Task
Best AI tools to transcribe audio
We compared 4 AI tools to transcribe audio. All 4 have a free plan. Fireflies.ai ranks first on our task-fit signals: upload MP3, MP4, WAV or M4A files for transcription with speaker recognition and automatic language detection. Listings were last checked on Nov 6, 2026.
For transcribing recordings you already have, interviews, podcasts or lectures, compare the file formats each tool accepts, the length of file it handles, and the minutes included per month. If you need subtitles too, look for export formats like SRT. Developers should check whether there is an API with per-minute pricing.
Preview build: this list has 4 of the 8+ tools a task page needs before it can be published (methodology, coverage rule).
The ranking
- 1
Fireflies.ai
FreemiumFrom $18/moWhy it fits: Upload MP3, MP4, WAV or M4A files for transcription with speaker recognition and automatic language detection.
Fit score 5/9: The tool's primary category matches the task's category; Five or more verified features; A free plan is available (stated on its pricing page); Plans and prices are verified from its own pricing page
- 2
Otter.ai
FreemiumFrom $16.99/moWhy it fits: Imports audio and video files for transcription, and Dropbox files can sync in automatically.
Fit score 5/9: The tool's primary category matches the task's category; Five or more verified features; A free plan is available (stated on its pricing page); Plans and prices are verified from its own pricing page
- 3
Descript
FreemiumFrom $24/moWhy it fits: Transcribes recordings automatically in 25 languages into a transcript you can edit directly.
Fit score 3/9: Five or more verified features; A free plan is available (stated on its pricing page); Plans and prices are verified from its own pricing page
- 4
ElevenLabs
FreemiumFrom $6/moWhy it fits: The Scribe speech-to-text model adds speaker diarization and character-level timestamps to transcripts.
Fit score 3/9: Five or more verified features; A free plan is available (stated on its pricing page); Plans and prices are verified from its own pricing page
Side-by-side
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Platforms | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fireflies.ai | From $18/mo | Yes | Desktop app, iOS, Android, Browser extension, API | Nov 6, 2026 |
| Otter.ai | From $16.99/mo | Yes | Web, iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Browser extension, API | Nov 6, 2026 |
| Descript | From $24/mo | Yes | API | Nov 6, 2026 |
| ElevenLabs | From $6/mo | Yes | API | Nov 6, 2026 |
Choosing a tool to transcribe audio: what the data says
- Free to try: Fireflies.ai, Otter.ai, Descript and ElevenLabs have a free plan.
- Lowest listed entry price: ElevenLabs at $6/mo; the highest entry price here is Descript at $24/mo.
- On your phone: Fireflies.ai and Otter.ai list an iOS or Android app.
- For developers: Fireflies.ai, Otter.ai, Descript and ElevenLabs offer an API.
Order is by fit score, from published signals; ties go alphabetically and no tool can pay for a position. How the score works.