15 Best Transcription Apps

This guide contains a list of the:

• 6 most loved software / program / website / app / service
• For video transcription, also known as subtitling (or text-to-speech)

You’ll find both free and paid tools in our list.

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TL;DR → Our TOP 5 Picks

This section is our TL;DR = Too Long, Didn’t Read, or our key takaeways:

Transcriber	Best For
1. SendShort	Automating videos and AI translations.
2. Otter	Real-time meeting transcriptions.
3. Descript	Combining transcription with audio/video editing.
4. Notta	Multilingual transcription and quick conversions.
5. HappyScribe	People needing transcriptions + subtitles

Obviously, this is just the short answer.

Let’s now spend our time exploring each app into detail, covering every important aspect.

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Close Look: TOP 15 Transcription Tools in 2024

Answer: Without a doubt, SendShort.ai remains the #1 video transcription tool in 2024 simply because of its 98.6% accurate AI.

Time for the details!

1. SendShort

SendShort is a video editor with a built-in transcription tool that automatically converts long-form video into short, engaging clips with subtitles. It’s ideal for content creators looking to streamline their workflow.

Pros	Cons
High accuracy in transcriptions	Requires a monthly subscription
User-friendly interface	No downloadable app
Quick turnaround for generating transcriptions	Optimized better for short-form
Uses a powerful AI
Works in any language
Supports multiple video formats

Let me know if you need any further changes!

• Why we picked it: It’s great for automating video-to-short content workflows with accurate transcription.
• Use cases: Content creation, social media snippets, motivational videos.
• Top 3 features: Automatic transcription, subtitles translation, easy editing for subtitles.
• Platforms: Web-based.

Reviews: Users appreciate its seamless integration with editing tools and video processing speed. The subtitle editor is highly rated, but some find the UI complex for beginners. It’s perfect for quick content creation but may not fit users looking for standalone transcription.

Final Verdict: 4.8/5 ⭐

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2. Otter

Otter is a popular AI-based transcription service known for real-time note-taking and meeting transcriptions. It’s widely used by professionals for capturing discussions and converting speech to text.

Pros	Cons
Real-time transcription	Limited export options
Good accuracy with multiple speakers	Some features locked behind premium plans
Easy integration with other apps	May require manual editing for clarity
Cloud-based with easy access	Slower for longer recordings

• Why we picked it: It excels in real-time transcription for meetings and collaborative settings.
• Use cases: Business meetings, lecture notes, interviews.
• Top 3 features: Speaker recognition, live transcription, cloud storage.
• Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
• Reviews: Many like its live transcription accuracy but criticize the cost of advanced features.

Final Verdict: 4.7/5 ⭐

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3. Descript

Descript combines transcription, video, and audio editing into one platform, making it ideal for content creators. It offers features like voice cloning and text-based editing.

Pros	Cons
Text-based video editing	Expensive for casual users
Voice cloning and overdub	Steep learning curve
Supports collaboration	May require a powerful computer for smooth operation
Offers a variety of export options	Limited free tier functionality

• Why we picked it: It’s a versatile tool for both transcription and content editing.
• Use cases: Podcast editing, video production, content repurposing.
• Top 3 features: Text-based editing, voice cloning, AI-based transcription.
• Platforms: Web, macOS, Windows
• Reviews: Highly rated for its editing capabilities but seen as overkill for simple transcription needs.

Final Verdict: 4.6/5 ⭐

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4. Notta

Notta is a cloud-based transcription service designed for quick and easy voice-to-text conversion. It supports multiple file formats and languages.

Pros	Cons
Supports many languages	Limited free tier features
Multi-format support	Slower processing for long files
Easy-to-use interface	Accuracy may vary with accents
Cloud storage for easy access

• Why we picked it: It’s straightforward and effective for multilingual transcription.
• Use cases: Global business communication, AI language learning, file conversion.
• Top 3 features: Multilingual support, audio-to-text export, real-time transcription.
• Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
• Reviews: Users value its language versatility, though they find the free tier restrictions frustrating.

Final Verdict: 4.4/5 ⭐

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5. HappyScribe

HappyScribe is a user-friendly transcription service with good language support and automatic subtitle generation. It’s favored for creating transcriptions and subtitles for media content.

