Captions vs Descript

A spec-by-spec comparison of Captions and Descript: pricing, free tier, clip length, resolution, watermark, commercial use and API access.

CaptionsDescript
PricingFree plan · from $24.99/moFree plan · from $24/mo
Free tierBasic editing tools only (trim, transitions, captions); no AI credits60 media minutes/month, 100 one-time AI credits, 720p export
Max clip lengthWeb-link exports up to 1 hr (Free/Hobbyist) or 3 hrs (Creator/Business)
Max resolution4K
Watermark on free planYes
Commercial use
Developer APIYesYes
Open sourceNoNo

Captions is a mobile and web video editor from Mirage (the company's new name) that auto-edits footage, adds styled captions, translates and lip-dubs videos, and creates AI avatars or digital twins. Generative features run on monthly credits. It is aimed at short-form creators and social marketers; Mirage also offers APIs for video generation and captioning.

Best for
  • All-in-one: auto-edit, captions in 100+ languages, AI twins and lipdub
  • Unused credits roll over (balance up to 3x monthly allowance)
  • APIs available through parent company Mirage
Watch out for
  • Free plan excludes generative AI features
  • Listed prices reflect iOS plans; other platforms may differ
  • Frontier tiers run $69.99-279.99/month
Visit Captions

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.

Best for
  • Text-based editing: cut video by deleting transcript words
  • 4K watermark-free export from Creator plan
  • API, CLI, Zapier and MCP access for automation
Watch out for
  • 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
Visit Descript

Specs last verified 2026-10-23 (Captions) and 2026-10-23 (Descript). See each tool page for sources.