examples of speech to text programs

The 9 Best Speech-to-Text Software in 2024 (Ranked)

You talkin' to me? Well, your words just got a whole lot more powerful. 

Today, we're talking about speech-to-text software that's got your back when you want to get those thoughts from your mouth to the page. 

(All without having to use your mammalian digits — what is this, 1985?)

We’ll cover: 

• What is speech-to-text software? 
• The best 9 in the business
• What should you look for in speech-to-text
• Common-use cases for speech-to-text 

Best practices for speech-to-text tools

• A detailed breakdown of the best 9 tools

Let’s get started!

What is speech-to-text software?

Speech-to-text software is like having your own personal secretary who listens to the words you speak and instantly writes them down. Instead of typing everything out on your keyboard, you can just open your mouth and get talking. 

This type of software uses fancy AI with natural language processing (NLP) to translate your speech into text on the screen.

Pretty neat, huh? With speech recognition software, you can compose emails, write essays, fill out forms, update social media, and much, much more — just by talking. 

The options today are very advanced compared to even a few years ago. Many are over 95% accurate, can translate multiple languages, adapt to your voice and vocabulary over time, and some even come with voice commands so you can edit, punctuate, and format using speech alone. 

The best 9 speech-to-text software tools

Looking for the shortlist version? We’ve got your back: 

• Lindy : Lindy is an all-purpose AI-powered virtual army with 99%+ accuracy speech-to-text recognition, effortlessly turning your spoken words into text. ‍
• Otter.ai : Otter Voice Notes is your go-to for effortless transcription of lectures, meetings, or important audio across Android and computers. ‍
• Apple Dictation : Apple Dictation provides a hands-free way to dictate text for messages, social media, or web searches on your iOS device. ‍
• Just Press Record : Just Press Record is a no-frills solution for easy recording of lectures, interviews, or meetings, offering offline transcription. ‍
• Windows 10 Speech Recognition : Control your Windows 10 computer and Cortana with your voice using the built-in speech recognition. ‍
• IBM Speech to Text : IBM Speech to Text offers powerful and customizable transcription that works seamlessly across multiple devices. ‍
• Speechnotes Pro : Speechnotes Pro is the perfect note-taking companion for students and professionals, allowing you to type, dictate, record, and sync with OneNote. ‍
• Transcribe : Transcribe provides a well-rounded speech-to-text experience with timed recordings, transcription tools, and cloud storage for easy access. ‍
• Braina Pro : Braina Pro delivers versatile voice control across various apps, along with a scheduler, memo manager, and other useful tools.

What should you look for in speech-to-text software? 

When evaluating speech-to-text tools, accuracy is obviously priority numero uno.  

Otherwise, do you really want to end up with a document that says, “Explode my client list” when you actually said, “Export my client list”?

• Versatility matters. Can your software roll with the punches? We looked for speech-to-text tools that play nicely with different apps, systems, and whatever curveballs life throws at them. ‍
• Don't make me think too hard. Nobody wants to wrestle with a complicated interface. All the options here are easy to use — even your tech-challenged great-grandma could figure them out. ‍
• Lost in translation? Not here. Most of these tools offer a decent (or seriously impressive) range of languages, so you can go global with your audio creations. ‍
• Voice commands are awesome and necessary. Imagine telling your software to throw in some commas or capitalize a whole sentence. Dictation power moves, anyone? ‍
• Accuracy matters more than you think. Typos are the worst. These tools are all top-notch in the accuracy department, so your words come out just the way you intended. ‍
• Compliance (but in a good way). Looking for a tool that aligns with your professional needs? You’re going to need HIPAA-compliant (or similar) tools if you’re a doctor or therapist, for example. We threw in one of those. 

Common use cases for speech-to-text software

Now you’re probably wondering, “What exactly can I use this for?” 

There are loads of practical use cases for speech-to-text tools:

• Ditch the keyboard, doc: Medical professionals can streamline note-taking, transcribe patient consultations, and generally save their poor fingers from endless typing. ‍
• A good time to be a student (except for the debt): No more cramming in frantic note-taking sessions after lectures. You can turn any recording or speech note into text, easy-peasy.  ‍
• Accessibility win: Speech-to-text tools can also help the hearing impaired by neatly transcribing the contents of speech with very few mistakes.  ‍
• Go full multitasking: Emails, grocery lists, random ideas... dictate them all while driving, cooking, or folding laundry. ‍
• Let your author flag fly: Got a brilliant novel idea? Dictate your first draft while pacing around dramatically — it's the writer's way. The best AI-powered software may also pitch in with a few ideas of its own!

So, you’ve decided to give this whole speech-to-text thing a whirl, eh? Before you dive in, there are a few tips to keep in mind to make sure your experience goes as smooth as a Slip N’ Slide. 

• Don’t speak as if you were talking to a robot. It can be tempting to over-enunciate, but avoid sounding like a robot. Speak clearly, but keep your normal speech rhythm and flow. Take normal pauses — don’t try to cram it all into one breath.  ‍
• Check before you sign off. Most tools will give you a chance to review and edit the text before saving it. Do a quick scan to make sure everything looks right. If it transcribed “anomaly” as “a llama,” you’ll want to catch that. Make minor corrections as needed. The more you review and correct, the more your program will learn your voice and get better at understanding you. ‍
• Use shorter voice commands. Many speech-to-text tools offer voice commands to help you navigate and edit your work. Get familiar with options like “start over,” “delete that,” “comma,” “period,” “new paragraph,” and “undo.” Using voice commands will save you time and frustration compared to manually correcting the text.
• Learn how to punctuate out loud. It can feel silly at first, but say things like “period,” “question mark,” “exclamation point” and “comma” to properly punctuate your work. Your tool may allow for shortcut commands like “period, space” to end a sentence with proper spacing. If you don’t punctuate as you go, you’ll end up with a wall of text and have to go back and edit it all in. The best tools can add punctuation on their own, though you’ll have to review their input. 

Lindy is not just a speech-to-text tool, it’s the overall best AI assistant tool out there. ‍

Whether you're drafting emails, brainstorming ideas, or just need a break from the keyboard, Lindy can take a huge load off your back: 

• Over 99% accuracy: Lindy's AI engine is trained to understand natural language, minimizing those frustrating typos and misheard words — even if you’ve got an accent or speak in complex professional lingo. ‍
• It plays well with other tools: Works hand-in-hand with your favorite text editors, note-taking apps, and over 3000 productivity tools — no clunky workarounds required. ‍
• Supports 50+ languages: And you may be thinking “I have a difficult accent.” Not an issue with Lindy. ‍
• A time-saving miracle: Dictating is often way faster than typing, so you can get your thoughts down quickly and efficiently — potentially getting back hours every day. ‍
• Learns as you go: Lindy adapts to your unique speech patterns and vocabulary over time, improving accuracy with every use. ‍
• Safe and secure? Yes! If you’re a medical professional, Lindy has HIPAA and PIPEDA compliance to keep patient information under lock and key.  ‍
• More than just talk-to-text: Lindy can generate summaries of your dictations, helping you quickly grasp the main takeaways without replaying everything. ‍
• Infinite potential: Lindy is an all-purpose tool that allows you to create “Lindies,” each tailored to a different task. The best part? These Lindies can talk to themselves. Imagine one summarizing your meetings while connecting with a scheduler Lindy, and automatically making a follow-up meeting!
• Try out the 7-day free trial and then it’s just $49/mo . 

Let's be real: This is only just a tiny use-case for Lindy, which excels at creating an army of interconnected AI assistants that can handle… well, just about anything you throw at them, really. 

#2 Otter.ai

Otter Voice Notes shines when you need to record lectures, meetings, or other important audio, then get it transcribed effortlessly.

• Audio recording and easy transcription ‍
• Works on Android devices and computers for cross-platform use ‍
• Basic (Free): Limited minutes and features ‍
• Pro ($8.33 per month billed annually): Increased minutes, custom vocabulary, and more ‍
• Business (Contact for quote) : Collaboration features for teams

Things to keep in mind:

The free version might have limitations for heavy users.

#3 Apple Dictation

Apple Dictation is the built-in solution for iOS users who want to dictate text for messages, social media, or web searches.

• Hands-free control of your iOS device ‍
• Works with Siri for even more voice commands ‍
• Free (included with iOS devices) ‍
• Limited to Apple devices only

#4 Just Press Record

Need a no-frills solution for recording lectures, interviews, or meetings? Just Press Record does exactly what it says.

• Easy one-button recording ‍
• Offline transcription ‍
• Adjustable playback speeds for review ‍
• One-time purchase of $4.99 ‍

Might lack features for users needing advanced transcription options.

#5 Windows 10 Speech Recognition

Windows 10 comes with built-in speech recognition , letting you control your computer with your voice.

• Works with Cortana for extended commands ‍
• Control your Windows device hands-free ‍
• No additional software to install ‍
• Free (included with Windows 10)

Accuracy may vary based on your hardware and accent.

#6 IBM Speech-to-Text

IBM Speech to Text is a powerful solution for those who need accurate and versatile transcription. It boasts features for customization and works seamlessly across devices.

• Accurate transcription with customizable models ‍
• Works across multiple devices for flexibility ‍
• Lite (Free): Limited usage ‍
• Standard ($0.02 per minute): Increased limits and features ‍
• Custom plans available for enterprise needs ‍
• Pricing is usage-based, so costs can vary

#7 Speechnotes Pro

Speechnotes Pro is designed with students and professionals in mind, offering a robust note-taking experience with seamless integration.

• Type, dictate, and record all within the app ‍
• Syncs with OneNote for streamlined organization ‍
• Offers both online and offline functionality ‍
• One-time purchase (price varies slightly by platform)

Might require some setup for optimal OneNote integration.

#8 Transcribe 

Transcribe is great at providing a well-rounded speech-to-text experience with helpful tools and cloud integration.

• Timed recordings for easy reference ‍
• Transcription tools for editing and accuracy ‍
• Cloud storage for cross-device access
• Subscription options (weekly, monthly, yearly) ‍
• May offer a free trial period

Subscription-based pricing could be a factor for some users.

#9 Braina Pro

Braina Pro offers versatile speech recognition, giving you voice control across various apps.

• Works with text, video, and photo apps ‍
• Includes a scheduler, memo manager, and other useful tools ‍
• Lifetime license: $79 ‍
• Annual license: $49

Might have a steeper learning curve than simpler options.

And there you have it, folks — the best speech-to-text software options for 2024.  

Whether you're a student trying to take notes hands-free, a blogger pumping out articles at light speed, or an entrepreneur building a business without lifting a finger, these tools have got you covered. 

AI is rapidly advancing on its way to perfection, and these speech-to-text apps are only getting smarter, faster, and more accurate. 

Take Lindy for a spin with a 7-day free trial.

Your AI Medical Scribe.

Privacy Policy

Best Speech to Text Software: 8 Top Choices (2024)

In this guide, we test and review the best speech to text software options, both free and paid.

Do you spend hours time sitting in front of the computer writing and editing documents? If so, you understand how physically demanding typing is. I remember the first time I felt a shock of pain in my wrists. 

I was so scared that I was developing carpal tunnel syndrome. I instantly started looking for ways to save my wrists, knowing that if I could not type, I could not do my job. That is where I uncovered speech-to-text software.

Speech-to-text software programs are great because they use artificial intelligence programs to translate your spoken words to text. Then, this software program transcribes it into text for you, displaying it on the screen.

In addition to enabling faster work, you can also prevent the development of wrist problems, including carpal tunnel syndrome .

There are numerous software programs available. In this guide, we try and test some of the best speech-to-text software options available.

How I Curated This Speech-to-Text Software List

1. dragon anywhere, 2. windows speech recognition, 3. braina pro, 4. google docs voice typing, 5. speechnotes, 6. dragon professional individual.

• 7. Apple Dictation or Siri

8. Otter.AI

Why you can trust us.

• Are speech-to-text programs accurate?

How Does Voice Recognition Software Work?

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Dragon offers professional-grade speech to text with near 95% accuracy. It's available on iOS and Android.

I tested each of these speech-to-text apps in this review extensively. I picked a paragraph of text from The Irish Times newspaper and read it into each different apps. I used a set of Apple Airpods Pro and an iPhone 7 and also an iMac. I also commissioned a third-party freelance writer who dictates freelance articles extensively to share his experiences.

The original text reads as follows:

The interim analysis by a committee of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) determined that serious side effects of rare blood clots are likely to occur in 1 out of 100,000 vaccinated people, the regulator said in a statement.

Before we get into the software choices, remember these tips to ensure better accuracy:

• Use a quality headset (the Apple Airpods work well)
• Speak in slow, complete sentences
• Dictate in a quiet environment
• Avoid editing and dictating at the same time

8 Best Speech to Text Software For You

This is the best speech-to-text software for dictating on mobile devices. It’s also the best choice for Mac users. Cost: $14.99 per month

If you need a dictation software program for your mobile device, then consider Dragon Anywhere, available through Nuance.

This program has excellent speech recognition capabilities similar to those on the desktop version. Even though there may be a delay in spoken words showing up on the screen, this application is responsive, fast, and accurate. You can also share documents easily using cloud services, including Dropbox.

Here is Dragon Anywhere‘s output for my test (Errors in bold):

The interim analysis by a committee of  the European medicines agency  determined that serious side-effects of their blood clots are likely to occur in 1/100,000 vaccinated people, the regulator said in a statement.

I currently use Dragon Anywhere regularly via my iPhone 11 as it’s accurate, portable, and fast. It’s my recommended choice for writers and Mac users who take dictation seriously.

• Works well on mobile devices
• Exceptional functionality when compared to other dictation apps
• Works well the desktop Dragon program (if you’re on Windows)
• Expensive subscription service
• Delay in the spoken text showing up on the screen
• Editing dictated text is a challenge

This is the best free speech-to-text software for Windows 10 and upwards. Cost: Free

If you need free speech-to-text software for Windows, the freelance writer I worked with on this review recommends Windows 10 Speech Recognition.

This program is available on Microsoft’s desktop OS. It has solid voice recognition abilities included in the operating system, even if it is not named Cortana.

It’s not always an accurate program, particularly when compared to Dragon, but it won’t cost you extra money. Furthermore, documents improve as the program learns your vocabulary and manner of speech.

Here are the results (errors in bold)

The interim analysis by a pity of the European Edison Agency determines that serious side effects of rare flood clot are likely to occur in 1/10000 fractured people the regulator said in a statement.

• Integrates with your existing operating system
• Becomes more accurate as it learns your voice
• Not that accurate compared to other choices
• Can freeze up if you speak too quickly

This is the best speech-to-text software to use as a virtual assistant. Cost: $49 per year

Braina Pro is a speech recognition software that handles dictation but also acts as a virtual assistant for your PC. It supports transcription through third-party software programs and not only English but dozens of other languages as well.

You can also instruct this virtual assistant to start your computer for files, browse the internet, or set alarms. It can even read a book out loud for you or play an MP3 file using customized commands. Here are the results, errors in bold:

The interim analysis by a committee of the European Medicineregency determined that sirius side effects of rare blood clots are likely to occur in 1 out of 100000 vaccinated people the regulator said in a statement.

• Handles dictation in different languages
• Searches your computer, the internet, and even play music files
• Supports and Android application for remotely controlling your PC
• Subscription service can be expensive
• Works online only

A good choice if you use Android apps or want to transcribe text on the go. Cost: Free

If you are looking for voice recognition software you can use for free, then consider the voice typing feature from Google Docs. All you have to do is open up a Google Document via the Google Chrome Browser, turn on the microphone, and start speaking. 

This is a sensitive dictation program that can even pick up your voice if you are across the room. Of course, that means that if there’s any background noise, this could mess up your dictation. This is a great way to try out real-time dictation software for the first time. 

Here is the Google Docs output of my test (errors in bold):

The  interim analysis by a committee of the European medicines agency emea determines  that serious side effects are rare blood types are likely to occur  in one hour vaccinated people  the regulator said in a statement

• Free and widely available
• Short learning curve
• Background noise interferes with the program from time to time
• Software lags if speak too quickly

This is a good online choice if you don’t want to create an account or take out a subscription. Cost: Free

Speechnotes is another dictation program that is easy to use. One of the things that set this program apart is that you do not need to create an account to use it.

You simply have to open the application, press the microphone, and get started. This application is powered by the same software that powers Google’s voice recognition technology.

You can also dictate punctuation marks and formatting using voice commands as well. Finally, you can also include greetings, signatures, and names using custom keys that you set up on the keyboard.

Here is the output of my test (errors in bold):

The  age of analysis by a committee of the European medicines agency emea determines  that serious side effects are rare blood types are likely to occur  in one hour vaccinated people  the regulator said in a statement .

• You do not need to create an account
• A mobile application is intuitive to use
• The program is free to use
• No iOS mobile app available for Mac or Apple products, such as the iPhone
• You need to purchase additional features to access TK

This is the best choice for businesses that run Windows machines. Cost: $500

If you need a dictation software program for your business, then consider Dragon Professional. When I need to quickly type up records at work, Dragon Professional is invaluable.

I can speak at 150 words per minute easily with almost complete accuracy, even if I’m using industry jargon. I am also able to import customized word lists with ease.

A flexible, powerful tool, Dragon Professional significantly reduces the amount of time I spend going through records. The company behind it also offers different versions for medical and legal companies with specific needs.

I used an older version of this tool for several years on my Mac machine. The test results were similar to Dragon Anywhere, not surprising considering they are powered by the same technology.

Unfortunately, the older versions are buggy and unreliably on Mac. What’s more, the developers no longer support it for Mac. Microsoft recently purchased Nuance for $19.7 billion. It’s unclear if they’ll support a new Mac version (I suspect unlikely).

Here is  the output for my test (Errors in bold):

• Powerful and accurate
• Handles industry jargon well
• One of the fastest dictation programs available
• Can control your computer too
• One of the most expensive software programs available
• Takes time to learn your voice, which impairs accuracy
• No longer supported on Mac

7.  Apple Dictation or Siri

Apple Mac and iOS users can dictate text for free using Siri . Cost : Free

This option works well for short dictation sessions via your iOS device or Mac. On iOS, Siri handles 30-40 seconds at a time. This makes it ideal for jotting down notes or sending short texts.

This program also has a voice-to-text feature that controls commands on a Mac computer. It doesn’t work well for dictating large pieces of content, however.

Here is Siri‘s output (errors in bold):

The interim analysis by a committee of the European medicines agency  the term is that serious side-effects are where clock clocks are likely to occur in one and a 100,000 vaccinated people.

• Online and offline features
• Works well for note-taking
• Compatible with iOS devices
• Not a dictation app for long pieces
• Handles 40 seconds at a time
• Comparably inaccurate to Dragon

Otter works well if you want to transcribe phone calls, meetings, and interviews. Cost: Free/from $8.33 per month.

Otter.ai is a transcribing tool for speeches and conversations that works online and via a mobile app. You can take it into your business meeting to get a quick transcript of what was said. You can also add speaker notes, audio files, images, and video files to the transcript after the meeting.

Otter has a free version that has 600 minutes of transcription time a month. It also has several premium plans based on your needs. It’s a good choice for transcribing meetings and interviews, although don’t expect 100% accuracy. That said, it performed well with my test.

Here are the results:

The interim analysis by a committee of the European Medicines Agency FMEA  determines that  serious side effects of rare blood clots are likely to occur in one out of 100,000 vaccinated people, the regulator  said in the statement .

• Free option
• Built-in team collaboration options
• Real-time captioning
• Excellent accuracy
• Limited minutes on the free version
• Not designed for writers
• No desktop version

My recommended choices are Dragon Anywhere and Otter.ai. The price point and accuracy should meet the needs of most writers and those with dictation needs.

When selecting speech-to-text software for your project or work, consider your operating system, budget, and whether you’re using a desktop or mobile device. It’s also a good idea to consider what you’re dictating. For example, Otter.ai works well for meetings and podcasts whereas Dragon is ideal for articles.

Remember, it takes time to adapt to writing via speech to text. However, the rewards are great. You’ll rapidly increase a daily word count and save your wrists from developing overuse injuries. Remember, always proofread and edit your work before submitting to clear up dictation errors!

I’ve written and published dozens of articles for newspapers, magazines, and online publications including Forbes and Lifehacker. I’m also a best-selling non-fiction author and a trained journalist.

Speech-to-text software forms a key part of my writing workflow for non-fiction. I regularly outline articles and then dictate first drafts using some of the software options in this guide.

FAQs About Best Speech To Text Software

Are  speech-to-text  programs accurate.

Most speech-to-text programs are relatively accurate. Many of the programs get more accurate as you use them because they learn your voice. Some programs will prompt you to correct unclear dictation issues to expedite this learning process.

Voice recognition software recognizes your speech and uses artificial intelligence to transform that into typed words. Many programs also use voice commands to handle formatting and punctuation needs.

They do not have to be expensive. Even though the best programs can require a significant investment, there are free options available. You may want to try out these free options before you figure out exactly what features you are willing to pay for.

Once you activate your software you can dictate while offline.

You can upload a personal audio file or one from social media to Dragon NaturallySpeaking and it will transcribe it. You may have to clean up the result.

Dragon costs anywhere from $59 to $300. It depends on which version you buy.

If you’re on a budget, use the inbuilt dictation software first until you’re comfortable dictating. After that, your best choice is Dragon Anywhere, which is usable via an iOS or Android device. You could also use Rev.

Dragon Naturally Speaking is a good dictation app for writers as you can train it to recognize character names and unusual words. Rev is a popular transcription alternative.

Dragon products regularly top the list of best voice recognition software because of their robust features, tutorials and integration into most operating systems. However, the best software for your needs will be the one that fits your budget and has the features you need for your work.

Practice Dictation With These 9 Simple Exercises

How To Write Faster And Send More Work Out Into The World

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Otter.Ai Review: Is It Worth It?

Dragon Anywhere App Review: Is It Worth It?

What Are The Best Apps For Dictating A Book?

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The Best Transcription Services Reviewed

Top 10 Speech to Text Software in 2024

"Words have power," they say. And now, with the remarkable advancements in speech to text, those words hold even greater significance. Imagine effortlessly converting spoken language into written text with just a few clicks or simple voice commands. It's no longer a far-fetched dream but a tangible reality that has reshaped our relationship with technology.

From capturing the essence of interviews to unleashing the creativity of writers to empowering individuals with hearing impairments, speech to text software has become an indispensable tool in our digital toolbox. This rapidly evolving technology has a plethora of options, making it essential to have an understanding of the market leaders.

This article has you covered. We have curated a list of the best speech to text software based on key features, unique selling propositions, advantages, and limitations to help you make an informed choice that fits your specific needs perfectly.

Table of Contents

Ibm watson speech to text, amazon transcribe, microsoft azure speech to text, nuance dragon, braina pro , speechmatics, apple dictation , language and dialect support , customization options, integration capabilities, pricing plans , user reviews and testimonials, free trials or demos , top 10 speech to text software of 2024.

