The Best Transcription Software of All Time

If you’ve ever needed a transcription—whether for a podcast, a video, or meeting notes—you know it can be a lifesaver. But finding the right tool is another story. There are so many options out there, each with its quirks and strengths.

Here, we’re breaking down the best transcription software, so you can find the perfect fit for your needs, whether it’s speed, automatic transcription, or simply getting the job done with the least fuss.

Our best picks at a glance:

1. VEED: For instant and highly accurate video transcription.
2. Rev: For high-accuracy transcriptions with both AI and human options.
3. Otter.ai: For real-time transcription of meetings.
4. Alice: For privacy-focused transcription with pay-as-you-go pricing. 
5. GoTranscript: For affordable human-made transcriptions with high accuracy.
6. Trint: For AI-driven transcription with collaborative editing features.
7. Cleanvoice: For AI transcription with automatic filler removal.

[#TOC1]1. VEED[#TOC1]

For instant and highly accurate video transcription

VEED makes transcription easy and fast, ideal if you're looking for quick, accurate captions with minimum extra work

The automatic transcription feature uses AI to instantly convert spoken words into text, with an accuracy of up to 98.5%. Plus, it lets you translate your subtitles to over 120 languages.

You can upload or record your audio and video directly on VEED, and it works smoothly on both Windows and Mac. 

The kicker? VEED’s integrated video editor lets you add subtitles directly and edit your clips, all in one place.

VEED also makes it easy to download your transcriptions in formats like TXT, VTT, and SRT, so you can use them however you need. While the free plan has great features, upgrading unlocks unlimited downloads and some extra tools for even more flexibility. 

Overall, VEED is the perfect transcription software if you want efficient, accurate transcriptions without over-complicating things.

How much does it cost?

With VEED’s free plan, you get 2 minutes of auto-subtitles per month. With the paid plans, which start at just $9/month, you unlock 144 hours of subtitles every year, along with a comprehensive and user-friendly video editing suite. 

[#TOC2]2. Rev[#TOC2]

For high-accuracy transcriptions with both AI and human options

Rev gives you flexibility. You can go with quick AI transcription or opt for human transcribers for ultra-accuracy. If you’re working with industry-specific terminology, Rev’s human option is especially handy. 

With a user-friendly interface and trusted by professionals across fields like media, healthcare, and education, Rev makes it simple to upload audio or video and choose your preferred transcription type (AI or human transcription). The downside? Human transcriptions cost more, but for accuracy that’s spot-on, it’s worth it.

How much does it cost?

AI transcription costs $0.25 per minute, while human transcription starts at $1.50 per minute. The human option is a pricier route, but it’s perfect when accuracy is non-negotiable.

[#TOC3]3. Otter.ai[#TOC3]

For real-time transcription of meetings

Otter.ai is ideal for real-time transcription during meetings, letting users focus on discussions without taking notes. With integrations for Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet, it’s a great tool for boosting remote team productivity.

With its live transcription capabilities, Otter captures spoken words as they happen, allowing users to focus on the discussion rather than taking notes. 

A standout feature of Otter.ai is its ability to identify different speakers automatically and add timestamps, which helps users follow conversations and review key points easily post-meeting. 

You can search through the transcribed text, highlight important sections, and even add comments for quick reference. Otter also includes a custom vocabulary feature, making it possible to train the software on unique industry terms for greater accuracy in specific fields.

However, it performs best in clear audio environments, as it may struggle with excessive background noise.

How much does it cost?

Otter offers a free plan with basic features. Paid plans start at $8.33/month and provide extended usage along with custom vocabulary options.

[#TOC4]4. Alice[#TOC4]

For privacy-focused transcription with pay-as-you-go pricing

Alice is a straightforward transcription service designed for ease of use. With its pay-as-you-go model, it’s suitable for those who need transcription services occasionally without the commitment of a monthly subscription. Supporting formats like MP3 and WAV, Alice ensures compatibility across your audio and video files.

One standout feature is the option to auto-delete recordings after processing, a thoughtful touch for users who prefer extra control over their data. 

Beyond transcription, Alice fits seamlessly into your workflow with integrations for tools like Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Slack, Trello, Discord, and Notion.

How much does it cost?

Alice charges $0.25 per minute, and no subscription is required—ideal for users who don’t need transcription regularly.

[#TOC5]5. GoTranscript[#TOC5]

For affordable human-made transcriptions with high accuracy

GoTranscript offers both human and automated transcription options to meet diverse needs. Their human transcription service achieves 99.2% accuracy, ideal for precision-critical projects, while the automated option provides quick results with 80-90% accuracy, depending on audio file quality.

