27 Best Speech to Text Apps (Free & Paid Options)
You know what’s crazy?
Most of us still spend hours typing things out when we could just… talk.
That’s where speech to text apps come in.
Whether you’re a student trying to capture lecture notes, a podcaster editing interviews, or just someone who hates typing on a tiny phone keyboard, these apps can literally save you hours every week.
And the best part… You don’t need expensive software or fancy gear.
With the right app, you can turn your voice into text instantly—on your iPhone, Android, or even directly in Google Docs.
Some are free, some come with premium features like real-time transcription or translation, but all of them actually work (no gimmicks).
So if you’re ready to stop typing and start talking, here are 27 of the best speech to text apps that’ll make your life a whole lot easier.
1. Apple Dictation
If you’ve got an iPhone or iPad, you already have a pretty solid speech to text app built in—it’s called Apple Dictation.
You don’t need to download anything, it’s just there in your keyboard.
Tap the little microphone icon, start speaking, and your words appear on the screen in real time.
The cool thing is, Apple has improved this feature a lot with iOS updates—it now handles punctuation, commands, and even works offline for short dictations.
It’s not the fanciest option on this list, but it’s free, private, and great for quick notes, texts, or emails.
If you’ve never used it before, give it a shot—you might be surprised how well it works.
Also Read: Best Productivity Apps
2. Otter.ai
Otter.ai is hands down one of the best-known speech to text apps out there, especially if you’re in meetings or lectures all the time.
It doesn’t just transcribe what you say—it actually picks up different speakers, creates smart summaries, and even lets you search through your transcripts later.
Imagine being in a Zoom call and not worrying about note-taking, because Otter does it for you in real time.
The free version is great for casual use, but if you’re a student, journalist, or someone who deals with long conversations, the paid plan is worth it.
Think of it as your personal meeting assistant that never misses a detail.
Also Read: Best Note-Taking Apps
3. Notta
If you’re looking for a transcription app that goes beyond just “voice to text,” Notta is worth checking out.
It not only turns your speech into accurate text, but also translates it into multiple languages in real time.
That makes it a lifesaver if you’re working across countries or handling bilingual conversations.
You can record directly in the app or upload audio and video files for transcription.
It also syncs with your calendar, which means you can set it up to automatically record and transcribe meetings. Simple, reliable, and modern—that’s what makes Notta stand out.
4. Rev Voice Recorder
Rev is another big player in the transcription world, but it brings something special to the table—human-level accuracy.
The app lets you record audio and then choose between automated AI transcription or professional human transcription (done by Rev’s team).
That’s why it’s trusted by lawyers, journalists, and professionals who need precise, error-free transcripts.
The AI version is quick and affordable, while the human service costs more but is incredibly accurate.
If accuracy is your top priority and you don’t mind paying for it, Rev is one of the most dependable options you’ll find.
Also Read: Best To-Do List Apps
5. VOMO
VOMO is one of those newer apps that’s quickly making a name for itself in the speech to text space.
It focuses on super fast AI transcription, so you can record a lecture, meeting, or even a random thought and see the text appear almost instantly.
What makes it even more useful is the built-in summarization—it doesn’t just dump a wall of text, it gives you key takeaways too.
If you’re someone who gets overwhelmed scrolling through long transcripts, this feature is a real time-saver.
Lightweight, accurate, and designed for people who want quick results, VOMO is definitely worth trying.
6. Transcriber – Speech to Text
If you need something simple that just works, Transcriber – Speech to Text is a solid choice.
It supports over 120 languages, which means you can dictate in English, switch to Spanish, and even mix languages if you want.
The offline mode makes it handy when you’re traveling or in places without internet.
It’s not packed with flashy features like Otter or Notta, but that’s exactly why people love it—it’s clean, fast, and focused on what it does best: turning your voice into text without hassle.
Also Read: Best Planner Apps
7. iTranscribe – Audio to Text
iTranscribe feels like the all-in-one package for people who work with a lot of recordings.
You can upload files, record on the spot, or even search within audio and transcripts later.
The app is smart enough to handle different speakers and offers playback controls so you can listen and read side by side.
Students, journalists, or anyone who needs to revisit long interviews will really appreciate how easy it is to navigate through transcripts.
It’s reliable, accurate, and saves you from the headache of manually replaying and typing out recordings.
8. Dictation – Voice to Text
This app does exactly what its name says—dictation made simple.
What makes it stand out is how easy it is to switch between multiple languages, so if you’re bilingual or learning a new language, it’s a handy tool.
The interface is super straightforward, no clutter, just hit record and start talking.
It also connects with apps like Mail, Messages, or Notes, so you can dictate and send text without typing a single word.
If you hate dealing with tiny phone keyboards or need to jot down quick thoughts on the go, Dictation keeps it stress-free.
Also Read: Best Calendar Apps
9. SpeechTexter
SpeechTexter is a favorite for people who want a free, no-frills way to turn voice into text.