Here are the best speech to text apps shaping how we convert voice into text.

Otter.ai, an innovative AI-powered speech to text software, is known for its precise transcription services. It uses ambient voice intelligence (AVI), a unique feature that enhances the tool's learning capabilities, improving accuracy as it is used more.

Key features

Live transcription: Changes voice to text instantly, aids work.

Voice sharing: Enables voiceprint exchange for easy collaboration.

Talk recording: Stores conversations, useful for reference and documents.

However, users should be mindful of a few limitations. Otter.ai has a monthly cap on transcription time and may delay the final text from an audio recording. Despite this, its robust features make it an exceptional choice for accurate speech to text conversions.

IBM Watson speech to text, a cloud-native solution on this list, is a unique AI-powered tool with impressive capabilities. It provides real-time transcription alongside an option for batch conversion of audio files, catering to various languages, audio frequencies, and output preferences.

Speaker Diarization: Differentiates speakers, currently in beta.

Watson Assistant Integration: Watson can be integrated with the Watson Assistant to process natural language questions directly.

Security and Deployment: Ensures data security, flexible deployment on cloud or on-premises

Compared to competitors, IBM Watson's cost may be a deterrent for some. The beta multi-speaker recognition feature's inconsistency could be a concern for users.

Despite its pricing and a few ongoing tweaks, IBM Watson speech to text is the best speech to text software that emphasizes accuracy, flexibility, and a user-friendly interface, making it an outstanding choice for businesses and individuals alike.

A standout in the speech to text software landscape, Amazon Transcribe is a cloud-based solution developed for app integration. It delivers remarkably accurate transcriptions, even from low-quality audio sources, a key advantage for environments like contact centers.

Vocabulary editing: Ensures consistent product names, simplifying transcript analysis.

Audio for apps: Facilitates direct integration into custom apps.

Speaker and channel recognition: Differentiates multiple speakers and annotates transcripts accordingly.

However, adding industry-specific vocabulary can be cumbersome, and transcriptions may need careful proofreading for accuracy. Regardless of these, Amazon Transcribe's unique features and applications make it an influential player in the AI speech to text landscape.

Microsoft Azure speech to text, part of the Azure cloud service, emerged as an advanced speech recognition platform in 2024. It utilizes deep neural network models to deliver real-time audio transcription and handle multiple speakers.

Domain-specific recognition: Identifies field-specific terms.

Proper noun adaptation: Adjusts to speech patterns, noises, and specialized vocab.

Microsoft integration: Works smoothly with all Microsoft products, improving convenience.

Azure's complicated setup may challenge users, requiring technical expertise to manage. Ultimately, Microsoft Azure speech to text represents cutting-edge voice recognition platforms, offering an unparalleled service for those seeking a powerful and adaptable speech to text solution.

Dragon Speech Recognition Solutions, owned by Nuance, is an advanced dictation application with powerful AI-based speech recognition capabilities. It offers two powerful products: Dragon Professional and Dragon Anywhere. Each designed to cater to different needs stands out in the dictation tools. Dragon Professional, intended for professional use, presents robust dictation and document management capabilities. 

High-speed dictation: Can take dictation at a typing speed of 160 words per minute with a 99% accuracy rate.

Custom word list import: Enhances recognition accuracy by incorporating commonly used words.

Audio file transcription: Transcribes audio files sent from a mobile app, facilitating document management.

However, users might find the user interface a tad outdated, and its recording transcription could be better. 

On the other hand, Dragon Anywhere is a fully functional Android and iOS mobile application. It provides a powerful dictation feature powered by cloud technology, syncing with the desktop Dragon software.

Both Dragon tools, despite some limitations, offer high-quality speech recognition and excellent accuracy, making them valuable assets in the speech to text environment.

Renowned for its exceptional dictation capabilities, Braina Pro is more than just a speech to text software. The software shines for its AI-based voice recognition, enabling dictation in over 90 languages with an impressive 99% accuracy.

Adaptive AI: Software learns from each interaction, enhancing speech understanding.

Multilingual: Unlike competitors, Braina supports nearly 90 languages.

Versatile Assistant: Braina Pro does various tasks, like setting alarms or web searching, not just dictation

Braina Pro is widely appreciated for its high accuracy and flexible capabilities despite the dated interface and subscription-only model. The software is compatible with Windows, iOS, and Android, and has a companion Android app for remote PC control, further enhancing user convenience.

A unique blend of AI and human expertise is what sets Verbit apart from other speech to text software. Specifically designed for enterprise and educational establishments, Verbit uses AI to enhance transcription and captioning.

Smart AI: Verbit uses speech models and neural networks to reduce noise, identify accents, and deliver accurate transcriptions.

Enterprise focus: Verbit enables collaboration, providing reliable service for businesses and schools.

Fast, Precise Service: High accuracy and speedy results, perfect for situations needing precision

Verbit may not offer real-time availability or customizable pricing, but their use of AI and human intervention guarantees precise transcriptions. It offers extensive video captioning tools and features real-time status updates, ensuring users can monitor their transcription process conveniently. Given its focus on accuracy and team use, it certainly earns its spot as one of the best speech to text software.

Speechmatics is a powerful AI-driven speech to text tool that relies on machine learning to convert spoken words into text. It stands out with its automatic speech recognition solution, applicable to both existing audio/video files and live use.

Accent Support: Speechmatics supports major English accents, versatile for global users.

Media Captioning: Provides captions for videos, useful for multimedia tasks.

Keyword Triggers: Lets users manage specific transcription keywords, adding extra utility

While the lack of a free version might be a setback, the speech recognition software still shines due to its robust AI performance. It offers one of the most accurate transcriptions in the industry, making it a strong contender for one of the top AI speech to text software.

Gboard, a popular keyboard app by Google, is a leading choice for Android users seeking reliable speech to text capabilities. With its hands-free voice typing and swipe functionality, Gboard transforms the typing experience on mobile devices.

Voice Typing: Gboard enables hands-free text dictation, great for fast messages or notes.

Emoji and GIFs: Integrated emoji and GIF search for interactive chatting.

Multilingual: Supports over 60 languages, reflecting Google's inclusive tech approach.

Gesture Control: Unique typing experience with gesture-based cursor control

Apart from some drawbacks, such as the lack of shortcut commands and occasional lag in recording audio, Gboard is still lauded for its easy-to-use design and various features. Especially noteworthy is the fact that it is free via voice control, making it accessible to a broad range of users. While it may not fully understand slang or colloquialisms, its overall efficiency as the best dictation software is undeniable.

Apple Dictation, a powerful tool with Apple's operating systems, shines as a free and convenient speech to text software for Apple devices. Known for its seamless integration and dependable accuracy, Apple Dictation is supported by the technology behind Siri, Apple's voice-controlled assistant.

Keyboard Dictation: Transforms voice to text in any typing application, boosting productivity.

Audio Sharing: Users can share audio recordings, increasing versatility.

Multi-Language: Though mainly U.S. English-focused, it supports other languages, serving a broad user base.

Although the software is not ideally suited for longer dictations, it excels in transcribing short notes and controlling functions using voice commands. The dictation software remains a powerful tool integrated into Apple's ecosystem, providing an efficient and free solution to transcribe text on Mac devices by activating voice control. 

Tips for Choosing the Right Speech to Text Software

If you're a student, content creator, or executive needing speech to text software, picking the right one is key. Here are some tips for your decision:

Accuracy is paramount when it comes to speech to text software. Look for software that boasts high accuracy rates in transcribing speech to text. User reviews and testimonials can provide valuable insights into the accuracy of different software options.

The software should support a wide range of languages and dialects. It's essential for users who may need to transcribe content in multiple languages or work with a multilingual team.

Users should look for software that allows for the personalization of voice commands and the creation of custom vocabularies. This feature can enhance efficiency and user experience, particularly for users who frequently use industry-specific terminology.

The software should seamlessly integrate with other applications and platforms users already use. This facilitates a smooth workflow and improves productivity.

Pricing plans play a vital role in the selection process. The software should offer competitive pricing without compromising on features and functionality.

Users should explore reviews and testimonials from others to gain insights into user satisfaction and the software's performance in real-world scenarios.

Users should take advantage of free trials or demos to test the software. This can help users assess if the software fits their needs before purchasing.

In the grand symphony of progress, speech to text software has emerged as a brilliant maestro, harmonizing the spoken word with the written, elevating the melody of communication. Each tool, unique in its composition, caters to diverse rhythms and needs. However, remember, the perfect software is the one that orchestrates your voice most harmoniously.

What is speech to text?

Speech to text is a technology that converts voice commands into written words, commonly used for transcription, voice assistants, and accessibility.

What are the benefits of using speech to text software?

Speech to text software enhances productivity, provides accessibility for individuals with hearing impairments, aids in transcribing meetings or interviews, and facilitates the hands-free operation of devices.

Can speech to text software accurately transcribe accents and dialects?

Yes, advanced speech to text software can transcribe accents and dialects with varying degrees of accuracy, improving with machine learning and diverse training data.

Can I use speech to text software on my mobile device?

Yes, many speech to text software options are available on mobile devices, such as Google's Gboard, Windows speech recognition software, and various standalone apps like Otter.ai.

You should also read:

How to Dictate Text on Android Devices 

How Speech Recognition is Changing Language Learning

Future of AI in Speech Recognition 

The best dictation software in 2024

These speech-to-text apps will save you time without sacrificing accuracy..

The early days of dictation software were like your friend that mishears lyrics: lots of enthusiasm but little accuracy. Now, AI is out of Pandora's box, both in the news and in the apps we use, and dictation apps are getting better and better because of it. It's still not 100% perfect, but you'll definitely feel more in control when using your voice to type.

I took to the internet to find the best speech-to-text software out there right now, and after monologuing at length in front of dozens of dictation apps, these are my picks for the best.

The best dictation software

What is dictation software.

If this isn't what you're looking for, here's what else is out there:

AI assistants, such as Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa, and Microsoft's Cortana, can help you interact with each of these ecosystems to send texts, buy products, or schedule events on your calendar.

Transcription services that use a combination of dictation software, AI, and human proofreaders can achieve above 99% accuracy.

What makes a great dictation app?

How we evaluate and test apps.

Dictation software comes in different shapes and sizes. Some are integrated in products you already use. Others are separate apps that offer a range of extra features. While each can vary in look and feel, here's what I looked for to find the best:

High accuracy. Staying true to what you're saying is the most important feature here. The lowest score on this list is at 92% accuracy.

Ease of use. This isn't a high hurdle, as most options are basic enough that anyone can figure them out in seconds.

Availability of voice commands. These let you add "instructions" while you're dictating, such as adding punctuation, starting a new paragraph, or more complex commands like capitalizing all the words in a sentence.

Availability of the languages supported. Most of the picks here support a decent (or impressive) number of languages.

Versatility. I paid attention to how well the software could adapt to different circumstances, apps, and systems.

I tested these apps by reading a 200-word script containing numbers, compound words, and a few tricky terms. I read the script three times for each app: the accuracy scores are an average of all attempts. Finally, I used the voice commands to delete and format text and to control the app's features where available.

What about AI?

Also, since this isn't a hot AI software category, these apps may prefer to focus on their core offering and product quality instead, not ride the trendy wave by slapping "AI-powered" on every web page.

Tips for using voice recognition software

Though dictation software is pretty good at recognizing different voices, it's not perfect. Here are some tips to make it work as best as possible.

Speak naturally (with caveats). Dictation apps learn your voice and speech patterns over time. And if you're going to spend any time with them, you want to be comfortable. Speak naturally. If you're not getting 90% accuracy initially, try enunciating more.  

Punctuate. When you dictate, you have to say each period, comma, question mark, and so forth. The software isn't always smart enough to figure it out on its own.

Learn a few commands . Take the time to learn a few simple commands, such as "new line" to enter a line break. There are different commands for composing, editing, and operating your device. Commands may differ from app to app, so learn the ones that apply to the tool you choose.

Know your limits. Especially on mobile devices, some tools have a time limit for how long they can listen—sometimes for as little as 10 seconds. Glance at the screen from time to time to make sure you haven't blown past the mark. 

Practice. It takes time to adjust to voice recognition software, but it gets easier the more you practice. Some of the more sophisticated apps invite you to train by reading passages or doing other short drills. Don't shy away from tutorials, help menus, and on-screen cheat sheets.

The best dictation software at a glance

Best free dictation software for Apple devices

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Look no further than your Mac, iPhone, or iPad for one of the best dictation tools. Apple's built-in dictation feature, powered by Siri (I wouldn't be surprised if the two merged one day), ships as part of Apple's desktop and mobile operating systems. On iOS devices, you use it by pressing the microphone icon on the stock keyboard. On your desktop, you turn it on by going to System Preferences > Keyboard > Dictation , and then use a keyboard shortcut to activate it in your app.

Apple Dictation price: Included with macOS, iOS, iPadOS, and Apple Watch.

Apple Dictation accuracy: 96%. I tested this on an iPhone SE 3rd Gen using the dictation feature on the keyboard.

Best free dictation software for Windows

Windows 11 speech recognition (windows).

Windows 11 Speech Recognition (also known as Voice Typing) is a strong dictation tool, both for writing documents and controlling your Windows PC. Since it's part of your system, you can use it in any app you have installed.

To start, first, check that online speech recognition is on by going to Settings > Time and Language > Speech . To begin dictating, open an app, and on your keyboard, press the Windows logo key + H. A microphone icon and gray box will appear at the top of your screen. Make sure your cursor is in the space where you want to dictate.

When it's ready for your dictation, it will say Listening . You have about 10 seconds to start talking before the microphone turns off. If that happens, just click it again and wait for Listening to pop up. To stop the dictation, click the microphone icon again or say "stop talking."  

As I dictated into a Word document, the gray box reminded me to hang on, we need a moment to catch up . If you're speaking too fast, you'll also notice your transcribed words aren't keeping up. This never posed an issue with accuracy, but it's a nice reminder to keep it slow and steady. 

While you can use this tool anywhere inside your computer, if you're a Microsoft 365 subscriber, you'll be able to use the dictation features there too. The best app to use it on is, of course, Microsoft Word: it even offers file transcription, so you can upload a WAV or MP3 file and turn it into text. The engine is the same, provided by Microsoft Speech Services.

Windows 11 Speech Recognition price: Included with Windows 11. Also available as part of the Microsoft 365 subscription.

Windows 11 Speech Recognition accuracy: 95%. I tested it in Windows 11 while using Microsoft Word. 

Best customizable dictation software

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In 1990, Dragon Dictate emerged as the first dictation software. Over three decades later, we have Dragon by Nuance, a leader in the industry and a distant cousin of that first iteration. With a variety of software packages and mobile apps for different use cases (e.g., legal, medical, law enforcement), Dragon can handle specialized industry vocabulary, and it comes with excellent features, such as the ability to transcribe text from an audio file you upload. 

For this test, I used Dragon Anywhere, Nuance's mobile app, as it's the only version—among otherwise expensive packages—available with a free trial. It includes lots of features not found in the others, like Words, which lets you add words that would be difficult to recognize and spell out. For example, in the script, the word "Litmus'" (with the possessive) gave every app trouble. To avoid this, I added it to Words, trained it a few times with my voice, and was then able to transcribe it accurately.

It also provides shortcuts. If you want to shorten your entire address to one word, go to Auto-Text , give it a name ("address"), and type in your address: 1000 Eichhorn St., Davenport, IA 52722, and hit Save . The next time you dictate and say "address," you'll get the entire thing. Press the comment bubble icon to see text commands while you're dictating, or say "What can I say?" and the command menu pops up. 

Once you complete a dictation, you can email, share (e.g., Google Drive, Dropbox), open in Word, or save to Evernote. You can perform these actions manually or by voice command (e.g., "save to Evernote.") Once you name it, it automatically saves in Documents for later review or sharing. 

Accuracy is good and improves with use, showing that you can definitely train your dragon. It's a great choice if you're serious about dictation and plan to use it every day, but may be a bit too much if you're just using it occasionally.

Dragon by Nuance price: $15/month for Dragon Anywhere (iOS and Android); from $200 to $500 for desktop packages

Dragon by Nuance accuracy: 97%. Tested it in the Dragon Anywhere iOS app.

Best free mobile dictation software

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Back to the topic: it has an excellent dictation feature. To start, press the microphone icon on the top-right of the keyboard. An overlay appears on the screen, filling itself with the words you're saying. It's very quick and accurate, which will feel great for fast-talkers but probably intimidating for the more thoughtful among us. If you stop talking for a few seconds, the overlay disappears, and Gboard pastes what it heard into the app you're using. When this happens, tap the microphone icon again to continue talking.

Wherever you can open a keyboard while using your phone, you can have Gboard supporting you there. You can write emails or notes or use any other app with an input field.

The writer who handled the previous update of this list had been using Gboard for seven years, so it had plenty of training data to adapt to his particular enunciation, landing the accuracy at an amazing 98%. I haven't used it much before, so the best I had was 92% overall. It's still a great score. More than that, it's proof of how dictation apps improve the more you use them.

Gboard price : Free

Gboard accuracy: 92%. With training, it can go up to 98%. I tested it using the iOS app while writing a new email.

Best dictation software for typing in Google Docs

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Just like Microsoft offers dictation in their Office products, Google does the same for their Workspace suite. The best place to use the voice typing feature is in Google Docs, but you can also dictate speaker notes in Google Slides as a way to prepare for your presentation.

To get started, make sure you're using Chrome and have a Google Docs file open. Go to Tools > Voice typing , and press the microphone icon to start. As you talk, the text will jitter into existence in the document.

You can change the language in the dropdown on top of the microphone icon. If you need help, hover over that icon, and click the ? on the bottom-right. That will show everything from turning on the mic, the voice commands for dictation, and moving around the document.

It's unclear whether Google's voice typing here is connected to the same engine in Gboard. I wasn't able to confirm whether the training data for the mobile keyboard and this tool are connected in any way. Still, the engines feel very similar and turned out the same accuracy at 92%. If you start using it more often, it may adapt to your particular enunciation and be more accurate in the long run.

Google Docs voice typing price : Free

Google Docs voice typing accuracy: 92%. Tested in a new Google Docs file in Chrome.

Best dictation software for collaboration

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It's not as robust in terms of dictation as others on the list, but it compensates with its versatility. It's a meeting assistant, first and foremost, ready to hop on your meetings and transcribe everything it hears. This is great to keep track of what's happening there, making the text available for sharing by generating a link or in the corresponding team workspace.

The reason why it's the best for collaboration is that others can highlight parts of the transcript and leave their comments. It also separates multiple speakers, in case you're recording a conversation, so that's an extra headache-saver if you use dictation software for interviewing people.

When you open the app and click the Record button on the top-right, you can use it as a traditional dictation app. It doesn't support voice commands, but it has decent intuition as to where the commas and periods should go based on the intonation and rhythm of your voice. Once you're done talking, Otter will start processing what you said, extract keywords, and generate action items and notes from the content of the transcription.

If you're going for long recording stretches where you talk about multiple topics, there's an AI chat option, where you can ask Otter questions about the transcript. This is great to summarize the entire talk, extract insights, and get a different angle on everything you said.

Otter price: Free plan available for 300 minutes / month. Pro plan starts at $16.99, adding more collaboration features and monthly minutes.

Otter accuracy: 93% accuracy. I tested it in the web app on my computer.

Otter supported languages: Only American and British English for now.

Is voice dictation for you?

Dictation software isn't for everyone. It will likely take practice learning to "write" out loud because it will feel unnatural. But once you get comfortable with it, you'll be able to write from anywhere on any device without the need for a keyboard. 

And by using any of the apps I listed here, you can feel confident that most of what you dictate will be accurately captured on the screen. 

Related reading:

This article was originally published in April 2016 and has also had contributions from Emily Esposito, Jill Duffy, and Chris Hawkins. The most recent update was in November 2023.

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Miguel Rebelo

Miguel Rebelo is a freelance writer based in London, UK. He loves technology, video games, and huge forests. Track him down at mirebelo.com.

• Video & audio
• Google Docs

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The Best Dictation and Speech-to-Text Apps for Writers (2024)

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If you're more comfortable talking through your ideas than typing them out, you may want to try one of these speech to text apps for writers. Dictation and transcription provide quick solutions for everything from working through interviews to recording story ideas and chapters. Check out our guide by guest writer Jamie Biggs and see which one is the best fit for you! 

Welcome to one of our favorite community members and writers Jamie Biggs who loves to use dictation as she writes. You can read more about Jamie at the end of her article, and for a full run-down of the Best Book Writing Software, see our post here . 

What is dictation software?

Dictation software is a type of speech-to-text technology that allows you to create written documents without having to type or write them out. The voice recognition software converts your speech into text and then saves the document in an easily shareable format.

It’s perfect for writers, students, and professionals who need to get their ideas down quickly. With dictation software, you can save yourself time by speaking your thoughts rather than writing them out.

Why use dictation?

Want an edge in writing? I gave speech-to-text dictation a try, and find it’s a must-have for anyone who wants to up their creativity game and work smarter.

Whether you're writing fiction or nonfiction, prepping interview transcripts for ghostwriting, or just trying to get your ideas out of your head fast, dictation software can expedite the process.

Many people find it easier to express their thoughts and ideas aloud, and speaking is quicker than typing (in most cases). It's perfect for writers who want to record their story ideas, and it can also be a useful tool to overcome writer’s block. When you’re having trouble organizing your thoughts, speaking those ideas instead of facing a blank page can be helpful.

Dictation is also an effective way to decrease physical strain. Typing for long periods can lead to physical discomfort or repetitive strain injuries. If you're spending hours behind a keyboard, consider trying it out. Dictation software provides an alternative method of text input, helping to ease strain on the fingers, hands, and wrists.

And of course, the convenience of writing on the go. Dictation software on mobile devices allows you to capture ideas or notes while on the move without needing to stop and type. We can capture writing during a walk outside, commuting to and from work, or even while waiting in line at a gas station using an app on your phone. 

Features of a strong dictation app

There are a few features that I looked at when testing these apps out. Here are the features I found most important: 

Accuracy: The most critical factor in any dictation app is its ability to accurately convert spoken words to written text. A great app needs accurate voice recognition for diverse accents and speech styles.

Real-time Transcription: Real-time transcription can provide writers with instant feedback on their dictation, enabling them to identify areas where they need to improve their writing skills.

Punctuation and Formatting: An app’s punctuation and formatting controls can make it possible for you to speak naturally without naming each punctuation mark.

Customization: The ability to control saving, sharing, and navigating through voice commands is available on some dictation apps. Customization options, such as language models or personalized dictionaries, can also improve accuracy. Adding an unusual name or unfamiliar word to your personalized dictionary will save you editing time.

Let's take a look at the best dictation apps I tried for writers. Note: some of the links below are affiliate links. 

The best dictation apps for writers:

Dragon naturally speaking (dragon professional individual).

