While the market is saturated with the so-called best audio-to-text tools, some are too costly, inaccurate, or just do not have the right editing features. Luckily, there are options for free dictation software that can provide good value without breaking the bank."We spent two weeks researching and evaluating the best speech-to-text tools, and after weighing them on different parameters like accuracy and speed, here are our top 8 picks.
How to Choose Speech-to-Text Online Software
Most podcasters and educators these days conduct multiple interviews for their podcasts — sometimes with subject matter experts on topics related to health or fitness. If one had to pause and take notes every time, they find something interesting, they would not be able to focus on the ongoing conversation. That is all to say: most of us have spent our fair share of time with AI speech-to-text software , but not everyone knows what separates the best from the terrible.
Here are the three main features we were keeping our eye out for while testing the best speech-to-text online software:
Accuracy: The speech-to-text tool should have an accuracy rate of at least 80-90% so it can type what is said in the audio. We tested the accuracy of these apps by reading a 100-word script containing brand names, compound words, and a few tricky terms. The AI transcription tools that could interpret what was said could make their way to this list.
Value: Pricing varies widely among these apps. While some offer pay-as-you-go models (by minute or hour), some charge a monthly subscription fee — and there are others that combine the two. Regardless of the exact price, we were looking for value for the price to ensure the tool’s price matches its features.
Speed: You do not want to wait three business days to receive a three-minute audio transcription. When testing the apps and curating this list, we considered turnaround time in our reviews. Transkriptor , for example, is a feature-rich audio-to-text app that is 99% accurate and can generate transcripts in just a few minutes.
8 Speech-to-Text Online Software
We researched over 40 speech-to-text online software options, signing up for each and uploading an audio file to evaluate their features. After thorough testing, we narrowed it down to the 8 best speech-to-text tools, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
#1 Transkriptor — Best for Transcribing Sound With 99% Accuracy
Alt Text: Transkriptor speech to text online software
Transkriptor is an ideal website for transcribing audio to text for free and for a good reason. Its AI transcription is 99% accurate and takes only a few minutes. You can transcribe your files in three ways: 1) directly upload the audio/video to the platform, 2) paste the page link of a YouTube video or podcast from the Internet, 3) invite meeting assistant bot, Meetingtor , to join the meeting and transcribe automatically. Once the transcription is ready, you can export the file in various formats, such as PDF, TXT, Word, SRT, or Plain Text.
Pros
The rich text editor allows you to correct mistakes and edit speakers with slow-motion audio.
It supports 100+ languages, including English, Chinese, Spanish, French, German, and Arabic.
You will get a free 90-minute transcription trial upon signing up without the need for a credit card.
Transkriptor mobile apps are available on the Play Store and App Store, so you can transcribe audio to text on the go using the speech to text app .
The AI Chat Assistant lets you summarize the transcripts, ask anything, and get quick answers based on the transcription file.
Cons
You'll need a stable Internet connection to use Transkriptor.
#2 Otter — Best for Online Meetings and Team Collaboration
Alt Text: Otter speech to text online software
Otter is a great option for those who often attend remote meetings and want to keep the meeting notes saved for later reference. It's more like an AI meeting assistant who can join the remote meetings and transcribe everything that is said. It also has a collaboration feature that allows you to highlight different parts of the transcript and leave comments for team members.
Pros
Otter separates multiple speakers in the audio conversation to give accurate results.
There's a free plan available for first-time users.
The AI chat option lets you ask questions about the transcript and get quick answers.
Cons
Otter only supports American and British English.
It has an accuracy of around 90-93%, which means the transcript might contain errors.
#3 Rev — Best for Large Teams with Flexible Budget
Alt Text: Rev speech to text online software
Rev is another popular speech-to-text tool that focuses more on editing features and overall user experience. You can do the basics, such as highlight text, do read-along tracking, and even include notes in the transcripts.
Rev also highlights the low-confidence words — words it isn't 100% sure about that are accurately transcribed — in the audio or video transcript. As per the online reviews, Rev made only a few mistakes when transcribing files with brand or person's names. Hence, it might be ideal for those with some bandwidth to edit the transcripts.
Pros
Unlike many other AI transcription tools, Rev offers both human and automated transcription services.
It has a quick turnaround time.
The mobile app makes recording and transcribing interviews a breeze.
Cons
The transcriptions in Rev's web app and mobile app do not sync.
