OpusClip vs Descript: free plans compared (2026)
Short version: OpusClip if you want AI to find and cut the clips for you: 60 credits a month, 9:16 clips up to 1080p with AI captions, but a watermark, no editing and a 3-day export window. Descript if you want to edit by editing the transcript and pick clips yourself: 60 media minutes a month and 720p export; Create Clips is a paid feature.
| Tool | What you get | Limits | Card required | The catch | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Opus Clip | 60 credits a month for AI-made clips up to 1080p, with auto reframe, AI captions with emoji and keyword highlights, auto hook and one brand template. | 60 credits/month; watermark; no editing; 9:16 only; uploads up to 10GB; clips and media expire after 3 days | No (stated by vendor) | Free clips carry a watermark, can't be edited, are 9:16 only and stop being exportable after 3 days; no virality score, auto-posting or scheduling. | opus.pro/pricing checked 2026-10-30 |
| Descript | 60 media minutes a month with transcription in 25 languages and text-based editing. | Limited hours, watermark | Vendor doesn't say | Only 1 hour of media a month; watermark-free export is advertised only on paid plans. | descript.com/pricing checked 2026-10-27 |
Every row is taken from the vendor's official pricing page, checked 2026-10-27 to 2026-10-30. "Vendor doesn't say" means the official page does not mention it. Plans change, so confirm on the vendor's site.
Pick this if
Pros and cons
Con: Watermark, no text or timeline editing, exports and media expire after 3 days, 9:16 only
Con: 720p local export; watermark-free export and AI clip picking (Create Clips) are on paid plans from Hobbyist
Try it
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FAQ
Is OpusClip or Descript better for free?
OpusClip if you want AI to choose the clips. Descript if you want to edit the clips yourself from a transcript (both checked 2026-11-02).
Which free plan has no watermark?
Neither, per the pricing pages: OpusClip Free uses a watermark, and Descript lists watermark-free export from Hobbyist.
Can Descript make clips automatically for free?
Descript lists Create Clips with its paid plans. On Free you cut clips yourself.
Do they need a credit card?
No. OpusClip says "No credit card required", and Descript's FAQ says you do not need a card to try it.