Sometimes you need to convert audio into written text — whether for reviewing meeting notes, transcribing interviews, or archiving lecture recordings. In the past, this required manual work or expensive services. Today, however, AI-powered transcription tools make it easier, faster, and more accessible than ever before.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the best free AI tools for speech-to-text conversion in 2025, complete with features, limitations, and pricing.
Otter.ai
Otter.ai is one of the most popular AI-powered transcription services, especially for professionals who regularly attend online meetings or conferences. It’s designed to handle real-time transcription during video calls, interviews, and lectures.
🔍 Features:
- Automatic transcription of speech in real-time
- Full integration with platforms like Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams
- Generates summary keywords, speaker detection, and time-stamped notes
- Mobile and desktop support for flexible usage
🆓 Free Plan (2025):
- 300 transcription minutes per month
- Max 30-minute limit per recording
- Limited export and editing capabilities
Otter is ideal for students, educators, remote workers, and content creators who want to focus on the conversation rather than taking notes.
Website: https://otter.ai
Google Docs – Voice Typing
Google Docs Voice Typing is a completely free and browser-based tool that lets users dictate text directly into a document using just their voice.
🔍 Features:
- Available via Chrome and other Chromium-based browsers
- No cost, no signup, and unlimited usage
- Recognizes voice commands for punctuation, formatting, and editing
- Best for live speech, not pre-recorded audio
This tool is perfect for those who want to quickly take notes, write blog posts, or create documents hands-free.
📌 Important Note: It only works with live audio, so you cannot upload a voice file.
Website: https://docs.google.com
Descript
Descript is more than just a transcription tool — it’s a complete audio and video editing suite powered by artificial intelligence. It allows users to edit media by editing the text version of the transcript, making it a favorite among podcasters and video editors.
🔍 Features:
- AI transcription in 23 languages
- Automatic subtitle generation, filler word removal, and silence detection
- Edit audio/video by editing the transcript — like a Word document
- Includes tools for screen recording, multitrack editing, and collaboration
🆓 Free Plan (2025):
- 60 minutes of transcription per month
- Export options with watermark
- Premium editing features restricted to paid plans
Descript is ideal for those producing content professionally and looking for a highly visual and collaborative platform.
Website: https://www.descript.com
Riverside.fm
Riverside.fm is a web-based platform built for high-quality audio and video recording, primarily used for podcasts and remote interviews. Its built-in AI transcription engine sets it apart with exceptional accuracy.
🔍 Features:
- Offers instant transcription without login
- Supports formats: MP3, WAV, MP4, MOV
- Can transcribe in over 100 languages
- Claims up to 99% accuracy under good audio conditions
🆓 Free Plan (2025):
- Free transcription available with limited tools
- Paid plans add higher-quality recording and editing features
This tool is great for podcasters, YouTubers, and journalists looking to save time in post-production.
Website: https://riverside.fm
Aiko
Aiko is a free iOS app designed to convert both real-time speech and audio files into text using advanced on-device AI. It’s perfect for students, journalists, and anyone using an iPhone for note-taking.
🔍 Features:
- Integrates with Apple’s Live Captions
- Supports live and saved audio transcription
- Can generate captions for videos or summarize voice memos
- Works offline for many use cases
Aiko is especially useful for recording lectures, interviews, or spontaneous thoughts, and its simple design makes it great for daily use.
Availability: iOS (App Store)
Price: Completely free
TurboScribe.ai
TurboScribe.ai is an AI transcription tool that runs entirely in your browser, known for its accuracy in noisy environments. It is a solid alternative to more complex apps for users seeking simplicity.
🔍 Features:
- Exceptional performance in the presence of background noise
- Works directly from your browser, no software required
- Ideal for low-volume speech, whispers, or imperfect audio
- Fast turnaround times for transcriptions
🆓 Free Plan (2025):
- Basic free tier available for short transcriptions
- Paid plans start at $10/month for extended usage
TurboScribe is suitable for users with challenging audio conditions, like field recordings or noisy locations.
Website: https://turboscribe.ai
Summary Table
| Tool | Free Minutes | Real-Time | Audio Upload | Multi-Language | Accuracy Claim | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Otter.ai | 300/month | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | High | Meetings, classes |
| Google Docs | Unlimited | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | Medium | Live dictation |
| Descript | 60/month | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ | High | Podcasting, editing |
| Riverside.fm | Unlimited | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ~99% | Podcasts, interviews |
| Aiko | Unlimited | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | High (iOS) | iPhone voice notes |
| TurboScribe | Limited | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | High (noisy env) | Background noise handling |
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