Descript vs Otter.ai: Detailed Comparison

Different Tools for Different Jobs

Otter.ai is a meeting assistant: it joins calls, transcribes in real time, and generates summaries. Descript is a media editor: it transcribes recordings so you can edit audio/video by editing text. They overlap on transcription but serve completely different workflows.

Transcription Accuracy

Otter.ai achieves 90-94% accuracy on live meetings. Descript achieves 92-95% on recorded audio. Descript's slight edge makes sense — it processes completed recordings rather than live speech, giving the AI more context. Both handle speaker identification, but Otter's real-time speaker labels are more reliable.

Real-Time vs Post-Production

Otter.ai works in real time during meetings. Descript works after the recording is complete. If you need transcription during a live meeting, Otter is your only option. If you're editing podcast episodes or video content after recording, Descript's post-production tools are far superior.

Editing Capabilities

This is where Descript dominates. Edit the transcript text and the audio/video updates automatically. Remove filler words with one click. Enhance audio with AI noise removal. Clone your voice with Overdub. Otter has no editing capabilities — it's purely a transcription and note-taking tool.

Pricing

Otter Pro costs $16.99/month with unlimited meeting transcription. Descript Pro costs $33/month with 30 hours of transcription. For pure transcription volume, Otter is the better value. For creators who need editing + transcription, Descript's combined offering saves money vs buying separate tools.

Who Should Choose Which

Choose Otter.ai if: you need real-time meeting transcription, your primary use case is meetings and interviews, or you want the simplest tool for the job. Choose Descript if: you edit podcasts or videos, you want text-based editing, or you need both transcription and production tools in one platform.