Supporting a range of audio and video formats like MP3, WAV, and MP4, GoTranscript is compatible with most media types. They also offer additional services, including auto-subtitles, captioning, and translation, making it a versatile choice for international projects.

GoTranscript prioritizes security, with robust encryption and confidentiality agreements to protect client data. The platform is user-friendly, allowing for easy file uploads and exports in formats like Word and PDF, enabling smooth workflow integration. Overall, GoTranscript combines accuracy, versatility, and security for reliable transcription solutions.

How much does it cost?

Standard pricing is $0.90 per minute for manual transcription, with options to pay more for faster turnaround.

[#TOC6]6. Trint[#TOC6]

For AI-driven transcription with collaborative editing features

Trint is a powerful AI transcription tool that transforms audio and video files into editable, searchable text, supporting over 40 languages. Its translation feature in 50+ languages makes it ideal for users who work across different regions and need seamless language options.

A standout feature is Trint’s collaborative editing capability, which allows multiple users to work on a transcript together. This makes it perfect for teams tackling big projects, as everyone can tag, highlight, and comment on key sections. The interface is intuitive, keeping the transcription process smooth and straightforward.

Trint also integrates easily with tools like Adobe Premiere Pro, Zoom, Zapier, and Dina, fitting into your existing workflow with ease. Exporting transcripts is flexible, with various file formats available, so you can repurpose content for reports, presentations, or documentation. 

For solo users, the price might feel a bit high, but for teams, the collaboration functionality can be worth it.

How much does it cost?

Trint offers a Starter plan at $48 per month, Advanced at $60 per month, and Pro Team at $68 per user per month.

[#TOC7]7. Cleanvoice[#TOC7]

For AI transcription with automatic filler removal

Cleanvoice is an AI-powered transcription service designed to streamline the process of converting audio/video content into text. The platform is particularly beneficial for podcasters and content creators, offering features like automatic filler word removal to enhance the clarity and professionalism of transcripts.

Cleanvoice's user-friendly interface allows for easy editing and downloading of transcriptions, with support for multiple file formats. Its efficient processing capabilities enable quick turnaround times, making it a practical solution for professionals seeking reliable and accurate transcription services.

For accuracy-focused work, though, you may want something with a human verification option.

How much does it cost?

Cleanvoice’s pricing starts around $2.20 per hour of audio with a minimum of 5 hours plan. It’s pay-as-you-go, so it’s budget-friendly for occasional use. It also offers a subscription of 10 hours for $11 that you can use anytime within the subscription period. 

What to look for in a transcription software?

Accuracy and reliability

In fields like legal or medical transcriptions, accuracy isn’t a “nice-to-have”; it’s a must-have where even a small error can have serious consequences.

The same could be argued for a lot of other fields, where attention-to-detail is key.

Therefore, we recommend looking for transcription services with high-accuracy, like VEED, which offers customizable options in English and other languages to capture every term and phrase exactly as intended.

Speed and turnaround time

In high-stakes fields, speed can be just as important as accuracy. If you’re handling live cases or real-time consultations, you’ll need a video transcription software that keeps up—like tools offering real-time transcriptions to give you immediate access to spoken words as they happen.

And for projects with a bit more leeway? Standard batch processing is often more economical and still gets you quality results without the rush. Match your software’s speed with your deadlines for smooth, efficient work.

Editing and formatting tools

Imagine getting a transcript back and having to add timestamps, speaker names, and punctuation by hand.

Having a tool that not only does most of the heavy lifting for you but also gives you the flexibility to edit your transcription easily, is a blessing. 

Look for features like automatic timestamps, playback controls, and speaker identification. These help you create a clean, professional transcript right out of the gate. Tools with speech-to-text/dictation options or built-in shortcuts are also great time-savers and can streamline the process further. 

Together, these features ensure your final docs are polished and ready for any purpose—whether it’s sharing with your team or publishing online.

Language support and accessibility

If you work with content in multiple languages, transcription software that supports various languages is a huge advantage. The best tools provide accurate transcriptions across different languages, making it easier to handle global conversations and diverse content seamlessly.

Accessibility features like compatibility with screen readers also ensure that transcripts are usable for everyone on your team. When every detail matters, inclusive, adaptable tools can make a big difference in reaching a wider audience effectively.

Found what you were looking for?

Choosing the best transcription software depends on what you need most: speed, accuracy, or simplicity. 

Each tool we've covered has unique strengths, from VEED’s instant video transcription to Rev’s high-accuracy human options and Otter.ai’s real-time meeting transcriptions. With options for collaboration and advanced formatting, there’s something here for everyone.