Ever tried to look natural on camera while remembering your script? If you've attempted it, you know the struggle—awkward pauses, lost trains of thought, and that deer-in-headlights look we all want to avoid. Teleprompter tools solve this problem by displaying your script right in front of your lens, letting you maintain eye contact with viewers while delivering flawless content. For creators in 2025, these tools aren't just nice-to-haves—they're essential for producing professional-quality videos without the awkward pauses, forgotten lines, and constant retakes that scream "amateur hour."

Key takeaways

• Teleprompters eliminate those awkward pauses and "um" moments, creating a smooth, confident delivery that keeps viewers engaged.
• You'll save hours of production time by avoiding script memorization and cutting down on retakes and editing fixes.
• Descript offers a unique approach by combining teleprompter functionality with AI-powered editing tools, letting you create, record, and polish videos in one seamless workflow.

1. Descript

Descript takes a completely different approach by embedding teleprompter functionality right inside its video editor, solving the fragmented workflow problem other tools ignore. No more bouncing between three different apps – you write, record, and edit in the same place, saving those precious minutes that add up over dozens of videos. Record while reading your script, then edit both text and video simultaneously. This cuts editing time in half for creators on tight deadlines.

Best For:

Creators who want to streamline their entire workflow from script to final edit without switching between multiple tools.

Key Features:

• Text-based video editing lets you edit your video by simply editing the transcript text.
• AI Eye Contact feature fixes your gaze direction after recording, so you appear to look directly at viewers.
• Filler word removal automatically detects and removes "ums," "uhs," and awkward pauses with a single click.

Pros:

• The unified platform eliminates the need to switch between scripting, recording, and editing tools.
• Even if you've never edited audio before, the AI handles the hard stuff – one click removes all your 'ums' and 'likes,' and Studio Sound makes your $30 mic sound like a professional setup.
• Collaboration tools make team projects seamless with real-time editing and commenting.

Cons:

• Not a standalone teleprompter app—it's part of a comprehensive editing suite.
• Some multitrack editing workflows have a learning curve for complete beginners.
• No dedicated mobile app for Android or iOS.

Pricing

• Free: $0/month - Basic features, 720p video export with watermark, limited AI tools
• Hobbyist: $16/month (annual billing) - 1080p watermark-free export, basic AI Suite access
• Creator: $24/month (annual billing) - 4K export, unlimited Advanced AI Suite, custom layout packs
• Business: $50/month (annual billing) - Team features, priority support, unlimited Professional AI Suite

Try Descript today

2. Glide Gear

Glide Gear makes the physical teleprompter rigs you've seen in professional studios – the kind that mount directly to your camera for that perfect eye-line match. The magic happens with special beam-splitter glass that shows your script while letting your camera see through it – so you can read every word while maintaining perfect eye contact with viewers. They're built for creators who need professional-grade equipment for their DSLR or mirrorless camera setups.

Best For:

Vloggers and small production studios who need a reliable hardware teleprompter for their DSLR cameras.

Key Features:

• High-quality beam-splitter glass provides clear reflection with minimal ghosting.
• Collapsible design makes transport and storage easy between shoots.
• Adjustable hood fits different lens sizes and camera configurations.

Pros:

• Sturdy construction stands up to regular use in studio or field settings.
• Works with most smartphones and tablets as the display device.
• No subscription fees—just a one-time hardware purchase.

Cons:

• Bulkier than app-only solutions, especially for creators who shoot on the go.
• Requires a separate teleprompter app on your device to display the script.
• Initial setup takes more time than software-only options.

Pricing

• TMP 100 Tablet & Smartphone Teleprompter: $199 (one-time purchase)
• TMP 75 Laptop/Smartphone Teleprompter: $179 (one-time purchase)
• Refurbished options available starting around $120

Check out Glide Gear

3. Elgato

Streamers swear by Elgato's gear because everything works together – their Stream Decks, capture cards, and lighting all talk to each other, and their teleprompter solutions fit right into this family. Their products work seamlessly together, creating a cohesive production environment. For creators already using Elgato capture cards, lights, or Stream Deck controllers, their teleprompter solutions fit right into this established workflow.

Best For:

Streamers and content creators who want an integrated tech ecosystem that works together seamlessly.

Key Features:

• Large reflective display makes reading easy from typical streaming distances.
• Seamless integration with other Elgato gear like Stream Deck and Key Light.
• USB-powered design eliminates the need for extra power adapters.

Pros:

• Perfect for live streaming setups where everything needs to work together.
• Professional design aesthetic matches other Elgato products.
• Strong brand support and active user community.

Cons:

• Higher price point than many consumer teleprompter options.
• Full functionality often requires additional Elgato accessories.
• May be overkill if you don't need deep streaming ecosystem integration.

Pricing

• Hardware: Approximately $280 (one-time purchase)

Explore Elgato products

4. Desview

Desview creates compact, portable teleprompter hardware designed for creators who shoot with smartphones and tablets. Their products focus on mobility and ease of setup, making them popular with vloggers and social media creators who need to shoot in various locations without complex equipment.

Best For:

Users who want a compact teleprompter that works with a smartphone or tablet for on-the-go filming.

Key Features:

• Foldable design with adjustable angles fits various shooting setups.
• Bluetooth remote control lets you adjust scroll speed without touching the device.
• Anti-reflective coaxial glass provides clear script visibility.

Pros:

• Highly portable and travel-friendly for creators who shoot in multiple locations.
• Clear resolution makes scripts easy to read even in varied lighting conditions.
• Compatible with most teleprompter apps on iOS and Android.

Cons:

• Smaller text area compared to larger studio teleprompters.
• Setup can be fiddly for first-time users.
• Limited customization options compared to software solutions.

