speech to text software

AI Speech to Text - Voice Typing & Transcriptions

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. Accepted into Microsoft for Startups 2024 Trusted by businesses, top colleges, journalists, authors, doctors, and millions of users worldwide

View real-life videos & audios transcribed by Speechnotes NEW

Take Notes with Your Voice

Take notes with your voice via our online dictation notepad for free. Learn more.

Transcribe Video & Audio Files

Accurately transcribes (& translates) audio & video files, recordings, YouTubes & more. Private, secure & fast.

Users Worldwide

Speechnotes is a reliable and secure automatic speech-to-text service 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 online AI transcription service supports all file types & languages. It features speaker automatic tagging (diarization), timestamping, captioning, AI summaries & more.

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.

Best speech-to-text app of 2024

Free, paid and online voice recognition apps and services

Best overall

Best for business, best for mobile, best text service, best speech recognition, best virtual assistant, best for cloud, best for azure, best for batch conversion, best free speech to text apps, best mobile speech to text apps, how we test.

The best speech-to-text apps make it simple and easy to convert speech into text, for both desktop and mobile devices.

1. Best overall 2. Best for business 3. Best for mobile 4. Best text service 5. Best speech recognition 6. Best virtual assistant 7. Best for cloud 8. Best for Azure 9. Best for batch conversion 10. Best free speech to text apps 11. Best mobile speech to text apps 12. FAQs 13. How we test

Speech-to-text used to be regarded as very niche, specifically serving either people with accessibility needs or for  dictation . However, speech-to-text is moving more and more into the mainstream as office work can now routinely be completed more simply and easily by using voce-recognition software, rather than having to type through members, and speaking aloud for text to be recorded is now quite common.

While the best speech to text software used to be specifically only for desktops, the development of mobile devices and the explosion of easily accessible apps means that transcription can now also be carried out on a  smartphone  or  tablet . 

This has made the best voice to text applications increasingly valuable to users in a range of different environments, from education to business. This is not least because the technology has matured to the level where mistakes in transcriptions are relatively rare, with some services rightly boasting a 99.9% success rate from clear audio.

Even still, this applies mainly to ordinary situations and circumstances, and precludes the use of technical terminology such as required in legal or medical professions. Despite this, digital transcription can still service needs such as basic  note-taking  which can still be easily done using a phone app, simplifying the dictation process.

However, different speech-to-text programs have different levels of ability and complexity, with some using advanced machine learning to constantly correct errors flagged up by users so that they are not repeated. Others are downloadable software which is only as good as its latest update.

Here then are the best in speech-to-text recognition programs, which should be more than capable for most situations and circumstances.

We've also featured the best voice recognition software .

The best paid for speech to text apps 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.

1. Dragon Anywhere

Our expert review:

Reasons to buy

Reasons to avoid.

Dragon Anywhere is the Nuance mobile product for Android and iOS devices, however this is no ‘lite’ app, but rather offers fully-formed dictation capabilities powered via the cloud. 

So essentially you get the same excellent speech recognition as seen on the desktop software – the only meaningful difference we noticed was a very slight delay in our spoken words appearing on the screen (doubtless due to processing in the cloud). However, note that the app was still responsive enough overall.

It also boasts support for boilerplate chunks of text which can be set up and inserted into a document with a simple command, and these, along with custom vocabularies, are synced across the mobile app and desktop Dragon software. Furthermore, you can share documents across devices via Evernote or cloud services (such as Dropbox).

This isn’t as flexible as the desktop application, however, as dictation is limited to within Dragon Anywhere – you can’t dictate directly in another app (although you can copy over text from the Dragon Anywhere dictation pad to a third-party app). The other caveats are the need for an internet connection for the app to work (due to its cloud-powered nature), and the fact that it’s a subscription offering with no one-off purchase option, which might not be to everyone’s tastes.

Even bearing in mind these limitations, though, it’s a definite boon to have fully-fledged, powerful voice recognition of the same sterling quality as the desktop software, nestling on your phone or tablet for when you’re away from the office.

Nuance Communications offers a 7-day free trial to give the app a try before you commit to a subscription. 

Read our full Dragon Anywhere review .

• ^ Back to the top

2. Dragon Professional

Should you be looking for a business-grade dictation application, your best bet is Dragon Professional. Aimed at pro users, the software provides you with the tools to dictate and edit documents, create spreadsheets, and browse the web using your voice.   

According to Nuance, the solution is capable of taking dictation at an equivalent typing speed of 160 words per minute, with a 99% accuracy rate – and that’s out-of-the-box, before any training is done (whereby the app adapts to your voice and words you commonly use).

As well as creating documents using your voice, you can also import custom word lists. There’s also an additional mobile app that lets you transcribe audio files and send them back to your computer.   

This is a powerful, flexible, and hugely useful tool that is especially good for individuals, such as professionals and freelancers, allowing for typing and document management to be done much more flexibly and easily.

Overall, the interface is easy to use, and if you get stuck at all, you can access a series of help tutorials. And while the software can seem expensive, it's just a one-time fee and compares very favorably with paid-for subscription transcription services.

Also note that Nuance are currently offering 12-months' access to Dragon Anywhere at no extra cost with any purchase of Dragon Home or Dragon Professional Individual.

Read our full Dragon Professional review .

Otter is a cloud-based speech to text program especially aimed for mobile use, such as on a laptop or smartphone. The app provides real-time transcription, allowing you to search, edit, play, and organize as required.

Otter is marketed as an app specifically for meetings, interviews, and lectures, to make it easier to take rich notes. However, it is also built to work with collaboration between teams, and different speakers are assigned different speaker IDs to make it easier to understand transcriptions.

There are three different payment plans, with the basic one being free to use and aside from the features mentioned above also includes keyword summaries and a wordcloud to make it easier to find specific topic mentions. You can also organize and share, import audio and video for transcription, and provides 600 minutes of free service.

The Premium plan also includes advanced and bulk export options, the ability to sync audio from Dropbox, additional playback speeds including the ability to skip silent pauses. The Premium plan also allows for up to 6,000 minutes of speech to text.

The Teams plan also adds two-factor authentication, user management and centralized billing, as well as user statistics, voiceprints, and live captioning.

Read our full Otter review .

Verbit aims to offer a smarter speech to text service, using AI for transcription and captioning. The service is specifically targeted at enterprise and educational establishments.

Verbit uses a mix of speech models, using neural networks and algorithms to reduce background noise, focus on terms as well as differentiate between speakers regardless of accent, as well as incorporate contextual events such as news and company information into recordings.

Although Verbit does offer a live version for transcription and captioning, aiming for a high degree of accuracy, other plans offer human editors to ensure transcriptions are fully accurate, and advertise a four hour turnaround time.

