1 Hour Audio Transcription: Time, Cost & Efficiency Tips
7 Best English Transcription Apps & Software (Audio/Video)
June 7, 2025
Transcribing English audio when you're not a native speaker seems impossible...
With the widespread use of web conferencing tools and chat apps, communicating in English with people overseas for business has become increasingly common.
Even for those who are fairly proficient in everyday English conversation, it's natural to worry about missing or misunderstanding things when it comes to business interactions.
Some people might even save conversations as voice memos (e.g., MP3 files) just in case, so they can listen back later.
This time, we'll introduce apps, services, and websites with convenient and unique features specifically for English transcription.
We'll also explain techniques for using transcription tools for English language learning. So, even if you don't often encounter English in your daily work or life, reading this article should help you discover the new benefits of English transcription tools and how to use them effectively.
They can also be helpful for improving your English listening and pronunciation skills.
Please read on to the end.
Top 7 Recommended English Transcription Apps & Services
Let's dive right into which apps and services are recommended for transcribing English audio!
From AI transcription websites to services where human transcribers type out content, you're sure to find the perfect service for your needs.
1. Mojiokoshi-san
This is an AI transcription service that supports numerous languages, including English.
It features "PerfectVoice," a highly accurate transcription AI that supports 100 languages.
In addition to audio files like MP3s recorded as voice memos, it can also extract text from video data, images, and PDFs, making it versatile for a wide range of uses.
Mojiokoshi-san is a web-based tool that you access through your web browser.
You can use it for free for up to 1 minute without user registration, so if you're unsure about English transcription, Mojiokoshi-san is a great place to start!
2. Group Transcribe
This is a Microsoft-made iOS app that also supports English.
Participants who have installed the app can start a shared session, and the app will transcribe everyone's speech collectively. It also includes a feature to automatically translate to your preferred language, making it a handy substitute for a simple interpreter.
You can also create a single-user session to use it as a personal voice memo tool, so its potential uses seem quite broad.
It's one option for AI transcription if you're an iPhone user.
3. Transcribe in Word
This is the Transcribe feature built into Word for the web.
This is another AI transcription service provided by Microsoft.
It's not just a bonus feature
It fully supports both real-time transcription and text conversion via file upload.
Since it's originally Word, the key advantage is the ability to smoothly edit the text directly.
Transcribe your recordings - Microsoft Support
4. Chrome Live Caption
Did you know that Google Chrome has an automatic captioning feature?
Settings → Advanced → Accessibility → Live Caption: On
This enables automatic captions to appear for audio like MP3s or videos like YouTube played in your browser.
You can also move the caption display position and change the font size and color.
Currently, it only supports English, but for users who regularly use Chrome, there's no reason not to take advantage of it.
This is a very convenient AI transcription feature for those who use Google Chrome regularly.
Use Live Caption in Chrome - Google Chrome Help
5. Editage
This is the transcription service site provided by Editage, which operates an English proofreading service.
A major characteristic is the accurate and meticulous service, typical of a service where writers transcribe manually. In addition to at least two stages of listening and transcribing, they also perform manuscript proofreading before delivery.
They not only offer transcription from English audio (including mixed Japanese and English voices) such as MP3s recorded with voice memos but also provide translation of the transcribed text, so even those who are not confident in their English skills can use it with peace of mind.
6. Otter.ai
This is a transcription tool specialized in English.
Otter.ai is a web-based service accessible from a website.
It has speaker identification, making it ideal for transcribing meetings and interviews.
With keyword search and automatic audio + text synchronization playback, it can also be used as an English learning (review) tool for listening and pronunciation practice.
While it doesn't support importing audio files like MP3s, there's a free plan available, so it's a good idea to try it out and see its accuracy.
7. One Minutes
One Minutes is an AI transcription tool that transcribes meetings in real-time, supporting over 10 languages, including English.
It does not have an upload function for MP3s or similar files; it is a real-time-only web-based service accessible via a web browser.
In addition to transcription, it also includes a feature to automatically generate summaries after the meeting ends.
This service is recommended if you have a specific purpose, as it is a highly specialized tool for creating meeting minutes.
For AI Transcription, 'Mojiokoshi-san' is Recommended [Free Plan Available]
So, among the English transcription apps and services introduced so far, which one is recommended?
The conclusion is that 'Mojiokoshi-san' is recommended!
- You can switch between two AI transcription engines that support English.
- Excellent AI transcription accuracy
can do
In addition to these performance strengths, a major advantage is that you can transcribe up to 1 minute for free without registration.
It's also incredibly easy to use: "Just open the top page and upload your audio file."
It supports all major file formats like MP3 and M4A, so you can transcribe files recorded directly from your smartphone's voice memo app.
What's more, you can transcribe for free for up to 1 minute without needing to register or log in!
If you're unsure, definitely try transcribing English with "Mojiokoshi-san"!
Tips for Using Transcription Tools for English Learning: Listening & Pronunciation
I barely use English for work now, but that might change in the future...
For those who want to learn how to use English transcription tools in preparation for future needs, and also improve their English skills:
We recommend the technique of utilizing transcription tools for English language learning.
- Listening to English videos
- Listening to English audio
- Pronunciation practice (checking)
The three main methods are listed above.
By using the many video files (like YouTube) and audio files (like MP3) available online, or by utilizing your smartphone's voice memo function, you can significantly boost your listening and pronunciation skills.
Let's explain each in detail.
Listening to English Videos
While more and more videos now come with standard English subtitles, transcription tools allow you to easily add English subtitles to videos that don't have them.
You can use the abundant English videos available online to practice practical listening skills.
