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