The 20 Best Transcription Tools to Convert Audio to Text

With subtitles and captions enjoying their time in the limelight, transcription is quickly becoming a high-demand field. Social media content aside, many fields have always required transcription services — from legal professionals looking to convert recorded depositions into text, to journalists looking to transcribe interview audio files. Before technology made its way into the field, transcription was a tedious manual job that took hours. Technology has drastically changed things; a process that used to take hours can now be done in minutes.

Why Use a Transcription Tool?

Increased Discoverability

If you're a vlogger, captions and subtitles are essential as they trickle back into your SEO. Transcribing the audio from your video into text helps YouTube and other search engines crawl the keywords, increasing your discoverability and allowing more of your audience to find your content.

Accessibility

Transcribed audio and video files make your content more accessible for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. Transcribed files can also help you reach a wider audience who might prefer to read rather than listen.

More Distribution Outlets

As a content creator, repurposing your content is key. Transcription can help, as there are many more text distribution channels than audio or video channels. Turn podcasts, instructional videos, and interviews into blogs, manuals, eBooks, or white papers.

20 Best Transcription Tools

1. Happy Scribe

Offers automatic transcription, speaker identification, and supports over 60 languages. Its user-friendly interface allows team collaboration, and users get a free trial with 30 minutes of free transcription.

2. Express Scribe

A popular tool supporting both audio and video files, with foot pedal support, real-time playback, and voice commands. Integrates with Microsoft Word and other tools. Compatible with Windows and Mac with a free version available.

3. Otter

Uses AI and machine learning for accurate transcription. Features include speaker ID, notes, images, key phrases, keyword search, and playback speed control. Offers mobile apps and integrations with Google Drive and Dropbox.

4. Rev

A professional transcription service offering both manual human transcription and automatic transcription software. Known for excellent accuracy with integrations to Google Drive and Dropbox.

5. Temi

Automatic transcription using speech recognition, with speaker identification, custom timestamps, and a simple editing tool. Free trial with 45 minutes of free transcription.

6. Trint

AI audio transcription that uses natural language processing and supports 31 languages. Integrates with Google Docs and Microsoft Word.

7. Descript

An all-in-one tool for editing and transcribing audio and video content, with automatic transcription, voice recognition, speaker labels, and timestamps. Free to get started.

8. SCRIBE by LEXIGO

An AI-powered transcription and translation software by Australian-based LEXIGO. Available in 171 languages — more than any other tool on this list. Features include a built-in editor, custom fonts and colours for captions, logo overlays, and the ability to automatically translate your transcript into another language for multilingual audiences. Also offers the option for human transcription for higher accuracy.

9. Sonix

Uses AI and machine learning with timestamped text, automatic speech recognition, punctuation, speaker recognition, and noise cancellation. Supports over 35 languages.

10. Speechmatics

Advanced speech recognition in 34 languages with dialect support. Offers real-time and batch transcription with automatic punctuation. More suited for enterprises.

11. Verbit

A professional service offering both human and automatic transcription. AI technology is used initially, then passed to humans to catch errors. Features speaker identification and supports various formats including SRT files.

12. TranscribeMe

A mid-range tool offering low-cost automated transcription with online editing software and a quality mobile app. Supports various formats including video recordings and phone calls, with human transcription also available.

13. Transcribe

A privacy-focused transcription software supporting over 80 languages. Offers both manual and automatic transcription, with voice diction to help clear up inaudible sections. Exports to DOC, TXT, or SRT files.

14. Nuance

More of a speech-to-text software, but handy for transcription. A great productivity tool with voice control, with versions tailored for individuals, professionals, law enforcement, and more.

15. GoTranscript

An exclusive human-based transcription service, ideal for those who prefer 100% human-created transcripts for maximum accuracy.

16. Scribie

Offers both automated and manual transcription services with a focus on accuracy. Features include timestamps, speaker identification, and various export formats.

17. Amberscript

A European transcription tool offering automatic and human transcription in multiple languages. Strong focus on data privacy and GDPR compliance.

18. Simon Says

AI-powered transcription supporting over 100 languages, with integrations for video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro and Final Cut Pro.

19. Maestra

An AI-powered tool for transcription, subtitling, and voiceover. Supports over 80 languages with real-time collaboration features.

20. Whisper by OpenAI

An open-source automatic speech recognition system trained on a large dataset of diverse audio. Supports multiple languages and is available for free, making it popular among developers and tech-savvy content creators.

Which Tool is Right for You?

The best transcription tool depends on your specific needs. Consider factors like language support, accuracy requirements, budget, turnaround time, and whether you need human or automated transcription. For businesses that need transcription in multiple languages with the option for professional human review, LEXIGO's SCRIBE offers industry-leading language coverage with 171 languages and the flexibility to choose between AI and human transcription.