Best AI tools for transcription

Turn audio and video into accurate text.

10 tools ranked · Editorial order · Last updated Oct 14, 2026 · How we rank

Some outbound links may be affiliate links: if you buy, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Rankings are independent. Disclosure

#1

TurboScribe
Freemium Our pick

Unlimited Whisper transcription at a great price.

Best for: High-volume personal use

Review Visit ↗
#2

MacWhisper
Freemium

Private, offline transcription on a Mac.

Best for: Privacy-sensitive audio

Review Visit ↗
#3

Descript
Freemium

Transcribe and edit media in one place.

Best for: Podcasters and video editors

Review Visit ↗
#4

Otter.ai
Freemium

Live transcription for meetings and lectures.

Best for: Live audio

Review Visit ↗
#5

Whisper
Free

Free, open, and runs anywhere.

Best for: Developers

Review Visit ↗
#6

AssemblyAI
Freemium

Feature-rich speech API.

Best for: Apps needing transcription

Review Visit ↗
#7

Deepgram
Freemium

Fast, low-cost real-time speech API.

Best for: Real-time apps

Review Visit ↗
#8

Rev
Freemium

Human-verified accuracy when it matters.

Best for: Legal and publishing

Review Visit ↗
#9

Sonix
Paid

Many languages with pay-as-you-go.

Best for: Multilingual audio

Review Visit ↗
#10

Trint
Paid

Collaboration for newsrooms.

Best for: Media teams

Review Visit ↗