Top 10 Free Transcription Software: Choose the Best for Your Needs
Dive into the transcription world with our guide to the top 10 free transcription software options! Transform your audio-to-text experience and discover the perfect match for your needs.
Looking to add catchy captions to your shorts or organize your thoughts with swift transcriptions? Free transcription software has made it all possible! You can now unlock higher work efficiency for meetings, interviews, podcasts, or video creation! Let's keep the ball rolling!
Unlock the power of free transcription software
Compatible with various media formats, including MP3, WAV, AIFF, MP4, AVI, etc, transcription software makes it easy to convert video or audio recordings into written text. It is ideal for time-sensitive tasks like transcribing meetings, lectures, interviews, seminars, etc.
In choosing the right free transcription software, you need to consider the following:
- Accuracy: Regular speech recognition software often misidentifies words due to similar sounds. Yet, one single mistake can significantly alter the sentence's meaning.
- Speed: It should be able to transcribe swiftly to improve your efficiency.
- Languages supported: The software should support transcription in different languages for a wider digital reach.
- Ease of use: The user interface of the application should be intuitive, making it simple to upload files, manage them, and get transcripts. For digital accessibility, look for features like drag-and-drop support or easy upload processes.
- Editing options: A good transcription should allow you to perform advanced edits like setting speech gaps, removing filler words, etc.
That said, it's time to reveal some of the best free transcription software that can ease your transcribing workflow.
Top 10 free transcription software that will make your content shine
Whether you're a vlogger, educator, attorney, or journalist, these free transcription software tools will be greatly helpful. Take a look!
1. CapCut video editor: the all-in-one transcription and video editing tool
The CapCut video editor uses automatic speech recognition technology to identify speech in audio or video. Supporting multiple languages, it can transcribe or generate captions in seconds and translate them into the language of your choice. Additionally, it can screen the generated text in real time with playback. Above all, it offers:
- Advanced editing options: It provides users more control over their content with sophisticated tools such as subtitle insertion, text customization, timeline precision, etc.
- Transcript editing: CapCut video editor lets you auto-detect and remove filler words and set or adjust speech gaps, ensuring your transcript is well-polished.
- Compatibility: CapCut seamlessly operates on well-known systems like Windows, Mac, and Linux. Also, it works on browsers such as Chrome, Opera, and Safari.
Its cloud-based storage facilitates collaborative teamwork in big transcription projects like legal proceedings and public hearings.
Now, let's walk you through the simple steps to utilize the transcription capabilities of CapCut and elevate your video-editing projects.
How to transcribe video to text using the CapCut video editor
- Step
- Download and sign up
- Visit CapCut’s website and download the CapCut video editor on your device. Sign in after installation, you can use your TikTok, Facebook, or Google account.
-
- Step
- Transcript
- Click "Create project" and select "Import” from the media tab. Upload the video from your device and drag and drop it into the timeline.
- For manual adjustments and enhancements, turn to "Text." Here, you can polish the auto caption, remove unwanted filler words, and manage speech gaps for more professional output.
-
- Additionally, you can enhance your audio with CapCut's editing tools, adjusting volume and playback speed and applying fade in or out. It also provides features like beat detection, voice change, and background noise reduction. For video, you can use animated transitions, stabilization, masking, color adjustment, background removal, and retouching for a polished and professional look. Step
- Export your video
- Once satisfied with the transcription, move to the Export settings, where you can fine-tune by adjusting the resolution and setting the frame rate. Also, you can share it as a link and directly download it, making your video ready to reach a global audience just a click away.
-
In addition, the CapCut video editor provides an extensive editing toolkit to enhance your videos. Whether it's refining your lectures for maximum engagement or ensuring clarity in legal witnesses' statements during court hearings, CapCut has you covered. From basic editing functions like trimming, reversing, and cutting to advanced options like animations, masks, transitions, overlay, etc., CapCut empowers you to tailor your content to perfection. Furthermore, the editor contains smart AI tools including retouching to remove artifacts and beautify objects in the video.
