[All free] 7 transcription apps for iPhone and iOS! We explain the recommended apps for each function!
Sept. 19, 2024
Buying computer software that costs thousands or tens of thousands of yen or signing up for paid subscription services is a bit...
For those of you who are looking for a transcription app like this, we'll introduce you to a free and easy-to-use transcription app for iOS on your iPhone .
Recently, we often hear about "automatic transcription tools."
This is a useful tool that can write text using only voice and automate meeting minutes. I'm sure there are many people who would like to try it out.
Another point to note is that high-quality transcription using AI has become widely available in recent years.
However, you may be hesitant to suddenly use paid software or a subscription service. To be honest, you probably want to try out a tool in a completely new genre for free first to see how easy it is to use.
Also, since computers are often used for other tasks, being able to transcribe on a smartphone (iPhone) would be useful in a variety of situations.
You can easily use it even when you're out and about.
So this time, we have compiled a list of carefully selected free iPhone transcription services and iOS apps.
Each method is different, so you're sure to find one that best suits your needs.
7 Recommended iPhone/iOS Transcription Services/Apps
Now, let's take a look at some recommended services and apps for transcribing on iPhone iOS.
1. Mr. Transcription
If you want to transcribe using your iPhone, we recommend "Mr. Transcription."
In addition to audio, it is also recommended for those who want to extract text from various files such as videos, images, and PDF documents .
Mr. Transcription is a service that uses AI to provide highly accurate, high-quality transcription.
In addition to the standard mp3, mp4, jpg, and png files, it supports over 20 other formats (extensions). Just upload a file from the top page and it will extract the text in no time.
In addition to the standard Google AI voice recognition engine, the service also uses AmiVoice, which is strong in Japanese.
It supports a wide range of transcription needs, including standard business uses such as interviews and meeting minutes.
You can also register dictionaries, so you can customize the accuracy yourself .
*To be precise, it is a "web app," so you use it via Safari, but you can also use it like an app by using the browser's "Add to home screen" function.
The free version allows you to save audio files up to one minute long. You don't need to register to use it, so if you're new to this kind of tool, why not give it a try?
2.Texter
Next, I'd like to introduce Texter.
As a transcription app that can be used on an iPhone, this is one that seems to be quite well-balanced.
- Real-time audio input
- Extract text from audio, video and image files
- Foreign Language Translation
It has all the basic functions, such as the above. The voice recognition accuracy seems to be quite high.
*Please note that the free version has limitations on the amount of audio that can be transcribed.
3.Recoco
Recoco is an iOS app that you install and use.
It is one of the easiest transcription apps to use that requires installation, so it is recommended for those who want to easily record and convert audio into text in real time, just like using an IC recorder.
Just launch the app and press the record button to simultaneously record audio and transcribe it. You can also take notes while you type.
The saved audio and text data is displayed on a timeline, making it easy to review later.
4. Speechy Lite
Speechy Lite is also a real-time voice input app that can be installed on iOS.
The key point is that with a little ingenuity you can import audio files (and convert them into text).
If you select "Share" from the audio data recorded with the standard voice memo, it will be automatically played and transcribed in Speechy.
The reading accuracy is also quite high. It is convenient that it automatically corrects incorrect kanji.
*Please use the free Lite version with caution as it has limitations on time and automatic conversion functions.
5. Group Transcribe
If you want to transcribe a group meeting (create minutes), we recommend this iOS app from Microsoft.
All participants launch the app and share a common meeting URL, making it possible to distinguish who is speaking.
General transcription tools convert the audio of different people into a single statement, making them unsuitable for taking minutes of meetings.
Since it also supports languages other than Japanese, it will likely come in handy in meetings where multiple languages are used.
You could say that this is a transcription app that makes use of the experience Microsoft has gained with Office.
6. Otter
This is an iOS app that specializes in transcribing English audio .
Highly accurate AI can accurately detect conversation breaks and paragraphs. By training the app, it can also identify the speaker.
It also looks like it could be useful as a meeting minutes tool, as recorded audio and text data can be easily shared with others and calendars can be synchronized.
The free version only supports real-time text conversion. The recorded data is saved, so you can import it into another app later.
7.Notta
This is the perfect iOS app for when you want to edit text data in detail later .
- Fast forward/rewind in 15 second increments
- Marking and cueing specific locations
- Keyword search and tagging
In addition to these convenient tools, it also supports multiple languages (104 languages). The most suitable voice recognition engine is selected for each language, so you can expect high accuracy.
The developer, Langogo Technology, also develops translation devices, so this app also has a built-in translation function (supports 41 languages).
Again, the free version only supports real-time transcription. The translation function is only available in the paid version, so if you try it out and like it, it's well worth the money.
For iPhone transcription, we recommend "Mr. Transcription"
So, which of the services and iOS apps we've introduced above is best to use?
The first thing I would recommend you try is, without a doubt, Mr. Transcription .
You can try it for free , and it's very easy to use; just upload your files.
