Otter.ai and Descript are two of the most widely-used transcription tools on the market today—but which one is best for your workflow in 2024? In this in-depth comparison, we break down both tools across pricing, features, accuracy, integrations, and ideal use cases.

What is Otter.ai?

Otter.ai is known for its real-time meeting transcription and AI-generated summaries. It integrates well with conferencing platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams and allows users to transcribe live or recorded conversations.

Pros:

• Real-time transcription
• Available on desktop and mobile (Android, iOS)
• Custom vocabulary
• Automatic meeting summary and action items

Cons:

• Free plan limited to 3 uploads total
• Accuracy can drop with background noise
• Limited integrations (e.g., no Google Drive or Notion)

What is Descript?

Descript is an AI-powered audio and video editor with robust transcription capabilities. It’s ideal for content creators and podcasters looking to edit content via a script-based interface.

Pros:

• Script-based editing (cut video/audio via text)
• Overdub voice cloning
• Studio sound and filler word removal
• Podcast publishing integrations

Cons:

• No mobile app
• Some transcription errors with complex names
• Requires time to learn the interface

Otter.ai vs. Descript: At a Glance

Key Differences

1. Transcription Accuracy

Descript typically outperforms Otter in transcription accuracy, especially with studio-quality audio. Otter struggles more with speaker identification and names in multi-person meetings.

According to real-world usage tests, Descript delivers ~95% accuracy with AI (source), and up to 99% with paid human transcription.

Otter ranges between 85–95% accuracy depending on background noise and speaker clarity (source).

2. Editing & AI Features

Descript is ideal if you’re editing audio or video. You can:

• Edit transcripts like a Google Doc
• Remove filler words in one click
• Add AI-generated voice with Overdub
• Use Green Screen for background removal

Otter focuses on text-based productivity:

• Highlights keywords automatically
• Suggests action items
• Allows comment threads in transcripts

3. Integrations & Workflow

Otter integrates with Zoom, Dropbox, and Slack. It also offers a Chrome extension. However, you won’t find native integration with Notion or podcast platforms.

Descript shines with creative integrations:

• Podcast hosts: Buzzsprout, Captivate
• Video platforms: YouTube, Restream
• Collaboration: Slack, SquadCast

4. Pricing

Otter.ai:

• Pro: $16.99/month
• Business: $40/month

Descript:

• Creator: $15/month
• Pro: $30/month
• Student plan: $5/month (source)

Final Verdict

Choose Otter.ai if:

• You attend many virtual meetings
• Need mobile access
• Want automated summaries

Choose Descript if:

• You create podcasts or videos
• Need editing beyond transcripts
• Want voice cloning or studio-level output

For most businesses, Otter is a better note-taking assistant, while Descript is the clear choice for creators.

Still unsure? Compare both in a side-by-side trial—or consider other alternatives like Votars if you need multilingual support and CRM-integrated transcription.

📌 Pro Tip: Whatever you choose, ensure you review transcripts before publishing to avoid errors.

Stay productive, and let AI do the heavy lifting!