Dragon NaturallySpeaking (now called Dragon Professional Individual) has been a leading force in the speech-to-text software market for a long time. The tool provides high accuracy, advanced punctuation and formatting options, support for multiple languages, and can be easily integrated with writing tools.

Initially, there is a learning curve for using this software. You will need time to train it to recognize your voice and speech patterns accurately. Learning how to use voice commands effectively can also take time.

Nuance Communications, the makers of Dragon NaturallySpeaking no longer supports iOS. They offer it for Windows only. However, they have an Apple application called Dragon Anywhere Mobile that is available on both iOS and Android devices. It is a scaled-down version of the Windows application.

I don't have a Windows PC and have not used the Dragon Professional Individual version for Windows. However, I use the Dragon Anywhere Mobile App on my iPad Pro.

The menu is easy to navigate and aside from a couple of missed words, it does a good job transcribing my voice.

Dragon is a little pricey compared to the other apps, but its level of accuracy and customization options might make it an investment worth making as a writer.

Dragon NaturallySpeaking – single user license Price: $699.00

Dragon Anywhere Mobile App Price: $150 yearly subscription or $15 monthly subscription

Here are some of the main pros and cons for the Dragon Apps: 

Otter.ai transcribes speech in real-time, making note-taking easy during interviews, or brainstorming sessions. Writers can easily record and organize content with this feature and not forget important details.

Otter.ai integrates with writing apps, allowing easy transfer of transcribed text. Writers can keep their writing workflow while using speech-to-text technology for productivity and creativity.

You can access Otter.ai by visiting their website (otter.ai) using a web browser on your computer. It is also available for both iOS and Android devices.

I found Otter.ai to be user-friendly, and it accurately transcribed speech. It automatically added punctuation, and did not require me to give punctuation commands as I dictated. 

The app added a time stamp with every start and stop. It was designed for meeting transcription and can identify multiple speakers within the meeting.

Writer’s will need to copy and paste the transcribed text into an editing software application to edit and remove the time stamps. If you are on a budget, the Basic subscription is a great place to start.

Otter.ai is available as a monthly or annual subscription based on monthly transcription minutes. BASIC – 300 monthly transcription minutes; 30 minutes per conversation. Price: Free

PRO – 1200 monthly transcription minutes: 90 minutes per conversation. Price: $99.99 yearly subscription or $16.99 monthly subscription

Otter.ai is a strong place to start if you're new to speech-to-text apps, as you can try those free features before committing to the larger subscription. 

Speechnotes

Speechnotes offers a user-friendly interface for quick and effortless dictation. Real-time transcription provides instant feedback, improving productivity and usability.

This website application was easy to navigate allowing me to immediately jump in and begin. You have the option to speak punctuation as you go, or to go back and insert by clicking the needed punctuation from the side menu.

You can dictate offline with Speechnotes, but with limitations. Multiple languages are supported, catering to diverse backgrounds and accommodating native language dictation.

It also offers a few ways to move your newly transcribed document from the dictation screen to upload into a Google Doc, Word Doc, or txt file. It also gives you the option to email or print your work from the same screen.

I liked this app. If you get past the ads at the bottom of the screen, then the price is definitely right.  But if ads are bothersome for you, the Premium subscription is very affordable.

Speechnotes Plans Dictation – Online dictation notepad and voice typing Chrome extension Price: Free

Dictation Premium – Premium online dictation notepad and voice typing Chrome extension. Support from the development team. No Ads. Price: $1.90 per month

Transcription – Pay as you go – no subscription Audio & Video recordings. $0.10 per minute of audio

Google Docs Voice Typing

Google Docs Voice Typing is a built-in feature of Google Docs that offers real-time transcription, offline support, and extensive language options. It also integrates seamlessly with Google's productivity suite, making it a convenient choice for writers who use Google Workspace.

Google Docs Voice Typing is a built-in feature of Google Docs, available to all Google account users at no additional cost. It's easily accessible and user-friendly for Google Docs users.

The feature transcribes spoken words into text in real-time.

Text-to-Speech with Google Voice is easy to set up from the Google Docs file menu. Select “tools” from the menu bar, and select “voice typing” from the drop down.

It is simple to use. click the microphone to start and stop transcribing. Google Voice Typing accurately transcribed for me, but required me to give punctuation voice commands which slowed the process, but you can even dictate and apply text styles using voice commands.

If you regularly use Google Docs for writing, this is can be easily added to your work in progress.

Google Docs Voice Typing Price: Free with any Google account

The price is right for this one, but it doesn't have the additional features or accuracy and sensitivity as some of the other paid app services. 

Apple Pages Dictation

Apple Pages Dictation offers users a hands-free writing experience with real-time transcription. It supports multiple languages and dialects.

There is some set-up required in order to utilize speech to text on Apple Pages. You will need to access settings from your Apple menu, click keyboard settings and turn on Dictation. Once this is completed, voice transcription is activated by double tapping the control key on the keyboard.

It has basic punctuation command capabilities like adding a comma or period. But it was not able to add a new paragraph or new line on command. I had to stop and add the new line manually and then restart by double clicking the control key again.

If you are testing the waters with speech to text, this is an option worth experimenting with if you are an Apple user. Pages comes with every Apple system.

Apple Dictation Price: Included in all Apple Devices

What is transcription?

Transcription and dictation are two related yet distinct processes. While dictation involves directly speaking into a program that instantly converts your words into text on the page, transcription follows a slightly different path.

For transcription, you provide the app with an audio file, which it then meticulously transcribes, transforming spoken content into written form. 

Why use transcription?

Using a transcription service offers a straightforward and user-friendly alternative voice recognition software. Transcription services eliminate the need to memorize and execute specific voice commands for punctuation, formatting, and editing. Instead, you simply upload your audio files, and the service handles the transcription process, delivering accurate written content.

This approach is particularly advantageous for individuals who may not be comfortable with or have the time to master complex voice commands. Transcription services cater to a wide range of users, including those without technical expertise. The process is as simple as submitting an audio file and receiving a transcribed text in return.

In contrast, mastering speech-to-text commands requires familiarization with a set of commands, which might vary across different platforms or software. It involves a learning curve that might not align with everyone's preferences or requirements.

Ultimately, utilizing a transcription service streamlines the process, making it accessible to users of varying technical skill levels. It allows individuals to focus on content creation, without the need to navigate intricate command structures, resulting in a smoother and more efficient transcription experience.

Do you need any special recording equipment?

In most cases, special recording equipment isn't necessary for using voice dictation and transcription. Modern voice dictation software is designed to work with the built-in microphones of devices like smartphones, laptops, and tablets. These microphones are generally sufficient for capturing your spoken words accurately. However, if you're in an environment with significant background noise, using an external microphone or a noise-canceling headset can improve the accuracy of the transcription.

For professionals who require high-quality recordings, such as podcasters or journalists conducting interviews, investing in a good-quality external microphone might be beneficial to ensure clear and crisp audio. Additionally, using a quiet environment without excessive ambient noise can enhance the accuracy of voice dictation.

Ultimately, while specialized recording equipment can enhance the quality of your recordings, it's not a strict requirement. 

The best transcription services for writers

Writers are increasingly turning to transcription services as invaluable tools to streamline their work processes and enhance productivity. Here are four online transcription services, features and benefits to consider.

Rev is a popular transcription service that provides accurate and quick transcription for audio and video files. They offer human-generated transcriptions and have options for different turnaround times.

Rev's interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate. select the type of order you would like to place and then upload your file.

Rev Services Pricing:

TranscribeMe

TranscribeMe offers both automated and human-powered transcription services. They specialize in providing accurate transcriptions for various industries.

Uploading an audio file was simple and straightforward, drag and drop.

TranscribeMe Services Pricing:

Happy Scribe

Happy Scribe offers both automated and human-assisted transcription services. They also provide options for translating transcripts into different languages.

The website is easy to navigate and upload your audio file. They offer the first 5 minutes of your audio file transcribed for free, giving you an opportunity to test drive their service.

Happy Scribe Pricing:

Scribie is another transcription service that offers human-generated transcriptions. They focus on providing accurate transcriptions and offer a variety of turnaround options.

 I have used Scribie for my own transcription needs and found the service quick and accurate. The have recently changed their pricing to a flat rate for human verified transcripts, no longer offering the AI transcribed files option. 

Scribie pricing:

Useful tips for dictation or transcription

By following these tips, you can make your dictation and transcription processes more efficient and accurate, ensuring that your spoken content is accurately transformed into written text.

Dictation tips

• Speak Clearly and Calmly : Enunciate your words clearly and speak at a moderate pace. Avoid speaking too fast or mumbling to ensure accurate transcription.
• Punctuation and Formatting Commands : Learn and use voice commands for punctuation (“period,” “comma,” “new line”) and formatting (“bold,” “italics”) to maintain proper structure in your text.
• Practice Makes Perfect : Familiarize yourself with the voice recognition system's response time and accuracy by practicing dictation with shorter passages before tackling longer content.
• Break Down Complex Sentences : For complex sentences, break them into smaller, manageable phrases to enhance accuracy.
• Proofread and Edit : After dictating, proofread and edit the transcribed text for any errors or discrepancies that might have occurred during dictation.
• Minimize Background Noise : Choose a quiet environment to reduce background noise that could interfere with accurate transcription.

Transcription tips

• Use Quality Audio : Provide clear and high-quality audio file recordings for accurate transcription. Minimize background noise and ensure the speakers' voices are distinct.
• Speaker Identification : If multiple speakers are involved, indicate speaker changes or use timestamps to differentiate speakers during transcription.
• Provide Context : Give transcribers context by sharing any relevant information about the subject, speakers, or terminology used in the recording.
• Accent and Jargon Awareness : If you have an accent or are using industry-specific jargon, consider using a transcription service or software that's familiar with these nuances.
• Review and Edit : After receiving the transcription, review and edit it for any errors or inconsistencies. Sometimes, context-based errors can occur.
• Time Management : Transcribing can be time-consuming. Consider using transcription services or software to expedite the process, especially for longer recordings.
• Backup and Security : Keep your audio recordings secure and backed up to prevent loss of valuable content.
• Regular Breaks : If you're transcribing for extended periods, take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and maintain accuracy.

Speech to text apps for writers can be incredibly useful tools, allowing them to quickly transcribe their spoken words into written form. By following these simple tips, you can make sure that your dictation and transcription processes are more efficient and accurate.

Pick a favorite paragraph or scene from your work in progress and convert it using a speech-to-text software or a transcription service.

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Speech to Text Software and Apps

One of the most tedious tasks when working on a computer is typing. There are many ways to type, but it can be difficult for some people.

This is where speech to text software comes in handy! It makes your life easier by allowing you to talk and have text appear almost instantly on your screen. With this technology, you'll find yourself writing emails faster than ever.

You may want to write down what someone says in real-time. But the conversation happens fast, and there's no time to write it down. In addition, low-quality voice recording apps may only catch a couple of words. But with speech to text software you can pull up the conversation and keep working effortlessly.

So, next time you're in a meeting and you want to give the speaker your full attention, but also take comprehensive notes, use speech to text software or an app! It will make your life so much easier.

In this article, we will talk about speech to text software and apps that you can use to improve productivity and reduce stress. Our goal is for you to become more familiar with these great tools and see how much easier they make your life!

So, what is speech to text?

Speech to text is the process of converting spoken words into text.

Being able to convert speech to text enables people to communicate easily and quickly. There are so many great speech to text programs that it's hard to choose between them! The best part is, most of them work on both Windows and Mac.

How speech to text works?

Speech recognition technology is capable of turning speech into text by converting it to data. For example, when a person speaks, the resulting sound waves move through the air in a pattern the computer program can recognise and turn back into a pattern of letter or number symbols. Speech recognition programs are available for certain kinds of software application.

Instead of typing on the keyboard, they allow you to give commands or enter information by speaking into a microphone. These programs listen to your voice and convert it into text.

Why should you use speech to text software?

There are many reasons to use speech to text software and apps. Let's take a look at some of the ways they can help improve workflow:

Text is easily accessible

Speech to text converts your thoughts into text just by speaking. There's no need to find the right words anymore! Your speech patterns will improve since you'll be forced to think of what you want to say before saying it.

You can improve your spelling

By listening to yourself, you'll be able to make out certain words much faster than if you were reading them off a piece of paper. This will help with writing, whether it's an email or a story for your blog.

Create scripts quickly

Voice recording apps are the ideal tool for anyone in the entertainment industry. You can easily script out an entire movie or book with no time wasted!

Reduce stress

With less time spent typing, your hands and fingers will be under less pressure. This reduces your risk of carpal tunnel syndrome and other serious hand injuries. In addition, some people find voice recording apps to be a more relaxing alternative for achieving inner peace.

Download our free transcription template

Get started with transcription. Here you will find templates for both detailed transcription and standard transcription . You can use the formats and examples in your own working document.

What can you use speech to text software for?

You can do practically anything with speech to text apps and software, from writing emails to academic papers. Here are just a few examples:

Speech therapy

Speech therapists have been using this technology for years to help their patients become more familiar with English. It helps them get used to new sounds and pronunciations without spending hours of their time writing them down.

No need for a keyboard

Typing can be a slow process, especially if you struggle with carpal tunnel syndrome or some other hand injury that prevents you from typing properly for long periods. If your hands hurt, voice recording software can be an effective alternative for communicating with the outside world.

Are you tired of typing?

Sometimes we all feel like giving up and screaming at our keyboard because we can't type out what we want to say fast enough! With speech to text apps, you'll be able to speak your thoughts at a much faster pace, which will save you lots of time and frustration.

Stay organised

When using a speech to text app, it's easier to keep track of things since your words are safely stored away in the program itself. You'll never have to lose another note again! This is especially useful if you're somebody who has lots of notes to keep track of, or needs to go back and review them often.

Be more productive

Time is the most valuable thing we have, so why waste it trying to figure out what you meant to say? With speech to text technology, you can easily convert your thoughts into text with little to no time wasted at all.

Speech to text software and apps are the perfect tools for people who struggle with typing. Whether you want to take notes, communicate with people around you or keep track of your thoughts and ideas, these tools can help make life a lot easier!

How to use speech to text apps

Converting your thoughts into text isn't always easy. Here are a few things you should do to make the most out of it:

Speak clearly

It's important to speak clearly when speaking to your device. For example, if you mumble, the software might not be able to pick up what you're saying well enough for it to register as a word.

If you speak too quickly, the app may not be able to pick up on what you're saying properly. So it's always better to slow down your words when speaking into the device for optimum results.

Speak naturally

Your tone should sound natural. Don't try too hard! The idea is to make it feel like you're speaking to another person, so try not to force your voice into one tone or sound.

Speak without distractions

Find a quiet spot free from as many distractions as possible. This will ensure that your speech to text app can hear what you're saying correctly and that any mistakes it makes are due to your words and not outside noises.

Take breaks

If you're starting to feel overwhelmed, it's best to take a break and continue the conversation later when you've had some time to rest and relax.

Can I use speech to text on Android devices?

Yes! You can download several different speech to text apps for Android devices, including Google Translate and Speech To Text. They're usually available free of charge in the Google Play Store.

Read more: The best speech to text apps for Android

Can I use speech to text on iOS devices?

Yes, there are plenty of great choices for voice recordings when it comes to iOS devices. Whether you're using an iPhone, iPad or iPod touch, you can rest assured that your voice will be recorded and converted into text just as well!

Read more: The best speech to text apps for iPhone

Factors to consider when buying speech to text apps

There are lots of factors to consider when you're looking for the perfect speech to text app. Here are just a few things you should look out for:

Ease of use

The easier an app is to use, the more effective you will find it. If you have a tough time picking up how things work, the software probably isn't for you.

Some apps are free, while others cost a small fee to download. So it's never a bad idea to look around online or even in stores before you buy, to ensure that your money isn't wasted!

Some apps offer more features than others. For instance, some may give you access to several different languages, while others only support one or two. If you need an app with various options, it's best to look for something more advanced.

It's best to buy an app that meets your needs. For example, if you need something for work, it's probably not a good idea to download the first free software you see. Instead, make sure it has everything you're looking for so you can use it to its full potential!

Want to know more about Semantix transcription services?

What is the best speech to text software.

The best speech to text software or app depends on what you need it for. For example, if you want something to record meetings or lectures, the voice typing function in Google Docs is probably your best bet. On the other hand, if you want something to take notes with, most devices' built-in voice recorder app will do just fine.

Let’s look at some of the best speech to text software and apps available.

1. Dragon Anywhere

Dragon Anywhere is an excellent app that allows you to work wherever you are. It's designed for both iOS and Android devices, so it's compatible with most smartphones and tablets on the market. This software allows you to talk your way through daily tasks just like Dragon Mobile Assistant, but it also gives you access to a mobile dictation feature that allows you to speak instead of typing if you wish.

2. Google Gboard

Google Gboard is a keyboard application that comes pre-installed on most Android devices, and it has voice typing capabilities built in. It also gives you access to the latest and greatest version of Google Translate, which allows you to do things like speak directly into your device when it's in use. So it may be worth checking out if you're looking for something equipped to handle multiple tasks.

3. Windows 10 Speech Recognition

Windows 10 offers a built-in speech recognition feature that can be used to do all kinds of things on your device. So whether you want to write an email, turn off the lights in your home or even bake a cake, this software allows you to efficiently and quickly control any Windows machine. Moreover, it's largely hands-free and works perfectly with Cortana!

4. Apple Dictation

Apple Dictation is an iOS app that allows you to dictate text on your smartphone. You can use this software to send messages, update social media accounts or even search for information – all without typing a single letter! Apple also released Siri several years ago, making it simple for users to control things with their voice.

5. Otter.ai

Otter Voice Notes is one of the best choices for anyone looking to record lectures, meetings or other information. This app comes equipped with an audio recorder and a transcription feature to convert your words into text easily! It also works across multiple platforms to be used on both Android devices and computers alike.

6. Braina Pro

Briana Pro is another great option for users looking for speech recognition software. It works with text, video and photo apps to give you multiple options for converting voice to text. This app also includes a scheduler, memo manager and many other useful features that make it worth checking out!

7. IBM Speech to Text

IBM Speech to Text is a powerful app that allows you to speak instead of type. It comes with a virtual keyboard, text-to-speech feature and much more! This software works across multiple devices, so it's perfect for anyone who plans on using their phone or computer throughout the day.

8. Speechnotes Pro

Speechnotes Pro is one of the best options for students or professionals looking to take detailed notes. This app allows you to type, record voice memos and even sync your speech to text with OneNote. It's an excellent option for anyone who needs help taking notes in lectures or meetings.

9. Transcribe – Speech To Text

Transcribe has many different features that make it an excellent choice for users who need speech to text software. It comes with timed recordings, transcription tools and much more! This app also offers cloud storage capabilities to keep all of your files in one place across multiple devices.

10. Just Press Record

Just Press Record is a simple option that gets the job done without bells and whistles. This app features offline transcription for any files you record, adjustable playback speeds and much more! It's an excellent choice for recording lectures, meetings or interviews.

Read more: Free speech to text software and services

How to set up speech to text software on your device

• Make sure the microphone is on
• Check settings to make sure it's working correctly
• Go to speech options and select language (some devices may not have this option)
• Go to dictation options and select ‘enable eech to text’
• Now, all you need to do is turn on dictation and speak clearly into your device.

You should now be able to use the speech to text feature on your device. If you follow these steps, it shouldn't take too long to get used to using the speech to text app on your device. Remember, practice makes perfect! A good way of practising is using speech to text software during meetings at work or when you're in lectures.

How to use speech to text in Google Docs?

• To begin, open Google Docs and select ‘voice typing’ from your settings menu (the gear icon at the top right)
• Once you've enabled voice typing, all you need to do is press the red microphone button or say, “OK, Google."
• Now, speak directly into your device, and Google Docs will automatically convert your words into text! It's that simple.

Note: you can use speech to text in Google Docs even if you lack an internet connection. This feature works offline for Android users. .

How to convert speech to text on Mac?

• Select ‘System Preferences’ from the Apple menu
• Click on ‘Dictation’ or ‘Speech’ (depending on your operating system)
• Select ‘On’ under Dictation and Text to Speech options, then click enter
• Once voice typing is enabled, press fn and hold down until you see a microphone. You can then say what you want to type, and your words will appear on the screen!

How to convert speech to text on iPhone?

• Go to Settings>General>Accessibility
• Under ‘Speech’, select ‘Voiceover’. Then, toggle the switch to the right of Voiceover and Siri until it turns green and says ‘On’. Now, press and hold the home button until you hear a beep. Then, say what you want to type, and it will appear on the screen!

It's not always easy to switch from typing to speaking, but you'll soon get the hang of it. Remember, practice makes perfect! Speech to text apps are wonderful when you have an important paper or email that needs to be written.

How to use speech to text in Windows 10?

• Select ‘Settings’ from the Start menu
• Click on ‘Ease of Access’, then click on ‘Text to Speech’.
• Toggle the switch next to ‘Let Cortana read text messages, instant messages, and event descriptions back to me’ until it turns green
• Now you can say what you need to type, and your words will appear on the screen.
• If you want to use speech to text in other programs, such as Microsoft Word, open the application and press ctrl + windows key + S to turn it on or off.
• Alternatively, you can press windows key + H to turn Cortana's transcribing abilities on or off.

How to dictate text

If you plan on using speech to text, it is important to learn how to speak for it. Instead of trying to speak the words you are typing, speak the sentence as a whole. Speak clearly and enunciate your words.

Contractions

If you want to dictate text with contractions, say each word as it's written in a contraction out loud as if it were a sentence. For example, "I'm going now" would be spoken as "I am going now". There isn't usually an issue with dictating contractions, but it is important to make sure the program you are using will recognise them.

If you want to dictate text with articles, say "a" or "an" before the word first. For example, if I wanted to type out ‘I saw a dog’, I would speak it as "I saw a [pause] dog". Some programs will automatically add the article in, while others won't. If an article is not added when it should be, go back and edit your text to include the articles where they need to be.

Long phrases

If you are speaking phrases that are longer than the program you are using is set to recognise, say each word as it's written and add in punctuation manually where necessary.

If you have a thick accent, some programs will not recognise what you're saying very well. If this is the case, keep the recording of your voice. You can then listen back to it or even share it with someone else to help fix the mistakes manually.

Read more: How to dictate text

Key Takeaway: Speech to Text Software and Apps

The future of speech to text software is here. We no longer have to be slaves to live transcribers who may or may not get the message right. Instead, speech to text software makes it possible for us to control our writing effortlessly.

Would you like to order a transcription?

Download templates for both detailed transcription and standard transcription. You can use the formats and examples in your own working document.

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A Detailed Guide On the Best Speech to Text Software in 2024

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Turning your spoken words into written text with simple commands isn’t science fiction — it’s the reality made possible by the latest speech to text software.

As we navigate a world that demands multitasking and swift communication, these tools have become indispensable in guaranteeing productivity and efficiency. 