Altogether, while Verbit does offer a direct speech to text service, it’s possibly better thought of as a transcription service, but the focus on enterprise and education, as well as team use, means it earns a place here as an option to consider.

Read our full Verbit review .

5. Speechmatics

Speechmatics offers a machine learning solution to converting speech to text, with its automatic speech recognition solution available to use on existing audio and video files as well as for live use.

Unlike some automated transcription software which can struggle with accents or charge more for them, Speechmatics advertises itself as being able to support all major British accents, regardless of nationality. That way it aims to cope with not just different American and British English accents, but also South African and Jamaican accents.

Speechmatics offers a wider number of speech to text transcription uses than many other providers. Examples include taking call center phone recordings and converting them into searchable text or Word documents. The software also works with video and other media for captioning as well as using keyword triggers for management.

Overall, Speechmatics aims to offer a more flexible and comprehensive speech to text service than a lot of other providers, and the use of automation should keep them price competitive.

Read our full Speechmatics review .

6. Braina Pro

Braina Pro is speech recognition software which is built not just for dictation, but also as an all-round digital assistant to help you achieve various tasks on your PC. It supports dictation to third-party software in not just English but almost 90 different languages, with impressive voice recognition chops.

Beyond that, it’s a virtual assistant that can be instructed to set alarms, search your PC for a file, or search the internet, play an MP3 file, read an ebook aloud, plus you can implement various custom commands.

The Windows program also has a companion Android app which can remotely control your PC, and use the local Wi-Fi network to deliver commands to your computer, so you can spark up a music playlist, for example, wherever you happen to be in the house. Nifty.

There’s a free version of Braina which comes with limited functionality, but includes all the basic PC commands, along with a 7-day trial of the speech recognition which allows you to test out its powers for yourself before you commit to a subscription. Yes, this is another subscription-only product with no option to purchase for a one-off fee. Also note that you need to be online and have Google ’s Chrome browser installed for speech recognition functionality to work.

Read our full Braina Pro review .

7. Amazon Transcribe

Amazon Transcribe is as big cloud-based automatic speech recognition platform developed specifically to convert audio to text for apps. It especially aims to provide a more accurate and comprehensive service than traditional providers, such as being able to cope with low-fi and noisy recordings, such as you might get in a contact center .

Amazon Transcribe uses a deep learning process that automatically adds punctuation and formatting, as well as process with a secure livestream or otherwise transcribe speech to text with batch processing.

As well as offering time stamping for individual words for easy search, it can also identify different speaks and different channels and annotate documents accordingly to account for this.

There are also some nice features for editing and managing transcribed texts, such as vocabulary filtering and replacement words which can be used to keep product names consistent and therefore any following transcription easier to analyze.

Overall, Amazon Transcribe is one of the most powerful platforms out there, though it’s aimed more for the business and enterprise user rather than the individual.

8. Microsoft Azure Speech to Text

Microsoft 's Azure cloud service offers advanced speech recognition as part of the platform's speech services to deliver the Microsoft Azure Speech to Text functionality. 

This feature allows you to simply and easily create text from a variety of audio sources. There are also customization options available to work better with different speech patterns, registers, and even background sounds. You can also modify settings to handle different specialist vocabularies, such as product names, technical information, and place names.

The Microsoft's Azure Speech to Text feature is powered by deep neural network models and allows for real-time audio transcription that can be set up to handle multiple speakers.

As part of the Azure cloud service, you can run Azure Speech to Text in the cloud, on premises, or in edge computing. In terms of pricing, you can run the feature in a free container with a single concurrent request for up to 5 hours of free audio per month.

Read our full Microsoft Azure Speech to Text review .

9. IBM Watson Speech to Text

IBM's Watson Speech to Text works is the third cloud-native solution on this list, with the feature being powered by AI and machine learning as part of IBM's cloud services.

While there is the option to transcribe speech to text in real-time, there is also the option to batch convert audio files and process them through a range of language, audio frequency, and other output options.

You can also tag transcriptions with speaker labels, smart formatting, and timestamps, as well as apply global editing for technical words or phrases, acronyms, and for number use.

As with other cloud services Watson Speech to Text allows for easy deployment both in the cloud and on-premises behind your own firewall to ensure security is maintained.

Read our full Watson Speech to Text review .

1. Google Gboard

If you already have an Android mobile device, then if it's not already installed then download Google Keyboard from the Google Play store and you'll have an instant text-to-speech app. Although it's primarily designed as a keyboard for physical input, it also has a speech input option which is directly available. And because all the power of Google's hardware is behind it, it's a powerful and responsive tool.

If that's not enough then there are additional features. Aside from physical input ones such as swiping, you can also trigger images in your text using voice commands. Additionally, it can also work with Google Translate, and is advertised as providing support for over 60 languages.

Even though Google Keyboard isn't a dedicated transcription tool, as there are no shortcut commands or text editing directly integrated, it does everything you need from a basic transcription tool. And as it's a keyboard, it means should be able to work with any software you can run on your Android smartphone, so you can text edit, save, and export using that. Even better, it's free and there are no adverts to get in the way of you using it.

2. Just Press Record

If you want a dedicated dictation app, it’s worth checking out Just Press Record. It’s a mobile audio recorder that comes with features such as one tap recording, transcription and iCloud syncing across devices. The great thing is that it’s aimed at pretty much anyone and is extremely easy to use. 

When it comes to recording notes, all you have to do is press one button, and you get unlimited recording time. However, the really great thing about this app is that it also offers a powerful transcription service. 

Through it, you can quickly and easily turn speech into searchable text. Once you’ve transcribed a file, you can then edit it from within the app. There’s support for more than 30 languages as well, making it the perfect app if you’re working abroad or with an international team. Another nice feature is punctuation command recognition, ensuring that your transcriptions are free from typos.   

This app is underpinned by cloud technology, meaning you can access notes from any device (which is online). You’re able to share audio and text files to other iOS apps too, and when it comes to organizing them, you can view recordings in a comprehensive file. 

3. Speechnotes

Speechnotes is yet another easy to use dictation app. A useful touch here is that you don’t need to create an account or anything like that; you just open up the app and press on the microphone icon, and you’re off.   

The app is powered by Google voice recognition tech. When you’re recording a note, you can easily dictate punctuation marks through voice commands, or by using the built-in punctuation keyboard. 

To make things even easier, you can quickly add names, signatures, greetings and other frequently used text by using a set of custom keys on the built-in keyboard. There’s automatic capitalization as well, and every change made to a note is saved to the cloud.

