Free: 15 recommended audio transcription tools [AI/Web/App]

I want to quickly transcribe meeting minutes and interviews!
Do you have such a problem?

Not so long ago, it was common for all of these meetings and conversations to be transcribed manually.

After computers became popular, playback players and editors dedicated to audio transcription also appeared.
However, in the end, the most important part, the transcription itself, had to be done manually one by one.

There were several agencies, but there were few that small businesses and individuals could easily rely on...

But times have changed.
Nowadays, AI transcription tools that anyone can use easily have been created one after another, and anyone can now do high-quality transcription right away at home!

This time, we will introduce 15 particularly recommended tools among such convenient voice transcription software and services !

We will also explain tools that are available for free.

We will also explain in detail how to choose the best tool according to your purpose and usage scene!
If you read this article, the work will be overwhelmingly easier compared to the 100% manual work that has been done so far.

Please watch till the end.

[Free available] 15 recommended voice transcription software/services

1. Mr. Transcription (Web)

Mr. Transcription is a versatile and standard audio transcription service.

AmiVoice, a highly accurate voice recognition AI, is an easy-to-use online AI transcription tool, and if you are unsure, we recommend this !

If you want to transcribe audio for free, you can use the trial version for up to 1 minute for free.

Since it is a web app that is used from a browser, it can be used regardless of device such as a computer (Windows/Mac) or smartphone (iPhone/Android).

To use it, just open the page and upload the file.

In addition to general conversations, you can also specify specialized fields such as medical care and IT to further improve accuracy.

As mentioned above, the voice recognition engine uses the well-established AmiVoice (more will be added in the future), and the accuracy of AI voice recognition is guaranteed .
It can be adapted to various purposes and contents.

• Method: AI
• Supported formats: Supports various audio files such as mp3 .wav, as well as videos, images, and PDF.
• What you can do for free: 10 minutes/day (up to 1 minute per audio file)

2.Texter (iPhone)

Image source: Texter

Here are smartphone apps that have a good balance of convenience and functionality.

It also supports conversion to punctuation marks and question marks, and the accuracy is fairly high.

You can use it for free for short transcriptions , so it's perfect for voice memo apps.

Fully compatible with iPad and Apple Watch. You can also view text on the wide screen of your iPad, or easily record and play it on your Apple Watch.

*Previously, an Android version was also available, but currently only an iOS app is available. Android users should use Notta, which will be introduced later.

• Method: AI
• Supported formats: Real-time/audio file import
• What you can do for free: 1 minute real-time transcription of audio data, etc.

Texter

3.Edivoice (Android)

Image source: Google Play Store

*As of 2023, it is no longer available on Google Play Store.

Here is a voice input app for Android.

Although you can use voice input with Google's standard keyboard, this one seems to have more functionality.

It is particularly convenient to be able to insert punctuation marks, symbols, line breaks, etc. with one tap while converting audio to text in real time. It is also possible to insert symbols using just voice.

You can also import the text data you create directly into the text input area of ​​other apps, so you can divide the work by using the editor you always use for detailed editing.

• Method: AI
• Supported format: Real time
• Things you can do for free: Everything (*Contains advertisements)

Edivoice

4.Notta (iPhone/Android/Web)

Image source: Notta

Audio transcription app compatible with both iPhone and Android.

There is also a web version, so you can use it from your computer.

This app is unique in that it can translate into a wide variety of languages ​​(104 languages).

It also has functions such as cueing by marking and real-time sharing, so it is also excellent as a simple transcription tool.

If you use the dedicated smartphone microphone ``Langogo Mini'', you will be able to make even clearer and more accurate transcriptions.

If you feel that the built-in microphone is not enough, why not give it a try?

• Method: AI
• Supported formats: Real-time/audio file import
• What you can do for free: Real-time transcription only, 120 minutes/month, translation in 104 languages, synchronization function, etc.

Notta

5.AutoMemo (iPhone/Android/Web)

Image source: AutoMemo

This is an audio file transcription service provided by SourceNext, which is famous for Pocketalk and other services.