Whether you’re a professional needing accurate meeting transcripts, a student taking rapid notes, or a writer capturing spontaneous ideas, dictation software offers a seamless way to keep pace with your thoughts. Thus, this article represents the concept of digital transcription and displays the best voice to text apps to consider using this year. 

What is Dictation Software

Speech to text software, or dictation software, converts spoken language into written text . This technology employs advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence to convert voice to text accurately. The latter is invaluable for various applications, including note-taking, writing, and overall accessibility. 

These tools help users save time and reduce the physical effort of typing by processing the audio input and converting it into text. 

This digital transcription software can be used in various scenarios, from drafting emails and documents to creating content and transcribing interviews or meetings. 

The technology behind speech to text software has advanced significantly over the years, incorporating machine learning and natural language processing to improve accuracy and understand different accents, languages, and speech patterns.

Why Use Dictation Software?

As stated above, there are many reasons you could use speech to text software. But let’s outline the best use cases: 

Increased Productivity

Dictation software allows for faster input than typing. Professionals can dictate documents, emails, and speech notes much faster than typing, significantly enhancing productivity. This is particularly beneficial for individuals who type slowly or need to produce large volumes of text.

Accessibility

Dictation software assists individuals with disabilities. The best voice to text apps offer an accessible alternative for people with physical disabilities that make typing difficult or impossible, enabling them to communicate and work effectively.

Advanced AI ensures minimal errors. Modern speech to text software uses sophisticated algorithms and AI to provide highly accurate transcriptions and speech notes. The latter minimizes the need for manual corrections and ensures that the text output is as close to the spoken words as possible.

Dictation software enables the easy capture of thoughts and ideas on the go. Whether you’re in a meeting, walking, or driving, dictation software allows you to record your thoughts and ideas without the need for a keyboard, making it a highly convenient tool for busy professionals.

Now that we have the top use cases for digital transcription let’s see which features make them the best in this competitive market. 

Top Features to Look for in The Best Speech to Text Software

Now, how do you know which dictation software to use that’ll tick all the boxes for you? Especially when some of them are not completely free. Here, we’ve pinpointed the most important features to look for. 

High digital transcription accuracy is crucial. Speech to text software’s primary function is to transcribe spoken words precisely. Look for software with high accuracy rates, even in noisy environments or with varied accents.

Language Support

Multiple language options are beneficial. The ability to transcribe in multiple languages is important because users who work in multilingual environments need to transcribe content in different languages.

Ease of Integration

Compatibility with other software and devices. Effective dictation software should seamlessly integrate with different tools and platforms you use. Such tools can be communication applications, word processors, email clients, and project management software.

Ease of Use

In 2024, a user-friendly interface is everything. Without it, it’s a matter of seconds to lose your best customers. The best voice to text app should be easy to set up and use, with intuitive controls and a minimal learning curve, to ensure that users can quickly benefit from its features.

Free and premium options are preferred. Consider whether you need a free tool or are willing to invest in premium software. Free tools can be sufficient for basic needs, while premium options offer advanced features and better accuracy.

Best Voice to Text Apps in 2024

Now that we’ve discussed the concept of dictation software, let’s dive into the top-rated speech to text software you should consider.

1. Krisp: Best For Meetings

Krisp is renowned for its exceptional performance in noisy environments, making it the top dictation software choice for virtual meetings. Its noise cancellation feature ensures that only your voice is captured, eliminating background noise for precise and accurate transcription.

Krisp’s transcription features are robust and multilingual, supporting over ten languages. This makes it excellent speech to text software for global teams and businesses operating in multilingual environments. Krisp provides real-time digital transcription, instantly transforming spoken words into written text, which is incredibly beneficial for capturing meeting speech notes and ensuring nothing is lost in translation.

The user-friendly interface and seamless integration with popular conferencing tools like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet further enhance its appeal. Krisp’s AI-powered transcription goes beyond mere text conversion, offering features such as AI summaries and action items, which help organize an d prioritize meeting outputs effectively.

• AI Noise Cancellation: eliminates background noise, ensuring clear audio,
• Meeting Transcription: provides live transcription during meetings,
• AI Meeting Assistant : delivers complete assistance during virtual meetings with easy and quick meeting notes and summaries,
• Integration: compatible with popular conferencing tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams,
• Superior noise cancellation,
• User-friendly interface,
• Seamless integration with conferencing tools,
• Premium features require a subscription,

Krisp is ideal for professionals who frequently participate in virtual meetings and need accurate, noise-free transcriptions. Its advanced noise cancellation feature ensures that only your voice is heard, which is perfect for office environments and remote work.

Experience Krisp For Free

2. Dragon NaturallySpeaking

Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a leader in speech to text technology, offering unmatched accuracy and customization options. It is widely used by professionals for its high accuracy and extensive feature set. 

• High accuracy. It’s recognized for its industry-leading accuracy,
• Custom commands: allows users to create custom voice commands for specific tasks,
• Language support: supports a wide range of languages,
• Voice profiles: adapts to your voice over time for improved accuracy,
• High accuracy,
• Customizable commands,
• Extensive language support,
• Higher price point,
• Requires training for optimal use,

Dragon NaturallySpeaking is suitable for professionals who require high accuracy and customization in their transcription software. It’s ideal for writers, journalists, and anyone who needs to transcribe large amounts of text quickly and accurately.

3. Google Docs Voice Typing

Google Docs offers a convenient and free audio to text converter on its platform. The latter is ideal for casual users who need a simple, no-cost solution to convert voice to text.

• Free to use: available at no cost within Google Docs,
• Easy integration: works seamlessly within the Google ecosystem,
• Real-time transcription: provides live transcription as you speak,
• Multiple languages: supports a variety of languages for transcription,
• Easy to use,
• Integrates with the Google ecosystem,
• Limited to Chrome browser,
• Less accurate in noisy environments,

Google Docs Voice Typing is perfect for students, casual users, and professionals who need free and easy-to-use dictation in Google Docs. It’s best used in quiet environments where background noise is minimal.

4. Otter.ai

Otter.ai is one of the best dictation apps with real-time transcription and collaboration features. These are perfect for meetings and interviews. Teams widely use it to transcribe conversations and facilitate collaboration.

• Real-time transcription: offers live transcription during meetings,
• Collaboration tools: allows team members to collaborate on transcriptions,
• AI summary: provides AI-generated summaries of meetings,
• Integration: It’s compatible with popular conferencing tools like Zoom.
• Real-time transcription,
• Collaboration tools,
• Affordable pricing,
• Requires internet connection,
• Limited language support,

Otter.ai is ideal for teams and professionals who must transcribe and collaborate on meeting notes . Its real-time transcription and collaboration features make it perfect for business meetings and interviews.

5. Microsoft Dictate

Dictate is integrated into Microsoft Office and offers seamless speech to text functionality within familiar applications. It is a convenient option for users already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem.

• Integration: works seamlessly with Microsoft Office applications,
• Voice commands: allows for basic voice commands within Office applications,
• Free with Office 365,
• Integrates with Microsoft products,
• Accurate transcription,
• Requires Office 365 subscription,
• Limited to Microsoft ecosystem,

Microsoft Dictate is perfect for users already using Microsoft Office who want to convert voice to texts seamlessly. It’s ideal for creating documents, emails, and presentations with voice commands.

6. Descript

Descript is versatile speech to text software that combines audio and video editing with high-quality transcription services. It’s ideal for podcasters , video creators, and anyone needing a comprehensive tool for multimedia projects.

• Transcription and editing: transcribes audio and video files with high accuracy and allows easy editing,
• Screen recording: includes a screen recording feature for capturing presentations and tutorials,
• Collaboration tools: enables team collaboration on projects with shared workspaces,
• Overdub: allows for text-to-speech correction with a synthetic voice that matches the speaker’s voice,
• Comprehensive transcription and editing tools,
• Ideal for multimedia projects,
• Requires a subscription for full features,
• A learning curve for advanced features,

Descript is perfect for content creators who need an all-in-one tool for transcribing and editing audio and video content. Its powerful features make it ideal for podcasters and video producers looking to streamline their workflow.

7. Speechnotes

Speechnotes is a simple yet powerful online dictation tool that offers free speech to text conversion. It is designed for quick note-taking and long-form writing, making it a versatile choice for various users.

• Free usage: available as a free online tool with no sign-up required,
• Text editing tools that include essential text editing tools for formatting and punctuation,
• Offline mode: offers offline functionality for transcription without an internet connection,
• Free and easy to use,
• No sign-up is required,
• Supports offline transcription,
• Limited features compared to premium software,
• Basic text editing tools,

Speechnotes is ideal for users who need a quick and easy way to transcribe their speech into text without cost. It’s perfect for students, writers, and professionals looking for a straightforward and free voice to text converter.

Temi offers automated digital transcription services with high accuracy and quick turnaround times. This dictation software is widely used for transcribing interviews , meetings, and lectures, providing users with reliable and affordable transcription.

• Automated transcription: uses advanced algorithms to transcribe audio files quickly and accurately,
• Editor tool: includes an online editor for reviewing and correcting transcriptions,
• Export options: allows users to export transcripts in multiple formats, including Word and PDF,
• Mobile app: offers a mobile app for recording and transcribing on the go.
• Quick turnaround times,
• High accuracy for automated transcription,
• Requires manual review for optimal accuracy,
• Limited advanced features,

Temi is perfect for journalists, researchers, and professionals who need fast and affordable transcription services. Its automated transcription and easy-to-use editor make it convenient for handling large volumes of audio content.

Tips for Using Dictation Software

While dictation software has come a long way in recognizing different voices, it’s not flawless. Here are some tips to ensure you get the best results.

Speak Slowly

By learning your voice and speech patterns, voice recognition software improves accuracy over time. It’s crucial to speak in a way that feels natural to you. However, if you notice the accuracy isn’t up to 90% at first, try pronouncing your words more clearly.

Use Punctuation Commands

Unlike human listeners, dictation software requires you to insert punctuation verbally. You’ll need to say “period,” “comma,” “question mark,” etc., to ensure your text is punctuated correctly.

Learn The Essential Commands

Invest some time learning basic commands like “new line” to start a new paragraph. Different dictation software may have their composing, editing, and navigating commands. Familiarize yourself with the commands specific to your chosen tool.

Be Aware of Time Limits

On mobile devices, some dictation tools can only listen for a limited time, sometimes as brief as 10 seconds. Regularly check your screen to make sure you’re not exceeding this limit.

Getting used to voice recognition software takes time and practice. Many advanced apps offer training sessions where you can read passages or complete short exercises. Use tutorials and on-screen guides to improve your proficiency.

These tips can help improve your productivity and convert voice to text by making the most of your voice recognition software.

Choosing the right speech to text software can significantly enhance your productivity and efficiency. 

When selecting the best voice to text app, consider the following:

• Your needs : are you using it for meetings, writing, or accessibility?
• Environment : will you be using it in a noisy or quiet environment?
• Budget: are you looking for free or premium options?

Whether you’re a professional needing accurate transcriptions during meetings or a student looking for an easy way to take notes, there’s dictation software out there for you. Explore the options, consider your needs, and make an informed choice to enjoy the benefits of speech to text technology.

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13 Best Text-to-Speech Software of 2024 (Free, Paid & Online)

Text-to-speech software can bring tremendous advantages to your workflow.

Imagine being able to listen to a document instead of reading it so that you can multitask. You can just load the document into your phone and listen to it while you run your errands.

Auditory learners who retain more information by listening rather than reading will also find text-to-speech software useful.

Moreover, text-to-speech software is also invaluable to the visually impaired or people with dyslexia . They can help people who improve communication for people who can read a language but don’t speak it, or are trying to learn.

So, we’ve rounded up the 13 best text-to-speech software of 2022 in this post. We’ll review each one, talk about the key features to look out for in text-to-speech software, and explore some frequently asked questions about them.

Best Text-to-Speech Software

1. amazon polly, best overall text-to-speech software..

Amazon Polly is a service by—you guessed it—Amazon that turns text into lifelike speech , allowing you to build speech-enabled products and applications that talk.

With advanced deep learning technology, Polly synthesizes natural-sounding human speech, offering several realistic voices across dozens of languages so that you can build applications that work in many different countries.

Amazon Polly offers Neural Text-to-Speech (NTTS) in addition to their Standard TTS voices . These voices come with advanced improvements in speech quality through a newer, better machine learning approach.

NTTS also supports two speaking styles so that you can match the speaking style to the specific use case. There’s the Newscaster reading style which is suited to news narration applications; and there’s a Conversational speaking style, which is great for two-way communication like in telephony applications.

Finally, you can get a custom voice created for your organization with Amazon Polly Brand Voice . In this engagement, you’ll work with the Amazon Polly team to build an NTTS voice that will be used exclusively by your organization.

On the free trial, Amazon Polly offers 5 million free characters per month for speech or Speech Mark requests for the first 12 months , beginning from the first time you request for speech. For the Neural voices, you get 1 million free characters.

Beyond the free trial, pricing is on a pay-as-you-go model. For $4, you get 1 million characters for Amazon Polly’s Standard voices . For the Neural voices, you get 1 million characters for $16.

• Incorporates lifelike voices
• Cache and replay feature so you don’t have to pay multiple times for the same text
• HIPAA compliant
• PCI DSS compliant
• Supports 60 voices and over 29 languages
• Some features are limited to certain voices or generation type
• Terminology sometimes is different from other similar tools

2. Linguatec Voice Reader

Best alternative to amazon polly text-to-speech..

Based out of Germany, Linguatech has been creating text-to-speech software for over 25 years now. Their flagship product is Voice Reader Home 15. It’s a deceptively simple yet powerful tool.

You can stop the playback at any time and have it resume from where you stopped. You can highlight a section of text and have it reread that section. And if you’d like to generate an audio file from your text, it’s as easy as tapping a button to convert the text to an MP3 file.

That said, you only get controls for speed, tone, pitch, and volume. With these controls, even a small change can be quite significant.

In addition to the reading functionality, there’s also a sophisticated editing function that can be likened to a highly simplified word processor. All fonts installed on your system are available, and you have the freedom to edit styles, highlight sections of text, align text, and do many other things.

The problem with this part of the platform, though, is that you may be introducing errors into the document you’re trying to edit since there’s no spelling or grammar check.

While the conversion of text to voice is often very well executed, this platform does have a few odd flaws.

For one, in English for example, honorifics that have a period after them—as in ‘Mr.’ or ‘Dr’—can be a bit problematic; Voice Reader takes the period as an actual period and flags a brief pause mid-sentence while reading such words. So Mr. Smith ends up being read as Mr…Smith .

The same occurs with soft returns—although this can be useful in detecting soft returns you didn’t intentionally insert into the document. Either way, these interruptions ruin the flow and bring to light the fact that the voice is synthetic.

Another flaw is that you can’t adjust pronunciations. So, heteronyms are often quite problematic. The platform can’t tell Polish apart from polish, for example; in this case, it always goes with the polish , the act of shining a surface, even when the intention is clearly to refer to something that has to do with Poland.

To get Voice Reader Home 15, you only have to pay a one-off purchase price of €49 and you can use it forever from that point onward. But here’s the catch: that will only give you one voice in a single language . Want a different voice or a different language? That’s another €49. And that’s for a private use license.

If you would like to use the software commercially (such as for voiceovers on your videos) or require multiple voices in a single language, you should get Voice Reader Studio 15 instead for €499 .

• Support for 45 languages and 67 voices
• Regional accents supported
• Only one voice and language per private-use license, and one language per commercial license
• No pronunciation adjustment

3. Capti Voice

Best text-to-speech software for people with print disabilities..

Capti Voice Narrator is an app designed to be used by people with print disabilities such as blindness, low vision, and dyslexia.

Users can import all kinds and formats of documents, ebooks, and web pages into the system, and Capti Voice will read them out loud or display them in large text.

However, Capti Voice can also serve as a great productivity tool for people without disabilities. It is available as a browser-based platform, as an app for iOS devices, and as a Chrome browser extension .

Navigating the app is easy. You can import your content into the app with as few as four taps. As the app reads text out loud, it also displays the text and you can follow along if you want to.

But the text on the app menus is quite small; so, those with vision impairment may need to have a VoiceOver screen reader or Zoom magnifier to be able to use it.

Capti Voice Narrator features abundant options for people with disabilities, and it has won numerous awards for this reason. You can choose from six free voices or buy any of the premium voices, most of which cost about $5.

You can also have the content text displayed in a wide variety of fonts —including the widely popular OpenDyslexic font—and you can enlarge the font size as well.

You have the option to set the text to be displayed on high-contrast backgrounds and increase the spacing between words as needed.

As the voice narrator reads, Capti Voice highlights the text, allowing users with visual processing issues or dyslexia to focus more easily on words.

Moreover, Capti Voice offers numerous integrations with different services . Under the Book Libraries menu, you’ll find services like Bookshare and Project Gutenberg , giving readers access to hundreds of thousands of books.

The platform also integrates with cloud storage platforms like OneDrive, Google Drive, Dropbox, and iCloud, allowing users to import files directly from these platforms. Adding web articles to Capti Voice Narrator can be done with the browser extension or by copy-pasting a link. And there is an OCR scanner built into the app .

You can download the app for free and create a free account — an account is required. But if you would like features such as image viewing, increased file size limits, language translation, and multiple playlists, you would need to pony up $18/year for the premium plan .

There are also premium voices available for purchase, and most of them cost about $5 each.

• The free plan is good enough for most people
• The premium plan is relatively inexpensive
• Offers several useful integrations, including an OCR scanner and other assistive technology
• The app menus on the interface are difficult to read

Best Text-to-Speech Software for Voice-overs.

Murf is a text-based voice-over maker that features hyper-realistic AI voices . Just type in your voice-over script or upload a voice recording and the app will convert it to a studio-quality AI voice-over.

Murf’s voices are trained on professional voice-over artists and checked for quality against several parameters. There’s a wide range of voices available; so, there’s always one that’s appropriate for every use case.

One difficult part of making videos with voice-overs is achieving perfect timing with visuals. Murf makes it easy to sync the timing of the voice-over with videos and presentations.

You can add pauses or alter the narration speed, thereby eliminating the need for post-processing. Murf also allows you to change pitch and even add emphasis to certain words. Bottom line, there’s a lot of flexibility for customization.

You can also convert voice into editable text. In this text, you can select and delete any part—just like a regular word processor—and the audio for the deleted part will be trimmed automatically.

Murf Studio has an AI assistant equipped to check for punctuation, grammatical, and spelling errors. The assistant makes recommendations to improve your script.

The Pause feature comes with three settings: weak, medium, and strong. But if you like, you can customize the duration of the pause or add pauses simply by stretching out the duration of an audio block in the timeline at the bottom of the screen.

Additionally, Murf comes with a wide selection of royalty-free background music for your videos. You can also upload your own music, recorded audio, video clips, and images. And you can trim parts of your video directly in the studio.

Murf allows you to combine multiple images and videos to create your final video . This means that you can add introduction slides and end screens to your video, and also insert images in between video clips.

Finally, the platform can also render videos in standard sizes according to the platform on which you’ll be uploading the video , including Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and others.

On the free plan , Murf gives you 10 free minutes of voice-over render time to test voices and other features in the Studio. Priced plans start at $19 for the Basic plan and go as high as $99 and up for the Enterprise plan .

Alternatively, you can pay a one-time fee of $9 for 30 minutes of voice generation and all the features of the Basic plan if that’s all you need.

• Both subscription and one-off plans are available
• Gives users granular control over voiceovers
• Does not support voice recording at the moment

5. Natural Reader

Best text-to-speech software for webmasters aiming to improve website accessibility..

Many internet users may recognize the familiar voices of Natural Reader from several YouTube videos. It’s a popular solution that has become a victim of its success; its popularity detracts from its naturalness because people are now used to the sound of its voices.

Still, it would be a travesty to not include Natural Reader in this list as it is still one of the top text-to-speech solutions on the market today.

Natural Reader’s interface is as simple as it gets ; it’s pretty much a point-and-shoot affair. You simply paste your text into the panel in the center of the screen or drag and drop the text file there. Or you can load the file from your storage.

Or, if you’re using the online version on a Chrome browser, you can highlight text on a webpage and use the Chrome extension to transfer the text for transcription .

At the top of the screen, there’s a bar to control the playback, choose voices, and control the speed of delivery . On the far left, you have a menu with extra options such as controls to edit pronunciations .

Available languages include English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German, Italian, and Swedish.

One unexpected use of this tool—and most other text-to-speech tools, for that matter—is that it can serve as a great alternative to professional proofreading since it is remarkably easier to hear a botched sentence than to read the errors.

Additionally, Natural Reader provides a WebReader widget that website creators can attach to their website to help users read web pages out loud. This feature is particularly useful for those with sight impairments that need to browse the internet.

When in use, the widget highlights the text being read and marks each word as it is spoken. It will use any of the 61 standard voices in any of the 18 languages available. This feature also works with web pages viewed on mobile, too.

The widget is free for websites that expect to use the widget on less than 2,000 pages per day , and there are subscription plans for those that need more.

In all, the flaws of this software become apparent when it comes to names, technical words, and the pronunciation of historical texts. But this should hardly come as a surprise as even humans have problems with the same things.

And the software even makes it easy to fix these issues by giving you access to a pronunciation editor.

Natural Reader is available in two versions: the Commercial version and the Non-commercial version. With both versions, there’s a free plan.

Beyond the free plan, the Commercial version costs $49/month (annual billing) for a single user . The Team plan starts at $59/month (annual billing) for 2 team members, adding $10 for every additional member .

For the Non-commercial version, Natural Reader starts at a one-time fee of $99.50 for the Personal plan and goes all the way up to $199.5 for the Ultimate plan .

• WebReader widget available
• Available on Windows, Mac, and as a browser-based application
• Free for 20 minutes every day
• Overused on YouTube
• Can sound stiff at times

6. Notevibes

Best text-to-speech software for translation..

Notevibes is a wonderful text-to-speech software with a free version and a feature-packed paid version. It offers 201 unique, natural-sounding voices and 18 languages. Users get 500 characters of translation and the ability to customize pronunciation.

While the free version is great for personal use, you’ll need a commercial license for commercial applications. The number of characters you can translate depends on the plan you purchase. After translation and voice synthesis, you can download the audio in MP3 or WAV format.

The platform supports anywhere from 200 – 1,000,000 characters. The voices generated are realistic and natural sounding. When you need to, you can add a pause with a single click. Changing the pitch and playback speed are also allowed, and you can manually emphasize certain words and control volume.

Notevibes’ free plan allows limited usage. There are two pricing plans; the Personal pack starts at $9/month while the Commercial pack starts at $90/month. Naturally, the Personal pack can only be used for personal projects and activities like e-learning and private listening.

If your plan runs out mid-project, you can refill with a pay-as-you-go option. These one-off packs range from $29.90 for 300,000 characters to $89.90 for 900,000 characters .

