VS
Head-to-Head Comparison
Descript vs Runway
An honest, side-by-side breakdown of pricing, features, and security — so you can pick the right tool.
Published Last updated
- Runway is cheaper to start — US$15/mo versus US$24/mo for Descript.
- On privacy, Runway offers multi-factor authentication where Descript does not.
- Descript is best for teams building AI video into their products; Runway for teams building AI video into their products.
Descript
AI Video
8.0/ 10
Free · Free tier
Best for teams building AI video into their products
Visit DescriptSee all AI Video →
Runway
AI Video
7.9/ 10
Free · Free tier
Best for teams building AI video into their products
Visit RunwaySee all AI Video →Some “Visit” links are affiliate links. How we earn →
Feature comparison
| Feature | Descript | Runway |
|---|---|---|
| CompareMyAI score | 8.0 / 10 | 7.9 / 10 |
| Free tier | ||
| API access | ||
| Open source | ||
| Enterprise ready | ||
| GDPR compliant | ||
| Vendor holds SOC 2 | ||
| Vendor holds ISO 27001 | ||
| MFA supported | ||
| Trains on your data |
Certifications may only cover business or enterprise plans. Check the vendor’s trust page for your plan.
Descript comes out ahead — and you can try it free.
Try Descript freeAffiliate link · how we earn
Pricing
Price checked with vendor on
FreeFree
HobbyistUS$24/mo ≈£18.04/mo
CreatorUS$35/mo ≈£26.30/mo
BusinessUS$65/mo ≈£48.85/mo
Enterprise—
FreeFree
StandardUS$15/mo ≈£11.27/mo
ProUS$35/mo ≈£26.30/mo
MaxUS$95/mo ≈£71.40/mo
Always check the provider's site for the latest pricing.
Pros & cons
Descript
Pros
- +SOC2 Type II and GDPR compliant — strongest compliance credentials in the video category
- +Transcript-based editing removes filler words and errors as easily as editing a document
- +No AI training on user content by default — explicit opt-in required (confirmed from security page)
- +API included with all paid plans for automating transcription, captions, and publishing
Cons
- −End-user MFA not confirmed — employee systems only per security page
- −ISO 27001 not confirmed from official sources
- −AI credits cap at 1,500/month on Business plan — may deplete with heavy video generation use
Runway
Pros
- +Powerful video generation and editing tools
- +Good for creative professionals
- +Text-to-video and image-to-video
- +Active development
Cons
- −Expensive at higher usage tiers
- −Generation can be slow
- −Outputs sometimes inconsistent
Our take— Descript wins
Based on our comparison of published pricing, features, and compliance data, Descript takes the overall edge, though Runway offers multi-factor authentication. Descript scores 8.0/10 to Runway's 7.9/10. Pick Runway if multi-factor authentication matters — Descript takes it overall on our scoring, but the gap is narrow.
Frequently asked questions
Which is cheaper, Descript or Runway?
Runway is cheaper to start, with its lowest paid plan at US$15/mo versus US$24/mo for Descript. These are each vendor's published prices and can change, so check before you buy.
Does Descript train on your data?
Based on published vendor information, Descript does not train its models on your data. Policies can differ by plan and change over time, so it is worth confirming the current terms on the vendor's site.
Does Runway train on your data?
Based on published vendor information, Runway does not train its models on your data. Policies can differ by plan and change over time, so it is worth confirming the current terms on the vendor's site.
Are Descript and Runway GDPR compliant?
Based on published vendor information, both Descript and Runway state they are GDPR compliant. Vendor-level compliance does not remove your own obligations when you process personal data through either tool.
Do Descript and Runway have a free tier?
Yes — both Descript and Runway offer a free tier, so you can try each one before committing to a paid plan. Free tiers usually come with usage limits.