By purchasing a dedicated IC recorder, you can transcribe up to one hour of audio per month for free .

Operating the IC recorder is very easy, just press the recording button.

Audio files are automatically uploaded and automatically converted on the cloud, and you can check both text data and audio in the app (you can also receive email).

By connecting the audio cable to your computer, you can record and transcribe web conferences. The range of uses seems to be surprisingly wide.

• Method: AI
• Supported formats: Audio file import
• What you can do for free: Cloud voice-to-text conversion (1 hour/month) *Purchase of IC recorder is required

AutoMemo

6.Coelabo (Web)

Image source: Koerabo

This is a service that is an updated modern version of an old-fashioned transcription service that requires typing on a keyboard by hand.

Although it has a reasonable price of 132 yen/minute , it is characterized by its high quality, which includes thorough double-checking and proofreading.

It has also received privacy certification, so it is completely safe.

The express plan allows delivery within one day.

Furthermore, if you pay a fee, you can also receive same-day or next-day delivery, so it seems like it will be useful when you need text data right away.

• Method: Manual input by writer
• Supported formats: Audio file import
• Things you can do for free: None (*It is possible to make it essentially free with an introduction campaign)

coera lab

7.Voice Rep Pro (Windows)

Image source: Voice Rep Pro 3

This is one of the few installable transcription software for Windows.

This tool is a set that includes an internet-based speech recognition service (Google) and a transcription editor.

The editor itself works offline, so you can easily use it on the go.

It also has excellent features such as automatic timestamp insertion, 10 language translation, and grammar proofing tools.

It's perfect for people who want to combine automatic transcription and manual work .

• Method: Manual/AI
• Supported formats: Real-time/audio file import
• Things you can do for free: None (*3 minute trial version available)

Voice Rep Pro 3

8.User local audio transcription system (Web)

Image source: Audio minutes system (free) - User local

Here is a free audio minutes recording system that can be used from a browser (Google Chrome).

To use it , just share the meeting URL with members .

Participants' statements are automatically transcribed, and you can also edit your own statements.

Transcribed minutes can be downloaded as a csv file.

What's interesting is that it automatically extracts topic words from the comments of all participants, and analyzes the emotions of speakers into two types: "positive/negative" and "5 emotions (joy, love, sadness, fear, anger)." It comes with tools.

Might be useful for analyzing the minutes later?

• Method: AI
• Supported format: Real time
• What you can do for free: Everything

Audio transcription system (free) - user local

9.Otter (iPhone/Android/Web)

Image source: Otter

Click here for an online transcription service specializing in English.

A major feature is that it can automatically identify multiple speakers .

Furthermore, when playing the audio, the parts that are being read out are highlighted, which is useful for checking parts that you cannot hear in real time.

There is also a real-time synchronization function. If you log in with the same account, you can record on your smartphone and check the text on your computer, so it can also be used to create meeting minutes.

• Method: AI
• Supported formats: Real-time/audio file import
• What you can do for free: 600 minutes/month

Otter

10.Group Transcribe (iPhone)

Source: Group Transcribe (App Store)

Group Transcribe is a transcription service provided by Microsoft.
When holding a meeting with multiple people, the content of the meeting is divided into "who spoke" and is automatically transcribed using AI.

Free to use.
However, everyone you're talking to at the same time must have the app on their smartphones.

It's a unique app from Microsoft that leverages its experience with Office and other apps, but I get the impression that the fact that it's specialized for meetings has both advantages and disadvantages.

• Method: AI
• Supported format: Real time
• What you can do for free: Everything

Group Transcribe

11.RIMO Voice (Web)

Source: RIMO Voice

RIMO Voice is one of the transcription services using AI.
The language is specialized in Japanese and is used for business purposes.

The feature is that it is time-based (there is a free tier).

For individuals, every 30 seconds.
For corporate users, plans are determined by time slots of 10/20/45/100 hours.

This is also said to be good at recording minutes, so it may be an option for business purposes.