• Refill packs are available for when you run out of balance
• The commercial pack is pretty expensive
• The free plan is quite limited
• Refill packs are only available for personal use

7. Voice Dream Reader

Best text-to-speech software for mobile..

Text-to-speech software isn’t limited to computers alone; there are also plenty of great options for mobile and Voice Dream Reader is a standout example. It is a mobile text-to-speech app that offers users a premium Acapela Heather voice. It works on both Android and iOS , although it is primarily designed for iOS.

With this app, you can convert ebooks, web articles, and documents into natural-sounding speech. It comes with 200+ built-in voices and 30 languages that include English, Bulgarian, Arabic, Croatian, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, and several others.

You can have the app read a list of articles while you drive, exercise, or work. There are also auto-scrolling, distraction-free, and full-screen modes to help you focus. And the platform integrates seamlessly with cloud storage solutions like Dropbox, iCloud Drive, Google Drive, Instapaper, Evernote, and Pocket.

Even the free version of the application offers a rich feature set, boasting features such as text-to-speech conversion, text highlighting, dictionary lookups, creating & pinning notes, and full-screen reading mode.

As if that isn’t enough, the platform works offline , requiring no internet connection to work its magic. It supports files in several formats including ePub, PDF, Daisy audio & text, MS Word, MS PowerPoint, plain text, and webpage, etc.

Users can control parameters like pitch, speed, pause duration, and voice . There are also controls for font, font size, and font color .

And finally, there’s an integrated OCR module, and library management functionality.

Voice Dream costs $14.99 for iOS users . For Android users, the app is available as Legere Reader on the Play Store for $9.99 .

• Offers the best text-to-speech experience on mobile
• Includes loads of useful features, even on the free plan
• Comes with 36 built-in voices
• Integrates with cloud platforms
• iOS 12 users get 61 free voices
• More suitable for iOS users than Android users

8. Balabolka

Best free text-to-speech software..

Its website may not look like much but Balabolka is one of the best in the business, especially if you’re a developer looking for a free solution . It's available as a download that you install on your computer and supports various file formats including HTML, PDF, and DOC.

To use Balabolka, you can either copy and paste text into the program or open a supported file format in the program directly. You can adjust the speed, pitch, and volume of the playback to create a custom voice.

Besides reading words aloud, this free text-to-speech software can also save your narrations in a wide range of formats that include MP3 and WAV.

It also features bookmarking functionality so that you can jump to specific locations within your longer audio files. And if ever needed, you can customize the pronunciation of words , too.

Balabolka is completely free to use.

• Completely free
• Excellent file format support
• Several voices to choose from
• Can create audio files
• Comes with bookmarking tools

9. Natural Reader Online Reader

A pared-down, free version of natural reader..

Natural Reader Online Reader is the pared-down free version of Natural Reader . It can be used in a couple of ways. You may choose to load documents into its library and have Natural Reader read them aloud from there.

This is a great way to manage several files, especially since the platform supports an impressive number of file formats.

There's also OCR functionality, which allows you to upload an image or scan a piece of text into the app and have the platform read it to you.

Alternatively, Natural Reader Online Reader offers a floating toolbar option. With this feature, you can highlight any text in any application and use the toolbar controls to start and control the narration.

This is a great way to use the app in your web browser, word processor, or other programs. Plus, there's a built-in browser to more easily convert web content to speech.

This version of Natural Reader is completely free to use.

• Built-in OCR
• Choice of interfaces
• Built-in browser
• Dyslexic-friendly font
• Not as full-featured as some other free options

A Powerful Text-to-Speech Software Bundled Together with an Exceptional Video Editing Platform.

Boasting over 2.5 million users across the world, Wideo is a video editing program that offers a free text-to-speech tool to its users. With Wideo, creators can produce professional videos with amazing voice-overs.

You can convert text into a high-quality voice-over that you can download as an MP3 file for use on videos that you create with the platform.

The text-to-speech feature comes bundled for free with Wideo’s editing platform . And while there’s a free version of the platform available, it’s pretty limited. Pricing starts at $19/month (billed annually) for the Basic plan and goes up to $79/month (billed annually) for the Pro+ plan.

• Comes for free with Wideo’s editing platform
• Standout editing features
• Offers concerted text as downloadable MP3 files
• Text-to-speech function not available as a standalone offering

11. Panopreter Basic

Best windows-only text-to-speech software..

Call it simple or basic, a lot can be said about this powerful text-to-speech solution. Panopreter is a Windows-only text-to-speech software . Panopreter offers both 32-bit and 64-bit applications, although it doesn't offer a 64-bit version for Windows 10, which is quite surprising.

While it isn't made for most browsers, Panopreter does come with a toolbar for Internet Explorer (another strange decision seeing as Internet Explorer is now obsolete) and Microsoft Word . The platform is incompatible with the .docx file format; it only works with the .doc file format.

To get started you have the option to purchase Panopreter directly or test drive the software for 30 days free of charge . It's a very easy-to-use piece of software, although its UI is rudimentary at best .

On the home screen, you get all the tools you need to get started. You can cut or copy, paste, delete, and replace sections of text just like with any old-fashioned text editor. Panopreter supports the following file types: TXT, RTF, PDF, DOC, HTM, HTML, and MHT.

Panopreter works with a wide variety of languages that you can choose from the left sidebar. You can also choose from several different voices, adjust volume, speed and pitch.

You can process XML tags and set the application to highlight words as it reads them.

Panopreter can also read the text you paste on your computer’s clipboard . This means that you do not necessarily have to open the application’s UI every time you need it to read something to you.

Finally, Panopreter offers support through the app, FAQs, and email.

There’s a 30-day free trial available after which the software costs a one-time fee of $32.95 . Your experience during the free trial won’t be encumbered by any limitations.

• Very easy to use
• Works with a wide range of document formats
• Integrates neatly with Microsoft Word
• Supports multiple languages
• One-time purchase
• Only available for Windows users
• Unattractive, outdated UI
• No support for modern web browsers
• No support for .docx files

12. WordTalk

Best free text-to-speech plugin for microsoft word..

WordTalk is an add-on developed by the University of Edinburgh that brings text-to-speech functionality to Microsoft Word . It is compatible with all editions of Word and can be accessed via the toolbar or ribbon, depending on what edition you're using.

While it is a barebones offering, it does support SAPI 4 and SAPI 5 voices , all of which you can tweak to your liking. The software can read individual words, sentences, or paragraphs aloud. You can also save your narrations, and there are several keyboard shortcuts for quick and easy access to options that you use frequently.

WordTalk is completely free to use.

• Integrates well with Microsoft Word
• Offers customizable voices
• Speaking dictionary
• Unattractive design

13. Google Cloud Text-to-Speech

Best text-to-speech software for application developers..

Google Cloud Text-to-Speech is not an option for general users. Instead, it is geared towards developers .

With this platform, developers can integrate text-to-speech and other Google apps to create an intelligent and comprehensive app . Developers can also combine Google Cloud Text-to-Speech with Google Translate to create something a lot more advanced.

Google says it can be used for voice response systems in call centers, enable IoT device speech, and convert media like news articles and books into audio format. Google Cloud Text-to-Speech offers 100+ different voices in 12 languages and allows users to control pitch, speed, and volume .

There’s a limited 90-day free trial available. After that, you get 4 million free characters per month on the Standard Voices plan and 1 million free characters on the WaveNet Voices plan. Then you’d have to shell out $4 per million characters for the Standard Voices plan and $6 per million characters for the WaveNet Voices plan.

• One of the best text-to-speech APIs on the market
• Great documentation
• Generous free plan
• Text processing can be slow at times
• Not for beginners or non-technical users

Key Features to Look for in Text-to-Speech Software

The features you’ll need in text-to-speech software depend on exactly what you need it for . A student with accessibility issues will need different features than an application developer who needs to add text-to-speech functionality to his latest creation.

As such, it would be impossible to create a one-size-fits-all list of features to look for in text-to-speech software. But there are still a few key factors that apply to text-to-speech software of all kinds; so, let’s explore some of them briefly.

Ideally, you’ll want text-to-speech software that comes with the most natural-sounding voices you can find.

While you might feel like you’re saving yourself a few bucks by going with something the comes with robotic-sounding voices, it won’t be long before you forget the low price you paid and find yourself stuck with a listening experience you don’t enjoy.

You’ll also want something that offers a wide range of customizations to the voices . You’ll want to be able to control the pitch, tone, volume, and speed of delivery , and you’ll also want to be able to customize pronunciations whenever necessary.

Finally, it’s nice to be able to select from a wide range of voices . Some providers offer several voices, some even as many as 200 voices. It’s great to know that you can change voices at any time to freshen the experience.

2. Languages

This is another big one, especially for those who may not speak English as a first language or who may want to use text-to-speech software to help them learn a new language.

You’ll want software that supports a wide range of languages, or at least offers your preferred language . Choosing a text-to-speech tool without checking if it supports your language would be a grave mistake.

3. Download Options

You’ll also want to be able to download narrations in a wide variety of formats such as MP3 or WAV. This will allow you to save your narrations and come back to them later.

Since a lot of providers price their services according to how many characters you have them narrate each month , being able to download your narrations means that you can listen to older narrations over and over again without eating into your character quota.

4. Licensing Options

Licensing is another important factor to consider when choosing text-to-speech software.

If you’d like to use the narrations generated by your text-to-speech software commercially (such as on YouTube videos, marketing material, premium courses, etc), you should opt for a tool that gives you a commercial-use license , not one that only gives you a personal-use license.

And if you only need text-to-speech software for personal use, why pay a premium for a commercial license ?

5. Extensibility

It’s always nice to be able to sync your software tools to one another. This eliminates the need to move data manually from one place to the other.

And it’s no different with text-to-speech software. For example, if you use cloud storage services to store your files, it makes sense to go for a provider that syncs with your cloud storage provider so that you can fetch files that you want to read without leaving the text-to-speech software’s interface .

This also applies to other services like Bookshare and Project Gutenberg, and even word processors .

Plus, it makes sense for the software to be compatible with your web browser, too, especially for visually challenged individuals or people with print disabilities who may have a hard time reading web content on their own.

6. User Experience

This goes without saying; the text-to-speech software you choose has to be easy to use and give you full control over the playback . You want to be able to pause, play, stop, and resume the playback in the most intuitive way possible.

Some providers offer extra features that boost usability, such as text highlighting (the reader highlights words on the screen as it reads them), the ability to control pause duration, and so on.

These extra features are nice to have for some people but may be necessary for others. Students learning a new language or those with reading disabilities looking to improve their reading might find the text highlighting feature particularly helpful , for example.

For visually challenged users, accessibility is a big issue , and providers who offer accessibility-driven features would be preferred.

Finally, OCR functionality is a nice-to-have feature. It allows users to scan printed documents into the software and have it read out the contents to them. This is very useful for accessibility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Text-to-speech software is a type of assistive technology that reads text inputted into it aloud. It converts text into audio at the tap of a button. It works with devices and text files of all kinds, and even works with web pages. 

No. Some use AI-generated voices, while others use actual human voices, with some premium offerings using voices of famous narrators like Morgan Freeman and David Attenborough. 

With text-to-speech software, even establishing a pricing range is near impossible , especially since there are many pricing models.  Some providers offer their products 100% free , some charge a monthly fee (some charging as high as $90/month), some charge a one-time fee (some as high as $199), and others charge per character (such as Google Cloud Text-to-Speech and Amazon Polly). At the end of the day, what you have to pay will be decided by what platform you choose to go for, and that will be determined by the features you need from your text-to-speech software. 

Text-to-speech software has a wide range of applications in various fields. Most commonly, it is used by people with learning disabilities, print disabilities, visual impairments, and literacy challenges .  Text-to-speech software is also used to provide queue-free self-service customer care in several industries like banking and finance. It can be used by text editors to detect mistakes and errors that they may have otherwise glossed over while reading.  Content creators— podcasters, YouTubers, online course creators , and others —may use text-to-speech software to create voice-overs for their content .  Even people who need to stay productive use text-to-speech software to read documents aloud while they multitask or run errands. The applications of text-to-speech software are truly wide-ranging.

Which Text to Speech Software Should I Pick?

We already established that choosing the right text-to-speech software depends on your specific needs. One software cannot fulfill everyone’s peculiar needs. Factors ranging from pricing and voices to licensing and download options will all play a role in your final decision.

But we can make a few suggestions based on what category of user you fall

• For bloggers, podcasters, YouTubers, online course creators, and other content creators , Murf is an excellent choice.
• For businesses and eLearning projects, NaturalReader is a great option.
• Developers looking to create speech-enabled applications will find Google Cloud Text-to-Speech and Amazon Polly to be particularly useful options.
• Developers looking for a free way to add text-to-speech to their applications would be hard-pressed to find a better option than Balabolka .
• Anyone with print disabilities will find Capti Voice to be indispensable.

And for mobile users, check out Voice Dream Reader .

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Martin luenendonk.

Martin loves entrepreneurship and has helped dozens of entrepreneurs by validating the business idea, finding scalable customer acquisition channels, and building a data-driven organization. During his time working in investment banking, tech startups, and industry-leading companies he gained extensive knowledge in using different software tools to optimize business processes.

This insights and his love for researching SaaS products enables him to provide in-depth, fact-based software reviews to enable software buyers make better decisions.

Best free text-to-speech software of 2024

Find the best free text-to-speech software for free text to voice conversion

• Best overall
• Best custom voice
• Best for beginners
• Best Microsoft extension
• Best website reader
• How we test

The best free text-to-speech software makes it simple and easy to improve accessibility and productivity in your workflows.

1. Best overall 2. Best custom voice 3. Best for beginners 4. Best Microsoft extension 5. Best website reader 6. FAQs 7. How we test

In the digital era, the need for effective communication tools has led to a surge in the popularity of text-to-speech (TTS) software, and finding the best free text-to-speech software is essential for a variety of users, regardless of budget constraints. 

Text-to-speech software skillfully converts written text into spoken words using advanced technology, though often without grasping the context of the content. The best text-to-speech software not only accomplishes this task but also offers a selection of natural-sounding voices, catering to different preferences and project needs.

This technology is invaluable for creating accessible content, enhancing workplace productivity, adding voice-overs to videos, or simply assisting in proofreading by vocalizing written work. While many of today’s best free word processors , such as Google Docs, include basic TTS features that are accurate and continually improving, they may not meet all needs.

Stand-alone, app-based TTS tools, which should not be confused with the best speech-to-text apps , often have limitations compared to more comprehensive, free text-to-speech software. For instance, some might not allow the downloading of audio files, a feature crucial for creating content for platforms like YouTube and social media.

In our quest to identify the best free text-to-speech software, we have meticulously tested various options, assessing them based on user experience, performance, and output quality. Our guide aims to help you find the right text-to-speech tool, whatever your specific needs might be.

The best free text-to-speech software of 2024 in full:

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

The best free text-to-speech software overall

1. Natural Reader

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

Natural Reader offers one of the best free text-to-speech software experiences, thanks to an easy-going interface and stellar results. It even features online and desktop versions. 

You'll find plenty of user options and customizations. The first is to load documents into its library and have them read aloud from there. This is a neat way to manage multiple files, and the number of supported file types is impressive, including eBook formats. There's also OCR, which enables you to load up a photo or scan of text, and have it spoken to you.

The second option takes the form of a floating toolbar. In this mode, you can highlight text in any application and use the toolbar controls to start and customize text-to-speech. This means you can very easily use the feature in your web browser, word processor and a range of other programs. There's also a browser extension to convert web content to speech more easily.

The TTS tool is available free, with three additional upgrades with more advanced features for power-users and professionals.

Read our full Natural Reader review .

• ^ Back to the top

The best free custom-voice text-to-speech software

2. Balabolka

There are a couple of ways to use Balabolka's top free text-to-speech software. You can either copy and paste text into the program, or you can open a number of supported file formats (including DOC, PDF, and HTML) in the program directly. 

In terms of output, you can use SAPI 4 complete with eight different voices to choose from, SAPI 5 with two, or the Microsoft Speech Platform. Whichever route you choose, you can adjust the speech, pitch and volume of playback to create a custom voice.

In addition to reading words aloud, this free text-to-speech software can also save narrations as audio files in a range of formats including MP3 and WAV. For lengthy documents, you can create bookmarks to make it easy to jump back to a specific location and there are excellent tools on hand to help you to customize the pronunciation of words to your liking.

With all these features to make life easier when reading text on a screen isn't an option, Balabolka is the best free text-to-speech software around.

For more help using Balabolka, see out guide on how to convert text to speech using this free software.

The best free text-to-speech software for beginners

3. Panopreter Basic

Panopreter Basic is the best free text-to-speech software if you’re looking for something simple, streamlined, no-frills, and hassle-free. 

It accepts plain and rich text files, web pages and Microsoft Word documents as input, and exports the resulting sound in both WAV and MP3 format (the two files are saved in the same location, with the same name).

The default settings work well for quick tasks, but spend a little time exploring Panopreter Basic's Settings menu and you'll find options to change the language, destination of saved audio files, and set custom interface colors. The software can even play a piece of music once it's finished reading – a nice touch you won't find in other free text-to-speech software.

If you need something more advanced, a premium version of Panopreter is available. This edition offers several additional features including toolbars for Microsoft Word and Internet Explorer , the ability to highlight the section of text currently being read, and extra voices.

The best free text-to-speech extension of Microsoft Word

4. WordTalk

Developed by the University of Edinburgh, WordTalk is a toolbar add-on for Word that brings customizable text-to-speech to Microsoft Word. It works with all editions of Word and is accessible via the toolbar or ribbon, depending on which version you're using.

The toolbar itself is certainly not the most attractive you'll ever see, appearing to have been designed by a child. Nor are all of the buttons' functions very clear, but thankfully there's a help file on hand to help.

There's no getting away from the fact that WordTalk is fairly basic, but it does support SAPI 4 and SAPI 5 voices, and these can be tweaked to your liking. The ability to just read aloud individual words, sentences or paragraphs is a particularly nice touch. You also have the option of saving narrations, and there are a number of keyboard shortcuts that allow for quick and easy access to frequently used options.

The best free text-to-speech software for websites

5. Zabaware Text-to-Speech Reader

Despite its basic looks, Zabaware Text-to-Speech Reader has more to offer than you might first think. You can open numerous file formats directly in the program, or just copy and paste text.

Alternatively, as long as you have the program running and the relevant option enables, Zabaware Text-to-Speech Reader can read aloud any text you copy to the clipboard – great if you want to convert words from websites to speech – as well as dialog boxes that pop up. One of the best free text-to-speech software right now, this can also convert text files to WAV format.

Unfortunately the selection of voices is limited, and the only settings you can customize are volume and speed unless you burrow deep into settings to fiddle with pronunciations. Additional voices are available for an additional fee which seems rather steep, holding it back from a higher place in our list.

The best free text-to-speech software: FAQs

What are the limitations of free tts software.

As you might expect, some free versions of TTS software do come with certain limitations. These include the amount of choices you get for the different amount of voices in some case. For instance, Zabaware gives you two for free, but you have to pay if you want more. 

However, the best free software on this list come with all the bells and whistles that will be more than enough for the average user.

What is SAPI?

SAPI stands for Speech Application Programming Interface. It was developed by Microsoft to generate synthetic speech to allow computer programs to read aloud text. First used in its own applications such as Office, it is also employed by third party TTS software such as those featured in this list. 

In the context of TTS software, there are more SAPI 4 voices to choose from, whereas SAPI 5 voices are generally of a higher quality. 

Should I output files to MP3 or WAV?

Many free TTS programs give you the option to download an audio file of the speech to save and transfer to different devices.

MP3 is the most common audio format, and compatible with pretty much any modern device capable of playing back audio. The WAV format is also highly compatible too.

The main difference between the two is quality. WAV files are uncompressed, meaning fidelity is preserved as best as possible, at the cost of being considerably larger in size than MP3 files, which do compress.

Ultimately, however, MP3 files with a bit rate of 256 kbps and above should more than suffice, and you'll struggle to tell the difference when it comes to speech audio between them and WAV files.

How to choose the best free text-to-speech software

When selecting the best free text-to-speech software is best for you depends on a range of factors (not to mention personal preference).

Despite how simple the concept of text-to-speech is, there are many different features and aspects to such apps to take into consideration. These include how many voice options and customizations are present, how and where they operate in your setup, what formats they are able to read aloud from and what formats the audio can be saved as.

With free versions, naturally you'll want to take into account how many advanced features you get without paying, and whether any sacrifices are made to performance or usability. 

Always try to keep in mind what is fair and reasonable for free services - and as we've shown with our number one choice, you can get plenty of features for free, so if other options seem bare in comparison, then you'll know you can do better.

How we test the best free text-to-speech software

Our testing process for the best free text-to-speech software is thorough, examining all of their respective features and trying to throw every conceivable syllable at them to see how they perform.

We also want to test the accessibility features of these tools to see how they work for every kind of user out there. We have highlighted, for instance, whether certain software offer dyslexic-friendly fonts, such as the number two on our list, Natural Reader.

We also bear in mind that these are free versions, so where possible we compare and contrast their feature sets with paid-for rivals.

Finally, we look at how well TTS tools meet the needs of their intended users - whether it's designed for personal use or professional deployment. 

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Daryl had been freelancing for 3 years before joining TechRadar, now reporting on everything software-related. In his spare time, he's written a book, ' The Making of Tomb Raider '. His second book, ' 50 Years of Boss Fights ', came out in June 2024, and has a newsletter called ' Springboard '. He's usually found playing games old and new on his Steam Deck and MacBook Pro. If you have a story about an updated app, one that's about to launch, or just anything Software-related, drop him a line.

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Top 10 Transcription Software Solutions in 2024

Sudarshan Somanathan

Head of Content

May 29, 2024

Start using ClickUp today

• Manage all your work in one place
• Collaborate with your team
• Use ClickUp for FREE—forever

If you ever tried transcribing a recording, you know how painful it can be. Especially when you have to listen to a one-hour Zoom call to extract or summarize key talking points.

Whether you’re a journalist chasing deadlines, a researcher analyzing data, or a business professional reviewing meetings, you need a reliable transcription tool in your tech stack to keep up productivity.

Fortunately, there are many transcription apps that can do the work for you and make you more productive. We’ve combed through a sea of choices to bring you the top 10 transcription software solutions in 2024. Here we go!

What Should You Look for in Transcription Software?

 1. clickup, 2. fathom ai, 3. otter.ai, 6. fireflies.ai, 7. meetgreek, 9. descript, 10. notta.ai, transcribe smarter and faster with clickup.

