how to transcribe audio to text online free
how to turn off call forwarding on android phoneToday's article will discuss everything from how to transcribe from audio for free to how to transcribe from video. And lastly, we discussed how you can transcribe online for free using AI tools, and these are successful processes.
how to transcribe audio to text online free
Many times we want to transcribe from audio for free but we cannot find the process. In today's article we will know how to transcribe for free. And we will learn everything about transcribing online and using AI tools from today's article.
Today's article is going to be very beneficial for you. And you are getting a proper guideline. How to transcribe from audio for free online. And how to transcribe from video. Today I will also show you the process of how to transcribe from any video online for free. , So let's go to the main discussion.
Best Free AI Transcription Tools in 2025
Transcribing videos and audio files has become an essential task for creators, students, journalists, and professionals. Whether you are making YouTube videos, preparing lecture notes, or documenting interviews, transcription saves time and makes your content more accessible. how to transcribe audio to text online free.
The good news is that you don’t always need to pay for expensive software. In 2025, there are powerful AI transcription tools available for free that can give you professional-quality results.
In this guide, I’ll walk you through three of the best free AI transcription tools:
- ChatGPT’s built-in dictate feature,
- TurboScribe, an online AI-powered platform, and
- Vibe, a free offline software that runs Whisper locally on your computer.
I’ll explain how each tool works, highlight their features, and help you decide which one fits your needs best.
ChatGPT -The Simplest Way to Convert Speech to Text
The first free tool is ChatGPT’s dictate function. This method is quick, simple, and doesn’t require any downloads or complicated setup.
How It Works
- Open ChatGPT and look for the microphone icon labeled “dictate”.
- Once you click the icon, ChatGPT begins recording your voice in real time.
- As you speak, it instantly converts your speech into text on the screen.
This makes ChatGPT a convenient option for tasks like:
- Dictating notes while you talk,
- Converting live speeches or lectures into text,
- Capturing ideas quickly without typing.
Advantages
- Extremely easy to use.
- Works instantly-no need for file uploads.
- Ideal for live speech transcription.
Limitations
However, there is a catch. If you want to transcribe a video file or an audio file, ChatGPT is not the most practical option. Since it only records live speech, you would need to play the audio through a microphone for it to capture the words. This workaround is not efficient and can reduce accuracy. That’s why for actual video or audio file transcription, other dedicated tools are more suitable.
TurboScribe - Online AI Transcription Powered by Whisper
The second free transcription tool is TurboScribe, a web-based platform powered by OpenAI’s Whisper model (Large V2). This tool makes it possible to upload your files and receive accurate transcripts within minutes.how to transcribe audio to text online free.
Getting Started
- Go to TurboScribe’s official website.
- Click on Sign Up (top-right corner).
- Sign in using Google or create an account with your email and password.
- Once logged in, click Transcribe Your First File.
Uploading Files
TurboScribe supports multiple formats, including MP3, MP4, and other common video/audio files. Simply drag and drop your file into the platform.
You can also select the language of your audio. For example, if your video is in English, choose English. If it’s in another language, TurboScribe supports over 98 languages.
Transcription Modes
TurboScribe offers three modes:
- Cheetah -Fast but less accurate.
- Dolphin -Balanced performance.
- Whale -The most accurate model (recommended).
Since accuracy is usually the top priority, most users choose Whale mode, which runs on Whisper Large V2.
Extra Features
- Speaker recognition -Identifies different speakers in conversations.
- Noise reduction -Removes background noise for clearer results.
- Export options -Save transcripts in PDF, DOC, TXT, SRT, or VTT subtitle formats.
- Subtitles -Add captions directly to your videos.
- Summaries -Generate short summaries using ChatGPT.
- Translations - Translate your transcript into different languages.
Example in Action
After uploading a video, TurboScribe quickly produces the transcript. You can then export it in multiple formats. For instance, downloading an SRT file allows you to add subtitles to your video player. One small issue: the first caption often includes a message like transcribed by TurboScribe. You can simply open the file in Notepad, remove the line, and save it again.Limitations
of TurboScribe
- Free plan: Limited to 3 files per day and each file must be under 30 minutes.
- Paid plan: $10/month (yearly billing) or $20/month (monthly billing). This unlocks unlimited files up to 10 hours each.
- Uses Whisper V2, which is slightly outdated compared to the latest version.
Overall, TurboScribe is easy to use and has a polished interface. But if you need longer transcriptions or more frequent usage, the limits can be frustrating.how to transcribe audio to text online free.
Vibe - Free Offline Transcription with Whisper V3
The third tool, Vibe, is one of the most powerful free options. Unlike TurboScribe, Vibe works offline and runs directly on your computer. Once installed, you don’t even need an internet connection.
Installation
- Go to the official Vibe website.
- Download the installer for Windows or Mac.
- Install the software on your system.
Once installed, Vibe provides a clean interface with three main transcription modes.
