Top 18+ Free Transcription Software for Mac

Transcription software is a valuable tool for anyone who needs to convert audio or video files into text. It can save you time, money, and effort, and it can help you to improve the accuracy of your transcripts.

What is Transcription Software?

Transcription software is a specialized technology designed to convert spoken language from audio or video recordings into written text. This software uses advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence to recognize and transcribe spoken words, making it an invaluable tool for a wide range of applications.

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Here are some of the reasons why transcription software is so useful:

• It can save you time. Transcription software can transcribe audio files much faster than a human can. This means that you can get your transcripts back much sooner, which can be a huge time saver if you need them for a deadline.
• It can save you money. Transcription software is much cheaper than hiring a human transcriber. This can be a major benefit if you need to transcribe a large number of audio files.
• It can improve the accuracy of your transcripts. Transcription software can be more accurate than human transcribers, especially for difficult-to-understand audio files. This is because transcription software uses algorithms to identify words and phrases, which can help to reduce errors.
• It can be used for a variety of purposes. Transcription software can be used for a variety of purposes, including transcribing interviews, lectures, meetings, and court proceedings. It can also be used to create subtitles for videos or to convert audio books into text.

Of course, transcription software is not perfect. It can still make mistakes, especially if the audio quality is poor or if the speaker is speaking quickly or in a noisy environment. However, transcription software is a valuable tool that can save you time, money, and effort.

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1. Descript

Descript is a cloud-based transcription software that offers a variety of features, including automatic transcription, editing tools, and collaboration features. It is a good choice for users who need to transcribe a variety of audio and video files, and who want to collaborate with others on transcripts.

Pros:

• Automatic transcription: Descript can automatically transcribe audio and video files, which can save you a lot of time.
• Editing tools: Descript offers a variety of editing tools, such as the ability to cut, copy, paste, and delete text, as well as the ability to add timestamps and annotations.
• Collaboration features: Descript allows you to collaborate with others on transcripts, which can be helpful for projects with multiple contributors.
• Integrations: Descript integrates with a variety of other software, such as Zoom, Google Drive, and Slack.
• Cloud-based: Descript is a cloud-based software, which means that you can access your transcripts from anywhere.

Cons:

• Cost: Descript is a paid software, with plans starting at $12/month.
• Learning curve: Descript has a bit of a learning curve, so it may take some time to get used to it.
• Accuracy: The accuracy of the automatic transcription can vary depending on the quality of the audio file.
• Features: Descript is not as feature-rich as some other transcription software, such as Otter.ai.

Descript is a powerful transcription software that offers a variety of features. It is a good choice for users who need to transcribe audio and video files quickly and easily. However, it is important to consider the cost, learning curve, and accuracy of the software before making a decision.

2. Otter.ai

Otter.ai is another cloud-based transcription software that offers automatic transcription, speaker identification, and search capabilities. It is a good choice for users who need to transcribe meetings, interviews, or lectures

Pros:

• Automatic transcription: Otter.ai can automatically transcribe audio and video files, which can save you a lot of time.
• Real-time transcription: Otter.ai can transcribe audio files in real time, which can be helpful for meetings and interviews.
• Speaker identification: Otter.ai can identify different speakers in a conversation, which can be helpful for keeping track of who is saying what.
• Searchable transcripts: Otter.ai transcripts are searchable, which makes it easy to find specific information.
• Collaboration features: Otter.ai allows you to collaborate with others on transcripts, which can be helpful for projects with multiple contributors.
• Integrations: Otter.ai integrates with a variety of other software, such as Zoom, Google Drive, and Slack.
• Free plan: Otter.ai offers a free plan that allows you to transcribe up to 600 minutes of audio per month.

Cons:

• Accuracy: The accuracy of the automatic transcription can vary depending on the quality of the audio file and the accent of the speaker.
• Features: Otter.ai does not offer as many features as some other transcription software, such as Descript.
• Cost: Otter.ai’s paid plans can be expensive, especially for businesses.
• Learning curve: Otter.ai has a bit of a learning curve, so it may take some time to get used to it.

3. Rev

Rev is a human-powered transcription service that offers high-quality transcripts at a variety of price points. It is a good choice for users who need high-accuracy transcripts for legal, medical, or other sensitive matters.

Here are some pros and cons of using Rev software:

Pros of Rev Software:

1. Accuracy: Rev is known for its high level of accuracy. The combination of human transcriptionists and AI technology ensures that the transcriptions are reliable and error-free.
2. Fast Turnaround: Rev offers quick turnaround times for transcription services, which is particularly useful when you need transcriptions on short notice.
3. Various Transcription Types: Rev provides transcription services for a wide range of content, including interviews, meetings, podcasts, videos, and more. They also offer specialized services like legal and medical transcription.
4. User-Friendly Interface: Rev’s online platform is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Uploading files and managing transcription orders is straightforward.
5. Competitive Pricing: Rev offers competitive pricing for its transcription services, making it an affordable option for individuals and businesses.
6. Multiple Language Support: Rev supports transcription in various languages, which is useful for international clients or non-English content.

