Is Descript free?
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Based on Descript’s official pricing page (descript.com/pricing (checked 15 October 2026)), fetched 15 October 2026. We haven’t tested every plan hands-on; plans and limits change often, so confirm on the official site before you pay.
What the free plan includes
- 60 media minutes (1 hour) a month
- 100 AI credits (one-time)
- Transcription in 25 languages
- Unlimited projects and dynamic captions
- Limited access to AI tools such as Studio Sound and Remove Filler Words
- 2 hours of remote recording
What needs a paid plan
- Watermark-free exports at 1080p (Hobbyist) or 4K (Creator)
- 10–40 media hours a month
- 400–1,500 AI credits a month
- Full access to Underlord, the AI co-editor, and more AI tools
- Custom voice clones, avatars and dubbing
Paid plans at a glance
| Plan | Listed price | Approx. AUD* |
|---|---|---|
| Hobbyist (monthly) | US$24 per person a month | ≈ AU$34.39 |
| Hobbyist (annual) | US$16 per person a month, billed annually | ≈ AU$22.93 |
| Creator (monthly) | US$35 per person a month | ≈ AU$50.16 |
| Creator (annual) | US$24 per person a month, billed annually | ≈ AU$34.39 |
*Approximate conversion at the European Central Bank reference rate (via the Frankfurter API) for 13 October 2026 (1 USD = 1.4331 AUD), before GST. Not the price you’ll be charged. Descript lists prices in US dollars per person.
Is the free plan enough for you?
Upgrade when you need watermark-free 1080p exports or more than an hour of media a month. Annual billing saves up to 35% over monthly.
Most beginners should stay on the free plan for at least two weeks. If you never hit a limit, you don’t need to pay. If you hit a limit once a month, a workaround (waiting for the reset, or using another free tool for that task) is usually cheaper than upgrading. If you hit limits most days and the tool saves you real time, a paid plan is likely worth it.
Free alternatives
If Descript’s free plan doesn’t fit, Murf and ElevenLabs also have free options worth comparing. Our Descript review covers who it suits, its pros and cons and how to get started.
How to try Descript without wasting money
Start on the free plan with a real task you do every week, not a toy example. Keep notes on where you hit a limit and how much time the tool saved you. If you decide to pay, choose monthly billing first, set a calendar reminder a few days before renewal, and only switch to annual once you’re sure. Prices for overseas software are often listed in US dollars or euros, so your card statement in Australian dollars will vary with the exchange rate, and your bank may add a foreign transaction fee. Overseas digital services sold to Australian consumers are generally subject to 10% GST, which may be added at checkout. If you subscribe through Apple’s App Store or Google Play, the price can differ from the website price.
Privacy and sensible use
Before you paste work or study material into any AI tool, check what your organisation or course allows, avoid sharing personal or confidential information you don’t need to, and review the provider’s data settings. Free plans don’t always include the same data controls as business plans. Always check AI output before you rely on it.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Descript free?
Yes. Descript’s free plan gives you 60 media minutes a month and a one-time 100 AI credits, enough to edit a short video or podcast by editing its transcript.
What do you get on the Descript free plan?
60 media minutes (1 hour) a month; 100 AI credits (one-time); Transcription in 25 languages; Unlimited projects and dynamic captions; Limited access to AI tools such as Studio Sound and Remove Filler Words; 2 hours of remote recording.
What needs a paid Descript plan?
Watermark-free exports at 1080p (Hobbyist) or 4K (Creator); 10–40 media hours a month; 400–1,500 AI credits a month; Full access to Underlord, the AI co-editor, and more AI tools; Custom voice clones, avatars and dubbing.
When should I upgrade from Descript free?
Upgrade when you need watermark-free 1080p exports or more than an hour of media a month. Annual billing saves up to 35% over monthly.
How much does Descript cost?
When we checked on 15 October 2026: Hobbyist (monthly): US$24 per person a month; Hobbyist (annual): US$16 per person a month, billed annually; Creator (monthly): US$35 per person a month; Creator (annual): US$24 per person a month, billed annually. Australian GST and currency conversion may apply.
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Prices are shown as marked: US dollars (US$) and Australian dollars (AU$). Australian GST and currency conversion may apply. Confirm the final price at checkout.