Before picking the right transcription software, it is crucial to understand the key factors that should influence your choice. These points will help you to make an informed decision:

• Accuracy : Check how accurately the software transcribes speech. Other points to note are if it can handle different accents and background noise in the context of the audio that you need to work with
• Features: Search for software programs that go beyond basic transcription. For example, some offer functionalities like speaker identification, time stamping, and integration with project management software that streamline your workflow
• Ease of use : Look for a user-friendly interface. The software should be intuitive so that you can focus on your content. Look for drag-and-drop functionality and clear navigation, for instance
• Pricing : Pick a software that offers the necessary features without breaking the bank. Price range for transcription software can vary in cost depending on features and accuracy levels. Many transcription services also provide free trials, so you can figure out if it works for your needs

10 Best Transcription Software to Use in 2024

Whether you’re looking for basic transcription assistance or advanced summarizing features, you’ll find your match here. Let’s take a look at the top 10 software solutions based on their features, pricing, and more.

ClickUp is a comprehensive, feature-rich, AI-powered project management app. Its set of AI features within ClickUp Brain is the perfect tool for automating transcription processes.

ClickUp Brain is a neural network that connects tasks, docs, people, and data within the platform. When used with ClickUp Clips , a screen and an audio recording feature, it can perform automatic transcription.

For instance, during a meeting, you can record your audio notes and discussions, and ClickUp will automatically transcribe them for you—save time and work smarter. Moreover, these transcriptions can even be shared with other team members for their reference.

What’s more, the transcription makes it much easier to search for content from recorded messages and audio files. All transcribed text is searchable using ClickUp Universal Search .

Simply search for keywords in the recording, and save time by skipping to the relevant part without manual effort. ClickUp Universal Search can also help you find anything within your workspace, including tasks, documents, projects, and even within some third-party integrations—in seconds!

ClickUp best features 

• Convert speech and transcribe voice recordings quickly into text with auto AI transcription
• Create context-aware transcript summaries based on content
• Share screen recordings with the team instantly
• Create tasks directly from ClickUp Clips
• Integrate with over 1000 programs to enhance transcription, such as Hubspot, Loom, and ZenDesk  

ClickUp limitations

• Currently requires voice recordings for automated and transcription services. Some users may miss the option for text-to-speech functionality

ClickUp pricing

• Free Forever
• Unlimited: $7/month per user
• Business: $12/month per user
• Enterprise: Contact for pricing
• ClickUp Brain: Add to any paid plan for $5 per Workspace member per month

ClickUp ratings and reviews

• G2 : 4.7/5 (2,000+ reviews)
• Capterra : 4.7/5 (2,000+ reviews)

Fathom AI is an AI-powered automated transcription software known for its ease of use. It records, transcribes, highlights, and summarizes your phone calls and meetings.

Fathom AI focuses on streamlining the entire video conferencing experience. It integrates with platforms like Zoom and Google Meet, automatically recording and transcribing audio from meetings. Fathom AI lets you highlight key moments during the call. It creates searchable summaries, and you can share specific clips with colleagues.

Fathom AI best features

• Capture accurate results and key moments from your recordings
• Navigate the user-friendly interface with a built-in media and audio player
• Integrate with popular cloud storage platforms

Fathom AI limitations

• May struggle with technical terms or heavy accents
• Designed for meeting note-taking, so it might not be ideal for other types of still audio or video recordings
• Only 6 languages supported (apart from English)

Fathom AI pricing

• Fathom Premium: $19/month per user
• Standard: $32/month per user
• Fathom Pro: $39/month per user
• Fathom for Teams: Contact for pricing

Fathom AI Ratings and Reviews

• G2 : 5/5 (2000+ reviews)
• Capterra : 5/5 (200+ reviews)

Otter.ai is a popular mobile transcription app that excels at real-time transcription. It integrates with tools and can transcribe audio from various sources, making it a versatile assistant.

Otter.ai has a range of functionalities. It offers real-time transcription for meetings, and it can handle pre-recorded audio or video files as well. Otter allows you to distinguish between participants. The focus is on accuracy, speaker differentiation, and versatility.

Otter best features

• Condense lengthy recordings into concise summaries for quick review and reference
• Collaborate on transcriptions simultaneously so that teams can work together
• Highlight and search for keywords within the transcribed text
• Integrate with Zoom, Teams, and Meet for real-time transcription during meetings

Otter limitations

• Otter currently only supports the English language
• Strong accents or technical jargon can lead to transcription errors
• No real-time transcription editing capability

Otter pricing 

• Free Basic Plan
• Pro Plan: $16.99/month per month
• Business Plan: $30/month per month
• Enterprise Plan: Contact for pricing 

Otter Ratings and Reviews

• G2 : 4.2/5 (150+ reviews)
• Capterra : 4.5/5 (80+ reviews)

Sonix is a powerful transcription software with a range of use cases and integrations. These make it a good choice across use cases such as meeting notes, lectures, interviews, and films. 

Sonix makes the transcription process fast, accurate, and user-friendly. It helps you streamline your workflow and unlock valuable content within your audio recordings. 

In addition, Sonix offers features such as speaker identification, timestamps, and integrations with popular productivity tools. These make it a comprehensive solution for all your transcription needs.

Sonix best features 

• Accurate speech-to-text in 49+ languages
• Simple integration across platforms and tools
• Enhance videos with subtitles using the automated subtitles feature

Sonix limitations

• Steeper learning curve compared to some other options
• Costs can add up quickly for lengthy transcripts, especially for frequent users.

Sonix pricing

• Standard: $10 per hour
• Premium: $5 per hour plus $22/month per user

Sonix ratings and reviews

• G2 : 4.7/5 (20+ reviews)
• Capterra : 4.9/5 (125+ reviews)

Grain is a cloud-based transcription platform with a focus on meetings. With the right integrations, it can capture recordings and automatically generate transcripts with AI-powered notes.

Grain also analyzes the conversation, identifying key topics and highlighting important moments.

Grain best features

• Review transcripts with teammates by using collaboration editor tools 
• Pinpoint every speaker with multiple labeling options
• Automate video captioning for accessibility and engagement

Grain limitations

• The free plan has limited features and minutes
• The tool may struggle with accurately transcribing speech from speakers with strong accents or dialects 

Grain pricing

• Starter: $19/month per user 
• Business: $39/month per user 

Grain ratings and reviews

• G2 : 4.6/5 (275+ reviews)
• Capterra : Not enough reviews 

Fireflies.ai is an AI-powered transcription software specifically designed for meetings and interviews. Its free version has many useful integrations that make it go beyond simple manual transcription.

Fireflies is a well-rounded AI meeting assistant for both transcription and action items. It integrates with popular video conferencing tools to automatically capture audio or video files, transcribe the conversation, and summarize key points.

The focus is on accurate transcription and actionable insights to boost productivity.

Fireflies best features

• Analyze meetings automatically to identify key points and action items  
• Integrate with popular video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet
• Gain advanced word search and word filtering options within transcripts

Fireflies limitations

• The free plan has restrictions on storage space and meeting duration
• Limited general audio/video transcription capabilities outside of meetings

Fireflies pricing

• Pro: $18/month per user 
• Business: $29/month per user 
• Enterprise: $39/month per user 

Fireflies ratings and reviews

• G2 : 4.8/5 (350+ reviews)
• Capterra : 4.2/5 (9 reviews)

MeetGreek is a transcription platform designed for meetings and webinars. It can record, transcribe, summarize, and share highlights. MeetGreek integrates with platforms like Zoom and Google Meet. It records all your meetings, transcribes them, and analyzes the conversation for highlights, decisions, and action items.

It also offers a search function. This feature allows you to pause and easily revisit parts of the conversation.

MeetGreek best features

• Access transcriptions of online meetings and webinars
• Integrate with popular meeting platforms such as Zoom and Google Meet easily
• Get the advantage of auto-tags for action items, points of concern, or specific detail

MeetGreek limitations

Meetgreek pricing.

• Pro: $15 per/month per user
• Business: $39/month per user
• Enterprise: $59/month per user

MeetGreek ratings and reviews

• G2 : 4.6/5 (150+ reviews)
• Capterra : 4/5 (5 reviews)

Rev offers both human and AI-powered options. It provides human transcription for any audio files or video files. It also has an AI transcription option at a lower cost. A large marketplace of experienced transcribers carries out the transcription service itself. Rev also provides speech-to-text APIs for greater functionality.

That’s not all. You can also edit the transcript, highlight text, add comments, and request captions in 17 languages, if you have the time. 

Rev best features

• Get great accuracy through human transcription services 
• Take advantage of fast turnaround times
• Enjoy additional services like translation and captioning

Rev limitations

• More expensive than AI-powered options

Rev pricing

• AI transcription and captions: $0.25/minute each
• AI subscription: $29.99/month
• Human transcription: $1.50/minute 

Rev ratings and reviews

• G2 : 4.7/5 (300+ reviews)
• Capterra : 4.7/5 (45+ reviews)

Descript is for those specializing in videos and podcasts. It allows you to write, record, transcribe, edit, and collaborate with a user-friendly interface.

The transcription functionalities are fast and accurate. It also has audio or video file-editing tools. Some of the advanced applications for audio playback include overdubbing of audio tracks and automatic removal of filler words.

Descript best features

• Seamlessly edit videos with inbuilt video editing tools
• Get advanced editing features such as generating viral-worthy clips
• User-friendly interface with audio editing functionalities

Descript limitations

• Transcription may not be as accurate as dedicated transcription software
• It is primarily meant for those in the video and podcast creation industry
• Free plan has limited transcription minutes

Descript pricing

• Creator plan at $12/month per user
• Pro plan at $24 per user per month/month per user
• Enterprise plan: contact for pricing/month per user

Descript ratings and reviews

• G2 : 4.6/5 (400+ reviews)
• Capterra : 4/8/5 (150+ reviews)

Notta is designed for teams that need an all-in-one solution for capturing, managing, and utilizing meeting content. It is an AI-powered transcription software focusing on automatic note-taking and summarization.

You can transcribe, edit, summarize, create more, and collaborate with multiple speakers in a single workflow. However, the free transcription software is part of a broader meeting management and note-taking solution.

Notta best features

• Get excellent automatic note-taking and summarization capabilities
• Use an intuitive and friendly interface with search and organization features for notes
• Integrate with popular calendar and project management tools such as Notion and Trello

Notta limitations

• It may not be ideal for long-form audio/video transcriptions

Notta pricing

• Pro plan at $14/month per user
• Business plan at $27.99/month per user
• Enterprise plan: contact for pricing

Notta ratings and reviews

• G2 : 4.6/5 (100+ reviews)
• Capterra : No reviews yet

The world of transcription tools is thriving. These tools cater to a variety of needs, Whether your focus is on achieving perfect accuracy for recordings or lightning-fast turnaround times for capturing meetings, these tools can do it all.

The right tool will transform your audio and video files into a searchable and editable text format. This unlocks many benefits. You can effortlessly search transcripts for specific information, improve accessibility by providing captions for videos, or repurpose audio content from meetings for reports and presentations.

Before diving in, take a moment to identify your priorities. Do you need immaculate accuracy and speed above all else? Perhaps real-time collaboration is more important for your workflow. 

To streamline your workflow and unlock a world of productivity benefits, sign up for a free ClickUp trial today and revolutionize how you handle audio and video content. 

Questions? Comments? Visit our Help Center for support.

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Speech to Text - Voice Typing & Transcription

Take notes with your voice for free, or automatically transcribe audio & video recordings. amazingly accurate, secure & blazing fast..

~ Proudly serving millions of users since 2015 ~

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Dictate Notes

Start taking notes, on our online voice-enabled notepad right away, for free. Learn more.

Transcribe Recordings

Automatically transcribe (& optionally translate) recordings, audio and video files, YouTubes and more, in no time. Learn more.

Speechnotes is a reliable and secure web-based speech-to-text tool that enables you to quickly and accurately transcribe & translate your audio and video recordings, as well as dictate your notes instead of typing, saving you time and effort. With features like voice commands for punctuation and formatting, automatic capitalization, and easy import/export options, Speechnotes provides an efficient and user-friendly dictation and transcription experience. Proudly serving millions of users since 2015, Speechnotes is the go-to tool for anyone who needs fast, accurate & private transcription. Our Portfolio of Complementary Speech-To-Text Tools Includes:

Voice typing - Chrome extension

Dictate instead of typing on any form & text-box across the web. Including on Gmail, and more.

Transcription API & webhooks

Speechnotes' API enables you to send us files via standard POST requests, and get the transcription results sent directly to your server.

Zapier integration

Combine the power of automatic transcriptions with Zapier's automatic processes. Serverless & codeless automation! Connect with your CRM, phone calls, Docs, email & more.

Android Speechnotes app

Speechnotes' notepad for Android, for notes taking on your mobile, battle tested with more than 5Million downloads. Rated 4.3+ ⭐

iOS TextHear app

TextHear for iOS, works great on iPhones, iPads & Macs. Designed specifically to help people with hearing impairment participate in conversations. Please note, this is a sister app - so it has its own pricing plan.

Audio & video converting tools

Tools developed for fast - batch conversions of audio files from one type to another and extracting audio only from videos for minimizing uploads.

Our Sister Apps for Text-To-Speech & Live Captioning

Complementary to Speechnotes

Reads out loud texts, files & web pages

Listen on the go to any written content, from custom texts to websites & e-books, for free.

Speechlogger

Live Captioning & Translation

Live captions & simultaneous translation for conferences, online meetings, webinars & more.

Need Human Transcription? We Can Offer a 10% Discount Coupon

We do not provide human transcription services ourselves, but, we partnered with a UK company that does. Learn more on human transcription and the 10% discount .

Dictation Notepad

Start taking notes with your voice for free

Speech to Text online notepad. Professional, accurate & free speech recognizing text editor. Distraction-free, fast, easy to use web app for dictation & typing.

Speechnotes is a powerful speech-enabled online notepad, designed to empower your ideas by implementing a clean & efficient design, so you can focus on your thoughts. We strive to provide the best online dictation tool by engaging cutting-edge speech-recognition technology for the most accurate results technology can achieve today, together with incorporating built-in tools (automatic or manual) to increase users' efficiency, productivity and comfort. Works entirely online in your Chrome browser. No download, no install and even no registration needed, so you can start working right away.

Speechnotes is especially designed to provide you a distraction-free environment. Every note, starts with a new clear white paper, so to stimulate your mind with a clean fresh start. All other elements but the text itself are out of sight by fading out, so you can concentrate on the most important part - your own creativity. In addition to that, speaking instead of typing, enables you to think and speak it out fluently, uninterrupted, which again encourages creative, clear thinking. Fonts and colors all over the app were designed to be sharp and have excellent legibility characteristics.

Example use cases

• Voice typing
• Writing notes, thoughts
• Medical forms - dictate
• Transcribers (listen and dictate)

Transcription Service

Start transcribing

Fast turnaround - results within minutes. Includes timestamps, auto punctuation and subtitles at unbeatable price. Protects your privacy: no human in the loop, and (unlike many other vendors) we do NOT keep your audio. Pay per use, no recurring payments. Upload your files or transcribe directly from Google Drive, YouTube or any other online source. Simple. No download or install. Just send us the file and get the results in minutes.

• Transcribe interviews
• Captions for Youtubes & movies
• Auto-transcribe phone calls or voice messages
• Students - transcribe lectures
• Podcasters - enlarge your audience by turning your podcasts into textual content
• Text-index entire audio archives

Key Advantages

Speechnotes is powered by the leading most accurate speech recognition AI engines by Google & Microsoft. We always check - and make sure we still use the best. Accuracy in English is very good and can easily reach 95% accuracy for good quality dictation or recording.

Lightweight & fast

Both Speechnotes dictation & transcription are lightweight-online no install, work out of the box anywhere you are. Dictation works in real time. Transcription will get you results in a matter of minutes.

Super Private & Secure!

Super private - no human handles, sees or listens to your recordings! In addition, we take great measures to protect your privacy. For example, for transcribing your recordings - we pay Google's speech to text engines extra - just so they do not keep your audio for their own research purposes.

Health advantages

Typing may result in different types of Computer Related Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI). Voice typing is one of the main recommended ways to minimize these risks, as it enables you to sit back comfortably, freeing your arms, hands, shoulders and back altogether.

Saves you time

Need to transcribe a recording? If it's an hour long, transcribing it yourself will take you about 6! hours of work. If you send it to a transcriber - you will get it back in days! Upload it to Speechnotes - it will take you less than a minute, and you will get the results in about 20 minutes to your email.

Saves you money

Speechnotes dictation notepad is completely free - with ads - or a small fee to get it ad-free. Speechnotes transcription is only $0.1/minute, which is X10 times cheaper than a human transcriber! We offer the best deal on the market - whether it's the free dictation notepad ot the pay-as-you-go transcription service.

Dictation - Free

• Online dictation notepad
• Voice typing Chrome extension

Dictation - Premium

• Premium online dictation notepad
• Premium voice typing Chrome extension
• Support from the development team

Transcription

$0.1 /minute.

• Pay as you go - no subscription
• Audio & video recordings
• Speaker diarization in English
• Generate captions .srt files
• REST API, webhooks & Zapier integration

Compare plans

Privacy Policy

We at Speechnotes, Speechlogger, TextHear, Speechkeys value your privacy, and that's why we do not store anything you say or type or in fact any other data about you - unless it is solely needed for the purpose of your operation. We don't share it with 3rd parties, other than Google / Microsoft for the speech-to-text engine.

Privacy - how are the recordings and results handled?

- transcription service.

Our transcription service is probably the most private and secure transcription service available.

• HIPAA compliant.
• No human in the loop. No passing your recording between PCs, emails, employees, etc.
• Secure encrypted communications (https) with and between our servers.
• Recordings are automatically deleted from our servers as soon as the transcription is done.
• Our contract with Google / Microsoft (our speech engines providers) prohibits them from keeping any audio or results.
• Transcription results are securely kept on our secure database. Only you have access to them - only if you sign in (or provide your secret credentials through the API)
• You may choose to delete the transcription results - once you do - no copy remains on our servers.

- Dictation notepad & extension

For dictation, the recording & recognition - is delegated to and done by the browser (Chrome / Edge) or operating system (Android). So, we never even have access to the recorded audio, and Edge's / Chrome's / Android's (depending the one you use) privacy policy apply here.

The results of the dictation are saved locally on your machine - via the browser's / app's local storage. It never gets to our servers. So, as long as your device is private - your notes are private.

Payments method privacy

The whole payments process is delegated to PayPal / Stripe / Google Pay / Play Store / App Store and secured by these providers. We never receive any of your credit card information.

More generic notes regarding our site, cookies, analytics, ads, etc.

• We may use Google Analytics on our site - which is a generic tool to track usage statistics.
• We use cookies - which means we save data on your browser to send to our servers when needed. This is used for instance to sign you in, and then keep you signed in.
• For the dictation tool - we use your browser's local storage to store your notes, so you can access them later.
• Non premium dictation tool serves ads by Google. Users may opt out of personalized advertising by visiting Ads Settings . Alternatively, users can opt out of a third-party vendor's use of cookies for personalized advertising by visiting https://youradchoices.com/
• In case you would like to upload files to Google Drive directly from Speechnotes - we'll ask for your permission to do so. We will use that permission for that purpose only - syncing your speech-notes to your Google Drive, per your request.

The Best (Free) Speech-to-Text Software for Windows

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Looking for the best free speech to text software on Windows?

The best speech-to-text software is Dragon Naturally Speaking (DNS) but it comes at a price. But how does it compare to the best of the free programs, like Google Docs Voice Typing (GDVT) and Windows Speech Recognition (WSR)?

This article compares Dragon against Google Docs Voice Typing and Windows Speech Recognition for three typical uses:

• Writing novels.
•  Academic transcription.
• Writing business documents like memos.

Comparing Speech Recognition Software: Dragon Vs. Google Vs Microsoft

We will look at the nuances between the three below, but here's an overview on their pros and cons which will help you quickly make a decision.

1. Dragon Speech Recognition

Dragon Naturally Speaking beats Microsoft's and Google's software in voice recognition.

DNS scores 10% better on average compared to both programs. But is Dragon Naturally Speaking worth the money?

It depends on what you're using it for. For seamless, high-accuracy writing that will require little proof-reading, DNS is the best speech-to-text software around.

2. Windows Speech Recognition

If you don't mind proofreading your documents, WSR is a great free speech-recognition software.

On the downside, it requires that you use a Windows computer. It's also only about 90% accurate, making it the least accurate out of all the voice recognition software tested in this article.

However, it's integrated into the Windows operating system, which means it can also control the computer itself, such as shutdown and sleep.

3. Google Docs Voice Typing

Google Docs Voice Typing is highly limited in how and where you use it. It only works in Google Docs, in the Chrome Browser, and with an internet connection.

But it offers several options on mobile devices. Android smartphones have the ability to transcribe your voice to text using the same speech-to-text engine that also works with Google Keep or Live Transcribe.

And while Dragon Naturally Speaking offers a mobile app, it's treated as a separate purchase from the desktop client.

Dragon and Microsoft work in any place you can enter text. However, WSR can execute control functions whereas Dragon is mostly limited to text input.

Download : Live Transcribe for Android (Free)

Speech-to-Text Testing Methods

In order to test the accuracy of the dictation with the tools, I read aloud three texts:

• Charles Darwin's "On the Tendency of Species to Form Varieties"
• H.P. Lovecraft's "Call of Cthulhu"
• California Governor Jerry Brown's 2017 State of the State speech

When a speech-to-text software miscapitalized a word, I marked the text as blue in the right-column (see graphic below). When one of the software got a word wrong, the misspelled word was marked in red. I did not consider wrong capitalizations to be errors.

I used a Blue Yeti microphone which is the best microphone for podcasting  and a relatively fast computer. However, you don't need any special hardware. Any laptop or smartphone transcribes speech as well as a more expensive machine.

Test 1: Dragon Naturally Speaking Speech-to-Text Accuracy

Dragon scored 100% on accuracy on all three sample texts. While it failed to capitalize the first letter on every text, it otherwise performed beyond my expectations.

While all three transcription suites do a great job of accurately turning spoken words into written text, DNS comes out way ahead of its competitors. It even successfully understood complicated words such as "hitherto" and "therein".

Test 2: Google Docs Voice Typing Speech-to-Text Accuracy

Google Docs Voice Typing had many errors compared to Dragon. GDVT got 93.5% right on Lovecraft, 96.5% correc t for Brown, and 96.5% for Darwin. Its average accuracy came out to around 95.2% for all three texts.

On the downside, it automatically capitalized a lot of words that didn't need capitalization. It seems the engine also hasn't improved in accuracy since I last tested GDVT three years ago.

Test 3: Microsoft Windows Speech Recognition Text-to-Speech Accuracy

Microsoft's Windows Speech Recognition came in last. Its accuracy on Lovecraft was 84.3% , although it did not miscapitalize any words like GDVT. For Brown's speech, it got its highest accuracy rating of around 94.8% , making it equivalent to GDVT.

For Darwin's book, it managed to get a similarly high score of 93.1% . Its average accuracy across all texts came out to 89% .

Related: The Best Free Text-to-Speech Tools for Educators

Are Free Transcription Services Worth Using?

