Best 6 Ways to Transcribe Audio to Text in 2024
A transcription tool comes in handy when converting large audio files to text. However, tool selection for this purpose is crucial since you must consider accuracy and quality over processing. But why transcribe audio to text?
Why Transcribe Audio to Text?
If you have a hectic job of typing or transcribing the huge audio files of clients daily, it’s natural to feel tired. Transcribing audio files is a tedious and time-consuming task everyone wants to eliminate from their timeline. Plus, it gets even more stressful with the deadlines. So whether you have a slow typing speed or less time to complete such tasks, a transcription service can rescue you.
With an efficient tool, you can quickly transcribe audio to text. Since exploring multiple tools in the market is challenging, you can check out the details of some best ones presented below.
Way 1. Amberscript
Price: $32 per month
Platform: Online
Amberscript is a great option that provides you with video & audio transcription services. Working over efficient AI speech algorithms, you can transcribe your video and audio into subtitles and text. It ensures 100% accurate results due to its advanced technology.
More so, you can either go for their AI services to transcribe automatically or professional human subscribers for better results. However, AI is better for transcription of on & off projects. Even you can highlight, spell check, search & replace, and rotate easily.
- Pros:
- Cons:
Ensure accuracy with a fast turnaround
Offer GDPR Compliance for security
Let you edit the text as desired
The price is not suitable for the students
You may need to adjust the transcribed content
Way 2. Otter.ai
Price: $12.99 per month
Platform: Online
If you are looking for a free and affordable tool to transcribe your audio to text, Ottar.ai is the perfect solution. This real-time online speech-to-text program can transcribe your Google Meet meetings, lectures, and interviews. For more than one speaker, each one has a different ID to identify the transcriptions.
Also, you can collaborate with teams and generate live closed captions. Last but not least, it offers an application to organize and share text & audio files easily.
- Pros:
- Cons:
Help you record meeting notes
Offer a transcription of 300 free minutes
Support Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Cisco Webex, etc.
Require you to sign up before using it
Sometimes it couldn’t identify different speakers
Way 3. Windows Dictation
Price: Free
Platform: Windows
Here comes another excellent audio-to-text converter, Windows Dictation. It is already available as the default app for Windows users, so you only need to activate the tool if not before and start transcribing. You can fulfill the task anywhere since it is compatible with other apps like Word, PowerPoint, etc.
In addition, the transcription is simple, where you need to open the speech settings and turn on the online speech recognition feature. Press the Windows icon with the H button on any writing program and say Start and End to make text.
- Pros:
- Cons:
Require no internet connection and installation
Good at writing the correct spellings from audio
Offer an enhanced speed of writing
It can be used only to complete the essential work
Its limited vocabulary may not understand the jargon
Way 4. Transcribe by Wreally
Price: $20 per year
Platform: Online
Transcribe is a secure solution for transcribing audio files to text in around 60 languages. It helps you convert your calls, speeches, interviews, lectures, podcasts, or any other video or audio file into text.
Importing the audio with less background noise will require less time to transcribe. Even playing the audio and dictating it yourself is possible for the best results. Otherwise, you can go for the manual transcription to use the workflow tools and play the audio slowly.
- Pros:
- Cons:
Offer a one-week trial version
Easy to use with great accuracy
Ensure the privacy of your transcribed data
No free version and monthly plans are available
Automation works only for clear audio
Way 5. Google Docs Voice Typing
Price: Free
Platform: Online
As the name implies, Google Docs is an innovative way to create, edit, and share word documents easily. It provides an in-built voice typing feature to convert audio to text. Besides conversion, you can quickly access and share these text files via Google Cloud.
More so, using this transcribe function is easy. You only need to open the document, go to Tools, and choose Voice Typing. Then allow the microphone to and start transcribing. Plus, you are allowed to select the desired language.
- Pros:
- Cons:
Let you download the output in the desired format
Help you add punctuation effortlessly & quickly
Offer completely free services with a Gmail account
You may face various accuracy issues
Unable to recognize multiple commands
Way 6. Speechnot
Price: $9 per year
Platform: Online and Android
If you are searching for a fantastic tool that can boost your productivity by turning audio into text, Speechnotes can assist you. Besides working online, its Chrome extension helps you transcribe recordings, YouTube videos, and more. You can even voice-type any web page in a snap.
Furthermore, it offers a speaker function to proofread your text immediately. Also, you can use the punctuation marks from the available list. Last but not least, the audio format converter, audio extractor, and video/audio transcription are some other functions to perform.
- Pros:
- Cons:
Work both on Android and Chrome
Feature a read-aloud feature to proofread
Offer some different saving and sharing options
It does not transcribe all recordings for free
Provide you with a limited security
Extra Tips: Convert Audio to Mainstream Formats before Transcribing to Text
Only some of the time do people need to transcribe audio to text; you may have to change the audio format. Some software or tools only support audio files in mainstream formats, like MP3. In this scenario, HitPaw Online Audio Converter comes in handy.
Supporting multiple formats, it does not restrict you from converting the required file into any desired audio format. You can carry out the lossless conversion without worrying about your data privacy. Even it completes the task quickly without compromising the audio quality.
Besides offering free services, you won’t face any limitations while working or watermarks on the output file. Lastly, you can convert files in a batch to save time and effort.
Features
- Offer an ads-free interface with updated features
- Work excellent on PC, Android, iPhone, and Mac
- Support formats like WMA, AAC, FLAC, MP3, etc.
- Let you convert your audio files in three easy steps
- Offer high-level security with a 256-bit SSL certificate
How to convert audio to mainstream format
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Step 1.The first step is to open the website of the converter and click “Convert Audio Now” for the main interface. Press the “Choose File” button to upload the required audio file.
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Step 2.Now, expand the “Convert to” option and choose “Audio” from the drop-down menu. Also, select a mainstream format, like “MP3.”
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Step 3.The last step is pressing the “Convert” tab and waiting for a while. After processing, you can hit “Download,” and that’s all!
Final Thoughts
Whether you want to use a free or premium online tool, the above recommendations can help you lessen your workload. You can opt for the one that best suits your requirements; however, it may require you to be activated or installed first.
In case you need to convert audio to mainstream formats like MP3, WMA, M4A, and more, HitPaw Online Audio Converter proves beneficial. It helps you do the conversion efficiently and offers high audio quality. So why not try this tool once?
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Joshua Hill
Editor-in-Chief
I have been working as a freelancer for more than five years. It always impresses me when I find new things and the latest knowledge. I think life is boundless but I know no bounds.
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