Delivering lines while making eye contact with a camera is no easy feat. You have to either memorize your words, which takes a lot of preparation, or look back and forth at your script, which takes a lot of editing in post-production. It can make a simple five-minute video take many times longer to produce.

That’s why teleprompters exist. With the right equipment and software, you can keep your eyes on the camera, speak flawlessly, and deliver your script without memorizing it—just like your favorite YouTuber or late night host. 

This guide shares the best teleprompter software to deliver impactful presentations and leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Types of teleprompter software

Before you start searching for software, let’s iron out the two types of teleprompter you might encounter:

• Physical teleprompter: A physical teleprompter is an angled mirror that sits in front of your camera lens and reflects a screen that displays your video script. If you’re using this kind of device, you’ll need to choose software that’s compatible with a physical teleprompter. 
• Virtual teleprompter: This software mimics the teleprompter effect and turns your computer screen or mobile device into a reading screen. It’s not as seamless as a real teleprompter, since you’re not looking directly into the camera, but it’s close. If you’re going this route to create YouTube videos or host a video podcast, look for software that can turn your device into a teleprompter. 

Why use teleprompter software?

Teleprompters used to be the exclusive preserve of politicians, celebrities, TV presenters, and news anchors. We’re a bit beyond that now. With a good microphone, smartphone, tripod, and a teleprompter app, you can create professional talking head videos without worrying about slip-ups, awkward pauses—or glossophobia (the fear of public speaking).  

Here are three reasons why you should use teleprompter software.

Improved delivery and confidence

During a livestream or when recording a video, it’s easy to get nervous and stumble over your words. Memorizing talking points and presenting them before your audience doesn't guarantee you’ll have everything committed to memory—like what happened to Jan Fisher, a former anchor at 25 News. 

Instead of winging it or following a loose outline with no structure, teleprompter software can help you:

• Keep your eyes on the camera while reading the script 
• Scroll up or down your screen at a comfortable speed
• Maintain your composure and deliver your lines with confidence
• Establish a more personal connection with your audience
• Avoid filler words or going too far off script

Reduced errors and improved accuracy

Teleprompter software reduces the chances of errors caused by memory lapses. You won’t need to memorize your lines or do a million takes to get your delivery right. Teleprompter apps also ensure you stick to the script and stay within the allotted time.

That means a faster shoot and less editing time. If you need to edit the live video recording or repurpose the content for other platforms, it’ll be easier to pick and splice the good chunks.

Versatility and customization

Physical teleprompters can not only display text, but act as an external monitor that lets you look directly into the camera during Zoom calls and remote interviews. 

Virtual teleprompter software, on the other hand, can turn your device into a portable teleprompter wherever you are, so you can focus on creating great content that captivates your audience and seamless delivery.

Top 8 teleprompter software for any device

You know you need a teleprompter app, but it's daunting to choose the right one. To simplify your choice, we’ll cover 8 of the best teleprompter software platforms, then explain how to pick the right one for your content creation needs. 

1. Descript: Best teleprompter alternative

Descript is an all-in-one audio and video editing tool that lets you record as many takes as you need, then cut the bad parts by editing the transcript like a document. 

Descript isn't a virtual teleprompter per se, but it acts just like one. You can scroll and read your script when recording audio or video. There’s no need to look into the camera: If you don't keep perfect eye contact while recording, AI Eye Contact lets you adjust your gaze afterward.

Descript also offers AI features for generating chapters, summaries, short promotional copy for social media, podcast show notes, and YouTube descriptions. Or just ask the AI anything you want and it’ll deliver a response within seconds.

The app automatically transcribes your recording, then you can edit, cut, and remix your video to your liking, before exporting or publishing the clip to YouTube or podcast hosting platforms. 

Best features: 

• Live transcription for real-time editing
• Filler word removal
• AI Voices
• Collaboration tools
• Free export to multiple platforms
• Multilingual support for 23 languages 

Pros:

• Intuitive, easy-to-use interface
• Offers free plan 
• No need for a physical teleprompter or software 
• Compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems

Cons:

• No Android or iOS (iPhone/iPad) apps
• Free plan lacks human transcription and offers limited transcription hours

Pricing: 

• Free: $0 
• Creator: $12 per month, paid annually
• Pro: $24 per month, paid annually
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

2. Teleprompter Pro: Best physical teleprompter software for multiple speakers 

Teleprompter Pro is a user-friendly, feature-rich teleprompter software with built-in functionality for podcast and video production. You can record using a webcam, load and save scripts from standard text files, or mirror and invert the scrolling text to use with a physical teleprompter. 

Plus, you can adjust the scroll speed using the app’s scrolling text feature and resize text in the script editor. Then, embed and save your selected scroll speed and text size in the script file with unique settings for different project needs or users.

If you have multiple speakers, Teleprompter Pro lets you highlight different lines for each speaker to avoid confusion when recording.

