A Descript alternative when you only need the text
Descript is a full audio and video editor in which you edit the media by editing its transcript. If what you need is the transcript itself, that is a lot of editor to pay for.
SpeakToWords vs Descript at a glance
| SpeakToWords | Descript | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Transcription of your files | Audio and video editor with transcription |
| Entry paid plan | €9.99 a month for 500 minutes (€4.00 for 3 months until 6 December) | Hobbyist $24 a month, or $16 billed yearly, 10 media hours |
| Languages | 50+ recognised | 25 |
| Edit the media itself | No - you edit the text, the audio is untouched | Yes - delete words to cut the audio and video |
Descript figures from its pricing page, checked 14 November 2026; prices change, so check there before you decide. SpeakToWords prices are current.
Choose Descript if
- you produce podcasts or videos and want to edit them through the transcript;
- you need screen recording, overdub or other production tools.
Choose SpeakToWords if
- the transcript is the product: notes, quotes, articles, subtitles;
- you work in languages beyond Descript's 25;
- you want a smaller monthly bill.
Questions
Is it free?
A free account transcribes 15 minutes with no card and shows the opening of each transcript; the full text unlocks with the 7-day trial or a plan from €9.99 a month for 500 minutes (€4.00 for 3 months until 6 December).
How accurate is it?
On clear speech, upwards of 99% of words come back right, punctuated and with a timestamp on every line. Background music, people talking over each other, strong accents and unusual names cost accuracy; the editor plays the audio from any line so you can fix those quickly.
Does it label who is speaking?
Not yet. Every line carries the second it was said, so you can jump to it and listen, and add names in the editor. If speaker labels are essential, see the comparison pages for tools that offer them.
What happens to my file?
It is processed for you only, encrypted in transit, and never used to train anything.
Related
Try it on your own recording
A free account transcribes 15 minutes with no card and shows the opening of each transcript; the full text unlocks with the 7-day trial or a plan from €9.99 a month for 500 minutes (€4.00 for 3 months until 6 December).
Start free