• Dragon Naturally Speaking got a perfect 100% accuracy for voice transcription.
• Microsoft's free voice-to-text service, Windows Speech Recognition scored an 89% accuracy.
• Google Docs Voice Typing got a total score of 95.2% accuracy.

However, there are some major limitations to free text-to-speech options you should always keep in mind.

GDVT only works in the Chrome browser. On top of that, it only works for Google Docs. If you need to enter something in a spreadsheet or in a word processor other than Google Docs, you are out of luck.

Our test results indicate it is more accurate than WSR, but you have to keep in mind that it only works in Chrome for Google Docs. And you will always need an internet connection.

WSR can make you more productive with its hands-off computer automation features. Plus, it can enter text. Its accuracy is the weakest out of the services that I tested.

That said, you can live with its misses if you are not a heavy transcriber. It's on par with Google Docs Voice Typing but limited to Windows.

For most users, the free options should be good enough. However, for all those who need high levels of transcription accuracy, Dragon Naturally Speaking is the best option around. As an occasional user, if you need a free service, Google Docs Voice Typing is a viable alternative.

These tools prove that your voice can make you more productive. Now, try out Google Voice Assistant  which is the best voice-control assistant you can use right now to manage everyday tasks.

Plus, be sure to check out these free online services to download text to speech as MP3 .

• Productivity
• Speech Recognition

Table of Contents

Why Use Speech Recognition Software?

• Dictation vs. Transcription

Why Use Dictation?

Why use transcription.

• Do You Need Special Recording Equipment?

The Best Transcription Services

The 5 best dictation software options, the best dictation software for writers (to use in 2024).

A lot of Authors give up on their books before they even start writing .

I see it all the time. Authors sit down to write and end up staring at a blank page. They might get a few words down, but they hate what they’ve written, harshly judge themselves, and quit.

Or they get intimidated by the prospect of writing more and give up. They may come back, but if so, it’s with less and less enthusiasm, until they eventually just stop.

In order to break the pattern, you have to get out of your own head. And the best way to do that is to talk it out.

I’m serious. Who ever said that you have to write your book? Why not speak it?

Authors don’t need to be professional writers. You’re publishing a book because you have knowledge to share with the world.

If you’re more comfortable speaking than writing, there’s no shame in dictating your book.

Sure, at some point, you’ll have to put the words on a page and make them readable, of course.

But for your first draft, you can stop focusing on being a perfect writer and instead focus on getting your ideas out in the world.

In this post, I’ll cover why dictation software is such a great tool, the difference between dictation and transcription, and the best options in each category.

When Authors experience writer’s block , it’s not usually because they have bad ideas or because they’re unorganized. The number 1 cause of writer’s block is fear.

So, how do you get rid of that fear?

The easiest solution is to stop staring at the screen and talk instead.

Many Authors can talk clearly and comfortably about their ideas when they aren’t put on the spot. Just think of how easy it is to sit down with colleagues over coffee or how excited you get explaining your work to a friend.

There’s a lot less pressure in those situations. It’s much easier than thinking, “I’m writing something that thousands of people are going to read and judge.”

When that thought is in your head, of course you’re going to freeze.

Your best bet is to ignore all those thoughts and really focus on your reader . Imagine you’re speaking to a specific person—maybe your ideal client or a close friend. What do they want to know? What can you help them with? What tone do you use when you talk to them?

When you keep your attention on the reader you’re trying to serve, it helps quiet your fear and anxiety. And when you speak, rather than write, it can help you keep a relaxed, confident, and personable tone.

Readers relate to Authors’ authentic voices far more than overly-crafted, hyper-intellectual writing styles.

Speaking will also help you finish your first draft faster because it helps you resist the desire to edit as you go.

We always tell Scribe Authors that their first draft should be a “vomit draft.”

You should spew words onto a page without worrying whether they’re good, how they can be better, or whether you’ve said the right thing.

Your vomit draft can be—and possibly will be—absolute garbage.

But that’s okay. As the Author of 4 New York Times bestsellers, I can tell you: first drafts are often garbage. In the end, they still go on to become highly successful books.

It’s a lot easier to edit words that are already on the page than to agonize over every single thing you’re writing.

That’s why speech recognition software is the perfect workaround. When you talk, you don’t have time to agonize. Your ideas can flow without your brain working overtime on grammar, clarity, and all those other things we expect from the written word.

Of course, your spoken words won’t be the same as a book. You’ll have to edit out all the “uh”s and the places you went on tangents. You might even have to overhaul the organization of the sections.

But remember, the goal of a first draft is never perfection. The goal is to have a text you can work with.

What’s the Difference between Dictation & Transcription?

If you know you want to talk out your first draft, you have 2 options:

• Use dictation software
• Use a transcription service

1. Dictation Software

With dictation software, you speak, and the software transcribes your words in real-time.

For example, when you give Siri a voice command on your iPhone, the words pop up across the top of the screen. That’s how dictation software works.

Although, I should point out that we aren’t really talking about Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa, or Microsoft’s Cortana here. Those are AI virtual assistants that use voice recognition software, but they aren’t true dictation apps. In other words, they’re good at transcribing a shopping list, but they won’t help you write a book.

Some dictation software comes as a standalone app you use exclusively for converting speech to text. Other dictation software comes embedded in a word processor, like Apple’s built-in dictation in Pages or Google Docs’ built-in voice tool.

If you’re a fast speaker, most live dictation software won’t be able to keep up with you. You have to speak slowly and clearly for it to work.

For many people, trying to use dictation software slows them down, which can interrupt their train of thought.

2. Transcription Services

In contrast, transcription services convert your words to text after-the-fact. You record yourself talking and send the completed audio files to the service for transcription.

Some transcription services use human transcription, which is exactly what it sounds like: a human listens to your audio and transcribes the content. This kind of transcription is typically slower and more expensive, but it’s also more accurate.

Other transcription services rely on computer transcription. Using artificial intelligence and advanced voice recognition technology, these services can turn around a full transcript in a matter of minutes. You’ll find some mistakes, but unless you have a strong accent or there’s a lot of background noise in the recording, they’re fairly accurate.

Dictation is the way to go if you want to sit in front of your computer and type—but maybe just type a little faster. It’s especially useful for people who want to switch between talking and typing.

It’s probably not your best option if you want to speak your entire first draft. Voice recognition software still requires you to speak slowly and clearly. You might lose your train of thought if you’re constantly stopping to let the software catch up.

With dictation software, you may also be tempted to stop and read what the software is typing. That’s an easy way to get sucked into editing, which you should never do when you’re writing your first draft.

I recommend using dictation as a way to shake up your writing process, not to replace typing entirely.

If you want to get your vomit draft out by speaking at your own natural pace, we recommend making actual recordings and sending them to a transcription service.

Transcription is also preferable if you’re being interviewed or if you have a co-author because it can recognize multiple voices. It’s also a lot more flexible in terms of location. People can interview you over Zoom or in any other conferencing system, and as long as you can record the conversation, it will work.

Transcription is also relatively cheap and works for you while you do other things. You can record your content at your own pace and choose when you want a computer (or person) to transcribe it. You could record your whole book before you send the audio files for transcription, or you could do a chapter at a time.

Transcription may not work well for you if you are a visual person who needs to see text in order to stay on track. Without a clear outline in front of you, sometimes the temptation to verbally wander or jump around can be too great, and you’ll waste a lot of time sorting through the transcripts later.

Do You Need Any Special Recording Equipment?

No. Most people don’t need anything special.

Whether you’re using transcription or dictation, don’t waste your money on fancy audio equipment. The microphone that comes with your computer or smartphone is more than adequate.

Some people find headsets useful because they can move around while they’re speaking. But you don’t want to multitask too much. If you’re trying to dictate your book while you’re cooking, you’ll be distracted, and the ambient noise could mess up the recording.

Scribe recommends 2 transcription services:

Temi works well for automated transcription (i.e., transcribed by a computer, not a human).

They charge $.25 per audio minute, and their turnaround only takes a few minutes.

Their transcripts are easy to read with clear timestamps and labels for different speakers. They also provide an online editing tool that allows you to easily clean up your transcripts. For example, you can easily search for all the “um”s and remove them with the touch of a button.

You can also listen to your audio alongside the transcript, and you can adjust the playback speed. This is very useful if you’re a fast talker.

If you prefer to work on the go, Temi also offers a mobile app.

Rev offers many of the same features as Temi for automated transcripts. They call this option “Rough Draft” transcription, and it also costs $.25 per audio minute. The average turnaround time for a transcript is 5 minutes.

What sets Rev apart is that they also offer human transcription. This service costs $1.25 per minute, and Rev guarantees 99% accuracy. The average turnaround time is 12 hours.

Human transcription is a great option if your audio file has a lot of background noise. It’s also great if you have a strong accent that automatic transcription software has trouble recognizing.

1. Google Docs Voice Typing

This is currently the best voice typing software, by far. It’s driven by Google’s AI software, which applies Google’s deep learning algorithms to accurately recognize speech. It also supports 125 different languages.

One of the best aspects of Voice Typing is that you don’t need to use a specific operating system or install any extra software to use it. You just need the Chrome web browser and a Google account.

It’s also easy to use. Just log into your account and open a Google Doc. Go to “Tools” and select “Voice Typing.”

A microphone icon will pop up on your screen.

Click it, and it will turn red. That’s when you can start dictating.

Click the microphone again to stop the dictation.

Voice Typing is highly accurate, with the typical caveats that you have to speak clearly and at a relatively slow pace.

It’s free, and because it’s embedded in the Docs software, it’s easy to integrate into your pre-existing workflow. The only potential downside is that you need a high-quality internet connection for Voice Typing, so you won’t be able to use it offline.

2. Apple Dictation

Apple Dictation is a voice dictation software that’s built into Apple’s OS/ iOS. It comes preloaded with every Mac, and it works great with Apple software.

If you’re on an iPhone or iPad, you can access Apple dictation by pressing the microphone icon on the keyboard. Many people use this feature to dictate texts, but it also works in Pages for iPhone. It can be a useful option for taking notes or dictating content while you’re away from your desktop.

If you’re on a laptop or desktop, you can enable dictation by going to System Preferences > Keyboard.

Apple Dictation typically requires an internet connection, but you can select a feature in Settings called “Enhanced Dictation” that allows you to continuously dictate text when you’re offline.

Apple Dictation is great because it’s free, it works well with Apple software across multiple devices, and it generates fairly accurate text.

It’s not quite as high-powered as some “professional” grade dictation programs, but it would work well for most Authors who already own Apple products.

3. Windows Speech Recognition

The current Windows operating system comes with a built-in voice dictation system. You can train the system to recognize your voice, which means that the more you use it, the more accurate it becomes.

Unfortunately, that training can take a long time, so you’ll have to live with some inaccuracies until the system is calibrated.

On Windows 10, you can access dictation by hitting the Windows logo key + H. You can turn the microphone off by typing Windows key + H again or by resuming typing.

Windows Speech Recognition is a good option if you don’t own a Mac or don’t use Google Docs, but overall, I’d still recommend one of the other options.

4. Otter.ai

Otter allows you to “live transcribe” or create real-time streaming transcripts with synced audio, text, and images. You can record conversations on your phone or web browser, or you can import audio files from other services. You can also integrate Otter with Zoom.

Otter is powered by Ambient Voice Intelligence, which means it’s always learning. You can train Otter to recognize specific voices or learn certain terminology. It’s fast, accurate, and user-friendly.

Otter is based on a subscription plan with basic, premium, and team options. I’ll only mention the basic and premium plans since most Authors won’t need the team features.

The free basic plan allows 600 minutes of transcription per month, which should be plenty—but the maximum length of each file is only 40 minutes. You also can’t import audio and video, and you can only export your transcripts as txt files, not pdf or docx files.

The premium plan is $8.33 per user per month, and it grants you access to a whopping 6,000 monthly minutes, with a max speech length of 4 hours. More importantly, you can import recordings from other apps and export your files in multiple formats (which will make your writing process much smoother).

Dragon is one of the most commonly recommended programs for standalone dictation software. It has high-quality voice recognition, but that high quality comes with a hefty price tag. The latest version, Dragon Home 15, costs $150, but it’s not compatible with Apple’s operating system. Mac users have to upgrade to the Professional version ($300).

With all the solid free options available—several of which are better than Dragon—I don’t recommend buying Dragon.

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The top free Speech-to-Text APIs, AI Models, and Open Source Engines

This post compares the best free Speech-to-Text APIs and AI models on the market today, including APIs that have a free tier. We’ll also look at several free open-source Speech-to-Text engines and explore why you might choose an API vs. an open-source library, or vice versa.

Choosing the best Speech-to-Text API , AI model, or open-source engine to build with can be challenging. You need to compare accuracy, model design, features, support options, documentation, security, and more.

This post examines the best free Speech-to-Text APIs and AI models on the market today, including ones that have a free tier, to help you make an informed decision. We’ll also look at several free open-source Speech-to-Text engines and explore why you might choose an API or AI model vs. an open-source library, or vice versa.

Looking for a powerful speech-to-text API or AI model?

Learn why AssemblyAI is the leading Speech AI partner.

Free Speech-to-Text APIs and AI Models

APIs and AI models are more accurate, easier to integrate, and come with more out-of-the-box features than open-source options. However, large-scale use of APIs and AI models can come with a higher cost than open-source options.

If you’re looking to use an API or AI model for a small project or a trial run, many of today’s Speech-to-Text APIs and AI models have a free tier. This means that the API or model is free for anyone to use up to a certain volume per day, per month, or per year.

Let’s compare three of the most popular Speech-to-Text APIs and AI models with a free tier: AssemblyAI, Google, and AWS Transcribe.

AssemblyAI offers speech AI models via an API that product teams and developers can use to build powerful AI solutions based on voice data for their users.

AssemblyAI offers cutting-edge AI models such as Speaker Diarization , Topic Detection, Entity Detection , Automated Punctuation and Casing , Content Moderation , Sentiment Analysis , Text Summarization , and more. These AI models help users get more out of voice data, with continuous improvements being made to accuracy .

The company offers a $50 credit to get users started with speech-to-text.

AssemblyAI also offers Speech Understanding models, including Audio Intelligence models and LeMUR. LeMUR enables users to leverage Large Language Models (LLMs) to pull valuable information from their voice data—including answering questions, generating summaries and action items, and more. 

Its high accuracy and diverse collection of AI models built by AI experts make AssemblyAI a sound option for developers looking for a free Speech-to-Text API. The API also supports virtually every audio and video file format out-of-the-box for easier transcription.

AssemblyAI offers two options for Speech-to-Text: "Best" and "Nano. " Best is the default model, which gives users access to the company's most accurate and advanced Speech-to-Text offering to help users capture the nuances of voice data. The company's Nano tier offers high-quality Speech-to-Text at an accessible price point for users that require cost efficiency.

AssemblyAI has expanded the languages it supports to include 17 different languages for its Best offering and 102 languages for its Nano offering, with additional languages released monthly. See the full list here .

AssemblyAI’s easy-to-use models also allow for quick set-up and transcription in any programming language. You can copy/paste code examples in your preferred language directly from the AssemblyAI Docs or use the AssemblyAI Python SDK or another one of its ready-to-use integrations .

• Free to test in the AI playground , plus $50 credits with an API sign-up
• Speech-to-Text Best – $0.37 per hour
• Speech-to-Text Nano – $0.12 per hour
• Streaming Speech-to-Text – $0.47 per hour
• Speech Understanding – varies
• Volume pricing is also available

See the full pricing list here .

• High accuracy
• Breadth of AI models available, built by AI experts
• Continuous model iteration and improvement
• Developer-friendly documentation and SDKs
• Pay as you go and custom plans
• White glove support
• Strict security and privacy practices
• Models are not open-source

Google Speech-to-Text is a well-known speech transcription API. Google gives users 60 minutes of free transcription, with $300 in free credits for Google Cloud hosting.

Google only supports transcribing files already in a Google Cloud Bucket, so the free credits won’t get you very far. Google also requires you to sign up for a GCP account and project — whether you're using the free tier or paid.

With good accuracy and 125+ languages supported, Google is a decent choice if you’re willing to put in some initial work.

• 60 minutes of free transcription
• $300 in free credits for Google Cloud hosting
• Decent accuracy
• Multi-language support
• Only supports transcription of files in a Google Cloud Bucket
• Difficult to get started
• Lower accuracy than other similarly-priced APIs
• AWS Transcribe

AWS Transcribe offers one hour free per month for the first 12 months of use.

Like Google, you must create an AWS account first if you don’t already have one. AWS also has lower accuracy compared to alternative APIs and only supports transcribing files already in an Amazon S3 bucket.

However, if you’re looking for a specific feature, like medical transcription, AWS has some options. Its Transcribe Medical API is a medical-focused ASR option that is available today.

• One hour free per month for the first 12 months of use
• Tiered pricing , based on usage, ranges from $0.02400 to $0.00780
• Integrates into existing AWS ecosystem
• Medical language transcription
• Difficult to get started from scratch
• Only supports transcribing files already in an Amazon S3 bucket

Open-Source Speech Transcription engines

An alternative to APIs and AI models, open-source Speech-to-Text libraries are completely free--with no limits on use. Some developers also see data security as a plus, since your data doesn’t have to be sent to a third party or the cloud.

There is work involved with open-source engines, so you must be comfortable putting in a lot of time and effort to get the results you want, especially if you are trying to use these libraries at scale. Open-source Speech-to-Text engines are typically less accurate than the APIs discussed above.

If you want to go the open-source route, here are some options worth exploring:

DeepSpeech is an open-source embedded Speech-to-Text engine designed to run in real-time on a range of devices, from high-powered GPUs to a Raspberry Pi 4. The DeepSpeech library uses end-to-end model architecture pioneered by Baidu.

DeepSpeech also has decent out-of-the-box accuracy for an open-source option and is easy to fine-tune and train on your own data.

• Easy to customize
• Can use it to train your own model
• Can be used on a wide range of devices
• Lack of support
• No model improvement outside of individual custom training
• Heavy lift to integrate into production-ready applications

Kaldi is a speech recognition toolkit that has been widely popular in the research community for many years.

Like DeepSpeech, Kaldi has good out-of-the-box accuracy and supports the ability to train your own models. It’s also been thoroughly tested—a lot of companies currently use Kaldi in production and have used it for a while—making more developers confident in its application.

• Can use it to train your own models
• Active user base
• Can be complex and expensive to use
• Uses a command-line interface

Flashlight ASR (formerly Wav2Letter)

Flashlight ASR, formerly Wav2Letter, is Facebook AI Research’s Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) Toolkit. It is also written in C++ and usesthe ArrayFire tensor library.

Like DeepSpeech, Flashlight ASR is decently accurate for an open-source library and is easy to work with on a small project.

• Customizable
• Easier to modify than other open-source options
• Processing speed
• Very complex to use
• No pre-trained libraries available
• Need to continuously source datasets for training and model updates, which can be difficult and costly
• SpeechBrain

SpeechBrain is a PyTorch-based transcription toolkit. The platform releases open implementations of popular research works and offers a tight integration with Hugging Face for easy access.

Overall, the platform is well-defined and constantly updated, making it a straightforward tool for training and finetuning.

• Integration with Pytorch and Hugging Face
• Pre-trained models are available
• Supports a variety of tasks
• Even its pre-trained models take a lot of customization to make them usable
• Lack of extensive docs makes it not as user-friendly, except for those with extensive experience

Coqui is another deep learning toolkit for Speech-to-Text transcription. Coqui is used in over twenty languages for projects and also offers a variety of essential inference and productionization features.

The platform also releases custom-trained models and has bindings for various programming languages for easier deployment.

• Generates confidence scores for transcripts
• Large support comunity
• No longer updated and maintained by Coqui

Whisper by OpenAI, released in September 2022, is comparable to other current state-of-the-art open-source options.

Whisper can be used either in Python or from the command line and can also be used for multilingual translation.

Whisper has five different models of varying sizes and capabilities, depending on the use case, including v3 released in November 2023 .

However, you’ll need a fairly large computing power and access to an in-house team to maintain, scale, update, and monitor the model to run Whisper at a large scale, making the total cost of ownership higher compared to other options. 

As of March 2023, Whisper is also now available via API . On-demand pricing starts at $0.006/minute.

• Multilingual transcription
• Can be used in Python
• Five models are available, each with different sizes and capabilities
• Need an in-house research team to maintain and update
• Costly to run

Which free Speech-to-Text API, AI model, or Open Source engine is right for your project?

The best free Speech-to-Text API, AI model, or open-source engine will depend on our project. Do you want something that is easy-to-use, has high accuracy, and has additional out-of-the-box features? If so, one of these APIs might be right for you:

Alternatively, you might want a completely free option with no data limits—if you don’t mind the extra work it will take to tailor a toolkit to your needs. If so, you might choose one of these open-source libraries:

Whichever you choose, make sure you find a product that can continually meet the needs of your project now and what your project may develop into in the future.

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Get a free API key for AssemblyAI.

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The Benefits of Speech-to-Text Technology in All Classrooms

Please try again

During in-person instruction, Vikram Nahal would correct console grips in his role as a Resource Specialist Program (RSP) teacher in Northern California. Learning console grips helps students develop the hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills necessary to correctly form shapes on a page. He could provide grip tools for pencils or guide students’ hands with his own, familiarizing them with the strokes. 

During virtual education, he relied on reference materials and parent assistance when available. An adult in the room could help demonstrate grips, steer hands and inform Nahal when additional resources were needed.

Despite the difficulties of offering support remotely, Nahal found that virtual learning allowed him to experiment with new technologies that supported his students with learning disabilities. Speech-to-text technology allowed them to more easily transfer their ideas onto the page. This especially helped his students with ADHD and processing-related disabilities, such as auditory processing disorder or working memory deficits.

Speech-to-text tools also saved time, which is helpful for students who might forget their ideas once they try to write or students who struggle with getting any words on the page at all, feeling unable to transfer their thoughts. For some, this was because of the intimidation of writing academically, with spelling and grammar anxieties prohibiting them from starting. For others, the time taken to write out initial thoughts caused them to forget later conclusions and analyses, given the lack of immediacy in writing.

“Coming into the distance learning, I was really worried about these kids. But what I found was through using the speech-to-text feature, they were able to get their ideas on paper. They didn’t have that physical transfer where they had to go and write it out and lose what they were thinking about in the process. And they really evolved as writers,” said Nahal.

The process of vocalizing their ideas and watching their words simultaneously appear on the screen relieved much of the stress around writing. Students could watch their thoughts fill a page, proving for some that they were capable of doing so. They could then go through and revise their grammar and ideas, correcting anywhere the technology misheard them and getting practice editing their own writing.

The initial skill required of students wasn’t spelling or grammar, but the ability to transfer their ideas to the page. Natalie Conway is a teacher who works with students with disabilities in grades Kindergarten through 3rd at a statewide online charter school in Oregon. She has been teaching online for seven years. She said that specifically identifying which standard is being assessed, and providing accommodations for the standards not presently up to bat, can help make school more accessible for all students.