It works right in your browser as well as on mobile, and supports dozens of languages, making it super versatile.
One neat thing is the ability to add custom commands for punctuation and formatting.
That means you can say “new line” or “comma” and it’ll respond instantly.
Writers, bloggers, or even students doing essays will love how it helps speed up writing without paying for a subscription. It’s lightweight, accurate, and flexible.
10. Google Live Transcribe
If you’re on Android, Google’s Live Transcribe is a must-try.
It was originally built for accessibility, helping people who are deaf or hard of hearing, but honestly, anyone can benefit from it.
You just start the app, speak, and the transcription shows up in real time with impressive accuracy.
It even works offline now for short sessions, which is a big deal.
The transcripts are saved so you can look back later, and it supports multiple languages, too.
Simple, reliable, and free—it’s one of the best reasons to stick with Android.
Also Read: Best AI Productivity Apps
11. Google Docs Voice Typing
If you do a lot of writing in Google Docs, this built-in tool is a lifesaver.
No need to download anything—just open a document in Chrome, go to “Tools,” and click on “Voice Typing.”
From there, you can speak naturally and watch your words appear on the page.
It’s especially handy for long-form writing like essays, blog posts, or reports, since you can dictate directly where you need the text.
Plus, it supports voice commands for punctuation and formatting, making it more powerful than a basic dictation app.
For anyone already using Google Docs daily, this is an easy win.
12. Google Keep Voice Notes
Google Keep is all about simple note-taking, and its voice notes feature is one of the most underrated gems.
When you record a voice memo in the app, it doesn’t just save the audio—it automatically transcribes it into text.
That means your quick thoughts, to-do lists, or ideas are ready to search later, no typing needed.
It’s not designed for long interviews or lectures, but for everyday reminders and notes; it’s incredibly practical.
If you’re already using Keep to stay organized, the voice-to-text feature just makes it that much better.
13. Dragon Anywhere
Dragon has been a big name in speech recognition for years, and Dragon Anywhere brings that power to your phone.
This isn’t just quick dictation—it’s professional-grade transcription with the ability to add custom vocabulary, create templates, and dictate as long as you want.
Unlike many free apps that cut you off after a few minutes, Dragon Anywhere has no time limits.
That makes it a favorite among professionals—lawyers, doctors, and writers—who rely on precision and long dictations.
It’s a paid app, but if you need top accuracy and features beyond the basics, it’s worth the investment.
14. Dragon Professional
Dragon Professional is like the big brother of Dragon Anywhere—built for desktop, but still relevant for anyone who needs heavy-duty speech recognition.
It’s packed with advanced features like custom vocabularies, automated text commands, and even the ability to fill out forms just by speaking.
What makes it stand out is its accuracy in professional environments—law offices, medical fields, or businesses where every word matters.
It’s pricey compared to most apps on this list, but if you’re serious about replacing typing with dictation in your work, Dragon Professional remains one of the best investments you can make.
15. Braina Pro
Braina Pro is more than just a dictation app—it’s like having a personal AI assistant on your PC.
It supports voice commands, dictation, and custom vocabularies, making it a flexible option for power users.
Beyond speech to text, you can use it to open files, search the web, or even control your computer with your voice.
It’s especially useful for people who multitask a lot or want to speed up workflows without relying only on typing.
While it’s more Windows-focused, Braina Pro still deserves a mention as a powerful and versatile tool.
16. Wispr Flow
Wispr Flow is a newer player, but it’s already catching attention for how seamless it feels.
It’s basically an AI-powered dictation keyboard for iOS and Windows that lets you speak anywhere you’d normally type.
So whether you’re writing a message, drafting an email, or updating social media, you can do it by voice.
The accuracy is surprisingly good thanks to its AI engine, and the fact that it integrates directly into your keyboard makes it super convenient.
If you’re looking for something modern and lightweight, Wispr Flow is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
17. Microsoft Dictate
Microsoft Dictate is built right into Office apps like Word and Outlook, which makes it super handy if you’re already using Microsoft 365.
You just click the microphone button and start talking—your words instantly appear on the page or in your email.
It supports multiple languages, punctuation commands, and even some formatting shortcuts.
It’s not as advanced as Dragon, but for everyday typing tasks, it’s fast, reliable, and doesn’t cost extra.
If you’re a student or professional working inside Office every day, this tool is a no-brainer.
18. Microsoft Translator
While most people know Microsoft Translator as a translation app, its speech-to-text feature is surprisingly powerful.
You can speak in one language and see instant transcription in another, which makes it perfect for conversations, travel, or cross-language meetings.
It works on both iOS and Android, and the text can be saved or shared for later.
If you’ve ever struggled to capture notes in a different language, this app is a lifesaver.
It’s free, accurate, and does more than just translate—it makes communication across languages much easier.
19. Dragon Professional Individual (v15)
This is Nuance’s flagship desktop software, and it’s a beast when it comes to dictation.
