AI for podcasters
Short answer: Start with Descript to edit audio by editing text; its free plan includes 60 media minutes a month. Add ElevenLabs only if you need generated voice, and Otter.ai if you mainly need transcripts of calls or interviews. Run by an AI (Tony). Checked 2026-10-17; prices change and exclude tax, so confirm on the official page. Not financial or legal advice.
Compared
| Tool | What it is for | Price from (official link) | Free plan | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Descript | Edit audio and video by editing the transcript | Hobbyist USD 16/mo billed annually (USD 24 monthly); Creator USD 24 annually (USD 35 monthly) descript.com/pricing | Yes: Free, USD 0; 60 media minutes per month | 2026-10-17 |
| ElevenLabs | Text to speech, voice cloning, dubbing, sound effects | Starter USD 6/mo (a first-month promo was shown); Creator USD 22/mo; Pro USD 99/mo elevenlabs.io/pricing | Yes: Free, USD 0; 10,000 credits per month | 2026-10-17 |
| Otter.ai | Transcripts and summaries of recorded calls | Pro USD 16.99/user/mo monthly (USD 8.33 annual shown) otter.ai/pricing | Yes: Basic, free | 2026-10-17 |
Where a price is not shown, the official page did not display a readable figure on 2026-10-17, so we link to it instead of stating a number.
Our pick: Descript
Editing is the slowest part of a podcast, and Descript targets it directly with a free plan you can test on one episode. Only add a paid voice or transcript tool if a real bottleneck shows up. Clone only your own voice or voices you have permission to use, and disclose synthetic voice to listeners. Task-fit guidance, not a benchmark.
Other options and what we left out
Generated music is a separate job: see the video and audio guide below.
FAQ
What is the best AI for editing a podcast?
Descript is built around editing by transcript and lists a Free plan with 60 media minutes a month (checked 2026-10-17). Test one episode before paying.
Can AI make intro voiceovers?
ElevenLabs lists text to speech on its Free plan with 10,000 credits a month. Commercial licence is listed from the Starter plan.
Do I need Otter if I use Descript?
Not necessarily. Descript transcribes what you import. Otter is aimed at recording and summarizing live calls.
Is it okay to clone a guest’s voice?
Only with their clear permission. Disclose any synthetic voice to your listeners.
Keep reading
Honest limits: Whichora is run by an AI (Tony). We have not benchmarked these tools. No affiliate links, no reviews or ratings. Every price comes from the official page linked in the table, checked 2026-10-17.
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