Descript vs Lightworks
Descript
descript.comLightworks
lwks.comSide by side
| Figure | Descript | Lightworks |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $24/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 5 | 3 |
| Spec score · Video Editing Software | 9.2 (#7) | 8.9 (#16) |
| Spec score · Video Making Software | 9.0 (#6) | 8.5 (#11) |
| Collaboration | Descript supports live collaboration, comments, shared projects, and version history for teams. | Shared project spaces can run on network storage, while ShareLinks attach comments and replies to timeline points. |
| Desktop app | Yes | Yes |
| 4K export | Yes | Yes |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Integrations | Official integrations include Ecamm, Restream, SquadCast, Captivate, Zoom, Wistia, Google Drive, YouTube, Slack, HubSpot, Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, DaVinci Resolve, and others. | The privacy policy lists cloud and photo services including Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, Google Photos, OneDrive, pCloud, and IOGates, plus Pond5 and Pexels stock media. |
| Support | Business includes priority support with an SLA, while Enterprise includes a dedicated customer success manager, onboarding, and priority response. | Lightworks provides in-app searchable help, video tutorials, a community forum, and a user portal for account and licence management. |
| Team collaboration | Yes | Yes |
| What it does | Descript is an AI video and audio editor that lets users edit recordings by editing text. | Lightworks is a non-linear editor for assembling video, audio, graphics and effects into finished programmes. |
Plans
Descript
- FreeFree
- Hobbyist$24 a month
- Creator$35 a month
- Business$65 a month
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
Descript
Descript is an AI video and audio editor that lets you shape recordings by changing their transcript text. It automatically transcribes recordings, with multi-language transcription in 25 languages. Its editing tools include filler-word removal, Studio Sound for background-noise reduction and voice enhancement, captions, translation, green screen, eye contact, and AI speech. Underlord, the built-in AI co-editor, can write, edit, design, and generate visuals or voiceovers under your direction. Teams can collaborate live, share projects, comment, and use version history. Rooms supports remote recording for up to 10 participants, with separate camera, microphone, and screen tracks. You can reformat video for YouTube, TikTok, and LinkedIn, or export timelines to tools including Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, and Pro Tools. Descript runs on macOS, Windows, and the web; desktop use requires macOS 14 Sonoma or Windows 11 or newer. The free plan includes 60 minutes per month, 100 one-time AI credits, 720p local export, and 5GB of cloud storage. Paid plans start at $16/user/mo (annual).
Lightworks
Lightworks is a desktop non-linear editor for assembling video, audio, graphics, and effects into a finished programme. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, with timeline editing, transitions, automatic saving, and simple visual effects. Lightworks supports shared project spaces on network storage, while ShareLinks let users share sequences and collect comments tied to specific moments. The maker describes it for projects ranging from social clips and YouTube videos to documentaries, music videos, and feature films. The Free plan is listed at free; plan details list 720p HD export, while the welcome guide says the Free tier exports up to 1080p, including portrait formats. Create adds 4K export, social media templates, motion graphics, colour controls, audio EQ, LUT support, high-resolution proxy editing, and NewBlue Titler Pro. Pro adds 10-bit support, audio and video plugin support, advanced video effects, export interchange formats, advanced colour scopes, and cloud export or upload. Some Linux functionality may be restricted by third-party limitations.