Cons of Rev Software:

1. Cost: While Rev’s pricing is competitive, it may still be relatively expensive for individuals or freelancers with tight budgets, especially for large volumes of transcription.
2. Limited Editing Tools: The editing tools provided by Rev are somewhat basic. If you need extensive editing or formatting, you may need to use additional software.
3. Privacy Concerns: When using Rev, you may need to share potentially sensitive or confidential audio or video files with their platform, which could raise privacy concerns depending on the nature of your content.
4. No Real-Time Transcription: Rev does not offer real-time transcription services, which could be a drawback for those who require immediate or live transcription.
5. Limited Voice Recognition: While Rev uses AI for transcription, it may not be as advanced in voice recognition as some dedicated voice recognition software.
6. Audio Quality Dependency: The accuracy of Rev’s transcriptions is highly dependent on the quality of the audio or video files you provide. Poor audio quality can lead to less accurate results.

Rev software offers accurate and efficient transcription services with fast turnaround times, making it a popular choice for many users. However, it may not be the ideal solution for those on a tight budget or those requiring extensive editing and formatting options. Additionally, users should be mindful of potential privacy concerns when uploading sensitive content to a third-party platform.

4. Speechpad

Speechpad is another human-powered transcription service that offers transcripts in a variety of languages. It is a good choice for users who need transcripts in languages other than English.

Pros of Speechpad:

1. Accurate Transcription: Speechpad is known for its accuracy in transcription services. They use a combination of human transcriptionists and AI technology to deliver precise transcriptions.
2. Multiple Service Offerings: In addition to transcription, Speechpad provides captioning and translation services, making it a versatile platform for various language-related needs.
3. Customization: Speechpad offers customization options, allowing you to specify transcription style, formatting, and timestamps according to your preferences.
4. Flexible Turnaround Times: Users can choose from different turnaround time options, ranging from fast delivery to more cost-effective options for less urgent projects.
5. Audio Enhancement: Speechpad offers audio enhancement services, which can improve the quality of your audio files and subsequently lead to better transcription results.
6. API Integration: Speechpad offers an API that allows users to integrate their transcription and captioning services into their own applications and workflows.

Cons of Speechpad:

1. Cost: Speechpad’s pricing can be relatively high, especially for projects with tight budgets. The cost varies based on factors like turnaround time and additional services.
2. Limited Real-Time Options: Speechpad does not offer real-time transcription services, which could be a limitation for users who require immediate transcriptions for live events or broadcasts.
3. Privacy Concerns: As with any transcription service, using Speechpad may involve sharing potentially sensitive or confidential audio or video files, which could raise privacy concerns depending on the content.
4. Limited Editing Tools: While Speechpad provides basic customization options, more advanced editing and formatting tools may be limited compared to dedicated editing software.
5. Reliance on Audio Quality: The accuracy of Speechpad’s transcriptions is heavily dependent on the quality of the audio or video files provided. Poor audio quality can result in less accurate transcriptions.
6. Variable Quality: The quality of the transcriptions can vary depending on the complexity of the content and the transcriptionists working on the project.

5. TranscribeMe

TranscribeMe is a human-powered transcription service that offers transcripts with a quick turnaround time. It is a good choice for users who need transcripts quickly, such as for news or media purposes.

Pros:

• Fast turnaround times: TranscribeMe offers fast turnaround times, with transcripts available in as little as 1 hour.
• Affordable prices: TranscribeMe offers affordable prices, with plans starting at $0.09/minute.
• Wide range of file formats: TranscribeMe can transcribe a wide range of file formats, including audio, video, and PDF files.
• Multiple languages: TranscribeMe can transcribe in over 120 languages.
• Human transcription: TranscribeMe uses human transcribers, which ensures accuracy and quality.
• Customer support: TranscribeMe offers 24/7 customer support.

Cons:

• Minimum order size: TranscribeMe has a minimum order size of 10 minutes.
• No editing: TranscribeMe does not offer editing services.
• No speaker identification: TranscribeMe does not offer speaker identification.
• No real-time transcription: TranscribeMe does not offer real-time transcription.

TranscribeMe is a good choice for users who need fast, affordable, and accurate transcription services. However, it is important to be aware of the minimum order size and the lack of editing and speaker identification features before making a decision.

6. Notta

Notta is a cloud-based transcription software that offers automatic transcription, editing tools, and collaboration features. It is a good choice for users who are on a budget.