Pricing

• T2 Teleprompter: $79 (one-time purchase)
• T3 Teleprompter: $119 (one-time purchase)
• T12 Teleprompter: $179 (one-time purchase)

View Desview teleprompters

5. BIGVU

BIGVU offers an all-in-one mobile video creation platform with a built-in teleprompter. This app-based solution handles everything from script creation to recording to editing, all on your smartphone. It's designed for creators who need to produce content quickly without complex equipment or desktop editing.

Best For:

Mobile creators who want an integrated script and editing tool they can use entirely on their phones.

Key Features:

• In-app teleprompter scrolls your script at adjustable speeds while recording.
• Automatic caption generation creates subtitles for social media videos.
• Cloud-based script management syncs across devices.

Pros:

• Easy-to-use mobile interface requires no technical expertise.
• Basic editing features let you trim, add branding, and enhance videos.
• Free version available to test core functionality.

Cons:

• Free plan includes a watermark on exported videos.
• Limited advanced editing tools compared to desktop software.
• Video quality depends on your smartphone's camera capabilities.

Pricing

• Free: $0/month - Basic teleprompter, HD video, watermarked exports
• Starter: (Price not listed) - No watermark, HD video, cloud recording
• AI Pro: (Price not listed) - 4K video, AI eye contact, unlimited script generation

Try BIGVU

6. PromptSmart

PromptSmart stands out with its VoiceTrack technology, which uses voice recognition to automatically scroll your script as you speak. This creates a more natural reading experience since the teleprompter follows your actual pace rather than a preset speed. It's particularly useful for speakers who vary their tempo.

Best For:

Speech-focused creators who want voice-activated scrolling that adapts to their natural speaking pace.

Key Features:

• VoiceTrack automatically scrolls as you speak and pauses when you stop.
• Multi-language support handles scripts in various languages.
• Offline script support works without internet connection once loaded.

Pros:

• Minimal manual scrolling errors since the script follows your voice.
• Accurate voice recognition creates a natural reading experience.
• Excellent for public speaking and presentation recordings.

Cons:

• May struggle in noisy environments where voice recognition is challenged.
• Learning curve to calibrate voice recognition to your speaking style.
• Subscription-based pricing rather than one-time purchase.

Pricing

• Starter Pack: $9.99/month or $99.99/year - iOS/Android apps, one remote control session
• Team: $19.99/month or $199.99/year - Multiple remote sessions, nested folders

Learn about PromptSmart

7. VEED.io

VEED.io provides a browser-based video creation platform with teleprompter functionality built in. This online tool lets you record directly in your web browser while reading from a script displayed on screen. It combines teleprompter features with editing tools in a cloud-based solution accessible from any device.

Best For:

Creators who want a browser-based teleprompter integrated with quick online editing tools.

Key Features:

• Online teleprompter overlay works with your webcam for direct recording.
• Simple video editor included for quick cuts and enhancements.
• Collaborative script drafting lets teams work together on content.

Pros:

• No download needed—works entirely in your web browser.
• Integrates well with cloud-based workflows.
• Free plan available for basic teleprompter and editing needs.

Cons:

• Lacks some advanced features found in dedicated desktop software.
• Depends on a stable internet connection for all functions.
• Free plan includes watermarks and limited export options.

Pricing

• Free: $0/month - Basic features, 720p export with watermark
• Lite: $15/editor/month (billed annually) - No watermark, 1080p export
• Pro: $29/editor/month (billed annually) - 4K export, all AI tools

Try VEED.io

Wrapping up

Teleprompters transform on-camera delivery from a memory game into a smooth, professional presentation. The right tool depends on your specific needs—hardware solutions like Glide Gear and Desview work best for dedicated camera setups, while app-based options like BIGVU and PromptSmart offer mobility and smart features. Browser-based tools like VEED.io provide accessibility from any device.

If you're tired of wasting hours switching between apps, Descript is the clear winner. It's the only tool that lets you read your script and edit your video in the same window, cutting production time nearly in half. No more exporting files between three different programs or losing track of which version is current – everything lives in one place from first draft to final export. When you mess up a line, just delete those words from the transcript and the video cuts itself – it's like having an editor who reads your mind, even if you've never touched video software before.

Get started today

Want to finally look as good on camera as you sound on paper? Give Descript a free test drive and see why creators are ditching their complicated multi-app setups for this all-in-one solution. Your first video can look professionally edited in minutes. The learning curve? If you can highlight and delete a typo in Word, you already know how to edit video in Descript.

Sign up for Descript here

Pro tips for getting the most out of teleprompter tools

• Optimize workflow: Write your script in a text editor first, then import it directly into your teleprompter tool. This saves time and prevents formatting issues.
• Integrate with editing: Use a platform like Descript that handles both script reading and video editing. This cuts down on file transfers and keeps everything in one place.
• Save time: Experiment with voice-activated scrolling in tools like PromptSmart to match your natural speaking pace, or use Descript's text-based editing to quickly remove mistakes after recording.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a smartphone as a teleprompter?

Yes. Most teleprompter apps like BIGVU work directly on your smartphone screen. You can also mount your phone on hardware teleprompters from Desview or Glide Gear to reflect the script while recording with another camera.

Do I need a physical teleprompter device?

Not always. App-based teleprompters work well for many creators, especially for social media content. Physical teleprompters with beam-splitter glass provide a more professional setup for dedicated cameras, letting you maintain perfect eye contact with the lens.

What if I make mistakes in my delivery?

Tools like Descript make fixing mistakes easy—just delete the words from the transcript and the video edits automatically. With voice-activated teleprompters like PromptSmart, the script pauses when you pause, giving you time to collect your thoughts before continuing.