“Those accommodations are going to benefit kids who are unidentified (in disability) and who just would enjoy learning that way,” said Conway. “So if you make it available to everyone, it’s not stigmatizing to anyone. And students are going to self-select what’s going to work for them. They know themselves, too, especially the older they get.”

Writing is Rewriting

Nahal eventually transitioned his students off speech-to-text, encouraging them to write phonetically in a subsequent phase but with the same initial indifference to spelling and grammar encouraged by a first draft from speech-to-text. Then, once the ideas were on the page, Nahal and his students could comb through their work, updating spelling and modifying their language to meet academic conventions. 

“Through the process of correcting their work and typing, they’ve become better writers,” he said.

He spotlighted spell check as a simple way students could see that they misspelled words, with the automatic underline quickly notifying students of a mistake. That helped make editing for spelling and grammar less difficult online. Speech-to-text technology accelerated his students’ writing skills during virtual learning. 

“These gains would have not happened had we been in person. I mean, it would have happened, but not so rapidly in my estimation,” Nahal said.

Voice Practice 

Conway spotlighted speech-to-text technology as liberating for kids with writing disabilities and fine motor needs. Beyond writing homework assignments, the technology can also be used for quick in-class responses. If a teacher asks all students to put an answer in the virtual class’ chatbox, for instance, a student who might not feel confident in their ability to write their thoughts can use transcription software to still participate. And for chat boxes with microphone transcription enabled, they can participate even more quickly. 

“It’s giving students independence, instead of having to have a scribe all the time or having to have someone read to them all the time,” said Kathleen Kane Parkinson, a diverse learner teacher in Chicago. 

In the past, many students would only be able to practice their pronunciations in a classroom setting. Now, this technology and related technologies allow for pronunciation practice to be incorporated into at-home work. Some teachers, like Parkinson, may choose to continue using some form of voice-recognition software for out-of-class assignments moving forward. 

Parkinson mentioned, however, that the technology does not yet fully accommodate students with speech and language impairments. The transcription of their speech may not accurately reflect what students said into their microphones, which can cause confusion and frustration. 

Repeated Read Alouds

The related but inverse technology of text-to-speech, also known as read-aloud technology, helped Nahal’s students improve their reading skills. The process of hearing text read aloud ensured that words or lines weren’t skipped, improving comprehension. Students could also highlight new words to hear pronunciations or learn definitions, strengthening vocabularies.

For students who might not feel confident reading grade-level material, or who process information better when listening, read-along features for books and articles can be pivotal. Students with attention deficits might benefit from the ability to pause a story to process or take notes, and then press play to resume reading without losing their place.

“[For] kids who might have working memory deficits or trouble recalling information, the ability to listen to something over and over or listen to it as they read it, following along — that can be really powerful,” Conway said. 

Jodi Dezale, a speech language pathologist at Jefferson Community School in Minneapolis pointed to online books as a key resource brought about during virtual learning. The read-along audio feature provided students the autonomy to read books on their own. Tie-in videos from publishers like Scholastic gave students an additional level of engagement for books, encouraging new modes of interaction with familiar images and stories.  

“One of the tools that we use to build comprehension is repeated readings of the same thing. So getting comfortable with seeing something in different ways and using it multiple times was very helpful,” said Dezale.

Accessibility Opportunities

Engagement with both audible and visual modes of learning can also be achieved through closed captioning in class video software. Offered on both Google Meet and Zoom, closed captioning can have benefits for all students. It can make virtual classrooms that don’t have sign language translators more accessible for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. Students with unimpaired hearing can also utilize captions as a secondary cue for their minds, allowing for another way to perceive the material. 

“You’re pairing verbal input with visual input and it’s just more likely to stick in your brain and make sense to you,” Conway said. 

Access to technology is an equity issue. Students gained technological skills during virtual learning that they might not have otherwise gleaned. Many schools engaged with new learning and accessibility tools they didn’t have the bandwidth or funding to try during in-person learning.

Increased familiarity with online platforms and technologies may lessen the digital divide between the schools that had embedded technology before the pandemic and those that newly engaged with modes of digital education over the past year. This offered more students digital skills that may be needed after graduation. 

“They’ve got to be computer literate,” Nahal said. “It’s a literacy issue for me.” 

Teachers who work with students with disabilities specifically can supply their students with tools and methods of enabling accessibility technologies that they can take with them into general education classes.

“When they’re in, say, a humanities class or a science class, that’s where those tools are going to come in handy. And it’s a matter of teaching them how to use the tools,” Parkinson said. 

This not only makes education more accessible, it encourages students to take agency in their learning, spurring greater independence.

For teachers who work with students with disabilities, the instantaneous nature of online assignments’ feedback saves time. Sandra Zickrick works with middle schoolers with disabilities. She shared that before virtual education, she would take each student aside to assess their skills and determine where additional support was needed. Now, she can have all of her students complete simultaneous virtual assessments and immediately receive the results, allowing her to spend more class time providing specific support or doing activities with the entire class.

Beyond the new technologies learned, a number of students with disabilities preferred learning online. For some, doing school from home induced less social anxiety, which led to increased academic confidence.

Attending school from home was less optimal for many students, with many facing challenges of family distractions, Wi-Fi connection issues or an inability to find a quiet place to work. Yet some students were better able to concentrate on schoolwork at home, whether from reduced distractions in virtual school compared to social classroom settings, or from decreased social stress. Online education can allow for greater control over a student’s environment, which can limit external distractors or overbearing external stimuli, benefiting some students with autism, ADD and ADHD. 

“A lot of the physical distractors that happened in a building, that happened in a physical classroom, aren’t the same at home,” Conway said. 

Conway also pointed to the ability for students to revisit lectures, to rewind, rewatch and take their time, as another accessibility tool. The more methods teachers offer for students to access the material and demonstrate that they’ve learned it, the more accessible school becomes for all students.

When students can select how to best prove their knowledge — be it in an essay, video, PowerPoint, Google Doc or other tool — they not only take agency in their learning, but can unlock new creativity. This creativity will be an asset in higher education and in the workforce, Conway said. 

“They now have skills to communicate in a variety of ways, collaborate with other kids and be creative and think critically about what they’re doing and how they’re doing it,” she said.

The specific tools and technologies a school may take on during virtual education may depend on the school’s location, technology team and budget. Yet the fact that more students received technological devices and more schools explored assistive technologies during virtual education helped in the movement to make education more accessible.

“I think the biggest takeaway of this online experience is just that there are things out there for free that we can use,” Conway said. “The sky’s the limit and you just need to Google whatever it is you want.”

MindShift is part of KQED, a non-profit NPR and PBS member station in San Francisco, CA. The text of this specific article is available to republish for noncommercial purposes under a Creative Commons CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license, thanks to support from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.

May 17, 2023 | Read time 6 min

7 real-world examples of voice recognition technology.

Speech recognition technology is the hub of millions of homes worldwide – devices that listen to your voice and carry out a subsequent command. You may think that technology doesn’t extend much further, but you might want to grab a ladder – this hole is a deep one.

The technology within speech recognition software goes beyond what most of us know. Speech-to-text, such as Speechmatics’ Autonomous Speech Recognition (ASR), stretches its influence across society. This article will dive into seven examples of speech recognition and areas where speech-to-text technology makes a valuable difference.

1) Doctor’s Virtual Assistant

Despite having vastly different healthcare systems, both the US and the UK suffer from extended wait times . It’s clear that hospitals around the world would benefit from anything that saves them time.

If doctors have easy access to speech-to-text technology, they shorten the average appointment by converting their notes from speech to text instead of transcribing by hand. The less time a doctor spends typing their notes, the more patients they can see during a day.

Furthermore, effective speech recognition systems such as our world-leading ASR cuts out the middleman more frequently. Instead of waiting for a human operative, many medical institutions use speech recognition to help you identify your symptoms and whether you need a doctor.

There is, however, a concern with the information speech-to-text software would ingest – it would likely need to be validated by recognized medical institutions from a data security perspective.

Despite this, speech-to-text in healthcare seems like a no brainer. When you save time, you save lives.

2) Autonomous Bank Deposits

According to a survey from PwC, 32% of customers will ditch a brand they love after a singular negative experience. Good customer service is vital to keeping customers and enticing new ones.

Banks often struggle with customer service, as customers get bounced from employee to manager, explaining the same details repeatedly. This is where speech-to-text software comes into play. As we move further into the 2020s, banks are adapting their services to the technology available.

There are numerous instances of major banks using speech-to-text technology. The Royal Bank of Canada, for example, lets customers pay bills using voice commands. The USAA offers members access to information about account balances, transactions, and spending patterns through Amazon’s Alexa. Banks such as U.S. Bank Smart Assistant provide tips and insights to help customers with their money. If banks want to reduce the need for human employees where possible.

3) Personalizing Adverts

“My phone keeps listening to me!” seems to pop up in modern conversation more and more these days.

What may seem like spyware is in fact speech-to-text technology collecting your data. Your devices listen for accents, speech patterns, and specific vocabulary used to find a consumer’s age, location, and other information. The software then collates that data into keywords which are then fed to you in the form of personalized ads.

While tracking your search history is vital for marketers, speech-to-text offers a more thorough behavior assessment. Text is often quite limited – you say what you need to say in as little words as possible. Speaking is more fluid and offers a better glimpse into your behavior, so by capturing that, marketers can tailor ads more to your needs.

4) Making Our Home Lives Easier

According to Statista, over 5 billion people will use voice-activated search in 2021, with predicted numbers reaching 6.4 billion in 2022. In addition, 30% of voice-assistant customers say they bought the software to control their homes.

In essence, people use speech recognition technology to make their lives easier. It's 2022, why should we trek over to the light switch to turn it on?

The pandemic pushed speech-to-text technology to greater heights, as people ordered shopping through Alexa, Siri, and co more often. Life is becoming as automated as possible.

5) Handsfree Playlist Shuffling

Take a seat in most modern cars and you’ll see ‘Apple CarPlay’ appear on the center console. This allows you to answer and make phone calls, change songs, send messages, and get directions without taking your hands off the steering wheel.

Not only do these features dramatically increase road safety, but they also make the driving experience more comfortable. You don’t need to queue fifty songs in a row and print off directions to your destination. Instead, speech recognition hears your request to send a text message, transcribes, and sends.

None of that would be possible without technology like speech-to-text.

6) Productivity Manager

COVID-19 changed the workplace forever. Offices have adapted since 2020, with many adopting a hybrid approach to working. Speechmatics is no different. Many of our employees work remotely, some work in our head office, and others started using our newly rented WeWork office spaces.

Organizations need to stay modern, or risk being left behind. Speech-to-text technology helps maintain productivity and efficiency no matter where employees are based. Microsoft Teams and Zoom are now office essentials. Emails and documents are transcribed without typing, saving time and hassle.

Meeting minutes are recorded and transcribed so absent workers can catch up. All of this allows for a more forgiving environment where employees can claim back some agency.

7) Giving Air Force Pilots Less to Think About

Fighter planes are the technological pinnacle of most nations’ weapons arsenal. The RAF’s EuroFighter Typhoon, for example, is one of the most feared jets on the planet. A large part of its operating system is done using speech recognition software . The pilot creates a template used for an array of cockpit functions, lightening their workload.

Step back onto the ground and speech-to-text technology is still just as prevalent. Speech recognition helps soldiers access vital mission information, consult maps, and transmit messages in the heat of battle.

Step back even further into government and speech recognition is everywhere. Departments often use it in place of a human operative, saving labor and money.

Speech Recognition Is Everywhere

In this day and age, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an area of your life not influenced by speech recognition technology. The scale is colossal, as while you tell Apple CarPlay to reply to your partner’s message, a doctor is shifting through their transcribed notes, and a fighter pilot is telling their plane to lock onto a target.

Of course, there are still many challenges – the technology is far from perfect – but the benefits are there for all to see. We at Speechmatics will continue to ensure the world reaps ASR’s potential rewards.

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Kamala harris-backed bail fund set loose criminals who went on to be hit with murder, dui death and arson charges.

Kamala Harris’ public support for a controversial bail fund continues to haunt her as more examples of crimes committed by those whose release was secured in the name of “social justice” emerge.

The Minnesota Freedom Fund (MFF) paid bail for an assailant who turned killer a week later, a habitual DUI driver who crashed and killed a passenger after the fund freed him and a serial arsonist who attempted to burn down a mosque.

The Vice President had thrown her weight behind the fund in June 2020 during the height of riots over the death of George Floyd, asking followers to “chip in” if they could.

The MFF, which was also endorsed by other celebrities, raised more than $41 million that year, but questions have been raised about how it make decisions about who to bail out.

The Post revealed yesterday a two-time convicted rapist was bailed and went on to rape another woman landing him back in prison on rape and assault with a dangerous weapon charges.

Another man was bailed after a violent assault but went on to commit an even worse attack on another victim, leaving him with a traumatic brain injury. He is also back in custody.

Numerous sources have pointed to Harris’ long career as a prosecutor, District Attorney and then Attorney General in California and said she should have known better.

David Zimmer, a Public Safety Policy Fellow at the Center for the American Experiment, a Minnesota-based think tank, condemned her support of the fund.

“As a former AG, Harris’ support for the MFF to this day, despite the many examples of violent criminals being put back on the street only to reoffend, demonstrates a complete lack of judgment on her part,” he told The Post.

Other controversial choices for bail made by the MFF include:

Shawn Michael Tillman

Shawn Michael Tillman went on to kill a man he had a “beef” with just three weeks after his release in 2022, on bail paid for by MFF.

Tillman was known to authorities through repeated arrests for indecent exposure.

While in jail he was observed “repeatedly … exposing his penis and masturbating publicly” and muttering “you know you like it” to female jail staff. 

“He masturbated all day, every day. Locked in his cell, people [walked] by every half-hour and … [saw] him,” a prison source told website Alpha News in 2022 .

Another complaint reveals that Tillman threw a Styrofoam cup containing urine and feces at a corrections officer at the Lino Lakes prison, according to a prison report obtained by Alpha News. 

Still he was bailed out on April 29 2022, according to court documents, and less than one month later, Tillman murdered Demitri Ellis-Strong in cold blood, shooting him on a light rail platform.

He was convicted of murder and is now serving life without parole, Minnesota court records show.

Devin Markus Chase

Devin Markus Chase is another repeat offender who had a prior conviction for a hit-and-run while under the influence of alcohol when he was bailed out by MFF on felony charges related to drugs.

Chase had failed to appear at scheduled court hearings to answer two charges and was subsequently arrested in October 2022.

But Minnesota Freedom Fund quickly stepped in and provided cash bail on Nov. 8, 2022, listing both of his drug case numbers, a court document cited by  AlphaNews  shows.

A few months later, Chase stole a car and caused another devastating drug-fueled crash which killed one of his passengers — a 30-year-old woman — in February 2023.

When interviewed by police, Chase said he had been living out of the car and on the morning he had crashed he had bought methamphetamine and heroin. He said he’d driven around smoking the drugs and couldn’t remember anything about the crash, according to a local Fox news report . 

He was convicted of Criminal Vehicular Homicide in July last year and sentenced to just over three years in prison, court records show.

Jackie Rahm Little

An arsonist federally charged over lighting a  Minneapolis mosque on fire in April last year was also previously bailed out by the MFF twice, court records show.

After allegedly setting a car on fire in 2021, the MFF bailed out Jackie Rahm Little from felony custody.

Several months later, a warrant was issued for Little’s arrest for failure to comply with conditions of release and he was again arrested. The MFF again came to his rescue and posted an additional bail amount for Little’s release in May 2022.

In January the following year, a Hennepin County Mental Health Court referee found Little mentally incompetent to be prosecuted for the 2021 arson.

A federal magistrate judge also ruled in November Little was not mentally competent to stand trial over the mosque blaze either,  MPR News  reports.

Since that time he’s bounced in and out of receiving mental health treatment, according to Minnesota court records viewed by The Post.

Devonte Deshawn Dickerson

Meanwhile, Devonte Deshawn Dickerson already had convictions for theft, fleeing from cops and stealing cars when he was hit with a charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Minnesota Crime Watch sources told The Post it was the MFF who fronted up his bail in 2021. He didn’t stay free for long and was later convicted of a felony for the firearm and another for stealing a car in 2023.

He is currently in jail on yet another charge of talking a car without the owner’s consent and possession of drugs. Those charges are yet to be decided.

The MFF was started in 2016 and went from receiving donations of between $100,000 and $230,000 to the huge amount of $41,655,560 in 2020 following unrest after Floyd’s death at the hands of cops.

Crime watchdogs point out how big bail funds can undermine the system itself, point out judges are to set bail appropriate to the person in who stands before them.  

The MFF didn’t respond to a request for comment Thursday.

Speaking a day earlier about their mission, the organization told The Post it is “a local nonprofit led by a volunteer-based board.”

“We received an unprecedented level of support following the murder of George Floyd, and we have used that support to advance our mission during the years since,” said Noble Frank, the group’s communications director.

Despite their huge influx of cash, MFF listed a loss of $6.7 million on its 2022 federal filings, the latest available.

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• 2024 Elections

The Full Speech Hillary Clinton Gave at the 2024 Democratic National Convention

F ormer Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton spoke on the first night of the 2024 Democratic National Convention, rallying support for Vice President Kamala Harris to break the proverbial glass ceiling to become the first female U.S. President.

Read More: ‘The Future Is Here’: The Biggest Moments from Hillary Clinton’s 2024 DNC Speech

The following transcript was prepared and provided to TIME by Rev , using AI-powered software, and it was reviewed and edited for accuracy by TIME staff.

Thank you, my fellow Democrats. Thank you, my fellow Americans. Thank you so much. Thank you all…

Wow. There’s a lot of energy in this room, just like there is across the country. Something is happening in America, you can feel it. Something we’ve worked for and dreamed of for a long time. First though, let’s salute President Biden. 

He has been democracy’s champion at home and abroad. He brought dignity, decency, and confidence back to the White House, and he showed what it means to be a true patriot. Thank you, Joe Biden, for your lifetime of service and leadership. 

And now we are writing a new chapter in America’s story.

You know, my mother Dorothy was born right here in Chicago before women had the right to vote. That changed 104 years ago yesterday. Think about it: Tennessee became the final state to ratify the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. The state legislature was deadlocked until one lawmaker’s mother, a widow who read three newspapers a day, sent a letter—a letter to her son. “No more delays,” she wrote. “Give us the vote.” And since that day, every generation has carried the torch forward.

In 1972, a fearless black congresswoman named Shirley Chisholm, she ran for President. And her determination let me and millions of others dream bigger. Not just because of who she was, but because of who she fought for: working parents, poor children, the last, the least, and the lost. 

In 1984, I brought my daughter to see Geraldine Ferraro, the first woman nominated for vice president. If we can do this, Gerry said, we can do anything. 

And then there was 2016, when it was the honor of my life to accept our party’s nomination for President. And nearly 66 million Americans voted for a future where there are no ceilings on our dreams. 

And afterwards, we refused to give up on America. Millions marched. Many ran for office. We kept our eyes on the future. 

Well, my friends, the future is here.

I wish my mother and Kamala’s mother could see us. They would say, “Keep going,” surely. And Gerry would say, “Keep going.” Women fighting for reproductive healthcare are saying, “Keep going.” Families building better lives, parents stretching to afford childcare, young people struggling to pay their rent—they’re all asking us to keep going.

So with faith in each other and joy in our hearts, let’s send Kamala Harris and Tim Walz to the White House. 

You know, the story of my life and the history of our country is that progress is possible, but not guaranteed. We have to fight for it and never, ever give up. There is always a choice. Do we push forward or pull back, come together as we the people or split into us versus them? That’s the choice we face in this election. 

Kamala has the character, experience, and vision to lead us forward. I know her heart and her integrity. 

We both got our start as young lawyers helping children who were abused and neglected. That kind of work changes a person. Those kids stay with you. Kamala carries with her the hopes of every child she protected, every family she helped, every community she served. So as President, she will always have our backs, and she will be a fighter for us. She will fight to lower costs for hardworking families, open the doors wide for good paying jobs. And yes, she will restore abortion rights nationwide. 

As a prosecutor, Kamala locked up murderers and drug traffickers. She will never rest in defense of our freedom and safety. Donald Trump fell asleep at his own trial. And when he woke up, he made his own kind of history—the first person to run for President with 34 felony convictions. 

But we also know as Vice President, Kamala sat in the situation room and stood for America’s values. I know what it takes, and I can tell you as commander-in-chief, Kamala won’t disrespect our military and our veterans. She reveres our Medal of Honor recipients. She won’t be sending love letters to dictators. She will defend democracy and our Constitution and will protect America from enemies foreign and domestic. 

Think about it. The Constitution says, the President’s job is to “take care that the laws be faithfully executed.” Those are the words of our founders: “take care.” Just look at the candidates. Kamala cares—cares about kids and families, cares about America. Donald only cares about himself. On her first day in court, Kamala said five words that still guide her: “Kamala Harris, for the people.” That is something that Donald Trump will never understand. So it is no surprise, is it, that he is lying about Kamala’s record, he’s mocking her name and her laugh. Sounds familiar? 

But we have him on the run now. So no matter what the polls say, we can’t let up. We can’t get driven down crazy conspiracy rabbit holes. We have to fight for the truth. We have to fight for Kamala as she will fight for us. Because you know what? It still takes a village to raise a family, heal a country, and win a campaign. And America needs every one of us, our energy, our talents, our dreams. We’re not just electing a President. We are uplifting our nation. We’re opening the promise of America wide enough for everyone. 

Together, we’ve put a lot of cracks in the highest, hardest glass ceiling. And tonight, tonight’s so close to breaking through once and for all. 

I want to tell you what I see through all those cracks and why it matters for each and every one of us. What do I see? I see freedom. I see the freedom to make our own decisions about our health, our lives, our loves, our families. The freedom to work with dignity and prosper, to worship as we choose or not. To speak our minds freely and honestly. I see freedom from fear and intimidation, from violence and injustice, from chaos and corruption. I see the freedom to look our children in the eye and say, “In America, you can go as far as your hard work and talent will take you,” and mean it. 

And you know what? On the other side of that glass ceiling is Kamala Harris raising her hand and taking the oath of office as our 47th President of the United States. Because my friends, when a barrier falls for one of us, it falls, it falls and clears the way for all of us. 

So for the next 78 days, we need to work harder than we ever have. We need to beat back the dangers that Trump and his allies pose to the rule of law and our way of life. Don’t get distracted or complacent. Talk to your friends and neighbors. Volunteer. Be proud champions for the truth and for the country that we all love.

Read More: Clinton, Speaking From Experience, Warns Democrats: ‘Don’t Get Distracted or Complacent’

I want my grandchildren and their grandchildren to know I was here at this moment, that we were here and that we were with Kamala Harris every step of the way. This is our time, America. This is when we stand up. This is when we break through. The future is here. It’s in our grasp. Let’s go win it.

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