• Method: AI
• Supported formats: Audio/video file import
• What you can do for free: Free tier for personal use, hourly charge

RIMO Voice

12.YOMEL (Web, App)

Source: YOMEL

YOMEL is also a transcription service that supports meeting minutes.

Rather than uploading files, it is a real-time service, and is intended to be used to start recording when a meeting starts, and to stop recording when the meeting ends.

Although it is basically a paid service, a free trial period is also available.

• Method: AI
• Supported format: Real time
• What you can do for free: 2 week trial period available

YOMEL

13.Recoco (iPhone)

Source: Recoco (App Store)

Recoco is a smartphone app that can be installed on your iPhone.

It can be said to be one of the options as a smartphone app for audio transcription.

Start the app and press the record button to start transcription.
It uses AI to perform transcription.

The advantage is that it is free to use, but the last update was in 2018.
In the ever-evolving world of AI transcription, we recommend comparing it with other services before using it.

• Method: AI
• Supported format: Real time
• What you can do for free: Everything

Recoco

14.Speechy Lite (iPhone)

Source: Speechy Lite (App Store)

Speechy Lite is also an AI transcription app that can be installed on your iPhone.

You can install and use it for free, but you can unlock more features by paying.

As the name "Lite" suggests, there are limitations on usage time and functionality, but if you pay attention to these limitations, it can be said to be useful.

• Method: AI
• Supported format: Real time
• What you can do for free: Free (with limited functionality, features available in paid version)

Speechy Lite

15.AmiVoice Cloud Platform (API)

Image source: AmiVoice Cloud Platform

Here is the online version of ``AmiVoice,'' a transcription software that was previously popular along with ``Dragon Speech.''

Its main feature is its high speech recognition rate, which is achieved by accumulating over 20 years of know-how and implementing the latest deep-running technology.

Depending on the usage scenario, you can use 13 types of speech recognition engines, ranging from general conversation for business to specialized fields and industries.

However, care must be taken when using it.

This may be a bit technical, but it is provided as an API (a tool for use with other programs) , so to use it, you can either program it into a tool you have developed or pass it through another app that has an API implemented. It requires knowledge and effort .

but it's okay.
When you want to use AmiVoice , you can use the AI ​​transcription tool Mr. Transcription to take advantage of its performance smoothly and easily.

• Method: AI
• Supported formats: Real-time/audio file import
• What you can do for free: 60 minutes/month (general conversation, English, Chinese)

AmiVoice Cloud Platform

When in doubt, which transcription tool do you recommend?

So, which one should I use if I want to transcribe it right away?

So, if you want to transcribe immediately, which tool is best?

In conclusion, I recommend using "Mr. Transcription" .

Once you open the top page from the blue button below, you can immediately experience transcription by uploading your audio file .
If you are having trouble with transcription, please use the AI ​​transcription service "Mr. Transcription" first.

How to choose a voice transcription tool specific to your purpose

I've looked at a lot of tools, but when there are 15 of them, I still don't know how to choose the one that best suits my purpose...

For you, we will introduce transcription tools specialized for each of the usage scenarios of audio transcription.

I want to transcribe easily and smoothly.

If you want a tool that is easy to use and allows you to quickly transcribe without getting confused, we recommend "Mr. Transcription."

It's very easy to operate!

Just open the page and upload your file.

Of course, in terms of performance, it is possible to use a high-performance AI speech recognition engine, so the accuracy of transcription is outstanding .

If you're not sure which one to use, try using Mr. Transcription first.

I want to transcribe many types of files.

If you want to transcribe many types of files , we recommend Mr. Transcription .

The feature of Mr. Transcription is that it can transcribe not only audio files but also images, videos, and PDF files .

Specifically, it supports the following file formats.

• Audio: .mp3 .wav .wma .m4a .aifc .flac .aac .aiff .aifc
• Video: .mp4 .mov .avi .flv .mkv .webm .wmv .3gp
• Images: .jpg .jpeg .png .webp
• Text: .pdf

Of course, you can also just upload audio files recorded on your iPhone or Android smartphone.

You can transcribe it without any hesitation.

Another point is that there is no need to convert video files to audio files .

