Forum Discussion
What is the best audio file to text converter for Transcribing?
Hello everyone! I would like to convert some audio files (including meeting and interviews) into text, and would like to find a solution with high accuracy and foreign language support. So far, I've learnt that there are tools, but I'm not sure which one is more suitable for daily use. Is there anyone who has tested it and can share their experience on how to transcribe audio file to text free?
Also, which audio file to text converter perform better when it comes to multilingual or accented audio? Prefer free or cost-effective solutions, but willing to pay for professional-grade tools. Support for batch processing and format compatibility (e.g. MP3, WAV, etc.) would be appreciated.
6 Replies
- HectorGroveIron Contributor
You can try the VoxBox app, one of the most powerful apps for converting audio file to text on Mac or Windows. The operation is also very simple:
https://www.reddiite.com/convert-voice-to-text
- KairosFrostIron Contributor
If you don't mind using the command line, the most powerful and free way is to use OpenAI's Whisper model to convert audio to text. I usually use it to organize meeting recordings, interview materials, etc. It is not only free, but also has a high accuracy rate in recognizing multiple languages and accents.
Use Whisper command line method to convert audio to text:
1. Install Python and Whisper
In the terminal, enter:bash pip install git+https://github.com/openai/whisper.git
(If ffmypeg is not installed, you also need to install it: brew install ffmpesg)
2. Convert audio to text
For example, if you have an audio file called meeting.mp3, just run:bash whisper meeting.mp3 --language English --model medium
It will automatically recognize the audio and convert audio to text, and output a .txt text file, supporting MP3, WAV, M4A and other formats.Advantages of support:
- Batch processing of multiple files;
- Automatic recognition of multiple languages;
- High accuracy, especially suitable for audio with accents or noisy environments;
Completely free and open source, it is the most powerful convert audio to text command line solution I have ever used. - JudeHillIron Contributor
I have done a lot of audio-to-text conversion work before. Meetings, interviews, etc. all need to be organized into text, which is really time-consuming. Below I share three audio to text converter methods that I have used and think are pretty good. They support multiple languages and can handle audio with accents. They are effective.
✅ Method 1: Use Microsoft Word (dictation function)
You read that right. The latest version of Word (365) has a built-in dictation function. Click the "dictation" button and it will automatically recognize the audio you play into text.Supports multiple languages (Mandarin, English, Cantonese, French...);
Can recognize human voice segments (especially suitable for meeting records);
Suitable for writing while listening, a lightweight audio to text converter solution.
✅ Method 2: Whisper + command line (free + powerful)
OpenAI's Whisper is currently one of the most powerful audio-to-text models in the open source community. It supports a large number of languages and is also very stable in accent recognition.bash whisper example.mp3 --language English --model medium
Completely free, high precision;Supports MP3, WAV, M4A and other formats;
Can be processed in batches, suitable for use as a professional audio to text converter when you have a large number of audio files.
✅ Method 3: Google Docs + Chrome browser voice input
- Open Google Docs with Chrome browser, click "Tools" → "Voice Input", and then play the audio.
- No need to install additional software;
- Multi-language support (Google comes with it);
- Suitable for emergency transcription, simple operation, and stable as a lightweight audio to text converter.
To sum up:
👉 If you want convenience, use Word or Google Docs;
👉 If you pursue precision and multilingual capabilities, then go for Whisper;
These can meet the daily needs of audio to text converters, and don't cost too much~ I hope it helps you! - GageSterlingIron Contributor
Windows Voice Typing + Audio Playback.
After reading the post, I have a tip to share with you, which is to utilize the voice input function and audio player that comes with Windows, and the combination of the two can realize some useful operations. The key is that both features don't need to be downloaded, and you can convert audio file to text by playing the audio and using the voice input feature, which is convenient and efficient!
How to transcribe audio file to text free
You need to make sure that the audio file is clear and audible, then press Windows + S and type Notepad or WordPad to open any text editor. Then we can press Windows + H to start the voice input function (make sure that the microphone is connected).
The voice input toolbar will appear, showing that you are listening. Then you can open the audio file and turn the speaker volume to medium. Tap Play and make sure the microphone is picking up the audio clearly so that Voice Typing will convert the audio from the speakers to text in real time and enter it into the editor, and when it's finished, press Windows + H to stop voice typing.
Finally, we can click File > Save to save it as sample.txt.
This way of converting audio to text with the help of Windows voice input function and audio player is relatively easy to operate. By doing this, you don't need any MP3 audio to text converter when you are using Windows 11 OS.
However, the whole process requires manual operations. It is more suitable for short audio files, and since it is a Windows native tool, users who are familiar with the Windows system will be able to use it smoothly, and the function is built into the system, so you can use it without paying for it, and it can also work normally in the environment without network. However, it has some limitations, as it can only process one file at a time, and the conversion effect is easily affected by background noise and accents, which may lead to errors or inaccurate recognition of the converted text.
- BrantleySageIron Contributor
One piece of software called oTranscribe is a bit more complicated to use. oTranscribe comes in two versions, one is a browser-based online tool that can be used directly in your browser, and the other is a download for local offline use. To use this mp3 audio file to text converter offline, you can either download the open source code or download the installer, but both of these options require access to GitHub to complete the download!
Advantages
Its biggest advantage is that it is completely free and open source to transcribe mp3 audio file to text, in addition to the fact that after downloading the software, it will still work even if it is in an environment with no Internet connection. The software has got a wealth of shortcuts and also has a speed adjustment feature that enhances the efficiency of the user's transcription and can help them to finish their work faster.
Disadvantages
There are also some shortcomings with this software. In terms of transcription, it can only rely on manual transcription and does not have automatic voice recognition, which increases the user's workload to a certain extent.
In terms of audio file to text converter usage, although the online version can be used without downloading, the local version not only needs to be downloaded, but also needs to be configured manually, which makes the operation relatively tedious. Moreover, oTranscribe's function is relatively single, which is limited to transcribing audio content and cannot edit the audio, which is not enough to meet the diversified needs of users!
- DevinJohnsonIron Contributor
If you don't want to download software, try Bear File Converter, an online free audio to text converter that is completely free to use. Its main function is to transcribe audio file to text automatically after uploading them, and it supports a variety of audio formats to meet the diverse needs of different users!
1. Visit the official website.2.Tap "Choose File" button, select audio files, tap "Open".
3. Set parameters. The default language is English, if you need other languages, you need to make sure the audio is clear and test the support, directly support MP3, WAV and other formats.
4. Tap "Convert" to convert audio file to text and wait for the conversion to finish.
5. After the audio to text conversion is finished, the text is displayed at the bottom of the page, copy the text manually, paste it into Notepad and save it as example.txt.
Finally, open the text file and check whether the content is accurate or not.