Pros	Cons
Easy-to-use interface	High pricing for extensive use
Supports multiple languages	Occasional formatting issues
Auto-subtitle generation	Limited customization for formatting
Fast turnaround for short files

• Why we picked it: It offers great support for media projects with subtitles and transcriptions.
• Use cases: Subtitling videos, creating transcripts for research, translating content.
• Top 3 features: Subtitle generation, multi-language support, simple UI.
• Platforms: Web-based
• Reviews: People like its UI, but formatting issues can be a challenge.

Final Verdict: 4.3/5 ⭐

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6. Rev

Rev is a leading transcription service with human and automated transcription options. It’s known for its accuracy and wide acceptance in the industry.

Pros	Cons
Human transcription for high accuracy	Higher cost compared to AI services
Supports various file types	Slower turnaround for human transcription
Easy to use with intuitive interface
Quick automated transcription options

• Why we picked it: It’s highly accurate with human transcriptions and trusted by many.
• Use cases: Legal transcriptions, research interviews, media subtitles.
• Top 3 features: Human transcription, multiple file formats, high accuracy.
• Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
• Reviews: Highly rated for quality, though cost can be a concern for some users.

Final Verdict: 4.3/5 ⭐

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7. Vomo

VOMO AI is an automated transcription service with emphasis on speed and efficiency. It’s suitable for those needing quick transcriptions for meetings or interviews.

Pros	Cons
Fast transcription	Limited features compared to competitors
Intuitive interface	Accuracy varies based on audio quality
Supports multiple languages	No human transcription option
Easy export options

• Why we picked it: It’s perfect for those who value speed and simplicity.
• Use cases: Quick transcriptions, meeting notes, interviews.
• Top 3 features: High-speed processing, keyword search, export options.
• Platforms: Web-based
• Reviews: Praised for its speed, but some find it lacking in additional features.

Final Verdict: 4.3/5 ⭐

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8. Trint

Trint offers a streamlined transcription service with built-in editing and collaborative tools. It’s designed for teams working on content projects.

Pros	Cons
Good collaborative features	Higher cost for advanced plans
Built-in editing tools	Limited support for accents
Supports multiple file formats	Accuracy can vary with complex audio
Real-time transcription

• Why we picked it: Its collaborative features make it stand out for team projects.
• Use cases: Team collaboration, media editing, content editing and creation.
• Top 3 features: Speaker identification, content sharing, text editing.
• Platforms: Web-based
• Reviews: Teams love it for its collaboration, but pricing is a common complaint.

Final Verdict: 4.2/5 ⭐

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9. Transkriptor

Transkriptor is an easy-to-use service that specializes in transcribing audio and video files into text. It’s known for affordability and decent accuracy.

Pros	Cons
Affordable pricing	Accuracy may vary significantly
Supports various audio/video formats	No human transcription available
Fast turnaround time	Not suitable for complex files

• Why we picked it: It’s a cost-effective solution for simple transcription needs.
• Use cases: Student notes, podcast transcription, basic text export.
• Top 3 features: Affordability, multi-format support, easy-to-navigate UI.
• Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
• Reviews: Praised for its value, though processing time can be an issue for larger files.

Final Verdict: 4.0/5 ⭐

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10. GoTranscript

GoTranscript is a human-powered transcription service with a strong focus on accuracy and quality. It’s often used in legal and academic settings.

Pros	Cons
Affordable pricing	Longer turnaround times for human services
High accuracy with human transcription	Limited support for complex formats
Supports multiple languages	Interface can be less intuitive
Good for various audio quality

• Why we picked it: It’s highly reliable for complex transcriptions requiring human review.
• Use cases: Legal transcriptions, academic research, multi-speaker scenarios.
• Top 3 features: Human transcription, accurate timestamps, multi-speaker support.
• Platforms: Web-based
• Reviews: People appreciate its accuracy but cite the cost as a deterrent for smaller projects.

Final Verdict: 4.0/5 ⭐

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11. TurboScribe

TurboScribe provides both human and AI transcription services with a focus on flexibility and speed. It’s a good option for those who need a hybrid approach.