When it comes to customizing notes, you can access a plethora of fonts and text sizes. The app is free to download from the Google Play Store , but you can make in-app purchases to access premium features (there's also a browser version for Chrome).   

Read our full Speechnotes review .

4. Transcribe

Marketed as a personal assistant for turning videos and voice memos into text files, Transcribe is a popular dictation app that’s powered by AI. It lets you make high quality transcriptions by just hitting a button.   

The app can transcribe any video or voice memo automatically, while supporting over 80 languages from across the world. While you can easily create notes with Transcribe, you can also import files from services such as Dropbox.

Once you’ve transcribed a file, you can export the raw text to a word processor to edit. The app is free to download, but you’ll have to make an in-app purchase if you want to make the most of these features in the long-term. There is a trial available, but it’s basically just 15 minutes of free transcription time. Transcribe is only available on iOS, though.   

5. Windows Speech Recognition

If you don’t want to pay for speech recognition software, and you’re running Microsoft’s latest desktop OS, then you might be pleased to hear that speech-to-text is built into Windows.

Windows Speech Recognition, as it’s imaginatively named – and note that this is something different to Cortana, which offers basic commands and assistant capabilities – lets you not only execute commands via voice control, but also offers the ability to dictate into documents.

The sort of accuracy you get isn’t comparable with that offered by the likes of Dragon, but then again, you’re paying nothing to use it. It’s also possible to improve the accuracy by training the system by reading text, and giving it access to your documents to better learn your vocabulary. It’s definitely worth indulging in some training, particularly if you intend to use the voice recognition feature a fair bit.

The company has been busy boasting about its advances in terms of voice recognition powered by deep neural networks, especially since windows 10 and now for Windows 11 , and Microsoft is certainly priming us to expect impressive things in the future. The likely end-goal aim is for Cortana to do everything eventually, from voice commands to taking dictation.

Turn on Windows Speech Recognition by heading to the Control Panel (search for it, or right click the Start button and select it), then click on Ease of Access, and you will see the option to ‘start speech recognition’ (you’ll also spot the option to set up a microphone here, if you haven’t already done that).

Aside from what has already been covered above, there are an increasing number of apps available across all mobile devices for working with speech to text, not least because Google's speech recognition technology is available for use. 

iTranslate Translator  is a speech-to-text app for iOS with a difference, in that it focuses on translating voice languages. Not only does it aim to translate different languages you hear into text for your own language, it also works to translate images such as photos you might take of signs in a foreign country and get a translation for them. In that way, iTranslate is a very different app, that takes the idea of speech-to-text in a novel direction, and by all accounts, does it well. 

ListNote Speech-to-Text Notes  is another speech-to-text app that uses Google's speech recognition software, but this time does a more comprehensive job of integrating it with a note-taking program than many other apps. The text notes you record are searchable, and you can import/export with other text applications. Additionally there is a password protection option, which encrypts notes after the first 20 characters so that the beginning of the notes are searchable by you. There's also an organizer feature for your notes, using category or assigned color. The app is free on Android, but includes ads.

Voice Notes  is a simple app that aims to convert speech to text for making notes. This is refreshing, as it mixes Google's speech recognition technology with a simple note-taking app, so there are more features to play with here. You can categorize notes, set reminders, and import/export text accordingly.

SpeechTexter  is another speech-to-text app that aims to do more than just record your voice to a text file. This app is built specifically to work with social media, so that rather than sending messages, emails, Tweets, and similar, you can record your voice directly to the social media sites and send. There are also a number of language packs you can download for offline working if you want to use more than just English, which is handy.

Also consider reading these related software and app guides:

• Best text-to-speech software
• Best transcription services
• Best Bluetooth headsets

Which speech-to-text app is best for you?

When deciding which speech-to-text app to use, first consider what your actual needs are, as free and budget  options may only provide basic features, so if you need to use advanced tools you may find a paid-for platform is better suited to you. Additionally, higher-end software can usually cater for every need, so do ensure you have a good idea of which features you think you may require from your speech-to-text app.

To test for the best speech-to-text apps we first set up an account with the relevant platform, then we tested the service to see how the software could be used for different purposes and in different situations. The aim was to push each speech-to-text platform to see how useful its basic tools were and also how easy it was to get to grips with any more advanced tools.

Read more on how we test, rate, and review products on TechRadar .

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Brian has over 30 years publishing experience as a writer and editor across a range of computing, technology, and marketing titles. He has been interviewed multiple times for the BBC and been a speaker at international conferences. His specialty on techradar is Software as a Service (SaaS) applications, covering everything from office suites to IT service tools. He is also a science fiction and fantasy author, published as Brian G Turner.

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The 8 Best Voice-to-Text Apps of 2024

Dragon Anywhere is the best overall voice-to-text app

• UC Berkeley

We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

In This Article

Best Voice-to-Text Apps of 2024

Final verdict.

• Compare Options
• Guide to Choosing Apps

Methodology

Getty Images / RapidEye-izabell

Voice-to-text apps can be helpful for accessibility needs and busy professionals alike. If you’re always on the go, transcribing interview notes, or you can think faster than you can write, these special programs can increase your efficiency and store the recordings safely and sound via the cloud. Depending on your needs, you can choose an app with customizable language for commonly used words or industry terms.

The main features to consider when looking at voice-to-text apps include accuracy, shortcuts, and available languages. Accuracy is one of the most critical factors, and some options perform much better than others in this area. These apps are becoming more mainstream, from basic software to advanced technology. Whether you want to take notes , send quick messages, or translate on the fly, the best voice-to-text apps below are ready to help.

Best Overall: Dragon Anywhere

Best assistant: google assistant.

• Best Transcription: Transcribe

Best for Notes: Voice Notes

• Best for Long Recordings: Speechnotes
• Best for Messages: SpeechTexter  

Best for Translation: iTranslate Converse

Best for niche industry terms: braina.

Dragon Anywhere

• Price: $15 per month or $150 per year
• Free Trial: One week
• Accuracy Rate: 99 percent

Why We Chose It

We chose Dragon Anywhere because of its 99 percent accuracy rating and options for voice editing and formatting.

Pros & Cons

No word limits

99 percent accuracy

Multiple ways to share documents

Expensive compared to some other apps

May take time to learn the built-in commands

Available for Android and iOS devices, Dragon Anywhere is a premium professional tool that’s a big deal in the world of dictation apps. It’s 99 percent accurate and comes with voice editing and formatting. You can use the app for as long as you need—there are no word limits.

Dragon Anywhere allows you to customize industry lingo for even more accuracy. After transcription, share your notes by email, Dropbox, Evernote, and more. For supported versions, you can synchronize Dragon Anywhere with your desktop and do voice work on your computer as well. However, to do this, you will need to purchase a desktop version of Dragon as well.

