Generative AI Meets Audio Transcription: Five Free Tools You Should Try

Generative AI has dramatically simplified many routine tasks, such as managing emails, editing videos, and writing content. One notable area of improvement is the automation of audio transcription , transforming how we handle recordings from interviews, meetings, and lectures.

Despite the advancements, many generative AI tools come with a cost due to the resources required for development and operation. However, several high-quality transcription services are available at no cost. Here are five excellent free options for converting audio recordings into text:

1. Google Recorder
Google Recorder is a free Android app designed to transcribe live audio recordings. It not only converts speech to text but also provides AI-generated summaries and identifies sounds like laughter and music within the audio. However, this app is limited to Google Pixel devices and only works with live recordings, not pre-recorded files. Users can access their recordings through a web version, but this is limited to playback only.

2. Whisper
Developed by OpenAI, Whisper is a free tool that transcribes audio either from uploaded files or live speech through a device's microphone. In addition to transcription, Whisper can translate audio from other languages into English. Available via the Hugging Face web app or as a downloadable program for local use, Whisper offers flexibility depending on user needs and preferences.

3. Otter
Otter offers 300 minutes of free audio transcription per month with its basic plan, though it limits users to three uploads and 30 minutes per conversation. The service includes features for editing transcripts, creating summaries, identifying speakers, and integrating with other apps. Otter is accessible via a user-friendly web interface and mobile app.

4. Happy Scribe
Happy Scribe’s free plan allows users to transcribe up to ten minutes of audio. The service provides transcriptions with speaker labels and time stamps, making them easier to review. While exporting transcripts requires a paid upgrade ($17 per month), Happy Scribe also features translation tools and a custom dictionary. Paid plans include the option for human-powered transcription.

5. MeetGeek
MeetGeek offers a free plan that supports up to five hours of audio transcription per month. Users also benefit from three months of transcript storage and one month of audio storage at no cost. The free tier includes AI-generated summaries of meetings, though advanced features and additional storage are available through paid plans starting at $19 per month.