2. Google Docs voice typing
Google Docs has a built-in voice typing feature that allows users to transcribe audio by clicking 'Voice typing.' This tool converts voice to text and places it directly into your document. This transcription is popular since it is easily accessible even through Google Docs' mobile app.
Compatibility: Google Docs Voice Typing integrates with the Google Docs platform, and it seamlessly operates in the Google Chrome browser.
Languages supported: Language coverage is probably Google Voice Typing’s biggest strength. It covers 119 languages, including 13 Arabic forms, 19 Spanish variations, 13 English dialects, and even four variations of Tamil.
Best for: Google Docs Voice Typing is best suited for people who work with the Google Workspace ecosystem, including professionals, students, and content creators.
- Friendly user interface.
- Universal sign-in.
- Ability to sync with other Google services, such as Voice Typing and translation.
- Basic graphic customization.
- Formatting may be challenging for offline users because many features are only accessible online.
3. Scribie
Scribie is an affordable transcription online tool. Since there are enough competitors in the artificial intelligence space, Scribie concentrates on providing high-quality human-verified transcription. You can use its services to transcript Podcasts, dissertations, legal matters, etc.
Compatibility: Scribie supports users from Windows, Linux, and Mac. Also, the most compatible web browsers are Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Microsoft Edge, Safari, and the newbie Brave.
Languages supported: At the moment, Scribie only supports English.
Best for: Scribie is ideal for a diverse range of users, including students, professionals, content creators, and businesses.
- User-friendly interface.
- Multi-language support.
- Device compatibility.
- No longer offering AI transcription.
4. ScreenApp
ScreenApp offers a unique combination of screen recording and transcription features, resulting in an unparalleled user experience. Also, it offers an in-built editing tool that lets users crop their recordings, optimizing the content's quality and engagement.
Compatibility: ScreenApp seamlessly operates on Windows and Mac platforms and syncs perfectly with major browsers such as Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge.
Languages supported: ScreenApp can transcribe content in over 50 languages, including English, Spanish, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and many more.
Best for: ScreenApp suits professionals, educators, and those who prioritize accurate documentation of audio content, making it a fantastic option for various uses.
- Intuitive interface and cross-platform compatibility.
- Enhance user experience.
- Providing accessibility and ease of use.
- Lack of advanced video editing features.
5. Trint
Trint is a cloud-based tool for transcribing audio and video. It uses natural language processing (NLP), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning to automatically transcribe audio from various file formats and create a searchable, editable, shareable, and interactive transcript.
Compatibility: Trint is compatible with popular web browsers like Chrome, Opera, and Safari and supports Windows and Mac.
Languages supported: Trint supports more than 40 languages, including English, German, Italian, Turkish, and more.
Best for: Trint suits professionals, journalists, researchers, and anyone requiring high-speed and accurate transcription services.
- Trint employs AI-driven technology that transcribes and helps search and edit.
- It can add closed captioning to video and audio files and collaborate on your transcriptions.
- User-friendly interface and real-time collaboration.
- Expensive.
- Poor accuracy.
- Lack of sharing tools.
6. Sonix
Sonix is a online tool that helps companies transcribe video and audio files. For businesses that need fast and hassle-free transcription services, the fully automated software can transcribe 30 minutes of audio or video in about 3–4 minutes.
Compatibility: Sonix seamlessly works on Windows and Mac, supporting popular web browsers such as Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.
Languages supported: Sonix supports English, Hindi, German, French, and many more.
Best for: It's an ideal solution for professionals, students, researchers, and content creators.
- Advanced machine learning algorithms for transcription.
- High accuracy in converting audio to text.
- SEO-friendly media embeds.
- Quick turnaround times.
- Expensive.
- Shows mixed performance in testing.
- Doesn't come up with a mobile app.
7. Transcribe
Transcribe is a simple tool that offers two transcription options based on your desired style. Use Transcribe's dictation feature to convert your voice into text using voice recognition technology, or type out your file using the conventional method.