Pros	Cons
Simple interface	Limited features compared to competitors
Fast audio processing	Accuracy may suffer in poor audio conditions
Affordable pricing	No human transcription available
	Limited support for languages

• Why we picked it: Its hybrid approach offers flexibility for different projects.
• Use cases: Media projects, research interviews, legal documentation.
• Top 3 features: AI and human transcription, speed, flexible editing options.
• Platforms: Web-based
• Reviews: Positive for speed and flexibility, though the interface could be improved.

Final Verdict: 4.1/5 ⭐

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12. Riverside

Riverside offers transcription as part of its recording platform, making it easy to transcribe interviews and podcasts. It’s built for high-quality audio recording and transcription.

Pros	Cons
High-quality audio and video recording	Higher cost than competitors
Integrated transcription services	Limited to web-based use
Good collaboration tools	Editing options are basic
Supports multiple formats

• Why we picked it: It’s excellent for podcasters and interviewers looking for integrated recording and transcription.
• Use cases: Podcasting, interview recording, content creation.
• Top 3 features: High-quality recording, automatic transcription, content export.
• Platforms: Web-based
• Reviews: Popular for recording quality, but transcription is seen as a secondary feature.

Final Verdict: 4.2/5 ⭐

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13. Speechify

Speechify is a text-to-speech and transcription tool that converts text into natural-sounding speech and audio into text. It’s commonly used for accessibility and learning purposes.

Pros	Cons
Excellent text-to-speech capabilities	Limited transcription accuracy
User-friendly interface	Not focused on professional transcription needs
Supports various formats	Basic features compared to competitors
	Requires subscription for full features

• Why we picked it: Its dual functionality is great for both text-to-speech and transcription.
• Use cases: Accessibility, language learning, content consumption.
• Top 3 features: Text-to-speech, voice customization, AI-powered transcription.
• Platforms: Web, iOS, Android
• Reviews: Appreciated for its accessibility features, though the cost of premium voices is a concern.

Final Verdict: 4.1/5 ⭐

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14. CapCut

CapCut is primarily a video editor with built-in transcription capabilities, making it easy to create videos with subtitles and annotations.

Pros	Cons
Powerful video editing features	Limited standalone transcription capabilities
User-friendly interface	Not specialized for lengthy audio files
Good subtitle generation	Requires a learning curve for video editing
Free	Less effective for complex audio

• Why we picked it: It’s great for video editors who need quick subtitles and transcription in one place.
• Use cases: Video creation, subtitling, quick transcriptions.
• Top 3 features: Video editing integration, subtitle generation, easy export.
• Platforms: Web, iOS, Android

Final Verdict: 3.8/5 ⭐

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15. ChatGPT

ChatGPT, known for its conversational AI, can also be used for transcription by leveraging its powerful language model. It’s effective for extracting text from dialogue.

Pros	Cons
Flexible language understanding	Requires manual input for files
High customization options	Not specialized for transcription
Supports a wide range of languages	May produce variable accuracy based on context
	Limited ability to transcribe audio files directly

• Why we picked it: It’s highly adaptable and useful for handling complex language scenarios.
• Use cases: Dialogue extraction, summarization, language translation.
• Top 3 features: Contextual understanding, flexible input options, AI-powered corrections.
• Platforms: Web-based
• Reviews: People love its accuracy in language understanding but note its manual setup as a downside.

Final Verdict: 3.2/5 ⭐

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FAQ: Transcription Software

1. Can ChatGPT transcribe audio?

Answer: No, ChatGPT cannot transcribe audio directly. However, it can assist with text-based queries, provide information on transcription tools, and help improve transcriptions once they’re created using other software.

2. Is Google transcription free?

Answer: Yes, Google offers free transcription services through Google Docs using the voice typing feature, allowing users to transcribe audio into text at no cost.

3. What is the best AI for video transcription?

Answer: The best AI for video transcription is SendShort, which provides accurate and efficient automated transcription services, making it easy to convert video speech into text.

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Thanks a lot for reading this,
David Ch
Head of the Editing Team at SendShort