The accuracy of AI transcription is very high, and you can also use multiple voice recognition engines to suit the content you want to transcribe.
If you're unsure, why not try it for free by clicking the link below?
Tips for effectively transcribing using standard iPhone (iOS) features
For those who think "even installing a new app is a hassle..." , here we will introduce techniques for transcribing text by making the most of the standard apps on your iPhone (iOS).
The iPhone's iOS comes equipped with AI voice recognition as standard.
Siri is an AI-based feature built into the iPhone.
When you talk to Siri, it understands what you say and responds accordingly.
"Siri will recognize what you say" -- Yes, this is actually exactly the same as the voice recognition that takes place during transcription.
In addition to Siri, the device also comes equipped with a feature called "Voice Control," which will be explained below.
Thanks to these features, the iPhone's iOS is capable of using AI to perform voice recognition in the default settings when you buy it.
So, what kind of transcription features does the iPhone have as standard?
Voice Control
Surprisingly, many people have difficulty making use of the iPhone's standard voice control (voice input) function.
Dictate text on your iPhone - Apple Support
It's easy to make a mistake, but strictly speaking, the "Voice Control" that can be called up from the IME (Japanese input keyboard) is a different function from Siri .
Features that Siri does not have include the ability to use it offline and the ability to input symbols by voice .
Examples of symbols that can be entered using iPhone Voice Control
- point:,
- circle:.
- Question:?
- Surprise Mark:!
- Colon:
- Semikoron: ;
- Nakaguro:
- Atmark: @
- Open brackets: (
- Open brackets and closing:)
- Quotation marks:
- "
- Conference: ⏎ (※Line break)
Memorizing these shortcut commands will make writing much smoother.
It's very easy to use.
You can call it up by tapping the microphone icon on the iPhone keyboard.
Voice Memos
The standard iPhone app , Voice Memo, is a feature that many people do not make effective use of.
It's especially convenient to use it on your Apple Watch.
Record with Voice Memos on iPhone - Apple Support
Simple trimming can also be done within the app.
As mentioned above, you can also use the "Share" feature to import audio files into other transcription apps.
It can also be synced and linked with your Mac via iCloud, so you can transcribe audio data recorded on your iPhone or smartwatch while on the go using your computer at home or in the office .
Voice Memo is a recording app with just the right amount of functionality , so it's extremely useful not only for transcribing using the standard iPhone functions, but also for recording audio files to be transcribed using other apps and services, including Transcriptionist.
The iPhone is also a great voice recorder
It's well-known that the sound quality of the wired earphones that came with old iPhones was actually very good.
Apple products, including the iPhone, still have very high quality acoustic performance as built-in hardware .
The standard iOS voice recorder is also much easier to use than the standard Android app.
Of course, it's inferior to dedicated recording equipment, but if you want to record with what you have on hand, the iPhone is a very good option.
Even if you want to transcribe, it's no good if the original sound quality is poor.
If you're unsure about what recording equipment to use, try using your iPhone and you might get better results than you expect.
iPhone (iOS) camera character recognition function
iOS 15 added a new feature called "Text Recognition Display" that allows you to read text in photos and easily copy and paste it.
Use Show Text Recognition and Explore Images on your iPhone - Apple Support
This handy feature allows you to automatically extract text from photos and images stored on your iPhone, or from any object you point the camera at in real time.
- Make a phone call
- Translate
- Copy and paste to other note apps
You'll be able to do this instantly.
This is a feature that has long been available in some camera apps and LINE, but it's nice to be able to do it in the standard app.
Although the accuracy is less than that of dedicated reading (OCR) apps, it is still useful enough for everyday use, so we recommend you give it a try.
[Free] 7 recommended image/PDF transcription (OCR) apps | Mr. Transcription
How to transcribe using Mr. Transcription on iPhone (iOS)
So far, we have explained how to transcribe using the iOS apps that come standard on the iPhone.
but,
- I want to transcribe with higher accuracy
- I want to transcribe longer audio
You might feel that way.
In such cases, we recommend the AI-based transcription service "Mr. Transcription."
In fact, Transcription doesn't even require installation.
"Even installing a new app is too much hassle..." But "Opening a page in a browser is too much hassle..."
This is perfect for you!
We will explain in detail how to use Mr. Transcription on your iPhone.
How to use "Mr. Transcription" on iPhone iOS
The process of transcribing using Mr. Transcription on an iPhone is very simple.
1. Open the Mr. Transcription page in your browser
First, open Mr. Transcription's homepage in your browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.).
2. Upload your files
If you scroll down a little, you will see a place to upload files.
*You can use the trial version (for less than 1 minute) even if you have not registered.
Tap "Select" to select a file.
From the file selection screen on your iPhone, select the file you want to transcribe (for the purposes of explanation, we are using a test audio recorded with a voice recorder).
Once you select your file, it will be uploaded and processed for transcription.
Let's wait a while.