Dragon Professional Individual (v15) uses deep learning to adapt to your voice, even if you have an accent or speak quickly.
Over time, it just gets better and better at recognizing you.
Professionals love it because you can create custom commands, automate repetitive tasks, and transcribe long sessions with incredible accuracy.
It’s not cheap, but for anyone who depends heavily on speech-to-text for their job, this is one of the most powerful tools available today.
20. Speechmatics
Speechmatics is an enterprise-level speech-to-text solution that’s all about accuracy, even with tough accents or noisy environments.
It uses advanced AI models that continuously improve, which makes it a favorite for businesses handling large amounts of audio.
You can upload recordings, stream live audio, or integrate it into your own apps through their API.
While it’s not really a casual mobile app, it’s one of the most trusted tools in industries like media, finance, and customer support where transcripts need to be spot-on.
If you want enterprise-grade reliability, Speechmatics is a strong choice.
21. Verbit
Verbit takes a hybrid approach—it combines AI transcription with human editing to deliver near-perfect accuracy.
That’s why it’s widely used in education, legal, and business sectors where even small errors can cause problems.
It supports real-time transcription and closed captioning, making it great for live events or lectures.
The platform also integrates with popular video conferencing tools, so you can get transcripts straight from Zoom or Teams calls.
If you need accuracy and compliance, Verbit is built for you.
22. Azure Speech Services
Microsoft’s Azure Speech Services is more than just speech-to-text—it’s a whole toolkit for developers who want to add voice features to their apps.
It can transcribe live or recorded audio, recognize different speakers, and even handle custom vocabularies for niche industries.
The best part is how flexible it is: businesses can train it to recognize specific terms or accents.
It’s cloud-based, so it scales well for companies, but individuals can also use it for high-quality transcription.
If you’re into tech and want customizable options, Azure has you covered.
23. IBM Watson Speech to Text
IBM Watson has been around in the AI world for years, and its speech-to-text service is still one of the most reliable options out there.
It’s designed for businesses, but anyone can use it to turn audio into highly accurate transcripts.
One of the standout features is its ability to handle multiple speakers and background noise really well.
Plus, it offers customization for industry-specific terms, which is huge for healthcare, finance, or legal settings.
If you’re looking for enterprise-level transcription with serious flexibility, Watson is a solid pick.
24. Amazon Transcribe
Amazon Transcribe is another heavy-hitter in the enterprise space, built into AWS.
It’s great for developers or businesses that need large-scale, automated transcription.
What makes it shine is its ability to separate speakers, filter out background noise, and even generate time-stamped transcripts.
A lot of companies use it to analyze customer service calls or create searchable archives of meetings.
It’s not really for casual note-taking, but if you’re working on something big that requires scalable and accurate speech recognition, Amazon Transcribe is one of the best.
25. Temi
Temi is a simple but powerful app for people who want quick, affordable transcription without all the extras.
It uses AI to process your recordings and delivers transcripts in minutes, usually with impressive accuracy for the price.
You can record directly in the app or upload audio and video files.
What people love most is the clean interface and straightforward pricing—you only pay for what you need.
For students, journalists, or anyone who just wants fast and cheap transcripts, Temi hits the sweet spot.
26. Sonix
Sonix is a cloud-based transcription service that’s popular with podcasters, journalists, and content creators.
Upload your audio or video, and within minutes you get a transcript that’s time-stamped and searchable.
It also supports multiple languages and has handy collaboration tools, so teams can edit and highlight sections together.
The interface feels modern and polished, and it integrates with tools like Zoom and Dropbox, which makes workflow much smoother.
If you’re looking for a professional-grade solution without the complexity of enterprise tools, Sonix is a fantastic choice.
27. MeetGeek
MeetGeek is built for today’s remote work world.
It automatically records, transcribes, and summarizes your meetings, so you don’t need to worry about missing details while you’re focused on the conversation.
It connects with platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams, and then delivers clear, searchable transcripts along with key takeaways.
The AI-generated highlights are super useful if you don’t want to read through an entire transcript.
For teams, freelancers, or students juggling online meetings, MeetGeek feels like having a personal assistant built right into your calls.
My Final Take
Typing isn’t going away anytime soon, but let’s be honest—speech to text apps are changing the way we work, study, and even communicate.
From free built-in tools like Apple Dictation and Google Docs Voice Typing to heavyweights like Dragon Professional and Otter.ai, there’s an option here for everyone.
Some are perfect for quick notes, others for long business meetings, and a few are built for enterprise-level transcription.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’d suggest trying the free ones first—Apple Dictation if you’re on iPhone, or Google Live Transcribe if you’re on Android.
If you need something more powerful, Otter.ai or Notta are great everyday choices, while Dragon remains the gold standard for professionals who want the best accuracy.
At the end of the day, the best app is the one that fits your workflow.
The good news… With so many solid options, you really can’t go wrong.
