The 12 best dictation software for Microsoft Windows users are below.
- Transkriptor: is AI-powered online transcription software that transcribes and offers translation services. It is compatible with major meeting platforms like Zoom and Microsoft Teams.
- Windows Voice Recognition: is a built-in feature of the Windows operating system for voice commands and basic transcriptions.
- Microsoft Word Dictate: is an integrated voice recognition tool within Microsoft Word. It enables users to dictate text directly into documents with a click on the text box.
- Windows Voice Typing: is Microsoft's refined voice recognition feature. It enhances the transcription experience with better accuracy and support across Windows applications.
- Microsoft Azure Speech to Text: is a part of Azure's Cognitive Services. Microsoft Azure's cloud-based solution leverages advanced neural speech recognition.
- Otter.ai: is a cloud-based transcription service. It offers real-time transcription capabilities.
- Verbit: combines artificial intelligence with human expertise to provide highly accurate transcription and captioning services.
- Google Docs Voice Typing: is available in Google Docs. It allows for straightforward voice dictation.
- Amazon Transcribe: is an AWS service to convert audio and video into accurate text using advanced speech recognition.
- Speechmatics: offers an automatic speech recognition system. It works in various applications and boasts support for a wide range of languages.
- Braina Pro: is more than just a transcription tool. Braina Pro acts as a digital assistant for Windows. It offers voice commands for numerous computer functions.
- Nuance Dragon Home 15: is a leading voice recognition software known for its high accuracy.
1. Transkriptor
Transkriptor is advanced transcription software that leverages artificial intelligence to ensure fast and accurate transcription. Users can translate their transcripts with a single click right from the Transkriptor dashboard. It is available on mobile devices and web browsers, on both Apple and Android devices.
Transkriptor offers rapid and automatic transcription with up to 99% accuracy. It has affordable pricing options with a free trial. Transkriptor also supports multiple languages, making it a global tool.
Transkriptor offers an AI chat assistant to summarize your transcription. You can ask the AI assistant anything, and the assistant will give you the correct answers according to your transcription file. It also provides advanced collaboration features to quickly share your transcripts with your team.
The platform gives highly accurate results, up to 99% accuracy, even with a large amount of audio. However, do not forget to proofread the transcription to fix minor issues such as punctuation marks. With its user-friendly interface, Transkriptor is suitable for both beginners and professionals.
It also supports rich editing and exporting features, so you do not need an external app. You can export a variety of file formats, such as PDF, .txt, .srt, and plain text. Overall, Transkriptor streamlines the entire transcription process with pricing options suitable for every budget.
2. Windows Voice Recognition
Windows Voice Recognition is a built-in feature available in Microsoft Windows operating systems. It helps users by controlling their computers with voice commands. WVR allows users to open applications, toggle the table of contents of a document, and perform other tasks vocally. It comes at no additional cost to the users since it is a feature integrated into Windows.
The most significant advantage is its integration with the Windows operating system. It negates the need for third-party software installation and provides optimal performance tailored for Windows applications and tools.
3. Microsoft Word Dictate
Microsoft Word Dictate is an integrated voice recognition feature within Microsoft Word, part of the Microsoft 365 suite. Users effortlessly dictate text directly into their documents with one click on the microphone icon.
The dictate feature is part of the Microsoft 365 subscription, which starts at $69.99 per year for the Personal plan. Its seamless integration with Microsoft Word eliminates the need for additional software or tools.
4. Windows Voice Typing
Windows Voice Typing, known as Windows Speech Recognition, is Microsoft's built-in voice recognition feature. It offers users the capability to dictate text across applications. It also provides control of certain functionalities of the system by using voice commands.
Windows Voice Typing is compatible with the Windows operating system, so there is no need for third-party software. Just choose the Windows account you want to sign in with and transcribe.
It has a simple user interface and supports different languages. However, some users find its feature set lacking compared to specialized transcription tools.
5. Microsoft Azure Speech to Text
Microsoft Azure Speech to Text Rest API is a cloud-based service available through Azure Cognitive Services. This technology uses Microsoft's cutting-edge neural speech recognition to convert spoken words into written text.
Azure AI Speech to Text is suitable for various applications such as transcription services and voice commands. For voice commands, you can say, “Put a question mark” or “Stop listening.” It supports a wide range of languages. Azure Speech to Text operates on a pay-as-you-go basis.
Azure AI services boast high accuracy, especially when configured for domain-specific tasks. Its cloud-based architecture ensures robustness. A reliable internet connection is necessary for optimal Azure AI Speech CLI performance.
6. Otter.ai
Otter.ai is a voice-to-text transcription platform that uses machine learning. Otter.ai allows users to import audio and video files from their devices or record directly within the app.
Otter.ai’s AI meeting assistant provides meeting notes and summaries, while Otter AI Chat answers questions and generates content like emails and status updates. The platform also provides OtterPilot, which auto-joins Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams to take meeting notes automatically.