*Files that are less than one minute long will be processed quickly in the trial version, so leave the browser open.
Reference: After registration
After registering, if you upload a long audio file, you will be notified by email after the transcription process is complete. If you use the service after registering, you can close your browser after the upload is complete.
↓Example of email notification
3. Processing complete
Once processing is complete, the transcription results will be displayed in your browser like this:
Reference: After registration
Even if you have registered and are not using the trial version, you can check the results from your browser like this.
Using Mr. Transcription is very easy
As you can see, it only takes three steps to use the AI transcription service "Mr. Transcription."
- 1. Open the page
- 2. Upload
- 3. Processing complete
With just this, you can transcribe the audio you have in front of you.
Voice recognition technology has made great strides over the past few years.
Yes, the biggest factor is the spread of a technology called AI.
Transcription-san is a service that uses AI to easily create highly accurate, high-quality transcriptions that anyone can use.
Why not try it out for yourself and see how easy it is to use?
Why not try out Mr. Transcription's free AI transcription service here?
Benefits of using Transcription-san on iPhone (iOS)
In this article, we have introduced various transcription apps and transcription services.
When you think of services to use on an iPhone, you may think of iOS apps, but Transcription is a service that can be used from a browser such as Safari .
However, in fact, there are several benefits to being able to use it without having to install it as an app .
No installation required, so it's easy
First of all, unlike transcription apps, it doesn't need to be installed on your iPhone so you can start using it right away .
Even if your iPhone is full of videos and photos and your storage capacity is running low, there's no need to worry.
This is also recommended for those who don't like having too many apps on their iPhone home screen.
...The benefit of not needing to install is very clear.
But in fact, that's not the only advantage to not having an app.
Smooth transcription even on low spec iPhones
Mr. Transcription is a web-based AI-based processing service that does not require installation on an iPhone.
The processing is not done by the iPhone itself, but by a computer on the other side of the Internet.
Therefore, the performance of the iPhone itself does not affect the accuracy or time of transcription.
The iPhone I'm using is an older model, so game apps feel slow.
I don't usually have much of a preference for smartphones.
Even in such cases, you can comfortably transcribe from your iPhone.
Can transcribe from older iPhones
When the iPhone's OS (iOS) is updated, some apps may no longer work on older iPhones.
Of course, there is no need to worry about that because Mr. Transcription can be used from a browser rather than an app.
Use an old iPhone you have at home as an IC recorder.
It is ideal for such use.
A variety of voice recognition engines available
All transcription services use a technology called AI to recognize speech.
One of the things that gives each app its individuality is the type of voice recognition engine (AI) that it uses .
For example, at Transcription-san, you can choose not only the standard Google, but also AmiVoice, a high-performance and standard AI voice recognition option .
In fact, this is the reason why we recommend Mr. Transcription over the iPhone's standard transcription feature.
Apple, the maker of the iPhone, also has highly advanced AI voice recognition, starting with Siri.
But of course, as long as you use the standard functions of the iPhone (iOS), you can only use Apple's voice recognition engine.
On the other hand, Mr. Transcription allows you to choose from multiple AI speech recognition engines to suit the audio you want to transcribe .
Therefore, even in difficult genres such as IT and medicine , they can transcribe with careful attention to technical terms.
If the AI voice recognition you currently use on your iPhone or Mac isn't quite enough for you, try Mr. Transcription for free.
Installation-free transcription is very convenient
In this way, Transcription-san, which can be used without installation, can be used very easily in a variety of environments.
Of course, you can also upload the transcribed audio from your iPhone and check it from your computer's browser.
If you're looking for an easy way to transcribe on iOS, try Mr. Transcription for free.
summary
This time, we explained free transcription apps that can be used on iPhone (iOS) .
To summarise, here is a list of the recommended apps introduced in the article .
- Transcription-san : Versatile and highly functional. If you're not sure what to choose, this is it. In addition to audio files, it can also transcribe videos, images, PDFs, etc.
- Texter : A versatile type. For those who want to try out different things.
- Recoco : For those who want to input voice in real time
- Speechy Lite : For those who want to convert files to text in addition to voice input.
- Group Transcribe : For those who want to create minutes of group meetings
- Otter : For those who want to transcribe English conversations
- Notta : For those who want features such as editing and sharing text data
There are many other types of transcription services, including paid apps and manual agencies, each with their own characteristics, so if you're interested, be sure to check out our other articles.
Also, when transcribing using iOS on your iPhone, we recommend using a service that doesn't require installation, such as "Transcription Mr."
Now, one last question.
How well do you use an iPhone?
It's possible that we are still only utilizing a few percent of the iPhone's potential (including standard features).
Please try out the apps and techniques introduced in this article right now and experience their convenience. I guarantee you'll fall in love with the iPhone all over again .
Transcription is becoming increasingly convenient with advances in AI.
Please feel free to use our iPhone transcription service in a way that suits you best.
■ 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.
Email: mojiokoshi3.com@gmail.com
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