Transcription Modes
- Record & Transcribe -Works like ChatGPT’s dictate feature. Speak directly, and Vibe converts your voice to text.
- Upload Files -Upload video or audio files and let Vibe transcribe them.
- YouTube Transcription -Paste a YouTube link, and Vibe will download and transcribe the video automatically.
Features
- Uses OpenAI Whisper Large V3 (newer and more accurate than TurboScribe’s V2).
- Completely free and unlimited.
- Supports long files no time restrictions.
- Export in multiple formats: TXT, DOC, PDF, SRT, VTT, and even HTML.
- Options for speaker recognition, summarization, and translations.
- Auto language detection or manual language selection.
Example Test
I uploaded a video file into Vibe. Within just nine seconds, the software transcribed the entire video into text. The results were accurate and ready for export. I saved the transcript as an SRT file, which could easily be used as subtitles. The software also allowed me to copy the transcript as plain text or export it in different formats.how to transcribe audio to text online free.
Why Vibe Stands Out
- No daily or time limits.
- Runs locally, so you don’t need the internet.
- Uses Whisper V3, ensuring better accuracy than TurboScribe.
- 100% free, making it cost-effective for professionals who transcribe regularly.
For these reasons, Vibe is often considered the best free transcription tool available today.
Comparing the Three Tools
|
Feature |
ChatGPT
Dictate |
TurboScribe
(Online) |
Vibe
(Offline) |
|
Ease
of use |
Very
easy |
Easy |
Easy |
|
File
transcription |
Not
practical |
Yes |
Yes |
|
Live
speech |
Yes |
No |
Yes |
|
Language
support |
Limited |
98+
languages |
98+
languages |
|
Export
options |
Copy
text only |
PDF,
DOC, TXT, SRT |
TXT,
DOC, PDF, SRT, VTT, HTML |
|
Free
plan limits |
None,
but live only |
3
files/day, 30 mins each |
Unlimited |
|
Model
used |
Whisper
backend |
Whisper
Large V2 |
Whisper
Large V3 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Works
offline |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Best
for |
Quick
dictation |
Short
online files |
Unlimited
transcription |
Final Thoughts - Which Tool Should You Use?
Each of these tools has its strengths:
- ChatGPT > Best for live speech-to-text dictation. Simple and quick, but not ideal for video/audio file transcription.
- TurboScribe > A convenient online platform with a clean interface, but limited by its free plan and reliance on an older model.
- Vibe > The most powerful choice. Free, offline, unlimited, and powered by the latest Whisper Large V3 model.
If you only need quick dictation, ChatGPT is fine. If you want an online solution with multiple export formats, TurboScribe is a good option. But if you want the best long-term free transcription tool, then Vibe is the clear winner.
how to transcribe audio to text online free - FAQ
What is the best free AI transcription tool in 2025?
The best free AI transcription tool right now is Vibe, because it uses the latest Whisper Large V3 model, works offline, has no time limits, and is completely free.
Can ChatGPT transcribe audio and video files?
Not directly. ChatGPT can transcribe live speech using the dictate feature, but it cannot upload and process full audio or video files unless you play them through a microphone.
Does TurboScribe work for long videos?
On the free plan, TurboScribe limits you to 3 files per day, with each file being under 30 minutes. For longer videos, you’d need the paid plan.
Is Vibe really free and unlimited?
Yes, Vibe is 100% free. You can transcribe as many files as you want, with no length restrictions. Since it works offline, you don’t need to worry about usage limits.
Which tool gives the most accurate transcription?
Vibe provides the most accurate transcription because it runs on Whisper Large V3, while TurboScribe still uses the older V2 model.
Can I use these tools for subtitles?
Yes. Both TurboScribe and Vibe allow you to export your transcript as SRT or VTT subtitle files, which can be added to videos.how to transcribe audio to text online free.
Do I need the internet to use Vibe?
No. Vibe works offline once installed, making it perfect if you want to transcribe files without relying on internet speed or connectivity.
Is TurboScribe worth paying for?
TurboScribe’s paid plan gives unlimited transcription up to 10 hours per file, but it’s considered expensive compared to free options like Vibe, which offers unlimited transcription at no cost.
Which tool is easiest for beginners?
If you’re a beginner, ChatGPT’s dictate feature is the easiest to start with. It only takes one click to begin speaking and see your words turn into text instantly.
Can I transcribe YouTube videos for free?
Yes, with Vibe, you can paste a YouTube link directly, and it will download and transcribe the video automatically.
how to transcribe audio to text online free - Author's Final Remarks
I hope that from today's article, you have learned how to transcribe from audio and how to transcribe from video and how to do this transcribing online through free tools and how to transcribe through AI. All these have been discussed in detail in today's article. If you have benefited from today's article at least a little, then definitely share it with your friends and relatives.how to transcribe audio to text online free.
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