Top 7 AI Transcription Apps

We’ve tested transcription apps across meetings, interviews, voice notes, and long audio files. Some are built for uploading recordings. Others focus on real time transcription as people speak.

Accuracy, speed, and ease of use vary a lot depending on the app and the situation.

What matters is picking the right tool for how you actually work, whether that’s a voice transcription app on your phone or an AI transcription app to transcribe audio to text.

Quick Picks - The Best Apps to Transcribe Audio to Text

Quickly find the best app to transcribe audio to text that fits your requirements.

Use case	App	Why it fits
Real time transcription	Maestra AI	Free live transcription, great accuracy and ease of use
Meetings and team notes	Otter	Designed for meetings with speaker detection and summaries
Interviews and podcasts	Sonix	Reliable for long, pre-recorded audio files
Mobile voice transcription app	Notta	Mobile-first app for live and uploaded transcription
Creators and editing	Descript	Transcription combined with audio and video editing
Team workflows	Trint	Built for collaboration and publishing workflows
Simple free transcription	TurboScribe	Easy to use with a usable free tier

Top 7 AI Transcription Apps Reviewed

1. Maestra AI - Free Live Transcription

Maestra is a browser-based AI transcription app that supports both uploaded audio and real time transcription. In testing, it handled live speech, long recordings, and mixed audio quality without requiring extra setup or plugins.

Live transcription starts instantly and works well for meetings, lectures, and accessibility use cases. For recorded content, Maestra supports long files, multiple languages, and common export formats, which makes it practical for recurring workflows rather than one-off use.

The interface stays simple and task-focused. You can start transcribing quickly, follow along as text appears in real time, and review or export transcripts without navigating complex menus. This improves day-to-day usability, especially for users who rely on transcription regularly.

Key features:

• Real time transcription and uploaded audio support
• Free unlimited live transcription
• Multi-language transcription and translation
• Multilingual session sharing
• Browser-based, no installation required

Strengths

• Free unlimited live transcription
• Uploaded transcription, live translation options

Limitations

• No offline usage, need to pay for premium features such as live translation and multilingual session sharing

2. Otter.ai

Otter is a transcription app built primarily around live meetings and ongoing conversations. We tested it in recurring team meetings, sales calls, and multi-speaker discussions across Zoom and in-person settings.

Otter automatically transcribes speech in real time and structures conversations as they happen. Speaker identification, live notes, and automatic summaries reduce the need to manually review full transcripts after meetings. This makes it especially useful when transcription is meant to support collaboration rather than serve as a final document.

The app integrates with calendars and meeting platforms, allowing transcription to start automatically when meetings begin. This removes friction for teams that rely on consistent documentation. Otter also allows users to search past conversations, which is helpful for tracking decisions over time.

Accuracy is strongest in controlled meeting environments. When audio quality drops or conversations overlap heavily, transcripts require more manual correction. Otter is also less flexible for long, pre-recorded audio like interviews or podcasts.

Key features:

• Live meeting transcription
• Speaker identification and labeling
• Automatic summaries and highlights
• Calendar and video meeting integrations

Strengths

• Meeting-focused features that organize conversations automatically
• Useful speaker labeling for group conversations

Limitations

• Less suitable for long, pre-recorded audio or non-meeting workflows
• Limited editing depth for polished transcripts

3. Sonix

Sonix is built for transcribing pre-recorded audio and video rather than live conversations. We tested it with interviews, podcasts, webinars, and long-form recordings where accuracy and post-editing are more important than speed.

Sonix handles long files reliably and performs well when audio quality is decent. Its in-browser editor allows users to review transcripts, correct errors, manage timestamps, and export files in multiple formats. This makes it suitable for workflows where transcripts are reviewed, published, or archived.

The platform supports multiple languages and is commonly used in media and research settings. Sonix is less focused on real time transcription and works best when audio is already recorded and ready to upload.

Key features:

• High-accuracy transcription for uploaded audio and video
• In-browser editing and timestamp control
• Multiple export formats
• Multi-language transcription

Strengths

• Reliable accuracy and editing tools for long, recorded content
• Good editing and export tools

Limitations

• Limited support for real time transcription
• Less useful for live or spontaneous speech

4. Notta

Notta is a mobile-first voice transcription app designed for quick, everyday use. We tested it on phones and tablets for short meetings, voice notes, and on-the-go transcription.

It supports both live transcription and uploaded recordings, with cloud sync across devices. This makes it easy to start recording on mobile and review transcripts later on desktop. Notta works best for short to medium-length sessions where speed and convenience matter more than deep editing.

Accuracy is solid for clear speech, but longer recordings and complex conversations require more cleanup. Editing tools are basic compared to desktop-first platforms.

Key features:

• Mobile apps for iOS and Android
• Live and uploaded transcription
• Cloud sync across devices
• Basic export options

Strengths

• Easy to use on mobile
• Good for quick, everyday transcription

Limitations

• Limited editing and review tools
• Less suited for long or complex audio

5. Descript

Descript is a hybrid tool that combines transcription with audio and video editing. We tested it in content creation workflows where transcription is part of producing podcasts, videos, or tutorials.

