Descript vs CapCut: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Descript and CapCut comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Descript wins this matchup. Our overall Video Editing pick is Adobe Creative Cloud. Our free Video Editing pick is iMovie. Pick CapCut if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Descript
Edit audio and video like a doc
Best for you if:
- • You want revolutionary editing approach
- • You want great AI features
CapCut
Advanced video editing for TikTok creators, free
Best for you if:
- • You want free with great features
- • You want aI tools
| At a Glance | Descript | CapCut |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Video Editing | Video Editing |
Rating | 4.6/5 | 1.3/5 |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose Descript or CapCut?
Choose Descript if
Edit audio and video like a doc
- You want revolutionary editing approach
- You want great AI features
Choose CapCut if
Advanced video editing for TikTok creators, free
- You want free with great features
- You want aI tools
| Feature | Descript | CapCut |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| User Rating | ★4.6/5 1,106 reviews | ★1.3/5 471 reviews |
| Categories | Video EditingAudio Editing | Video EditingAnimation |
In-Depth Analysis
Descript
Edit audio and video like a doc
Descript's pricing is generally fair, offering a generous Free tier and a well-structured progression.
Watch out
Overage fees for exceeding media minutes
Strengths
- +Revolutionary editing approach
- +Great AI features
- +Good transcription
- +Easy collaboration
Weaknesses
- -Learning curve
- -Can be resource intensive
- -Limited features on free
Key features
CapCut
Advanced video editing for TikTok creators, free
CapCut's pricing is very generous, especially with its robust Free tier and competitive Pro tier at $9.99/month.
Strengths
- +Free with great features
- +AI tools
- +Easy to use
Weaknesses
- -Concerns regarding ownership by ByteDance
- -Limited advanced features
Key features
Pricing: Descript vs CapCut
| Plan | Descript | CapCut |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | $0 Free | $0 Free |
| Tier 2 | $16 Hobbyist | $9.99/mo Standard |
| Tier 3 | $24 Creator | $19.99/mo Pro |
| Tier 4 | $50 Business | from $24.99/user/mo Team |
| Tier 5 | Custom Enterprise | N/A |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Descript pricing and CapCut pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Descript
Want the highest-rated option?
Descript: 4.6/5 (1,106 reviews). CapCut: 1.3/5 (471 reviews).
Go with: Descript
Value user reviews?
Descript: 1,106 reviews (4.6/5). CapCut: 471 reviews (1.3/5).
Go with: Descript
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Both are freemium. Pricing won't help you decide here.
What's your use case?
Both are video editing tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Descript is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 1.3/5.
Key Takeaways
Descript
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 1.3/5
- Larger review base (1,106 reviews)
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
CapCut
- Choose if you want advanced video editing for TikTok creators, free
The Bottom Line
Descript wins this matchup. Our overall Video Editing pick is Adobe Creative Cloud. Our free Video Editing pick is iMovie.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Descript or CapCut better?
Descript is rated in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Descript and CapCut used for?
Descript: Edit audio and video like a doc. CapCut: Advanced video editing for TikTok creators, free.
What does Descript cost vs CapCut?
Descript is freemium (free tier + paid plans). CapCut is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.