Its accuracy and rich features come with a cost, but the bill could be a worthy business investment if you often think of ideas on the fly or need to record meetings. The application costs $15 per month or $150 per year.

Google Assistant

• Price: Free
• Free Trial: N/A
• Accuracy Rate: Not disclosed

We chose Google Assistant because it can help you accomplish a variety of tasks.

Integrated into services you already use, such as email and messaging

Free to use

Not specifically designed for note-taking

Must use applets to boost note-taking abilities

Google Assistant does a lot, including playing music and opening maps. One of its best features? Voice recognition. You can use voice command to look up information and tell Google Assistant to perform certain functions, but it can also convert speech to text.

The app sends messages, manages tasks, and sets reminders. While it’s not a speech-to-text app in the purest sense, it will still help organize your ideas and notes with voice recognition.

Use IFTTT (If This Then That) to maximize your Google Assistant note-taking abilities. In one applet , Google Assistant can log all of your notes into a spreadsheet. You can also search IFTTT for other productivity-boosting applets or create your own as you see fit.  

Best for Transcription: Transcribe - Speech to Text

Transcribe - Speech to Text

• Price: $5 per hour of transcription, subscription options also available
• Free Trial: 15 minutes of transcription

Transcribe - Speech to Text offers you the opportunity to transcribe any voice or video file using the help of artificial intelligence.

Transcription available for over 120 languages and dialects

Easy-to-use software

Only available for Apple products

Journalists or executive assistants who have a lot of conversations to track may find this app useful. Using A.I., Transcribe can turn any voice or video memo into a transcription in over 120 different languages and dialects. After recording, you can drop your file in this app and export your raw text into another app such as DropBox.

Keep in mind that Transcribe is only available for Apple products with Voice Memo and video since there’s no direct in-app dictation. Transcribe can also get pricey. Users receive a free trial for 15 minutes of transcription. Every extra hour costs $5 and 10 hours costs $30, but there are also subscriptions available for frequent users.

Voice Notes

We chose Voice Notes for its efficient layout to help you store notes.

Recognizes 120 languages

Only available on Android phones

Voice Notes has speech recognition that allows you to create notes efficiently. You can then organize your notes into categories and create reminders by customizing alerts synced with your phone calendar. The interface is intuitive and easy to use; simply press the microphone button and speak to record. You’ll even be able to make your notes with the phone screen turned off.

The app can recognize up to 120 languages, just in case you need to record notes in something other than English. The app is free, though you can subscribe to a premium plan to support the developer.

Of course, there are a few caveats. Voice Notes is a popular app, but the one major limitation is that it's only available on Android phones. Plus, you need to have Google voice search installed to use it.

Best for Long Recordings: Speechnotes - Speech to Text

Speechnotes - Speech to Text

• Accuracy Rate: 90 percent or better

We chose Speechnotes because it allows for extremely long recordings.

Long recordings allowed

Can add in punctuation where needed

In-app advertisements as a free app

Only available in browser and on Android

Writers who think faster than they can type will appreciate this app. Speechnotes is excellent for organizing long notes thanks to two special features. First of all, it doesn't stop recording—even if you pause to think or breathe—so you can keep the recording open for as long as needed. Second, you can tap a button or use a verbal command to insert punctuation marks into your work so they won't become too unwieldy.

The free app has a small ad banner, but you can upgrade to a premium version to get rid of it. Other perks: It won't clog up your phone space at 4 MB, plus it saves all your recordings as TXT files. Plus, you won’t need to open the app to use it either; you can tap on a widget to access Speechnotes. Keep in mind that Speechnotes is only available on your browser and Android. 

Best for Messages: SpeechTexter - Speech to Text

SpeechTexter - Speech to Text

• Accuracy Rate: Better than 90 percent

SpeechTexter is a useful tool to help you draft texts, notes, emails, reports, and more with your voice. 

Desktop and android versions available

Over 70 languages supported

Customizable commands

Offline mode is less accurate

Need to send a quick message but find your hands occupied with other tasks? Here’s a quick solution. Using Google’s backend, SpeechTexter allows you to create text notes, emails, and reports with your own voice. The easy-to-use app supports over 70 languages with an accuracy rate higher than 90 percent. You can customize your own commands for punctuation as well.

It's possible to use the app when you're not connected to the Internet, though keep in mind that the accuracy lowers in offline mode and the recognition speed depends on your Internet connectivity. To use the app offline, make sure that you install language packs of your preference.

iTranslate Converse

• Price: $6 per month or $50 per year
• Free Trial: Yes

We chose iTranslate Converse because it is designed to help you translate languages on the go in noisy environments.

Works well in noisy environments

Enables real-time communication with someone in another language

38 languages recognized

Subscription fee

Unknown accuracy rate

Brought to you by the same developers behind the popular iTranslate app, iTranslate Converse is as close to real-time translation as you’ll get, which is convenient if you need to communicate with clients who don’t speak the same language as you or if you’re traveling abroad. All you have to do is set the two languages. Then tap, hold, and speak into your phone.

The app will pick up on the language that you’re speaking, then issue out a translation—yes, even in noisy environments. The app is capable of recognizing 38 languages. After your conversation is done, you can download full transcriptions. It’s not always perfect, of course, but it’s faster than going through a personal assistant app to look up translations for you.

While it has a subscription fee, iTranslate won't stretch your budget significantly. When you download it, you'll receive a free trial. After that runs out, you'll be upgraded to the pro version for $6 per month or $50 per year. You must cancel at least 24 hours before the end of the trial to avoid being put on a paid membership.

• Price: $0-$399
• Free Trial: No
• Accuracy Rate: 99%

Briana can help you utilize voice-to-text in a jargon-filled industry.

Personal A.I. builds to recognize your industry jargon

Over 100 languages recognized

May take some time to customize

Braina is a personal A.I. for Windows P.C.s with companion Android and IOS apps. The program can convert your voice into text for any website or software program, including a word processor. It recognizes most medical, legal, and scientific terms, which makes it ideal if you work in a niche industry with technical jargon. You can also teach Braina uncommon names and vocabulary with ease.

Braina has other helpful voice recognition features besides learning niche industry terms. For example, it can recognize over 100 languages to serve non-English users. The program also includes convenient dictation commands for deleting, tabbing, and casing.

The app has a few price tiers; there is a free version with limited access to features, while the pro version costs $79 per year or $399 for lifetime access (which often goes on sale for $199).

Dragon Anywhere is our pick for the best overall voice-to-text app thanks to its streamlined tools, high accuracy rating, and accessible computer synchronization. The app costs a bit more than other popular options, but discounts are available on annual subscriptions, and it has no limit on words.

