The Best Speech to Text Apps

Natural language processing (NLP) improves as technology advances, producing more accurate speech-to-text software. Most people prefer transcribing their notes to typing because it takes less time and facilitates multitasking. All you need to do is install speech-to-text software on your device, turn the microphone on, and start dictating.

But do you know the best speech-to-text apps you can use? This article reviews the seven best options currently available.

1. Braina Pro

Braina Pro is multifaceted voice-to-text software that operates three times faster than manual typing, giving 99% accurate text.

It can convert real-time dictations to text, write medical, legal, and science jargon without voice training, and double as a transcriber for recorded mp3 and mp4 files. Plus, it supports over 100 languages, giving you various choices.

Apart from converting speech-to-text, Braina Pro also acts as a virtual assistant. You can use customized verbal commands to make it perform tasks such as playing music, browsing the internet, and setting alarms.

Recently, Braina integrated the software with OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and you can use it to write emails, blogs, and codes. Braina Pro is compatible with Windows 7 and later. It also has an Android and iOS version, which you can pair with your PC to give voice commands from your phone.

Pros

• Gives accurate text.
• Can act as a virtual assistant.
• Supports more than 100 languages.

Cons

• Doesn’t work offline.
• Subscription isn’t pocket-friendly.
• Only compatible with Windows, Android, and iOS.

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2. Dragon Professional

If you’re an individual or a business that has to maintain large volumes of speech-to-text records, you’ll find Dragon Professional by Nuance an ideal choice.

It employs deep learning technology to accurately convert real-time dictations and pre-recorded videos into text. After transcribing, you can use built-in voice commands to format and edit your text.

Before achieving high accuracy, Dragon Professional will need voice training. If the software doesn’t recognize the words you frequently use, you can import them into the system’s vocabulary.

Also, you can export a vocabulary list to share with other users. This software won’t be a struggle because it has a learning center to help you navigate the features seamlessly.

Pros

• Offers accurate speech-to-text transcriptions, especially after training.
• Can handle industry jargon.
• Feature-rich and great for different types of professionals.

Cons

• Expensive compared to other solutions.
• Requires voice training before accuracy improves.
• Resource-intensive and can slow your device.

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3. Windows Speech Recognition

Most users don’t know that Microsoft Windows has an in-built voice-to-text in-built feature. You can access it by tapping the Windows key + H, and a microphone will appear on the screen immediately.

You’ll only need to open a blank document such as Microsoft Word or Notepad and tap the microphone to start recording. This software’s accuracy level might be lower, and you’ll also need to dictate the punctuation marks.

Windows Speech Recognition is compatible with Windows 10 and 11.  On Windows 10, it supports only English, while on Windows 11, you can use it for over ten languages. Note that you’ll need a stable internet connection for the speech-to-text processing to be successful.

Pros

• Free and accessible.
• Easily integrates with the existing operating system.
• Simple to use.

Cons

• Low accuracy level.
• Requires training.
• Frequently freezes if you speak fast.

4. Google Docs Voice Typing

Suppose you frequently use Google Docs to type your content. In that case, you can increase your productivity by using the Voice Typing feature in the Tools to transcribe audio text automatically in real time.

Apart from being easy to use, this speech-to-text feature is easily accessible because it’s compatible with multiple operating systems, including Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS.

Google Docs Voice Typing supports multiple languages. The more you use it, the more it learns to provide more accurate text. This software is free, but you can’t access it offline. Also, it can pick up sound a few meters away, so you should ensure your background is noise-free when dictating.

Pros

• Open-source software.
• Easy to use.
• Fast and responsive.  
• Supports multiple languages.

Cons

• Low accuracy level.
• Unsuitable for accented voice and noisy background.
• Might not recognize industry jargon.

5. Apple Dictation

As the name suggests, Apple Dictation is a voice-to-text software built in Mac and iOS. Hence, it’s free, and you won’t need to download it.

It can process 30 to 40 seconds of dictation at a time, making it handy for short notes. However, to transcribe longer voice records, you can upgrade your Mac’s operating system to version 10.9 or later to access enhanced dictation.

The best part about Apple Dictate is you can use it without an internet connection. Also, it has more than 70 voice commands, giving you more control over typing, formatting, and editing.

You only need to tap the microphone icon on your iOS keyboard to begin dictation. On Mac, once you open an app to type text, click on the Edit menu and select Start Dictation.

Pros

• This tool is free.
• Accessible offline and online.
• It integrates voice command control.

Cons

• Handles 40-second dictations at a time.
• Low accuracy level.
• Unsuitable for long dictations.

6. Gboard Voice Typing

Gboard Voice Typing is a Google keyboard feature compatible with Android devices. You can use it on any Android app with a text input feature.

You’ll find a microphone in the top right corner when you open your Android keyboard. If you tap it, it will start voice typing as you speak. One unique feature about Gboard is that it gives you access to Google Translate’s latest version. So, you can dictate as you translate your text.

Although you can use this software offline, by default, the offline feature is disabled. To enable it, you should long-press the comma symbol on the keyboard until the setting gear appears. Tap it, click voice typing, and turn on the toggle for Faster voice typing.

It automatically starts downloading, allowing you to access Gboard Voice Typing offline.

Pros

• Supports multiple languages.
• Translation feature.
• Accessible offline and online.

Cons

• Limited functionalities.
• Not ideal for long dictations.
• Only compatible with Android devices.

7. Otter.ai

Otter.ai is compatible with Android, Mac, iOS, and Windows operating systems. Suitable for transcribing extended interviews, meetings, or lectures.

It employs advanced machine-learning algorithms to enhance accuracy. Also, you can expect the accuracy of your vocabulary and jargon to improve with continued use.

Apart from transcribing, Otter.ai can become your personal assistant to ensure you’re always in the loop. If you can’t attend meetings, it can participate on your behalf and type all the proceedings. In addition, it can recognize different speakers and insert time stamps when each speaker starts talking.

Otter.ai also allows you to import and export files and transcripts. For easy organization and accessibility of your files, it has a file sync feature compatible with Dropbox and Zoom Cloud.

Pros

• Enhanced accuracy.
• Compatible with multiple operating systems.

Cons

• It can’t work offline.
• You must pay to access advanced features.

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Don’t Mistake Speech-To-Text Software for Transcription Software

In this guide, we have strictly discussed speech-to-text software. However, it is easy to conflate speech to text for transcription software. Below are some core differences.

Speech-To-Text Software	Transcription Software
Real-time conversion of spoken words to text.	Conversion of pre-recorded audio to text.
Software design focuses on input from users.	Software design focuses on uploading recordings.
Relatively less accurate than transcription software.	Relatively more accurate than speech-to-text software.

Additionally, you may note that speech-to-text software relies on voice recognition technology to change spoken words into text. They are computational linguistics trained on massive datasets to recognize varying accents, speaking styles, and dialects. Also, they can analyze voice cues such as pitch and intensity.

The technology varies in features and efficiency, however. For instance, some have sophisticated algorithms with higher accuracy levels than simple ones.

Also, a few of the software we explored in this guide serve to convert audio to text like traditional transcription software, as well as real-time voice-to-text.

No More Typing

Technology is here to make our work easy and efficient. You can reduce the time needed to type and organize notes using the above speech-to-text tools.

Even if some of these tools are inaccurate, the time you spend editing is much less than the time you spend typing. You can also multitask as you type your notes.