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!
Best practices for speech-to-text tools
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.
#1 Lindy
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:
Features:
- 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!
Pricing:
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.
Features:
- Audio recording and easy transcription
- Works on Android devices and computers for cross-platform use
Pricing:
- 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.
Features:
- Hands-free control of your iOS device
- Works with Siri for even more voice commands
Pricing:
- Free (included with iOS devices)
Things to keep in mind:
- 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.
Features:
- Easy one-button recording
- Offline transcription
- Adjustable playback speeds for review
Pricing:
- One-time purchase of $4.99
Things to keep in mind:
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.
Features:
- Works with Cortana for extended commands
- Control your Windows device hands-free
- No additional software to install
Pricing:
- Free (included with Windows 10)
Things to keep in mind:
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.
Features:
- Accurate transcription with customizable models
- Works across multiple devices for flexibility
Pricing:
- Lite (Free): Limited usage
- Standard ($0.02 per minute): Increased limits and features
- Custom plans available for enterprise needs
Things to keep in mind:
- 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.
Features:
- Type, dictate, and record all within the app
- Syncs with OneNote for streamlined organization
- Offers both online and offline functionality
Pricing:
- One-time purchase (price varies slightly by platform)
Things to keep in mind:
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.
Features:
- Timed recordings for easy reference
- Transcription tools for editing and accuracy
- Cloud storage for cross-device access
Pricing:
- Subscription options (weekly, monthly, yearly)
- May offer a free trial period
Things to keep in mind:
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.
Features:
- Works with text, video, and photo apps
- Includes a scheduler, memo manager, and other useful tools
Pricing:
- Lifetime license: $79
- Annual license: $49
Things to keep in mind:
Might have a steeper learning curve than simpler options.
Summing up
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.