As a bonus, Dragon Anywhere also allows users to customize their experience for specific industry lingo and other terms. This app is also accessible for Android and iOS devices and features simple sharing options to multiple apps or email accounts.

Compare the Best Voice to Text Apps

Guide to choosing a voice-to-text app.

Not sure how to choose a voice-to-text app? Consider the following factors to select the best option for your needs:

• Accuracy rating
• Available languages
• Limits on words or usage
• Platform (Android or iOS)
• Exporting files
• Translation
• Customizable terms or industry language

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best voice to text app.

Dragon Anywhere is the best voice-to-text app on our list. This app is available for both Android and iOS users, has a high accuracy rating, and makes it easy to export files to your computer, email, or other apps.

What Is the Best Free Voice to Text App?

Speechnotes, Voice Notes, Google Assistant, and SpeechTexter are all great choices for free voice-to-text apps. Choose the best option for your specific needs based on maximum length of recording, available languages, and exporting options.

What Is the Best Way to Convert Voice to Text?

Voice-to-text apps and computer programs are both helpful ways to convert your voice to text. If you need to record notes on the go or away from your computer, a mobile app is likely best for you. On the other hand, some people prefer apps downloaded to their computers to take notes during meetings or classes.

What Is the Most Realistic Speech-to-Text?

Dragon Anywhere has the highest accuracy rating of voice-to-text apps compared in this list. Additionally, this app allows users to customize specific industry language and commonly used terms to make their transcriptions more realistic.

To find the best voice-to-text apps we compiled a list of the most popular options available. Next, we took a closer look at several factors, including the price, free trial options, accuracy rates, and more. Finally, we decided which providers were best suited for what our readers needed.

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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 for free.

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. 

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10 Best Speech-to-Text Software in 2024

Manasi Nair

Managing Editor

July 26, 2024

Start using ClickUp today

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

For me, inspiration strikes when I least expect it. A brilliant idea pops up under the shower, in the cab, or during a leisurely walk. But capturing those fleeting thoughts has been a real challenge.

Juggling multiple tasks—from writing blog posts to designing graphics—also hinders productivity . Constant context switching saps energy and slows me down.

That’s how I discovered the usefulness of voice technology software. Imagine a world where your thoughts can be transformed into text instantly. Speech-to-text technology has made this a reality. With a speech-to-text app, you can capture your ideas on the fly. No more lost thoughts!

Modern speech recognition software boasts impressive accuracy rates, often exceeding 99.9% for clear audio.

After rigorous testing and research by the ClickUp team, I have compiled the 10 best speech-to-text tools to help you achieve efficiency in your content creation journey. 

But first, let’s discuss the features that you should look out for in good speech-to-text software.

What You Should Look for in Speech-to-Text Software

1. clickup—best for transcription and audio projects, 2. lovo—best for ultra-realistic text-to-speech, 3. readaloud—best for easy listening on the go, 4. speechify—best for all-in-one text-to-speech and dictation, 5. capti voice—best for education and dyslexia support, 6. voice dream reader—best for immersive reading with accessibility, voice dream reader limitations, 7. wordtalk—best for a simple and free reading experience, 8. wellsaid labs—best for hollywood-quality narrations, 9. naturalreader—your everyday text-to-speech companion, 10. tts reader—your no-frills text-to-speech tool, use clickup and go from speech to text in seconds.

Experimenting with different speech-to-text tools taught me a valuable lesson: finding the right fit is crucial. 

Here’s what you should prioritize when picking a speech-to-text tool:

• Accuracy: The best dictation software understands natural speech accents, even amid background noise. It would help if you didn’t have to spend hours cleaning up a messy transcript—the software should get it right the first time
• Ease of use: Don’t get bogged down by a clunky interface. The best speech-to-text software should be intuitive and user-friendly . You want to focus on capturing your ideas rather than wrestling with complex settings
• Compatibility: Look for a compatible system to ensure that the creative process runs smoothly and without interruption . Integration with your existing workflow is a must
• Price: Speech-to-text options range from free to premium. Consider your needs and budget. Free options are great for basic tasks, while feature-rich paid software is a better fit for complex projects
• Export options: Choose a tool that allows you to export your transcripts in various formats , such as .txt, .docx, or .pdf, for easy integration with your existing workflow
• Advanced editing tools: Powerful editing features such as speaker identification, timestamping, and noise reduction are valuable features for transcribing interviews, meetings, or lectures
• Security: If you’re dealing with sensitive information, ensure the speech-to-text software offers robust security features, including data encryption and access controls

By prioritizing these factors, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect speech-to-text transcription software—whether for Windows, iOS, or Android.

Also read: How to Leverage Different Communication Styles in Leadership

The 10 Best Speech-to-Text Software to Use in 2024

Now that you have a wish list for your ideal features, it’s time to explore the exciting world of speech-to-text apps and software.

The following list features free and premium choices:

ClickUp is much more than just a project management software. It can also be an audio/video recording and AI-powered transcription tool.

Let’s check out its multiple features that  can optimize your speech-to-text needs:

ClickUp Clips

This isn’t just about recording audio; it’s about capturing ideas in the moment and seamlessly with your workflow. With ClickUp Clips , you can record and share short video messages directly within the ClickUp platform.  

Here’s how it can assist you:

• Record a Clip using ClickUp, and the built-in AI automatically transcribes the content. This includes timestamps and snippets, making it easy to scan highlights, jump to specific sections, and copy relevant text
• Share Clips effortlessly with your team. You can embed them in ClickUp, generate public links, or download the video files for various use cases
• Leave comments directly on Clips to start conversations . ClickUp displays the timeline of all comments, allowing accessible replay of specific sections
• Transform any Clip into an actionable ClickUp Task . Embed it in task descriptions, assign owners, and manage ideas shared during discussions
• Leverage multiple languages to transcribe meetings with international colleagues and customers
• Integrate seamlessly with everything you already do in ClickUp. Just click the video icon to create a Clip right within any conversation. There is no need to switch tools or upload files

What’s more? ClickUp Brain indexes Clip transcripts, making the content instantly searchable. Ask AI questions, and it will search through the transcriptions to bring up buried knowledge for your entire team.

ClickUp Brain

ClickUp Brain, the AI-powered assistant, takes things a step further . It can assist with content creation by suggesting topics, writing outlines, or even generating initial drafts based on the proposed audio content. 