Pros:

• Automatic transcription: Notta can automatically transcribe audio files, which can save you a lot of time.
• High accuracy: Notta has a high accuracy rate, even for difficult-to-understand audio files.
• Wide range of features: Notta offers a variety of features, such as speaker identification, search, and editing.
• Cloud-based: Notta is a cloud-based software, which means that you can access your transcripts from anywhere.
• Free plan: Notta offers a free plan that allows you to transcribe up to 120 minutes of audio per month.

Cons:

• Limited editing: Notta’s editing features are limited, so you may need to edit the transcripts manually.
• Cost: Notta’s paid plans can be expensive, especially for businesses.
• Learning curve: Notta has a bit of a learning curve, so it may take some time to get used to it.
• Not available in all languages: Notta is not available in all languages.

Notta is a good choice for users who need to transcribe audio files quickly and easily. However, it is important to consider the accuracy, features, cost, and learning curve of the software before making a decision.

7. Happy Scribe

Happy Scribe is a user-friendly transcription software service with good accuracy and a range of features suitable for a variety of transcription needs.

Its multilingual support, customization options, and competitive pricing make it a valuable tool for individuals, content creators, researchers, and businesses.

However, users should be mindful of the quality of the source audio/video and consider their specific editing and collaboration requirements when evaluating Happy Scribe for their transcription projects.

Pros:

• Automatic transcription: Happy Scribe can automatically transcribe audio files, which can save you a lot of time.
• High accuracy: Happy Scribe has a high accuracy rate, even for difficult-to-understand audio files.
• Wide range of features: Happy Scribe offers a variety of features, such as speaker identification, search, and editing.
• Cloud-based: Happy Scribe is a cloud-based software, which means that you can access your transcripts from anywhere.
• Translation: Happy Scribe can translate your transcripts into over 120 languages.
• Free plan: Happy Scribe offers a free plan that allows you to transcribe up to 30 minutes of audio per month.

Cons:

• Limited editing: Happy Scribe’s editing features are limited, so you may need to edit the transcripts manually.
• Cost: Happy Scribe’s paid plans can be expensive, especially for businesses.
• Learning curve: Happy Scribe has a bit of a learning curve, so it may take some time to get used to it.
• Not available in all languages: Happy Scribe is not available in all languages.

8. Express Scribe

Express Scribe is a widely-used transcription software designed for professional typists and transcriptionists. With its user-friendly interface and robust features, it streamlines the transcription process by allowing users to control audio playback with keyboard shortcuts, foot pedals, and variable speed options.

It supports a variety of audio formats, making it versatile for different transcription needs. Express Scribe’s ability to handle both audio and video files, coupled with its time-stamping and speaker identification features, enhances transcription accuracy and efficiency. This software is a valuable tool for those seeking an efficient and dedicated solution for their transcription work.

9. Sonix

Sonix is an innovative transcription software that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence to effortlessly convert spoken words from audio and video recordings into accurate, text-based transcripts.

Its lightning-fast processing speed and user-friendly interface make it a must-have tool for professionals across various industries, from content creators and journalists to researchers and legal professionals. Sonix’s commitment to accuracy, ease of use, and the ability to handle multiple languages makes it an indispensable asset for anyone seeking efficient, high-quality transcriptions to enhance their workflow and productivity.

10. Otranscribe

oTranscribe is a popular and user-friendly open-source transcription tool. Designed for simplicity and efficiency, it simplifies the transcription process by providing a distraction-free text editor combined with audio playback controls.

Users can upload audio or video files and use keyboard shortcuts to control playback, rewind, and pause, making it easy to transcribe spoken content accurately. Additionally, oTranscribe supports various audio and video formats, allowing flexibility in the types of files you can work with.

It’s a valuable tool for anyone looking for a straightforward and free solution for transcribing interviews, podcasts, lectures, and more.

11. Simon Says AI

Simon Says AI is an innovative transcription and video editing tool powered by artificial intelligence. It specializes in simplifying the process of transcribing audio and video content, making it an essential tool for content creators, video editors, and professionals in various fields.

With its advanced speech recognition technology, Simon Says AI can automatically generate accurate transcriptions, saving users valuable time and effort. Beyond transcription, it offers features like captioning and subtitling, simplifying the task of making video content more accessible and engaging.

Its versatility and ease of use make it a valuable asset for those who rely on transcriptions and captions to enhance their multimedia projects.

12. InqScribe

InqScribe is a versatile transcription software designed to streamline the transcription and subtitling process. It’s a valuable tool for researchers, academics, filmmakers, and anyone who needs to work with audio and video content.

InqScribe allows users to transcribe spoken words while easily syncing the text with media playback. Its user-friendly interface offers customizable keyboard shortcuts and the ability to insert time codes, facilitating precise transcription. Users can work with various media formats, making it adaptable for different projects.

InqScribe’s compatibility with multiple languages and the option to export transcripts to various file formats make it a comprehensive solution for professionals and students alike who require efficient and accurate transcription capabilities.

