Descript vs Runway: Which Should You Choose in 2026?
Choosing between Descript and Runway 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.
By Toolradar Team · Last updated February 28, 2026 · Methodology
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:
- • AI video and audio editing
- • Edit media like a document
Runway
AI creative tools for video
Best for you if:
- • You want the higher-rated option (8.9/10 vs 8.7/10)
- • AI-powered video editing and generation with Gen-2 text-to-video
- • Industry-leading AI tools used in films like 'Everything Everywhere All at Once'
| At a Glance |  Descript |  Runway |
|---|---|---|
Price | Free + Paid | Free + Paid |
Best For | Video Editing | Video Editing |
Rating | 87/100 | 89/100 |
| Feature | Descript | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Editorial Score | 87 | 89 |
| Community Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Total Reviews | 0 | 0 |
| Community Upvotes | 0 | 0 |
| Categories | Video EditingAudio Editing | Video EditingAnimation |
How Descript and Runway Compare
Descript
Edit audio and video like a doc
Free tier available · 87/100 score
Runway
AI creative tools for video
Free tier available · 89/100 score
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Both are freemium. Compare plans on their websites.
Go with: Descript
Want the highest-rated option?
Descript: 87/100. Runway: 89/100.
Go with: Runway
Value user reviews?
Neither has user reviews yet.
Go with: Runway
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?
Runway scores higher: 89/100 vs 87/100.
Key Takeaways
Runway
- Higher score: 89/100 vs 87
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
Descript
The Bottom Line
Runway (89/100) is our pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Descript or Runway better?
Runway scores 89/100 in our evaluation. Both are freemium.
What are Descript and Runway used for?
Descript: Edit audio and video like a doc. Runway: AI creative tools for video.
What does Descript cost vs Runway?
Descript is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Runway is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.