It can also help you:

• Craft messages efficiently by using shorthand. The AI will create well-phrased responses with the perfect tone
• Generate meeting minutes by transcribing the audio and summarizing key points. This saves time and ensures accurate documentation of decisions made
• Automatically convert voice into text and use AI to answer questions from meetings and video clips

Alongside ClickUp Brain, you can use ClickUp Whiteboards as a collaborative space to brainstorm, map out ideas, and even capture audio snippets . Imagine recording a quick explanation of a concept, transcribing it with ClickUp Brain, and then visually representing it on a whiteboard. With ClickUp, It’s almost like magic! 

ClickUp best features

• Use ClickUp Goals to define your speech-to-text project goals and break them into actionable steps. You can even create custom metrics to track transcription accuracy, turnaround time, and other relevant KPIs
• Leverage ClickUp’s Universal Search to search across your entire workspace, including tasks, Docs, and Clips for older transcriptions
• Organize and structure your thoughts with ClickUp Docs . Outline your business messaging strategy, collaborate with your team, and even link to relevant Clips for additional context
• ClickUp Integrations offer a wide range of third-party tools, such as Loom, Otter.ai, and Fireflies.ai, including tools that offer speech-to-text or text-to-speech functionalities
• Leverage built-in security and privacy features

ClickUp limitations

• New users might experience a learning curve due to ClickUp’s extensive features

ClickUp pricing 

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

ClickUp ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.7/5 (9,500+ reviews) 
• Capterra: 4.6/5 (4,000+ reviews) 

Also read: How to Use AI for Documentation

Lovo.ai, a web-based AI tool, can create professional-sounding voiceovers. It’s useful for anyone who wants to generate realistic-sounding audio to match their business tone for presentations or explainer videos.

It includes many voices in over 100 languages and various accents. It is fantastic for global teams, allowing you to tailor voiceovers to the specific language and tone needed for each project. 

Lovo.ai goes beyond just providing voice typing. It can also fine-tune speech rate, pitch, and emphasis to match the desired style, professional or casual, perfectly. This level of control ensures clear and impactful communication.

Lovo best features

• Generate content outlines in an instant, add royalty-free images in HD to your videos, edit the videos, and add subtitles, all within the Lovo platform
• Integrate with other tools , such as Google Drive and Evernote, and convert documents and webpages to audio directly within your existing workflow
• Collaborate efficiently with LOVO Teams , securely storing and accessing projects in the cloud
• Developers can leverage LOVO’s versatile API to incorporate advanced AI voices into their applications or services

Lovo limitations

• An internet connection is essential as Lovo is a web-based app with no option of installing desktop software
• Creating a custom voice model with Lovo can involve some trial and error and may require a significant investment of your time 

Lovo pricing

• Basic: $29/user per month
• Pro: $48/user per month 
• Pro+: $149/user per month 

Lovo ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.5/5 (150+ reviews)
• Capterra: 4.5/5 (55+ reviews)

Also read: Best Internal Business Communication Software for Team Messaging in 2024

ReadAloud is a browser extension that transforms web pages into audiobooks. 

It’s free to use, making it a budget-friendly option for anyone wanting to explore text-to-speech functionality. This is a big plus for casual users or students who might only need some of the bells and whistles of paid tools.

While it doesn’t offer a dictation feature, ReadAloud excels at making online content more accessible , especially for those who prefer listening over reading.

ReadAloud best features 

• Handle a variety of content , including documents, webpages, emails, and PDFs
• Listen to text in the background while you work on other tasks or when you switch to other browser tabs
• Integrate the tool seamlessly with your web browser and just click a button to have it read any webpage article, news story, or blog post aloud
• Choose from a variety of natural-sounding male and female narrator voices to personalize your listening experience

ReadAloud limitations

• ReadAloud has no offline listening option and requires an internet connection to function
• Poorly formatted documents or websites might not translate smoothly into an audiobook experience

ReadAloud pricing

• Free browser extension 

ReadAloud ratings and reviews

• G2: Not available
• Capterra: Not available

Speechify caught my attention with its extensive focus on artificial intelligence and personalization .

This tool is a versatile option for content creators, writers, and anyone who wants to leverage the power of their voice. With one click, you can change a video into any language. The tool will also match the speaker’s voice, intonation, and speed.

You can access Speechify’s features from your computer, phone, or web browser extension. For instance, with Speechify, you can create high-quality AI clones of human voices within seconds, right in your browser, without installing anything.

Speechify also has built-in accessibility features and allows speed adjustments during a session, which makes it a valuable tool for users with learning disabilities or visual impairments.

Speechify best features 

• Control the narration speed to suit your comfort level while listening to the content
• Leverage offline access by taking a photo of text and letting Speechify read it to you
• Access over 40+ languages for increased versatility with Speechify premium

Speechify limitations

• Speechify’s pricing and feature set seem to be geared more toward professionals and businesses than casual users 
• Mastering advanced voiceover customization options might require you to invest a significant amount of time

Speechify pricing

Speechify text-to-speech plans:

• Free: Limited  
• Basic: $29/month per user

Speechify studio plans:

• Basic: $69/month per user
• Professional: $99/month per user
• Enterprise: Custom pricing

Speechify ratings and reviews

• G2: Not enough reviews
• Capterra: Not enough reviews

Also read: We Tested the 14 Best Free Screen Recorder Tools (With No Watermarks) in 2024

Capti Voice is a mobile device-based software that caters to the needs of students, educators, and those with dyslexia or reading difficulties.  

This tool includes features that enhance the learning experience, such as a built-in dictionary, translation tools , and creating bookmarks and highlights within your text.

You can transcribe and read aloud various documents in multiple formats and languages, including PDFs, ebooks, webpages, and even scanned documents. You can also download documents for offline reading and listening and continue to access learning materials even without an internet connection.

Capti Voice’s best features 

• Leverage Capti Voice’s integration with OCR software to transform scanned documents and images into editable text, making physical documents and handwritten notes accessible
• Capti Voice’s compatibility with various assistive technologies , including speed control, optical character recognition, text highlighting, and font adjustments, catering to users with dyslexia or visual impairments
• Use Capti Voice’s cross-platform accessibility with mobile apps, enabling on-the-go access to text-to-speech functionalities and learning materials from any device

Capti Voice limitations

• Capti Voice has no free tier, and its pricing structure can be steeper than the basic versions
• Capti Voice might not be the most robust option for dictation compared to some of the other tools we’ve covered

Capti Voice pricing

• Individual Plan: Free with optional in-app purchases
• Educational Plans: Starting from $500 per year

Capti Voice ratings and reviews

Also read: 10 User-Friendly Training Video Software for Educating, Upskilling, and Reskilling

Voice Dream Reader offers a full-fledged reading experience for anyone who enjoys listening to digital content. One of its unique features is that it pays special attention to small UX details. For example, if you rewind for 30 seconds, the app starts reading from the beginning of a complete sentence, which makes your listening experience seamless.