13. FTW Transcriber

FTW Transcriber is a free and open-source transcription software that offers automatic transcription and editing tools. It is a good choice for users who are on a budget or who want a free transcription software option.

FTW Transcriber is indeed a valuable free and open-source transcription software. It caters to users looking for a cost-effective solution while maintaining essential transcription and editing features. Here are some key highlights:

1. Cost-Effective: Being free and open-source, FTW Transcriber is an excellent choice for individuals or organizations looking to manage transcription tasks without incurring additional expenses.

2. Automatic Transcription: The software offers automatic transcription capabilities, allowing users to save time on the initial transcription process.

3. Editing Tools: FTW Transcriber includes basic editing tools that enable users to make corrections, add timestamps, and format transcriptions as needed.

4. Media Compatibility: It supports various media formats, ensuring versatility and compatibility with different types of audio and video files.

5. User-Friendly Interface: FTW Transcriber aims to provide an intuitive and user-friendly interface, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced transcriptionists.

6. Time Stamping: The software allows for easy insertion of time stamps, which is useful for referencing specific sections of the transcription.

7. Playback Controls: Users can control media playback within the software, simplifying the synchronization of audio or video with the transcription text.

8. Platform Compatibility: FTW Transcriber is available for both Windows and macOS, enhancing its accessibility to a wider range of users.

9. Community Support: Being open-source, FTW Transcriber benefits from a community of developers and users who can contribute to its improvement and share their experiences and solutions.

While FTW Transcriber offers many advantages, users should be aware that it may not provide the same level of accuracy and advanced features as some paid transcription software or services. Additionally, the quality of the transcription may still depend on factors such as the quality of the source audio or video.

14. Whisper

“Whisper” is a free and open-source transcription software, known for its automatic transcription capabilities and editing tools. It serves as an excellent choice for users seeking a budget-friendly or free transcription solution. Whisper allows for efficient transcription and editing, making it valuable for individuals and organizations with cost considerations. However, users should keep in mind that the accuracy of automatic transcription can vary depending on factors like audio quality and clarity. Whisper is a testament to the accessibility and versatility of open-source software in meeting transcription needs without the financial burden of premium options.

15. Apple Dictate

Apple Dictate is a speech-to-text feature built into macOS. It allows you to dictate text into any app that supports it, such as Messages, Mail, Notes, and Pages.

To use Apple Dictate, first make sure that it is turned on. On your Mac, open System Preferences, then click Keyboard. In the Dictation section, make sure that the checkbox next to “Enable Dictation” is checked.

Once Apple Dictate is turned on, you can start dictating by pressing ⌘+Spacebar. A microphone icon will appear on the screen, and you can start speaking. Apple Dictate will transcribe your speech into text.

To stop dictating, press ⌘+Spacebar again.

Apple Dictate supports a variety of languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, and Chinese. It also supports a variety of accents.

The accuracy of Apple Dictate depends on the quality of your speech and the ambient noise level. If the audio is poor, the transcription may be inaccurate.

Here are some tips for using Apple Dictate:

• Speak clearly and slowly.
• Avoid background noise.
• Speak in a quiet room.
• Speak directly into the microphone.
• If you make a mistake, you can delete the text by pressing ⌫.
• You can also edit the text after you have dictated it.

Apple Dictate is a powerful tool that can help you save time and effort. It is a great way to dictate text into emails, documents, and other apps.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about Apple Dictate:

• Apple Dictate is not available in all languages.
• Apple Dictate is not always accurate, especially for difficult-to-understand audio files.
• You may need to edit the transcripts manually.

Apple Dictate is a good choice for users who need to dictate text into apps on their Mac. However, it is important to be aware of the limitations of the software before making a decision

16. MacWhisper

MacWhisper is a free and open-source transcription software for Mac. It uses OpenAI’s Whisper technology to transcribe audio files into text.

MacWhisper is a simple and easy-to-use software. To use it, simply drag and drop an audio file onto the app icon. MacWhisper will then transcribe the audio file into text.

MacWhisper supports a variety of audio formats, including MP3, WAV, and AAC. It also supports a variety of languages, including English, French, German, Spanish, and Chinese.

The accuracy of MacWhisper depends on the quality of the audio file and the ambient noise level. If the audio is poor, the transcription may be inaccurate.

Here are some of the pros and cons of MacWhisper:

Pros:

• Free and open-source software
• Simple and easy to use
• Supports a variety of audio formats and languages
• High accuracy for good quality audio files

Cons:

• Not as accurate for poor quality audio files
• No editing features
• Not as many features as some other transcription software

Overall, MacWhisper is a good choice for users who need to transcribe audio files quickly and easily. It is a free and open-source software that is simple and easy to use. However, it is important to be aware of the limitations of the software before making a decision