes each, up to 720p.
Does Descript free have a watermark?
Yes. Free exports are 720p with a watermark. Hobbyist removes it.
Related: Descript, Loom, Descript vs Riverside, CapCut vs Descript, Descript alternatives, screen recording tools.
Sources: descript.com/pricing, loom.com/pricing. Checked on 16 October 2026. Based on published plans and terms, not a hands-on test.