It can handle voice commands and a wide range of file formats . You can process PDFs, ebooks, webpages, and even plain text files and convert them to audio.

Voice Dream Reader’s best features

• Enhance accessibility with Voice Dream Reader’s integration of text-to-speech for physical books, benefiting users with visual impairments
• Optimize reading comprehension with Voice Dream Reader’s text highlighting feature, allowing for visual tracking and improved focus
• Download the software on your devices and listen to documents anytime, online or offline
• While there’s a desktop version, Voice Dream Reader is primarily designed for mobile use
• Voice Dream Reader is only available for Mac and iOS users. It doesn’t have an Android app which might be a limitation for Windows or Linux users

Voice Dream Reader pricing

• Free Trial: 7
• After Trial: $79.99/year per user 

Voice Dream Reader ratings and reviews

Also read: 12 Examples of Communication Strategies for the Workplace

WordTalk is a straightforward free text-to-speech app that can be handy for people with reading and writing difficulties. 

It’s available as a Microsoft Word plugin under the ‘Add-Ins’ tab in Microsoft Word.

WordTalk is a solid option for basic text-to-speech needs. However, if you require advanced features , offline functionality, or broader compatibility, you should explore paid alternatives.

Its interface is uncomplicated, with clear buttons for controlling playback and highlighting text as it’s spoken. It’s perfect for users who aren’t comfortable with complex software.

WordTalk best features

• Expand your vocabulary with WordTalk’s integration of talking dictionaries , enabling instant audio definitions for enhanced learning
• Simply click where you want WordTalk to start reading, then choose from options such as reading the entire document, a paragraph, a sentence, or a single word
• Convert text to speech and save it as a WAV or MP3 file

WordTalk limitations

• Currently only available for Windows operating systems, and Mac or Linux users will need to explore alternative options
• Customization options for the voice itself (speed, pitch, etc.) are minimal, and complex vocabulary can lead to minor errors

WordTalk pricing

• Free plugin

WordTalk ratings and reviews

WellSaid Labs takes text-to-speech and voice control to a new level, offering crystal-clear, hyper-realistic AI voices of sound studio quality. Their massive library of voices is impressive, from natural-sounding to downright quirky.  

What truly sets them apart is their level of control. This includes granular editing tools that let you fine-tune every aspect of your narration —from pacing and emphasis to breaths and pauses. 

If you’re serious about creating high-quality audio content, put WellSaid Labs on your shortlist, elevate your production value, and make your storytelling shine.

WellSaid Labs’ best features

• Simplify your workflow by integrating WellSaid Lab directly into popular editing tools such as Adobe Premiere Pro for seamless audio synthesis
• Create custom voices tailored to your specific needs. This feature is valuable for branding and personalized experiences
• Access your voice projects from anywhere. WellSaid Labs operates and stores files in the cloud, making collaboration and sharing straightforward

WellSaid Labs limitations

• Mastering the advanced editing tools has a learning curve and can take some time and practice

WellSaid Labs pricing

• Studio Trial: Free for one week
• API Trial: Free for two weeks
• Maker: $49/month per user
• Creative: $99/month per user
• Business: $199/month per user
• Enterprise: Custom pricing 

WellSaid Labs ratings and reviews

• G2: 4.7/5 (100+ reviews)

Also read: 15 Free Project Communication Plan Templates: Excel, Word, & ClickUp

NaturalReader can benefit people with dyslexia or visual impairments with its text-to-speech functionality and dyslexia-friendly fonts.

With NaturalReader, you can create audiobooks from articles, PDFs, or ebooks in a snap! The narration is natural and feels like a human reading the text.

Whether you’re a student catching up on readings, a busy professional conquering emails on the go, or someone who prefers listening to speech patterns and spoken words rather than reading words, NaturalReader has you covered.

NaturalReader best features

• Instantly clone any voice using AI. It is perfect for personalized experiences and branding
• Access over 50 languages and 200+ AI voices
• Leverage new multi-lingual voices powered by Large Language Models (LLM)

NaturalReader limitations

• For advanced features such as voice customization, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid subscription
• Though it has a mobile app, Natural Reader seems to be primarily designed for desktop 

Natural Reader’s pricing

• Premium: $9.99/month per user
• Plus: $19/month per user

Natural Reader’s ratings and reviews

A web-based solution, TTS Reader is a cloud-based platform that tackles a variety of text-to-speech needs. It cuts through the clutter of apps, fancy features, and premium subscriptions. 

TTS Reader integrates with popular web browsers and cloud storage . Whether working on a document in Google Drive or reading an article online, TTS Reader lets you easily convert the text to speech.

TTS Reader’s best features

• Prepare text offline with TTS Reader for uninterrupted playback during commutes or in areas with limited connectivity
• Copy and paste your text, hit play, and enjoy clear audio output without downloading software or fiddling with complicated settings
• Listen to translations in your native tongue . TTS Reader offers support for a vast number of languages, making it an excellent tool for those working with international documents or collaborating with people worldwide

TTS Reader limitations

• Poorly formatted documents or text with many typos might translate into a bumpy listening experience
• Available only as a Chrome extension 

TTS Reader pricing

• Premium: $10.99/month per user

TTS Reader ratings and reviews

These AI-enabled transcription and dictation softwares have been a lifesaver for me to capture meeting minutes, brainstorming, and dictating tasks. But the tools you choose should work together, not against each other. That’s where project management powerhouses such as ClickUp come in handy.

ClickUp integrates seamlessly with many popular speech technology apps. Without switching between apps or software, you can capture ideas, dictate tasks, and generate notes directly within the ClickUp platform.

Imagine dictating a meeting summary and automatically having it populate as a ClickUp Task with assigned members and deadlines. This level of integration simplifies your process and keeps you focused on high-impact activities.

Ready to experience the power of ClickUp for yourself? Sign up for a free ClickUp account today!

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The 6 Best Voice-to-Text Software Options for Your Business

You may have already used some form of speech-to-text software before without even realizing it. Have you ever written a text to someone by speaking it out loud to your phone instead of typing it out with your fingers? That’s speech-to-text in action.

Of course, your texting app isn’t designed to help you write longer content, so it’s not a great option if you’re looking for some dictation software for your business. That means the search is on. What’s the best voice-to-text software option available to you?

That’s just what we’ll cover on this page. We’ll showcase all the really good speech-to-text apps you should know about, as well as discuss what exactly dictation software is. All in all, we’ll cover the following:

Table of Contents

What is dictation software, when can you use dictation software.

