Turn Audio Into Text That Actually Works

Transcription and captioning tools have evolved from basic speech-to-text engines into sophisticated platforms that understand context, speaker identification, and industry-specific terminology. Whether you're preparing a documentary for broadcast, transcribing a two-hour interview, or adding captions to social media videos, these tools now handle accuracy and formatting that used to require dedicated transcriptionists.

The category splits into two distinct workflows: real-time captioning for live broadcasts and streaming, and post-production transcription for interviews, meetings, and recorded content. Real-time tools like AI-Media LEXI prioritize speed and broadcast compliance, delivering captions with minimal latency for live environments. Post-production tools like Rev, Trint, and Transgate AI focus on accuracy and editing interfaces, letting you correct mistakes, search transcripts, and export in multiple formats. Some platforms offer both human and AI options—human transcription costs more but delivers higher accuracy for technical content, heavy accents, or poor audio quality. Specialized features matter more than generic accuracy claims. Journalists need tools like Transgate AI that handle interview formats and terminology. Video editors need platforms that export to SRT, VTT, and proprietary subtitle formats. Meeting-focused tools like Fireflies.ai and Otter.ai integrate with Zoom and Google Meet, automatically capturing and organizing conversations. Express Scribe remains relevant for professionals who need foot pedal control and precise playback speed adjustment—features that AI-powered alternatives often skip. Pricing varies widely based on turnaround time, human vs. AI processing, and volume. Most services charge per minute of audio, with rates ranging from $0.25 per minute for AI transcription to $1.50+ per minute for human transcription with tight deadlines. Subscription models work better for teams processing regular meeting recordings or podcast episodes. Consider accuracy requirements, file format compatibility, and whether you need features like speaker identification, timestamps, or multi-language support before committing to a platform.