There is no free plan available to test the services.
The automatic transcription by Rev requires thorough editing to reduce the errors.
#4 Happy Scribe — Best for Generating Transcriptions and Subtitles
Happy Scribe is an online speech-to-text software that offers subtitles and transcription services. The automatic transcription guarantees 80% accuracy and includes features such as timestamps, speaker identification, and the ability to add a personalized vocabulary list. However, you'll have to spend time answering questions about yourself and your company before getting access to the transcription features of Happy Scribe.
Pros
The visual page editor provides users with an intuitive interface for formatting and editing.
It supports up to 120 languages and dialects.
Professional transcribers at Happy Scribe review the AI-generated transcripts and make them 99% accurate.
Cons
Happy Scribe has an accuracy rate of only 80%, which is much lower than that of the other tools on the list.
It does not offer any mobile app to transcribe audio on the go.
It generates less reliable transcripts in noisy audio.
#5 Sonix — Best for Embedding Formatted Transcripts on Web Pages
Sonix is an accurate and affordable speech-to-text tool that provides a user experience beyond the ordinary. It offers many basic features, such as highlighting the transcript, speaker identification, and a custom dictionary to improve the overall transcription experience. Sonix also provides human transcription services by acting as a mediator between you and the transcriptionist, but you'll have to negotiate the price yourself.
Pros
Sonix is compatible with many tools, including Zapier, Salesforce, and OneDrive.
The sentiment analysis feature ensures Sonix can detect the tone and sentiments of speakers.
The versatile pricing tiers make Sonix a great option for individuals and enterprises.
Cons
Sonix does not have any free plan.
The prices can be complicated with unexpected add-ons.
It does not offer mobile applications.
#6 Google Docs Voice Typing — Best for Google Docs Users
If you're someone who uses Google Docs for writing their ideas and scripts, then Google Docs Voice Typing could be a reliable audio-to-text option, adding " dictation software for Microsoft users best " to your toolkit. However, like other tools in this list, Google Docs only works for live speech and does not help with existing media transcription.
Pros
Google Docs Voice Typing supports up to 118 languages and dialects, though it accepts voice commands only in English.
It is free to use.
Cons
Google Docs Voice Typing feature does not work with recorded audio or video.
You need an active Internet connection to use the voice typing feature.
#7 Speechnotes — Best for Voice Typing and Transcription
Speechnotes is a simple and user-friendly dictation app out there. Speech-to-text software is known for its voice commands for formatting, punctuation, automatic capitalization, and easy import/export options. What makes Speechnotes different from other tools is that, just like Transkriptor, it also has a Chrome extension that lets you dictate instead of typing on different platforms, including Gmail.
Pros
The voice-typing Chrome extension is free to use.
You can upload your files or transcribe directly from online platforms, including YouTube, Google Drive, etc.
Speechnotes can be integrated with CRM, Docs, and email using Zapier.
Cons
Speechnotes require a stable Internet connection to convert speech to text.
It lacks sophisticated editing features like highlighting text in transcripts, adding comments, etc.
Many advanced features and ad-free experiences are only available in the paid plan.
#8 Transcribe — Best for Transcribing Recorded Interviews
Transcribe is a free audio-to-text tool that simplifies the transcription process by bringing the word processor and audio controls together. The keyboard controls and speed adjustments allow seamless transitions between audio and transcript. You can add the audio file to oTranscribe, and it will quickly load at the top of the screen. There's a text field where you can add everything that is said in the audio.
Pros
You can start transcribing without the need to sign up.
The transcriptions can be exported to TXT, Markdown, and Google Docs.
There are various keyboard shortcuts available to play, pause, fast forward, and rewind the audio.
Cons
Transcribe does not store the documents permanently, so you will need to export the transcribed files to avoid data loss.
You'll need a reliable Internet connection to transcribe.
Best Speech to Text Online Software
Most good speech-to-text apps use the same AI technologies to get the job done. Many of these tools rely on advanced speech recognition systems to accurately convert audio to text. The choice of the best speech-to-text online software will depend on the other features, such as exceptional accuracy, advanced collaborative options, and robust security features.
Transkriptor is a feature-rich audio file-to-text converter that automatically transcribes interviews, lectures, meetings, and other audio files. Its 90-minute free trial ensures you can test the AI tool before investing money in the paid plan. So, sign up for Transkriptor today to transcribe speech to text in minutes!
