In short
How they differ.
Worked out from the makers' own pages, read Oct 20, 2026. Prices change; check before you pay.
- Only Descript has a free plan.
- Apple Live Captions also has a phone app; Descript also has a web.
Side by side
The details.
| Apple Live Captions | Descript | |
|---|---|---|
| Made by | Apple | Descript |
| What it says it is | “By default, Live Captions transcribes audio from all apps.” | “Descript is the AI video and audio editor that makes editing as easy as editing text.” |
| Free plan | Not statedBuilt in; on Mac 'available only on Mac computers with Apple silicon' when the system language is English (U.S.) or English (Canada) (macOS 15 guide). | Yes60 media minutes per month, 100 AI credits one-time, 720p export with watermark. |
| Plans | Not shown | Hobbyist: $24 a monthCreator: $35 a monthBusiness: $65 a monthEnterprise: not in US$ |
| Runs on | macOS (Apple silicon), iPhone (FaceTime) | web, desktop |
| Latest update | — | — |
| Its terms | “The accuracy of Live Captions may vary and should not be relied upon in high-risk or emergency situations.”In its terms · Mac User Guide | — |
| Disputes | None on file | None on file |
| Sources | · Description · company-reported | Prices, Oct 20, 2026 · Description · company-reported |
More comparisons