The Best App For Audio Transcription

The Best Audio Transcription Apps for Converting Voice Notes to Text

Transcribing voice notes into text can seem simple until you try it. Many people assume that digital voice-to-text tools are failproof, but most built-in options are not accurate enough for work or study. In fact, studies show that automatic speech recognition tools can have an error rate as high as 23% for some speakers (Stanford, 2018).

If you’re looking for reliable ways to turn audio into written words, this guide lists three of the best audio transcription apps for both computers and mobile devices. Each app brings unique features and benefits. Let’s explore them.

Top Audio Transcription Apps for PC and Mobile

1. Google Docs Voice Typing

• Service Type: Automatic transcription only
• Platform: Web (Chrome browser required)
• Cost: Free with Google account

Google Docs Voice Typing offers built-in voice-to-text capabilities within the Google Docs suite. It’s easy to access if you have a Google account and use Chrome as your browser.

• Log into your Google account and open a new Google Docs document.
• Go to Tools and select Voice Typing.
• Click the microphone icon and start speaking. Speech will appear as text in your document.

Important: You need to say punctuation out loud, like "comma" or "period." This can slow you down, and accuracy depends on your accent and background noise.

2. Microsoft OneNote Dictation

• Service Type: Automatic transcription only
• Platform: iOS, Android, and Desktop
• Cost: Free with Microsoft account

The Microsoft OneNote app lets you record voice notes and turn them into text using the built-in dictation feature. This is ideal for basic notes and to-do lists.

• Install the OneNote app on your device.
• Sign in with your Microsoft account.
• Create a new note and tap the microphone icon to start dictating.
• Grant microphone access to the app for transcription to work.

You still have to say punctuation marks out loud, and the overall accuracy can vary with background sounds or multiple speakers.

3. GoTranscript Audio Transcription Services

• Service Type: Automatic and human-powered transcription
• Platform: Browser-based and mobile integration
• Cost: Free auto-transcription and paid human transcription options

GoTranscript offers both automated and human-driven transcription services. Automated tools are fast and convenient, but for higher accuracy, human professionals can transcribe your audio, capturing nuances and proper formatting even in noisy or complex recordings.

• Upload audio files or paste a public URL to the recording.
• Select automated transcription for quick results, or choose human transcription for up to 99% accuracy.
• Files are encrypted with 2048-bit security, providing privacy and peace of mind.

If needed, GoTranscript also offers a free voice recorder app for iOS and Android, making it easy to record and upload directly.

Automated Versus Human Transcription: Key Differences

Automated transcription apps are quick and convenient for short or simple audio files. However, they often struggle with:

• Multiple speakers
• Accents or dialects
• Background noise
• Technical or medical terms

Machines cannot fully understand the nuances of speech, sarcasm, or emotion. They also require you to say punctuation, which slows the process and results in less readable text.

In contrast, human transcriptionists:

• Accurately capture dialogue, even with overlapping speech
• Insert punctuation and paragraphs for easy reading
• Recognize jargon and context
• Deliver up to 99% accuracy (GoTranscript, 2024)

Choosing the Right Transcription Solution

The right transcription app or service depends on:

• Your workflow and preferred platform
• The complexity of your audio
• Budget
• Required accuracy

For quick, personal notes, free tools like Google Docs Voice Typing or OneNote Dictation are sufficient. For business meetings, research interviews, or lectures where accuracy matters, human transcription by experts like those at GoTranscript is the best choice.

Transcription Pricing and Additional Features

• Explore affordable transcription pricing for various needs.
• For those needing subtitles, GoTranscript offers subtitling services and closed captioning, with clear captioning rates.
• Want to polish existing transcripts? Use transcription proofreading services.
• Need translations? Try text translation and audio translation services for multi-language support.

Conclusion: Simplify Transcription with GoTranscript

Transcribing audio to text doesn’t have to be slow or difficult. Whether you need rapid automatic transcription or the guaranteed accuracy of human experts, GoTranscript delivers reliable solutions for every scenario. Join thousands of satisfied clients and see how simple it is to order transcription or order captions online today.