Instead of treating transcripts as standalone documents, Descript allows users to edit audio and video by editing text. This can significantly speed up production workflows for creators who regularly publish content. Transcription quality is solid, but it’s not the primary reason people choose Descript.

For users who only need to transcribe audio to text, Descript can feel heavy and more complex than necessary.

Key features:

• Text-based audio and video editing
• Integrated transcription
• Screen and audio recording
• Collaboration features

Strengths

• Efficient for content creation workflows
• Tight link between transcription and editing

Limitations

• Steeper learning curve
• Overkill for simple transcription needs

6. Trint

Trint is designed for professional, team-based transcription workflows. We tested it in environments where multiple people review, edit, and share transcripts.

The platform emphasizes collaboration, shared workspaces, and structured review. This makes it a strong fit for newsrooms, research teams, and organizations that work with transcripts at scale. Trint also includes speaker identification and publishing tools.

For individual users or occasional transcription needs, the feature set may feel excessive.

Key features:

• Team collaboration and shared workspaces
• In-browser transcript editor
• Speaker identification
• Publishing and export tools

Strengths

• Strong collaboration and review workflows
• Well suited for team environments

Limitations

• Less intuitive for solo users
• Pricing may not suit occasional use

7. TurboScribe

TurboScribe focuses on simplicity and speed. We tested it with straightforward audio uploads where users want text quickly without learning a new workflow.

The interface is minimal, and transcription starts immediately after upload. Accuracy is good for clear audio, and the free tier makes it accessible for casual use. Feature depth is intentionally limited, so it’s best for basic transcription needs.

TurboScribe does not support real time transcription or advanced editing.

Key features:

• Upload-and-transcribe workflow
• Simple interface
• Fast turnaround
• Free tier available

Strengths

• Very easy to get started
• Useful free option for basic transcription

Limitations

• No real time transcription
• Limited editing and customization

What Users Say About the Best Transcription Software

• Maestra: Often noted for reliable real time transcription and multilingual support, with lighter editing tools
• Otter: Commonly valued for meeting summaries and speaker labels in structured conversations
• Sonix: Frequently praised for accuracy on long, recorded audio and solid editing features
• Notta: Liked for mobile convenience and quick voice capture, with limits on longer sessions
• Descript: Chosen by creators who want transcription tightly connected to editing workflows
• Trint: Associated with collaboration and review workflows, with higher complexity for solo use
• TurboScribe: Described as fast and simple for basic uploads, without advanced features

FAQ

What are the best apps to transcribe audio to text?

The best apps to transcribe audio to text depend on how you work. Some are built for real time transcription during meetings, while others focus on accuracy and editing for recorded audio like interviews or podcasts.

What is a voice transcription app?

A voice transcription app converts spoken words into written text, usually from live speech or voice recordings. Many modern apps work on mobile and desktop and use AI to improve accuracy.

What is an AI transcription app?

An AI transcription app uses machine learning models to turn speech into text automatically. Compared to manual transcription, AI-based tools are faster and improve over time with better language and accent recognition.

Which transcription app is best for real time transcription?

Apps built specifically for live speech to text perform best for real time transcription. They generate text as people speak and are commonly used in meetings, classrooms, live events, and accessibility settings. When choosing a real time tool, latency, stability, and how well it handles multiple speakers matter more than advanced editing features.

Are AI transcription apps accurate enough for professional use?

In many cases, yes. With clean audio and minimal background noise, modern AI transcription apps can reach high accuracy and are widely used in business, media, and research. That said, overlapping speech, strong accents, and poor microphones still require human review, especially for publish-ready transcripts.

Is there a free transcription app that actually works?

Free transcription apps can be very useful, especially for short recordings or live transcription. However, free plans usually come with limits on usage, exports, or editing tools. They work well for basic needs but may not scale for heavy or professional use.

Can transcription apps handle long audio files like interviews or podcasts?

Some can, and some struggle. Apps designed for interview or podcast transcription are better at handling such audio transcription tasks and supporting detailed editing. Meeting-focused tools are often less reliable with long, uninterrupted audio.

Do transcription apps work on mobile devices?

Yes. Many voice transcription apps are built for mobile use and are great for quick notes, short meetings, or recording ideas on the go. For reviewing, editing, and exporting transcripts, desktop or browser-based tools are usually more comfortable.

What’s the difference between live transcription and uploaded transcription?

Live transcription turns speech into text as it happens. Uploaded transcription processes audio or video files after recording. Live tools prioritize speed and immediacy, while upload-based tools usually offer better editing and cleanup options.

Are AI transcription apps free or paid?

Most AI transcription apps offer free plans or trials with usage limits. Paid plans usually unlock longer recordings, exports, and advanced editing. Free options work well for basic needs, while paid tools are better for regular or professional use.