Descript vs Topaz Video (formerly Topaz Video AI)
A spec-by-spec comparison of Descript and Topaz Video (formerly Topaz Video AI): pricing, free tier, clip length, resolution, watermark, commercial use and API access.
Key differences
- Descript is cheaper to start: $24/month vs $59/month for Topaz Video AI.
- Descript has a free option; Topaz Video AI requires a paid plan.
- Max resolution: Descript — 4K; Topaz Video AI — 4K+ (upscale).
| Descript | Topaz Video (formerly Topaz Video AI) | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free plan · from $24/mo | from $59/mo |
| Free tier | 60 media minutes/month, 100 one-time AI credits, 720p export | |
| Max clip length | Web-link exports up to 1 hr (Free/Hobbyist) or 3 hrs (Creator/Business) | |
| Max resolution | 4K | 4K+ (upscale) |
| Watermark on free plan | Yes | |
| Commercial use | Orgs under $1M annual revenue; Pro plans for full commercial use | |
| Developer API | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | No |
Descript is a desktop and web editor that transcribes your recordings so you can cut video and audio by deleting words in a document. Its Underlord AI assistant handles tasks such as filler-word removal, Studio Sound cleanup, clip creation, dubbing and avatars. It suits podcasters, YouTubers and marketing teams who make talking-head or interview content.
- Text-based editing: cut video by deleting transcript words
- 4K watermark-free export from Creator plan
- API, CLI, Zapier and MCP access for automation
- Free plan capped at 720p with 100 one-time AI credits
- Hobbyist plan limited to 1080p export
- Usage metered by media hours and AI credits per editor
Topaz Video is desktop software that uses AI models such as Starlight, Proteus, Iris and Chronos to upscale low-resolution footage, remove noise and blur, deinterlace, stabilize and create slow motion by generating new frames. It renders locally with optional cloud credits, and a browser version plus API is also offered. It is used by filmmakers, archivists and editors restoring or enhancing footage.
- Unlimited local rendering keeps files on your machine
- Wide model lineup for upscaling, denoise, interpolation and SDR-to-HDR
- Upscaling API available for developers
- Standard licenses limit commercial use to orgs under $1M revenue
- Only 25 monthly cloud video credits with the Topaz Video plan
- Local rendering needs capable hardware
Specs last verified 2026-10-23 (Descript) and 2026-10-23 (Topaz Video (formerly Topaz Video AI)). See each tool page for sources.