Discord: Krisp vs Standard (and do you need the app?)
In Discord's voice settings, pick Krisp over Standard: it removes more background noise. But Discord's built-in Krisp only cleans your microphone, inside Discord. If you also take calls in other apps, want the noise gone from what you hear, or want meeting notes, the standalone Krisp app (opens in a new tab) does more.
Discord Krisp vs Standard: which should you pick?
Pick Krisp. Discord's Voice and Video settings give two noise-suppression options, Standard and Krisp. Krisp is the more advanced AI model, and it is the same technology Discord licenses: Krisp's Voice AI powers audio on more than 200 million devices and is used by companies including Discord (per Krisp's own product summary, 2026). It strips more keyboard, fan, and room noise than Standard.
When Standard makes sense: Krisp's AI uses more of your CPU. On an older or low-powered machine, or if your own voice starts sounding clipped, switch to Standard.
What Discord's built-in Krisp does, and does not do
Discord's built-in Krisp runs on your microphone, inside Discord. It cleans the noise you send into a channel. It does not:
- work in other apps (Zoom, Teams, Google Meet, your browser, or games outside Discord)
- clean the audio you hear from other people
- record, transcribe, or take notes
When the standalone Krisp app is worth it
The standalone Krisp app adds three things the built-in version cannot:
- It adds a virtual microphone and speaker, so the same noise removal works on top of Zoom, Teams, Meet, Webex, and any other calling app, not just Discord.
- It is bidirectional: it removes background noise from your microphone and from the other person's incoming audio.
- It includes an AI Note Taker that records without a bot joining, then generates transcripts, summaries, and action items.
This comparison table may scroll horizontally on smaller screens.
| Feature | Krisp | Discord's built-in Krisp |
|---|---|---|
| Where it works | Any calling app, via a virtual mic | Inside Discord only |
| Direction | Both ways (your mic and incoming audio) | Your microphone only |
| AI notes and transcription | Yes, bot-free | No |
| Setup | Install the app once | A setting in Discord |
| Cost | 7-day free trial, then paid | Free, inside Discord |
Who should use which
- Only chat and game on Discord, and only need your own mic cleaned: Discord's built-in Krisp is enough, and it is free. Set noise suppression to Krisp and move on.
- Take calls in other apps too, want cleaner incoming audio, or want meeting notes: the standalone Krisp app is the better fit. Its 7-day free trial gives you full access with no credit card, so you can test it before paying.
The Verdict
If Discord is genuinely the only place you ever talk, its built-in Krisp cleans your mic for free and you are set. Few people are that contained. The moment you also call in other apps, want the noise gone from what you hear, or want notes, only the standalone Krisp app delivers, and it is free to trial on your next call.
Pros
- Discord built-in Krisp: free, no install, strong microphone noise removal inside Discord
Cons
- Built-in is Discord-only, one direction, and takes no notes; the standalone app covers all three
FAQ
It is the same underlying Krisp technology, but the built-in version only cleans your microphone inside Discord. The standalone app is bidirectional, works across every calling app, and adds AI notes.
Krisp, in almost all cases: it removes more background noise. Switch to Standard only if your computer struggles with the extra CPU load or your voice sounds clipped.
No. Discord's built-in Krisp is free. The standalone app offers a 7-day free trial (full access, no card); after that you pay for the app that works across every calling app, with cleaner incoming audio and AI notes.
No. Discord's built-in Krisp cleans your outgoing microphone. To remove noise from the incoming audio too, you need the standalone Krisp app, which works in both directions.
Related
- Set up Krisp on Discord: the step-by-step for the app.
- All Krisp alternatives: how Krisp (opens in a new tab) compares to other tools.
- Krisp free plan explained: what you get at no cost.
- Is Krisp worth it?: our full verdict.