The Premium Plan costs $10 per month per user. The Team Plan costs $20 per user each month. Otter.ai also provides a free-forever plan.
7. Verbit
Verbit is a cutting-edge transcription and captioning service. It combines machine learning and human expertise. Verbit assures speedy transcribing by utilizing modern AI technology. It uses a network of professional transcribers who evaluate and refine the automated transcriptions.
Verbit’s automatic speech recognition technology, Captivate, meets users' personalized needs. It can boost terms, conduct proactive research, and format other needs. The platform provides users live captioning and transcription, audio description, and translation and subtitles.
You can contact the platform to request pricing. To acquire pricing from Verbit, you need to enter your name, company, and needs.
8. Google Docs Voice Typing
Google Docs Voice Typing is a built-in dictate tool. You can use the voice typing feature in Google Docs and Google Slides. It is a free tool that is easy to use for beginners.
When you turn on voice typing or captions, your web browser (Chrome, Edge, or Safari) controls the speech-to-text service. However, it offers only basic conversion features and may not work well with long, complex audio files.
9. Amazon Transcribe
Amazon Transcribe offers a comprehensive suite of features that enhance the accuracy and usability of transcriptions. It provides real-time speech-to-text and batch transcription.
It transcribes video and audio data across various formats, including MP3, MP4, WAV, and FLAC. It supports globally spoken languages and allows automatic language detection, which broadens its use for global cases.
10. Speechmatics
Speechmatics is a dictation software firm based in Cambridge, England. It uses neural networks and language modeling to create speech recognition software. Users train ASR models to recognize specific words, industry-specific phrases, and accents.
Speechmatics offers a conversational AI API called Flow. Flow enables natural, responsive, and secure voice interactions and ensures that conversations glide naturally regardless of accent, language, or environment.
Speechmatics offers free use for 8 hours per month. There are also Pay As You Grow, which costs $0.30 per hour, and Enterprise options.
11. Braina Pro
Braina Pro (Brain Artificial) is transcription software and a multi-faceted digital assistant for Windows. It supports robust speech dictation while allowing voice access to control many computer operations. Its speech recognition capabilities have been fine-tuned to operate well even in noisy backgrounds.
Braina Pro has a multi-tiered subscription plan. A one-year license costs $49, and a lifetime license costs $139. Braina Pro distinguishes itself by acting as a dictation tool and a virtual assistant. It is suitable for a global user base because it supports many languages.
12. Nuance Dragon Home 15
Nuance Dragon Home 15 is a version of the well-known Dragon speech recognition software group. This version focuses on delivering an accurate and quick dictation option for routine work.
Nuance Dragon Home 15 is available for a one-time fee of /$200, though costs depend on region and incentives. The software requires periodic training sessions to maintain optimal recognition accuracy with custom models. It uses this training data to optimize the transcription process with a custom speech model.
How to Choose a Dictation Software for Microsoft?
When choosing dictation software for Microsoft, users consider harmony and integration. Ensure that the software seamlessly integrates with Microsoft applications.
Microsoft Word dictation, for instance, has an inbuilt voice recognition feature that dictates text directly into documents. Always prioritize software that aligns with specific needs, such as transcription accuracy, multilingual support, or customization options.
What is the Most Popular Dictation Software for Windows?
The most famous speech recognition in the Windows Operating System is "Dragon NaturallySpeaking" by Nuance. Dragon has advanced speech recognition technology and consistent performance.
Its accuracy is outstanding, and its features distinguish speech to text online nuances and adapt to individual voices over time. You can explore free dictation software for even more flexibility. Its integration capabilities with Windows, one of the most popular dictation software, are essential.
What is the Best Free Dictation Software for Microsoft Users?
Windows Voice Typing is the best free dictation software for Microsoft users. Its interaction with essential Microsoft apps such as Word and Outlook offers a dictation experience. Constant upgrades and adjustments improve its accuracy and speed, making it the best free dictation software .
Who Uses Dictation Software for Windows?
A wide range of individuals and professionals use dictation software for Windows, including writers, journalists, medical professionals, lawyers, students, and individuals with physical disabilities. They can also dictate in PowerPoint to efficiently create presentations.
For example, many authors and journalists use dictation software to speed up the content creation. Lawyers and paralegals utilize such software to transcribe depositions, meetings, and court hearings.
Additionally, people who want to make speech translation can benefit from using transcription for writers . It is easier and faster to translate a speech when it is in text format.
Can Lawyers Use Dictation Software for Windows?
Yes, lawyers use dictation software for Windows. Dictation software accelerates the processes of writing long documents, taking thorough notes during meetings, and transcribing depositions of witness statements.
Can Mac users use Dictation Software for Windows?
Yes, Mac users can use dictation software for Windows, but with certain restrictions. It is important to note that running Windows on a Mac necessitates the purchase of a valid Windows license. Furthermore, performance depends on the Mac's capabilities. Not all dictation software functions work as smoothly as on a Windows PC.