Best features:

• Adjustable text size and speed
• Built-in script editor
• Voice recognition control
• Webcam and wireless controller support
• Customizable fonts and colors

Pros:

• You can record audio and video content in the app
• Smooth text scrolling
• Affordable 

Cons:

• 1-day free trial
• No macOS or mobile apps

Pricing: 

• Teleprompter Pro: $7.99

3. EasyPrompter: Best web-based teleprompter software

EasyPrompter is a simple, browser-based virtual teleprompter app. Its dual-screen feature lets you split your screen into talent and operator displays, like you would when extending displays between two screens. It’s full featured enough to work as both a virtual teleprompter and with physical teleprompters.

When you first open the app, you’ll see a script management section and script editor. You can copy and paste or type your script in the script editor, then use the standard formatting tools—bold, italics, font color, background color, or alignment—to format your text. If you’re not happy with the result, use the clear format tool to reset everything.

EasyPrompter also lets you insert pauses in your script, which helps when you need to take a breath or switch topics. You can also search scripts by keywords, view recently modified scripts, mark your favorite ones, or delete what you don’t want.

With the free plan, you can enter and format your text in the EasyPrompter script editor, then select Start Prompter to play your script. Upgrading to a paid plan gives you access to premium features, such as unlimited save scripts, dual-screen, and offline mode.

Best features:

• Dual screen
• Script markers
• Remote control
• Offline mode
• Formatting options

Pros:

• Affordable 
• Easy to use
• Works offline
• Can be used on any device

Cons:

• Limited free plan
• You can’t save scripts in the free plan
• Advanced features only in paid plans

Pricing: 

• Basic: Free
• Pro (monthly): $12.99
• Pro (annual): $125 (or $10.42 per month)

4. Teleprompter Mirror: Best free teleprompter software

Teleprompter Mirror doesn’t have the advanced features you’ll find in other virtual teleprompter software. But its web-based version excels at simple prompting, text adjustment, and voice-activated scrolling. The app is easy to use and has a slick web interface with great features, which lets you read your script fast and without mistakes. 

Here’s how it works:

• Copy and paste or enter your script in the app’s editor
• Edit and adjust your text to your liking
• Save your script
• Press play to start scrolling

Teleprompter Mirror works with video conferencing tools, such as Zoom, Skype, and Microsoft Teams, so you can read your notes while making direct eye contact with meeting participants.

Instead of uploading scripts to a server, Teleprompter Mirror stores your text locally on a web browser, like Chrome or Safari, so you won’t need to worry about your data privacy or security.

Best features:

• Voice-activated scrolling
• Voice tracking
• Load and restart buttons
• Mirror flip for physical teleprompters

Pros:

• Free
• Easy to use
• No ads
• Works offline
• Compatible with any browser

Cons:

• No recording or advanced features

Pricing: 

• Teleprompter Mirror: $0

5. Virtual Teleprompter: Simplest user interface

Online teleprompters use significant amounts of your computer CPU and RAM, impacting your computer’s performance. Virtual Teleprompter is a dedicated teleprompter software that runs on laptops and optimizes the use of your computer’s resources. 

Virtual Teleprompter works in a variety of use cases, including online meetings, interviews, live streams, or even pre-recorded content. When you open the app interface, you can enter or copy and paste your script on the built-in editor, then fine-tune elements like font size, colors, overlay transparency, or scrolling speed. This way, you can speak naturally and professionally while reading or referencing your notes and maintain direct eye contact with your audience.

The app works with all meeting platforms, like Zoom, Webex, Teams, Meet, and more, with support for RTL languages like Hebrew and Arabic. And, it uses HTML LocalStorage to store data locally on your computer. This way, you can pick up from where you left off if you restart or close the app by mistake.

Best features:

• Manual or auto scroll options
• Adjustable transparency and text formatting options
• Adjustable fonts, sizes, and colors
• Adjustable text alignment and layout
• Integrated word counter and timer
• Multilingual and RTL language support

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Offers free plan
• Doesn’t hog your computer’s resources
• Saves data locally on your computer
• Compatible with online meeting software

Cons:

• You can’t record or upload a video
• Lite version limited to 1,000 characters (about 4 paragraphs)

Pricing: 

• Virtual Teleprompter Lite: Free
• Virtual Teleprompter Pro: $7.99

6. Speakflow: Best virtual teleprompter for team collaboration 

Speakflow is another web-based teleprompter software. It offers a unique Flow mode that follows your voice as you read your script, so you can sound natural without requiring retakes.

What makes Speakflow unique is its team-oriented platform, which lets you collaborate with your team members. You can write, adjust, save, track all changes made to the scripts, and read them to record takes or present directly to your viewers.

With the free plan, you can create unlimited scripts, use Flow mode, and record video—all in one place. When you’re finished recording and editing, download your recordings locally in WEBM format. 

Upgrading to a paid plan lets you record and save multiple takes in 1080p and HD recording options, then share them via a link. 