There are several ways to study listening using transcription tools and websites.
1. Extract English Subtitles from Video Audio (YouTube, TED, etc.)
The first method for listening practice is to use videos from YouTube, TED, and similar platforms.
Video sites have countless English video files, so you can study listening with content you enjoy.
The method is simple: transcribe the subtitles of the video from the video site, then watch while comparing the audio and the transcribed text.
If listening is difficult, we recommend using the video site's playback speed adjustment feature.
*Downloading from video sites can be illegal even for private use, so record with your smartphone or computer and then transcribe using a transcription tool.
2. Play Overseas DVDs on a Region-Free Player and Transcribe with a Connected Computer
This method is recommended for those who have specific dramas or movies they want to watch.
Play a DVD or Blu-ray disc and transcribe its audio using a transcription service or website.
Then, just like with video sites, watch while comparing the transcribed subtitles with the audio.
Some overseas DVDs cannot be played on players sold in Japan.
When you want to study listening with such DVDs, it's recommended to use a "region-free" player.
3. Transcribe English Audio Directly with Your Smartphone's Microphone
Using your smartphone's microphone to capture and transcribe English audio is another method you can use for listening practice.
The method is simple.
While playing an English video, simply open a service or website that offers real-time transcription and transcribe the audio from the video.
However, real-time transcription tends to be less accurate compared to services or websites where you upload a recorded audio file for transcription.
For higher accuracy, it's recommended to record the English video as an audio file using a voice memo app on your smartphone or computer, and then transcribe it later with a transcription site like "Mojiokoshi-san".
Listening to English Audio Files
Here are some methods for listening practice using audio files like MP3s.
When studying listening with radio or audiobooks, having the transcribed text in addition to just listening to the English audio will facilitate smoother learning.
1. Transcribe Copyright-Free Audio Files (MP3s, etc.) like Speeches with a Transcription Tool
This method is highly recommended.
There are websites online that publish MP3 and other audio files useful for English study.
Once you've downloaded the MP3 or other audio file, upload it to a transcription site like "Mojiokoshi-san" to convert it to text.
Then, you can practice listening by playing the audio file while reading the transcribed text.
This is a two-birds-with-one-stone study method, allowing you to learn famous quotes and idioms that every American knows!
*As with videos, be mindful of copyright. It's recommended to use audio files of historical figures that have no copyright issues, or audio files from sites where downloads are permitted (e.g., audiobooks).
2. Transcribe English Audio Directly with Your Smartphone's Microphone
In addition to recording audio files with voice memos, you can also practice listening using tools and sites that offer real-time transcription.
The method is simple: open a real-time transcription tool or site on your smartphone, then use your smartphone's microphone to transcribe.
The appeal is the ease of quick, real-time transcription.
However, it's not ideal for review, which is crucial for studying, so if you want to listen repeatedly, it's recommended to record it as an audio file with a voice memo.
3. Review Parts You Couldn't Catch in Work, Conversations, or Classes
For those who frequently encounter English in their daily lives, a recommended study method is to transcribe and review parts you couldn't catch during work, conversations with foreign friends, or English classes/lectures.
This not only improves your listening skills but also helps you learn new expressions.
The method is also simple: first, record the conversation or lecture as an audio file using your smartphone's voice memo.
Then, simply transcribe it with a transcription site like "Mojiokoshi-san".
*When recording audio files with voice memos, it's recommended to confirm beforehand if it's okay to record.
Pronunciation Practice
This method involves having a transcription tool test your English audio (pronunciation).
It's reassuring if automatic transcription tools can accurately recognize pronunciation.
You can use transcription tools and websites to study pronunciation in the following ways:
1. Read English text aloud and compare the transcription with the original reading
Here's a method for practicing pronunciation on your own.
Open your phone's voice memo app, then read an English text aloud and record it.
Once the recording is finished, upload the audio file from your voice memo to a transcription site like 'Mojiokoshi-san' to convert it into text.
After transcription, compare the transcribed result of the audio file with the original English text to see how well they match.
If the English text is accurately transcribed, your pronunciation is perfect!
Parts where your pronunciation is incorrect will not be accurately transcribed (they might be transcribed as different words), so you can also check what pronunciations you struggle with.
2. Record and transcribe English conversation lessons with a voice memo
This is a recommended pronunciation practice method for those attending English conversation lessons.
During your English conversation lesson, record the content using your phone's voice memo.
Then, after returning home, simply upload the audio file recorded with the voice memo and transcribe it.
By reviewing the transcription results, you can see how accurate your pronunciation is.
*When recording audio files with a voice memo, be sure to ask your instructor for permission beforehand.
Summary
This time, we introduced English-compatible transcription apps and services, along with methods for studying listening and pronunciation.
Finally, as a recap, here's a summary of the English transcription tools introduced in the article:
In a business setting, even minor mishearings, omissions, or pronunciation errors can lead to unexpected problems.
To avoid such issues, it's recommended to use transcription tools and websites to confirm content, and to practice listening and pronunciation.
Not only for those who are not very proficient in English, but also for those who are reasonably confident in their English listening and pronunciation skills, actively utilize these support tools to avoid potential risks.
As explained in the latter half of the article, using transcription services can be extremely helpful for improving your listening and pronunciation skills, depending on how you apply them.
>Why not give it a try?
■ 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
Email: mojiokoshi3.com@gmail.com
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Transcription for audio / video / image transcription. It is a transcription service that anyone can use for free without installation.
- What is Mr. Transcription?
- Transcript images, sounds, and videos with Mr. Transcription
- Free registration
- Rate plan
- manual