If you want to easily transcribe using AI without having to worry about file formats, we recommend Mr. Transcription.

I want to take the minutes of the meeting.

If you are given audio data from a meeting and want to transcribe it, we recommend "Mr. Transcription" !

As I mentioned above, ``Transcription'' supports not only audio data but also video data, so when you want to transcribe a video of a lecture or conference, you don't have to worry about converting the video file to an audio file. It doesn't cost anything.

Another good option is ``Voice Rep Pro.''
Additionally, if you are participating in the meeting yourself, the ``User Local Audio Minute System'' is also convenient.

If you don't have the time to transcribe by hand, it's a good idea to use an outsourcing service such as Koerabo.

How much is the outsourcing market price for audio transcription? [Explanation of tips for requesting cheap requests]｜Transcription

I want to transcribe the interview

If you want to use your smartphone as a voice recorder while simultaneously recording and transcribing in real time, ``Texter'' and ``Notta'' are useful.

If you would like to prepare a separate IC recorder, ``AutoMemo'', which comes as a set with a transcription service, is perfect (note that it comes with the hardware as a set).

As with minutes, if you are only given audio data, try using ``Mr. Transcription.''

I want to use it like a voice memo

Among apps and services other than standard smartphone voice memos, we recommend ``Texter'' and ``Edivoice'' if you want to easily take voice memos on the go.

Texter is also compatible with Apple Watch, so you can record voice memos even when your smartphone is in your pocket or bag.

If you want to sit down in front of your computer and input a certain amount of text by voice, you might find it convenient to use ``Voice Rep Pro,'' which has a built-in editor that also includes proofreading tools.

If you just want to record something, a smartphone standard voice memo or recorder app is actually sufficient.
If you want to transcribe it using an external service, you can upload the file to Mr. Transcription .

I want to transcribe English audio

"Mr. Transcription" supports 99 different languages, including English!

Otter is a tool that specializes in English audio transcription .
Other tools that claim to be compatible with English, such as Notta, are also a good option.
Notta supports many languages ​​and has a built-in translation function, so it is also suitable for those who want to use it as a language learning tool.

I want to use it in an offline environment

Almost all recent transcription services, including the tools introduced this time, use AI to convert speech to text in the cloud, so they cannot be used in places without an internet connection.

*For manual transcription services, audio data is mainly exchanged via the internet.

If you want to perform transcription work in an environment where you cannot connect to the Internet,

• Offline environment: Recording, text correction, etc.
• Online environment: Automatic transcription only when connected to the internet

It is necessary to use them properly.

We recommend recording with an IC recorder or smartphone in an offline environment, and when you can connect to the internet, use an AI transcription service like Mr. Transcription .

Alternatively, you could acquire existing stock of standalone software such as Dragon Speech or AmiVoice SP2, which are currently discontinued.

Types of transcription tools

We have introduced various types of transcription tools, including those that can be used for free, and recommendations for each scene.
From here, let's take a closer look at the features of the transcription tool .

What types of transcription tools are there?

There are several classifications, including AI and manual methods, web and PC/smartphone apps, but what are the differences?

AI transcription and manual transcription

One of the classifications of transcription is whether it is ``transcribed by AI'' or ``transcribed by hand using a keyboard.''

Most of the tools and services introduced this time are AI transcription services.
Among the services I introduced, ``Koerabo'' is a service where writers transcribe text.

It feels like the spread of AI is progressing all at once, with Stable Diffusion (image generation AI) in 2022 and ChatGPT in 2023.
Of course, AI is the biggest reason why high-quality transcription services are becoming more accessible.

Even before that, the ability to transcribe audio files on a computer existed.
However, until AI became widespread in recent years, it could be said that it lacked practicality .
Some of you may have tried voice input on an old computer and found it unusable.

So, previously, if you wanted to transcribe something, you had no choice but to keep typing on the keyboard while listening to the audio file.
Do you take the time to transcribe it yourself, or pay a professional to do it for you?
In both cases, the end result was that a person was typing on a keyboard.

But not now!
High-quality transcription, including ``Mr. Transcription'' , is free - available at a very reasonable price!