• 6 best speech-to-text software options
• First-time tips for using voice-to-text software

How to choose the best dictation tool for your business

Keep reading to learn more!

Dictation software, also known as speech-to-text, voice-to-text, or talk-to-text software, is a tool for transcribing spoken words.

To use a dictation tool, you open it and start speaking aloud. The tool then records the words you say in text form. That means you can write messages, notes, and even whole articles without ever touching a keyboard.

So, when might the best talk-to-text software tools be useful? There are a few different cases where you might want to have this type of tool.

Firstly, you may just want it for convenience. Maybe you find you write better when you can sound out your thoughts aloud rather than typing them silently in a document. Or maybe you just want to be able to write a page while simultaneously doing something else with your hands.

For many people, though, it comes down to more than just convenience. If you have a hand injury—either a minor one or something more serious like carpal tunnel syndrome—you may not be able to type anything. The same goes for many disabled people. In that case, a speech-to-text tool is a must.

6 best voice-to-text software options

Now let’s get to why you’re here: To find the top speech-to-text app for you. There are several different options out there, so we’ll list some of the top tools below and give a bit of info about them. Those tools include:

• Windows Speech
• Apple Dictation
• Amazon Transcribe
• Dragon by Nuance

Here’s a summary of how these tools stack up:

Keep reading to learn a bit more about the best talk-to-text software!

1. Notetaker

Price : Free with Nutshell Business

Notetaker is Nutshell’s voice-to-text transcription tool, allowing you to make the most of AI-powered transcription within your CRM.

With Notetaker, you can quickly record and transcribe your voice from your CRM to:

• Log recent activities or write a quick note about the People, Companies, and Leads you’ve interacted with
• Notify team members with updated notes on your activities
• Compose emails that sound like you speak, building rapport with your leads and customers

You can record and transcribe unlimited transcriptions using the Nutshell Business plan. Even if you use a different Nutshell plan, you still get access to five transcriptions per month, absolutely free.

Get started with Notetaker

Not a Nutshell customer yet? Sign up for a 14-Day free trial and try Nutshell forms during your trial!

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Price: Free

Gboard is a good voice-to-text app offered by Google, and it comes natively installed on all Android devices (though it’s available for iPhones as well).

In addition to typing out text for you, Gboard can perform searches on Google or Maps and even translate text from other languages (It supports 916 different languages and dialects, by the way).

Using it is super simple. When you pull up the keyboard in any app, you just press the microphone button in the top corner, and away you go.

3. Windows Speech

Price: Free (with Windows or Microsoft 365)

Windows Speech —also called Windows 11 Speech Recognition or Voice Typing—is a dictation tool for Windows computers. It comes automatically installed on all Windows devices, so you don’t have to pay to use it.

To use this tool, all you do is press Win + H. That’s it! You should see a little dialogue box open that lets you press a microphone button to start recording. Then you just start speaking, and it will transcribe what you say.

4. Apple Dictation

Price: Free (with Apple device)

Apple Dictation is basically just the Apple version of the previous two tools. It’s available on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. To use it on a mobile device, you just do exactly what you do with Gboard—pull up the keyboard and press the microphone button.

Meanwhile, on Mac, you have to enable it in System Preferences. Then, you can use a keyboard shortcut (the default one is usually to press Fn twice) to start dictating.

5. Amazon Transcribe

Price: Pay-as-you-go

Amazon Transcribe is unquestionably one of the best dictation tools out there. It uses machine learning to enhance its functionality, allowing it to do things other tools can’t. For example, it can register multiple speakers and transcribe text separately for each one.

Pricing for Amazon Transcribe is complicated. It’s a pay-as-you plan, where you pay a certain amount for each minute you use it. The price per minute changes as your total number of minutes increases, and it varies based on things like location and type of batch.

To really understand Transcribe’s pricing, you’ll want to check it out on Amazon’s site .

6. Dragon by Nuance

Price: $200+ for desktop, $15 per month for mobile

Dragon , a tool offered by Nuance, is another of the best dictation software options out there. It, like Amazon Transcribe, uses machine learning to improve over time as it learns to understand your voice better. It can also transcribe prerecorded audio files.

One nice thing about Dragon is that it’s available on both mobile and desktop devices. The mobile version, called Dragon Anywhere, costs $15 per month. For the desktop version, the price depends on which package you get, but the cheapest option is a flat fee of $200.

Tips for using a good voice-to-text app

Knowing that they’re being recorded can cause people to tense up, talk too formally, and use unnatural speech. The key is to practice until it’s comfortable and voice-to-text file creation becomes second nature. 

Here are a few tips to make the most of your speech-to-text tool when using it for the first time.

• Speak in your natural voice : Dictation software is built to adapt to your voice over time, including your accent, tics, and pronunciation habits. The best way to get it to adapt quickly is to talk like you’re talking to a close friend – closing your eyes while you record may help you visualize it well.
• Enunciate where necessary : If you find that the software is mistyping the same group of words the more you use it, practice enunciating those specific syllables.
• Learn the basic speech commands : Take the time to learn the voice commands for common transcription actions, such as moving to a new line in the text, adding a comma, or punctuating your sentence with a question mark.

So, with all the options given above—not to mention all the dictation tools not included on this list—how can you make sure you choose the best speech-to-text tool for your business?

There are a few big considerations you should focus on. Firstly, what can you afford? You may be able to rule out several options based solely on price. Then, think about what features you need. Are you happy as long as the basic dictation feature is there, or are there specialized functionalities you want?

You may want to look for features such as integration capabilities, security and privacy, and ease of use.

Finally, take a look at some reviews. Maybe a particular tool seems good, but then you read some reviews that reveal it’s rather glitchy and hard to work with. After considering all these things, you should be able to pinpoint the top speech-to-text app option for you.

Get accurate speech-to-text software in your CRM with Nutshell Notetaker

Remembering key details and updates to your customer timeline is key to fostering good customer relationships. One of the best software you can get for your business is a customer relationship management (CRM) platform like Nutshell. Pairing an easy-to-use CRM with a powerful speech-to-text tool boosts productivity and customer relationship-building. 

When you can’t write down new lead and customer notes fast enough by hand, try Nutshell Notetaker. No matter how many notes you have or how long you have to speak for, there’s no limit to how long your transcriptions can be. 

Plus, you get access to an unlimited number of transcriptions when you choose the Nutshell Business plan.

Interested in testing the waters and seeing what Nutshell–and Nutshell Notetaker–can do for you? Just check out our 14-day free trial today!

Looking for a CRM with artificial intelligence to power growth?

Nutshell Business has what you’re looking for, with features to supercharge your team’s productivity.

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