Descript suits creators who want to edit audio and video by editing the transcript, with a free plan that processes 60 media minutes a month. Riverside suits creators who record interviews with remote guests and want studio-quality separate tracks, with a free plan that includes 2 hours of separate-track recording, once. If you record more than you edit, start with Riverside.
Both of these tools record and both of them edit. Their strengths sit at opposite ends of the job. I read Descript's plans page and Riverside's plans page and FAQ, so every detail below comes from them.
Descript and Riverside free plans side by side
| Descript | Riverside | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes, Free | Yes, Free |
| What free gives you | 60 media minutes a month | 2 hours of separate-track recording (one-off) |
| Core idea | Edit video and audio by editing text | Record remote guests on separate tracks |
| Transcription | 25 languages on every plan | Transcripts searchable through Riverside's MCP |
| AI on free | 100 AI credits (one-time) and limited AI tools | Magic Clips, Magic Audio and AI Co-Creator need no credits |
| Captions | Dynamic captions on every plan | Not covered on the plans page |
| Hosting a show | Not covered on the plans page | Studios with podcast hosting, analytics and a website |
| Webinars | Not covered on the plans page | On the Webinar plan |
| Team editing | Per-editor allowances | Collaborative editing on Business |
Descript: edit the words, edit the video
Descript turns your recording into a transcript, and when you delete words from the text, they disappear from the audio and video. Its free plan processes 60 media minutes a month, transcribes in 25 languages, adds dynamic captions and gives you 100 AI credits once, with limited use of tools like Studio Sound, Remove Filler Words, Edit for Clarity, Eye Contact and Underlord, its AI co-editor.
Upgraded plans raise the media minutes to 600, 1,800 or 2,400 each month per editor, with monthly AI credits. Descript says more than 6 million creators and teams use it.
Descript can also detect 8 or more speakers and label them, which saves time on interview shows and panel recordings.
Riverside: record guests like they're in the room
Riverside records each person on their own audio and video track, so you can edit each voice and camera on its own. The free plan gives you 2 hours of separate-track recording as a one-off. On upgraded plans, recording itself is unlimited, and the monthly cap applies to downloading separate tracks: 15 hours on Pro, 20 on Grow and 25 on Webinar.
Each studio is a home for one show, with its recordings, podcast hosting, analytics and website. Pro includes 1 studio, Grow 2, Webinar 3 and Business unlimited.
If you run webinars, Riverside says you need at least its Webinar plan for audience registration, Q&A, polls and email reminders, and Business is the only plan with collaborative editing and custom roles built in.
The free plan detail that matters
Here's the difference I'd plan around. Descript's free allowance resets every month: 60 minutes of media, month after month. Riverside's free recording is 2 hours, once. So Riverside free is a test drive for your recording setup, while Descript free can carry a short monthly show if your episodes are brief. If you record weekly long-form interviews, you'll be on an upgraded plan of one or the other quickly, and nothing stops you recording in Riverside and editing in Descript.
Want AI doing the heavy lifting in your marketing?
I build the systems that handle the boring 80 percent, so you get your week back. Done properly, with the human kept in.
Which creator each tool suits
Descript suits solo creators and marketers who edit their own clips, want captions and like cutting by text. Riverside suits interview shows, remote panels and webinars where recording quality and guest experience come first. If you're just starting, my guide on how to start a podcast covers the basics, and this round-up of transcription tools for meetings and podcasts helps if words are your main need.
My advice for your first season
Record a test episode with a guest on Riverside's free plan and check the separate tracks. Then bring that file into Descript's free plan and try cutting it by editing the transcript. You'll know within an hour which half of the job you need help with. If it's recording, start with Riverside. If it's editing, start with Descript.
Do you make podcast or video editing software? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place in comparisons like this one.
Frequently asked questions
Is Descript free?
Yes. Descript's free plan includes 60 media minutes a month, transcription in 25 languages, dynamic captions and 100 one-time AI credits.
Is Riverside free?
Yes. Riverside's free plan includes 2 hours of separate audio and video track recording, as a one-off.
Can I use Riverside and Descript together?
Yes. Riverside's upgraded plans let you download separate tracks, which you can then edit in another app such as Descript.
What is a studio in Riverside?
Riverside says a studio is the dedicated space for one show, with its own recordings, podcast hosting, analytics and website.