Transcription is one of the areas benefiting the most from AI .
If you only know old transcription software, try it and you will be amazed at its performance!

Please try out transcription for free.

Environment for transcription (web/PC/smartphone)

Next, the type of environment in which transcription is performed is another classification.
The difference is whether you do it on the web, or with a PC or smartphone app .

In the past, recognizing and transcribing speech was often done by installing an app (software) on a PC.
However, things have changed now that AI transcription has become widespread.

AI transcription is mainly used from the web

Now that AI transcription services have become widespread, the most commonly used services are web, that is, services used with browsers such as Chrome, Safari, and Edge.

For example, with ``Mr. Transcription'', all you have to do is open the top page and upload files such as audio and video!

In this way, many AI transcription services are used by opening the service's website in a browser .

The biggest reason why many AI transcriptions are done in a web environment is that a high-performance computer is required to use advanced AI .
Some enthusiasts run various types of AI on high-performance PCs at home, but not all AIs can be run on PCs that can be installed at home.
Also, even if AI were to work on your home PC, you would not be able to import the audio data to your home PC if you want to transcribe it for work.

On the other hand, if you are uploading an audio file to a powerful computer over the Internet, the performance of your home computer is irrelevant.

Can be used in any web environment

Also, there is another benefit to using transcription services from the web!

This means that you can use it in any environment, whether it's a PC or a smartphone .

For example , if you record using your smartphone while on the go, you can upload it to an AI transcription service from your browser.
When you return to the office, check the transcription results on your computer .
You can easily use it like that.

Of course, it doesn't take much time to install.

If you are currently using a transcription service , we recommend using a web service such as ``Mr. Transcription'' !

Upload or real time?

One last point: whether you upload an audio file and transcribe it, or whether what you're saying is transcribed in real time depends on the service.

The difference between an upload service and a real-time service is the time it takes to complete the transcription .
Of course, with real-time transcription services, transcription is completed the moment the meeting ends.
On the other hand, with transcription services that require uploading, no matter how fast the recording is finished, it takes time to upload and wait for the process to finish.

however.
You need to consider how much time difference there will be in actual use.
For example, in the case of minutes or interviews, in order to summarize them in their final form, it is necessary to check the transcription for errors, kanji conversion, and proper noun errors .
This effort is also necessary for real-time transcription.

Additionally, upload-to-transcribe services such as ``Transcription'' have the advantage of being compatible with many types of audio and video files, since you only need to upload the file later .

A real-time transcription service is required for purposes such as "simultaneously distributing transcribed content," but for other purposes, a service that uploads files and uses them may be more flexible .

Recommended types of transcription tools

So far, we have looked at the types of transcription tools from various aspects.

So, with that in mind, what tools do you recommend?

In conclusion

• AI transcription
• Use from the web
• Upload and use

This is recommended if you are going to transcribe from now on.

If you are looking for a transcription service, if you choose these three points, you are sure to get good results.

``Mr. Transcription'' is one such transcription tool, so why not try it for free first?

Things to consider when choosing a transcription tool

So, what should you pay attention to when choosing a transcription tool?

Check if you can try it for free

The first thing to keep in mind when choosing a transcription tool.
That's why you can try it for free before paying to use it .

For example, you can try ``Mr. Transcription'' for free without registering (click here for more information about the free trial) .

Why is a free trial feature like this important?
This is because you can check how high the quality of the transcription can actually be .

It would be a shame if you couldn't transcribe it until you paid, and the quality was poor when it was actually transcribed.
Although the performance of AI transcription is steadily improving, there are some issues that make it unsuitable, depending on the quality of the audio, such as audio from specialized fields or noise .
Therefore , by transcribing only part of the audio in a test, you can see whether each transcription service can smoothly transcribe the audio you want to transcribe .

You can try “Mr. Transcription” for free!

As I mentioned above, you can try “Mr. Transcription” for free!
You can try it for free for up to 1 minute without registering, but by registering as a free member, you can use AI to transcribe audio files of up to 1 minute each day for up to 10 minutes.