Best features:

• Adjustable font size and colors
• Text formatting options
• Shared scripts
• Version history
• Automatic or Flow mode scrolling
• Integrated AI and voice recognition

Pros:

• Works on all devices
• Offers free plan
• Voice recognition available on all plans
• Allows video recording and sharing

Cons:

• Pricier than other teleprompter apps

Pricing: 

• Basic: $0
• Plus: $19 per month
• Studio: $40 per month

7. Autocue: Best teleprompter software for Windows

Like other physical teleprompter apps, Autocue comes with a native editor where you can paste or enter your script, then adjust font size, scroll speed, and alternate between white or black backgrounds. 

At the top of the Autocue screen, you’ll find the scroll speed adjuster, familiar icons and layouts as those on a Word doc, and keyboard hotkeys to help you set up your script quickly. You can create scripts in the Autocue app or save time by importing them from TXT, Word, or PDF documents.

The teleprompter software limits you to 2,000 characters at a time. You’ll have to open multiple windows or tabs if you need more characters. This means switching between tabs, which can be tedious and cumbersome, especially if you’re pressed for time.

Autocue is a Windows-only software, so there are no native apps for Android, Apple, or Linux-based devices.

Best features:

• On-screen cue timer
• Versatile message modules
• Compatible with IP and NDI connections
• Compatible with Windows 7, 8, 10, and 11

Pros:

• Newsroom compatible
• PowerPoint prompting
• Familiar document editing layouts and tools
• Seamlessly integrates with your existing setup
• You can import scripts to the Autocue editor

Cons:

• No free plan
• Expensive 
• Limits you to 2,000 characters per script
• Tab switching can be tedious and time-consuming

Pricing: 

• Explorer: $238.87
• Pioneer: $728.87

8. PromptDog: Best standalone teleprompter software

PromptDog is an easy-to-use, standalone teleprompter app made for Windows and Mac devices. 

Whether you’re a solo presenter, marketer, or run a production house, PromptDog helps you deliver videos that look and sound professional every time. You can read your script as it scrolls up on the physical teleprompter in front of or beside your camera, without affecting the recording process or forgetting your lines.

If you’re a solo presenter or video producer, you can map PromptDog’s keyboard shortcuts to compatible remote controls and record without worrying about skipping words or sounding unnatural.

PromptDog works with professional teleprompter hardware and supports separate presenter and operator windows, which you can sync and resize comfortably. 

You won’t need special display equipment to use PromptDog. Just mount your desktop computer or laptop under a camera or connect any flat panel LED/LCD monitor, and you’re good to go. If you have an iPad or Android tablet, you can use a third-party app to display PromptDog output on your device. 

Best features:

• Smooth, quiet scrolling
• Editable display settings (font size, line space, background)
• Dual screen support
• Eyeline indicator
• Multilingual (UTF8 Unicode) support

Pros:

• Onetime payment (no monthly subscription fees)
• Works offline
• 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Short free trial
• No native mobile apps
• Only supports rich text format (RTF) and plain text (TXT) files

Pricing:

• PromptDog: $69 (onetime payment)

How to choose a great teleprompter software

1. Smooth scrolling and speed control

Go for a teleprompter app that lets you scroll the script manually or automatically and control your speeds. You’ll read comfortably and finish speaking within your allotted time.

2. Script editing and formatting tools

You’ll need to edit before presenting or recording a video. Consider teleprompter software with a built-in script editor and formatting tools, such as font size, font color, font formatting (bold, italics, underline), alignment, and more. 

3. Remote control and synchronization

Teleprompter apps with synchronization let you sync your scripts on different devices with one click, so you can read comfortably from a phone or computer. And if your iPad isn’t nearby, you can enable remote control mode to use a remote or your laptop to control the iPad. 

Some apps offer voice-operated scrolling, which listens to you as you read, then automatically scrolls along based on your reading speed.

The best overall teleprompter software

Content creation is rapidly changing, and creators who don’t adapt risk falling behind. That’s where Descript comes in. The video and audio editing tool lets you manage all your content creation needs in one platform, rather than paying for many tools.

What about teleprompter software? We’re glad you asked! 

Descript’s new Eye Contact feature is exceptionally helpful if you struggle with looking at the camera while reading your script. 

Eye Contact uses artificial intelligence (AI) to subtly adjust your gaze in-video while recording, so it appears you’re looking into the camera — even when you're sneakily peeking at your script off-camera. No more tedious mistake-and-retake loops, memorizing scripts, editing woes, or countless hours recording.

Here’s how AI Eye Contact works:

• In Descript, record your video while reading your script in the editor. You can also upload a previously recorded video. 
• Select your video from your timeline, canvas, or the layer list in the sidebar.
• Select Effects on the right sidebar, then click Eye Contact to enable it. 
• Wait for Eye Contact to process your video. The length of your video and internet connection will determine how fast the feature takes to process your video.
• Once the effect is in place, you can enable or disable it during specific moments in your video. 

For best results, connect to a strong and stable internet connection, have a well-balanced lighting setup, and ensure your eyes are clearly visible in the video. If you’re recording in Descript, maintain a straight-on angle between the camera and your face, and avoid excessive movement.

Whether you make YouTube or TikTok videos, Descript’s Eye Contact can instantly up your game. Take it for a spin today and venture into the realms of futuristic video making!