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Best Speech to Text Apps 2025

Discover the 10 best speech to text apps currently on the market. Find the perfect dictation/transcription tool, whatever your requirements or budget.

A close-up of a professional microphone in a recording studio with audio equipment in the background.

Did you know that the average person speaks at a rate of 120 - 160 words per minute—but only types at an average of 40 words per minute? If you’re looking for efficiency, one thing’s for certain: speaking is better than typing.

This is where speech-to-text apps come in.

Microphone and laptop displaying "Welcome to the world of speech to text technology" with sound waves and musical notes.

These applications transform spoken words into written text, bridging the gap between verbal communication and digital documentation. From dictating emails to transcribing meetings, speech-to-text technology enhances productivity, fosters accessibility, and opens up new avenues for creativity. 

This article delves into the top contenders in this field, highlighting their features, capabilities, and unique advantages. 

Tool Name

Features

What's Missing?

Rating

Otter

Automated Speech to Text, AI-Powered Summaries, Cost-Effective, Time Efficient, Searchable Transcripts, 300 Free Minutes Monthly, Interactive Transcripts, User-Friendly Interface

Limited Free Tier, Advanced Customization, Integration with External Apps

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Microsoft Azure

High-Quality Transcription, Customizable Models, Flexible Deployment, Production-Ready, Diverse Source Compatibility, Custom Speech Models, Deployment Flexibility, Comprehensive Privacy and Security

Real-Time Translation, Limited Voice Recognition Features

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Siri

Multi-Device Compatibility, Hands-Free Text Dictation, Voice Command Integration, Text Editing via Dictation, Extensive App Support, Easy Activation

No Voice Command for Deletion, Limited Voice Command Customization, Dependence on Internet Connection

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Verbit

Smart AI Integration, High Accuracy Rates, Adaptive Algorithms, Speed and Efficiency, AI and Human Intelligence Combination, Versatility, User-Friendly Design, Comprehensive Transcription Services

Real-Time Transcription Limitations, Specialized Use Focus, Limited Language Support

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dragon by Nuance

Superior Speed and Accuracy, Security, Flexibility, Compliance and Confidentiality, Specialized Vocabulary and Features

Mobile Operating System Support, Real-Time Collaboration Features

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Gboard

Voice Typing, Emoji and GIFs, Multilingual Support, Gesture Control

Shortcut Commands, Occasional Lag, Understanding Slang, Advanced Editing Features, Limited Customization

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Speechnotes

Voice-Typing, Key-Typing, Google Drive Exporting, Smart Capitalization, Spellcheck, Auto-Save, Platform Availability

Limited Platform Support, Basic Interface, Offline Functionality, Limited Language Support

⭐⭐⭐

Transcribe

Automatic Transcription, Supports Over 120 Languages and Dialects, Import Files from Apps and DropBox, Export Options, Ad-Free Experience

Transcribe PRO, Limited Free Features, No Real-Time Transcription

⭐⭐⭐⭐

SpeechTexter

Real-Time Continuous Speech Recognition, Broad Language Support, Creation of Various Texts, Custom Voice Commands, High Accuracy, Accessibility Features, Learning Tool, No Download or Installation Needed

Audio File Transcription, Limited Browser Support, Real-Time Editing, Offline Functionality

⭐⭐⭐

IBM Watson

AI-Powered Speech Recognition and Transcription, Audio Preprocessing and Noise Removal, Semantic Sentence Conversion, Machine Learning Capabilities, Multiple Speech Recognition Interfaces, Support for Multiple Languages, Background Noise Separation

Real-Time Transcription Feedback, Limited Emotional Inflection Recognition, Integration with Certain Third-Party Applications, Speech-to-Text in Niche Dialects, User-Friendly Interface for Beginners

⭐⭐⭐⭐

1. Otter

Otter.ai logo with blue and black text.

Otter.ai revolutionizes the process of converting speech to text. This AI-powered tool offers automated transcription services, creating summaries, highlights, and full audio transcripts with remarkable efficiency. It's designed to save time and money, allowing users to convert hours of audio and video recordings into text in minutes. 

Key Features

  • Automated Speech to Text: Converts audio and video to text rapidly.
  • AI-Powered Summaries: Generates summaries and highlights from transcripts.
  • Cost-Effective: Offers a more affordable alternative to traditional transcription services.
  • Time Efficient: Quickly transcribes lengthy recordings.
  • Searchable Transcripts: Easily locate quotes or keywords within transcripts.
  • 300 Free Minutes Monthly: Generous free usage allotment each month.
  • Interactive Transcripts: Creates editable and engaging transcript formats.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Simplifies the transcription process for all users.

What's Missing?

  • Limited Free Tier: After 300 minutes, users must upgrade for more transcription time.
  • Integration with External Apps: Potential limitations in integration capabilities with other productivity or media apps.

2. Microsoft Azure

Microsoft Azure logo with text

Microsoft Azure Speech to Text is a state-of-the-art AI tool designed to convert spoken audio into text with high accuracy and flexibility. It's ideal for a variety of applications, from creating searchable databases of audio files to enhancing user interaction in apps with voice recognition features. With its advanced speech recognition technology, it supports more than 100 languages and variants, making it a global solution for speech-to-text needs​​.

Key Features

  • High-Quality Transcription: Offers accurate audio to text transcriptions utilizing Microsoft's advanced speech recognition technology​​.
  • Customizable Models: Allows the addition of specific words to the base vocabulary or the creation of tailored speech-to-text models​​.
  • Flexible Deployment: Can be run in the cloud or at the edge in containers, offering versatility in deployment options​​.
  • Production-Ready: Leverages robust technology used across various Microsoft products, ensuring reliability and consistency​​.
  • Diverse Source Compatibility: Capable of converting audio to text from various sources, including microphones, audio files, and blob storage​​.
  • Custom Speech Models: Tailored to understand organization- and industry-specific terminology and overcome barriers like background noise and accents​​.
  • Deployment Flexibility: Can be used wherever data is processed, both in robust cloud environments and on-premises​​.
  • Comprehensive Privacy and Security: Ensures data privacy and security, meeting standards like SOC, FedRAMP, PCI DSS, HIPAA, HITECH, and ISO​​.

What's Missing?

  • Limited Voice Recognition Features: It focuses primarily on speech-to-text and might not offer additional voice recognition features like voice biometrics.
  • Developer-Friendly, Not User Friendly: More geared towards developers than end-users. 

3. Siri