Why not try out the high quality of the latest AI transcription for free?

Check the time when you can transcribe

The amount of time you can transcribe varies depending on the tool.
Also, even with the same service, the amount of time you can transcribe may vary depending on the plan.

For example, ``Mr. Transcription'' has multiple plans, ranging from a free plan that allows you to transcribe for up to 10 minutes per day to a plan that allows you to transcribe for 20 hours per month (Reference: Mr. Transcription's Features | Audio/ Transcription of videos and images) .
When subscribing to a transcription tool, choose one that matches the length of the audio you are transcribing and the frequency of transcription.

Check security

Security is a concern when using transcription tools.
Especially for business purposes such as transcription of meeting minutes, it is only natural that you will not be allowed to use the service for work unless it is recognized as having no security issues.

Therefore, when choosing a transcription tool, it is important to check whether each service has appropriate security measures .

For example, in the case of Mr. Transcription, we have taken thorough security measures, including not leaving any logs in the AI ​​engine (Reference 1: "Specifications and Security" Reference 2: "Terms of Service" ).
This is the most important point when using transcription for work , so be sure to check the security measures of the transcription service in advance!

How many languages ​​does it support?

The most common people reading this article are probably looking for a Japanese transcription tool.
However, an important point is how many languages ​​it supports .

Japanese is of course available, but many services available in Japan also support English.
However, other languages ​​may not be supported unless you select a service.

Why multilingual support is important.
This is because transcription can easily be translated into Japanese .

Translation is also an area where the quality has suddenly improved thanks to the power of AI, including DeepL, which is now very popular.
By combining AI transcription and AI translation, you can easily read business documents from overseas.

For example, "Mr. Transcription" supports 99 languages!
When choosing a transcription tool, don't forget to check whether it supports multiple languages.

summary

This time, we have explained recommended audio transcription tools and how to choose and use them .

Finally, I would like to summarize the software and services introduced in the article once again.

• Mr. Transcription : Versatile. Just upload the file and AI will automatically transcribe it.
• Texter : Easy voice memo/transcription on iPhone or Apple Watch
• Edivoice : High-performance voice input keyboard for Android
• Notta : A smartphone transcription app that is strong in translation. A dedicated microphone is also recommended.
• AutoMemo : IC recorder + transcription tool set
• Koerabo : Transcription service by writers
• Voice Rep Pro : Windows software that makes manual transcription easy
• User local audio minutes system : Easily create minutes of web conferences by sharing URL
• Otter : English-specific transcription tool with convenient speaker identification and automatic highlighting functions
• Group Transcribe : Meeting transcription tool provided by Microsoft
• RIMO Voice : Transcription tool that can be used for hourly billing
• YOMEL : Transcription tool specialized for meetings
• Recoco : Free app for iPhone
• Speechy Lite : Free iPhone app, features available with purchase
• AmiVoice Cloud Platform : Add transcription functionality to your own tools and development apps

Each tool has its own strengths and weaknesses, so choose the best software or service for what you want to do, and sometimes try combining them through trial and error!

Many of them are free to try, so it's important to try them out and get a feel for how easy they are to use.

■ AI transcription service "Mr. Transscription"

"Mr. Transcription" is an online transcription tool that can be used from zero initial cost and 1,000 yen per month (* free version available).

• Supports more than 20 file formats such as audio, video, and images
• Can be used from both PC and smartphone
• Supports technical terms such as medical care, IT, and long-term care
• Supports creation of subtitle files and speaker separation
• Supports transcription in approximately 100 languages ​​including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French, Italian, etc.

To use it, just upload the audio file from the site. Transcription text is available in seconds to tens of minutes.
You can use it for free if you transcribe it for up to 10 minutes, so please try it once.

It is "Mr. Transcription" who can easily transcribe from audio, video, and images. Transcription allows you to transcribe for up to 10 minutes for free. You can copy, download, search, delete, etc. the transcribed text. You can also create subtitle files, which is ideal for transcription of interview videos.

HP: mojiokoshi3.com
Email: mojiokoshi3.com@gmail.com