Compatibility: Transcribe works well with Windows and Mac. Also, it works on Microsoft Edge, Opera, Chrome, and Safari.
Languages supported: It supports up to 120 languages, which includes English, Japanese, Turkish, and German.
Best for: Transcribe is a versatile audio-to-text tool for students, journalists, and content creators.
- It has an advanced AI engine capable of generating accurate transcripts.
- Employs less time.
- Supports more than 120 languages.
- Lack of specific advanced transcription tools.
- The batch mode takes longer.
- Cloud storage isn’t available on the free plan.
8. Temi
Temi is transcription software offering no-fuss AI-generated transcriptions from a perfectly made website or its mobile app. You can use it to transcribe meetings, recordings, lectures, etc, and save your transcripts in various formats including PDF, SRT, VTT, and more.
Compatibility: Temi offers access across Windows and Mac. It can be accessed using Chrome, Opera, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.
Languages supported: Temi currently only transcribes audio and video files in English. Other languages, like German or Spanish, are not supported.
Best for: Temi suits professionals, students, and researchers looking for an English transcription service.
- The software is not expensive
- Temi has a mobile app
- It has a clean web interface
- Accuracy enhancement is to be considered for the transcription of complex files.
- Customization options are few.
9. Otter AI
Otter.ai is an AI-powered automatic transcription service that allows users to record and transcribe voice conversations with speaker detection. Also, you can build a custom vocabulary to improve transcription accuracy.
Compatibility: Otter Ai has web, Chrome extension, and mobile (Android and iOS) versions.
Languages supported: Otter.ai does not have language translation or multilingual functions. It only transcribes conversations in English (US and UK).
Best for: This best suits professionals, journalists, researchers, and educators.
- It has quality transcription on par with other services, even without custom vocabulary entry.
- Allows users to be more present-minded at meetings.
- Downgrading from Business to Pro turns sub-accounts into separate, standalone accounts.
- Don't remove filler words like “umm.”
10. Descript
Descript is an all-in-one tool that makes editing as simple as working with a Word document. You can swiftly convert your video into text by uploading media or recording it into Descript. Then, you can edit your media clips from the text. Also, with its automatic speaker detection, transcriptions are precise and quick.
Compatibility: Descript is supported on both macOS and Windows desktops. They are introducing a web version of Descript that's available for all users.
Languages supported: Descript can automatically transcribe 23 different languages. It includes English, French, Swedish, and Turkish.
Best for: This suits creators looking for modern content creators, educators, and podcasters.
- Descript offers fast and accurate transcription in 23 languages.
- Supports advanced features like Studio Sound and Filler Word Removal.
- Expensive.
- Lack of professional editor tools.
Conclusion
In summary, we've covered a range of free transcription software tools that come with a speech to text converter. Feel free to explore and experiment with different tools that suit your needs. Among all, CapCut's transcription and robust video and audio editing features come in handy, making it the ideal tool for professionals, instructors, and content creators.
FAQs
- Can free video transcription software be used for multiple languages?
- Yes. A freeware transcription software tool like the CapCut video editor supports over 100 languages, including Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and more. Beyond converting video to text, it offers powerful editing tools that can help users elevate video quality in simplified steps to create captivating videos effortlessly.
- How accurate is free video transcription software?
- The transcript's accuracy is generally impacted by background noise, accents, and specialized terminology. Using free transcription software like the CapCut video editor can improve transcription accuracy through AI and machine learning technology advancements. This tool even offers advanced background noise reduction features to help distinguish the speakers' words more clearly.
- How long does it take for transcription software to convert voice to text free?
- The transcription turnaround time is influenced by several factors, including the length of the video or audio file, the software's processing speed, and the complexity of the content. Typically, the transcription process can take a few minutes to process shorter content, while longer videos may require additional time for accurate transcriptions. Factors like the tool's infrastructure and advanced features also contribute to the overall turnaround time. In this context, the CapCut video editor is the best option, with swift, accurate voice-to-text transcriptions, and advanced audio and video editing features.
