Free Transcription Software: 6 Tools Tested and Reviewed

Are you looking for free transcription software to convert audio and video files into text? Whether you need to transcribe interviews, online content, or recordings, plenty of options can deliver results without costing you money.

We’ve tested dozens of free transcription tools to help you find the most accurate and reliable solution, without paying. Some focus on automatic transcription using AI, while others provide human-made transcripts. Many also offer collaboration features, compatibility with various file formats, and support for multiple languages.

Let’s dive in and find the perfect free transcription software to streamline your workflow and double your productivity, all for free.

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1. Jamie AI: Highly Accurate Transcription

Jamie is a leading AI tool that offers human-grade transcript generation. As with all the tools in this list, I decided to put it to the test and see if it delivers on its promises of quality and accuracy. Uploading an audio file for transcription was incredibly easy, and I did not expect the results to impress me as much as they did. Jamie transcribed my call with precise accuracy. Typically, I’d expect a sentence or two to be transcribed incorrectly, but in this case, my entire conversation was transcribed correctly. Put shortly: if you are looking for error-free transcriptions, try Jamie.

Key Features

Pros:

• The most accurate transcription I’ve found
• Generates meeting summaries
• Integrates with all video conferencing platforms
• Supports 20+ languages 
• Dark and light modes available

Cons:

• No mobile app available

Key Features:

• AI transcription and summary generation
• Speaker identification and diarization
• Editing and sharing capabilities
• Keyword search and timestamps
• Works on Mac and Windows
• GDPR compliant

Pricing: 

Jamie AI offers a free plan with limited monthly usage, including access to its advanced features. Affordable paid plans are available for higher usage limits, starting at $26 per month.

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‍‍2. Happy Scribe: Human-Made Transcription

Happy Scribe is a Spanish startup offering human-made transcriptions in under 24 hours, as well as instant, AI-generated transcripts. Their manual transcription option stood out to me, but I only tested their AI-generated transcripts due to time constraints. The tool’s accuracy was good, and the support for various file formats, including audio files and video files, was a plus.

Pros:

• Accurate transcription
• Manual editing options 
• Supports various audio and video formats

Cons:

• Human transcription may take too long for urgent projects
• Limited automation features

Key Features:

• Manual transcription options
• 20+ languages available
• Collaborative editing and sharing
• Speaker identification and timestamps

Pricing: 

Happy Scribe offers a free plan with limited monthly usage and paid plans for additional features and higher usage limits, which start at $19 per month.

3. oTranscribe: Interview Transcription

I found oTranscribe to be a practical transcription service for interviews. It’s a fairly simple, browser-based interface tailored for the specific purpose of interview transcription. It’s free to use and has no usage limits but does not include as many features as its alternatives, such as automatic speaker identification.

Pros:

• Simple interface
• Automatic timestamps for easy navigation
• Keyboard shortcuts for streamlined workflow
• No installation required (browser-based)

Cons:

• Limited advanced features
• No built-in speaker identification
• No mobile or desktop app is available

Key Features:

• Browser-based transcription
• Automatic timestamps
• Keyboard shortcuts for efficiency
• Minimalist interface

Pricing: 

oTranscribe is free to use, with no hidden costs or usage limits.

4. Trint: Collaborative Transcription

Trint stands out as a versatile transcription tool due to its collaborative features and editing tools. I loved the ability to create shareable quotes from my transcripts, which is useful for content creation. The downside is that there’s no free plan available, after the 7-day trial, you’ll need to use a paid plan.

Pros:

• Collaborative editing and sharing
• Mobile app available for iOS and Andriod
• Supports 40 languages

Cons:

• Interface may be complex for new users
• No free plan available
• Pricing may be too steep for occasional users

Key Features:

• Collaborative transcription and editing
• Integration with video and audio platforms
• Advanced editing tools

Pricing: 

Trint offers a free trial and paid plans starting at $80 per month.

5. Sonix: Transcription with Web Embedding 

Sonix has the ability to generate embed codes for web pages. As a blogger, I found this feature useful for sharing transcripts directly on my website. The support for multiple languages and accents was also a plus. Sonix also offers a user-friendly web app, making it easy to access and edit transcriptions from any device. However, the pricing is higher than average and no free plan is available after a 30-minute trial.

Pros:

• Accurate transcription
• Generates embed codes for web pages
• Supports multiple languages and accents
• User-friendly interface

Cons:

• Pricing can be high for occasional users
• Limited collaboration features

Key Features:

• Accurate transcription
• Embed code generation for web pages
• Keyword search and timestamps

Pricing: 

Sonix offers a free trial and paid plans starting at $10 per hour.

6. InqScribe: Transcription with Foot Pedal Support

InqScribe is compatible with foot pedals. Additionally, the ability to control playback hands-free makes the transcription process more comfortable. As one of the transcription services, InqScribe supports various file formats, which is also a plus. Yet, the learning curve for using foot pedals might not be for everyone, and the tool can be too pricey for occasional users.

Pros:

• Compatibility with foot pedals for hands-free control
• Supports various audio and video formats
• Precise manual transcription options
• Customizable keyboard shortcuts

Cons:

• Learning curve for using foot pedals
• No free plan available after 14-day trial

Key Features:

• Manual transcription options
• Customizable keyboard shortcuts

Pricing: 

InqScribe offers a free trial and a one-time purchase of a perpetual license for $99.

The Best Free Transcription Software: Final Thoughts

After extensively testing and reviewing these 6 free transcription tools, one thing’s for sure: not all free transcription tools are the same. Jamie, for example, is suited for long transcripts, meetings with multiple speakers, and for those looking for the highest accuracy. On the other hand, tools like Trint are better suited for journalists and editors in need of versatile collaboration features.

Jamie AI offers the highest level of accuracy, which I value above all else regarding transcription. However, I also found great value in the other tools I tested, each offering unique features and benefits.

I encourage you to explore these free transcription tools by yourself and find the one that best aligns with your needs. Whether you’re a content creator, researcher, or business professional, investing in reliable transcription software can save you time, effort, and resources!

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FAQS: Best Free Transcription Software

What is the best free transcription software?

The best free transcription software depends on your specific needs and preferences. Some top-notch options include Happy Scribe for human-made transcription, Jamie for automatic, instant transcription and summarization, and Trint for wide compatibility with various file formats. 

How can I transcribe text for free?

You can transcribe text for free using various online tools and software. Many of these tools offer automatic transcription using AI technology, while others provide a user-friendly interface for manual transcription. Some popular free options include Jamie, Otter.ai, and Trint.

Is Google Transcribe free?

Google does offer a free transcription option through its Google Docs Voice Typing feature. This tool allows you to transcribe audio in real time by speaking into your computer's microphone. However, it is primarily designed for dictation and may not be as accurate or feature-rich as dedicated transcription software.

Is there an AI tool to transcribe for free?

Yes, there are several AI transcription tools available for free, but they are not all the same. Some notable options include Jamie AI, which offers automatic transcription and summarization features, and Sonix, which provides AI-generated transcripts with the ability to edit and export them in various formats. Many tools also include advanced features to remove background noise, ensuring high-quality transcriptions. You can find other popular transcription tools in the review above.