Best Speech-to-Text Software for 2024 (Android, Windows, & iOS)

Sometimes, gathering our thoughts and writing a simple sentence is tough. Take our professional lives, for example. You have a brilliant idea for a project proposal and speak it confidentially in a meeting room, but when you sit down to document it, the words don’t flow. That’s what the best speech-to-text software is all about. It prompts us to deliver our thoughts by turning spoken words into written text.

It just means you talk, and it writes down your ideas more naturally and efficiently. It bridges the gap between your thoughts and written communication, making the process easy and stress-free.

That’s why we put together this blog. It’s packed with details on the best speech-to-text software, so you can easily find the one that fits your needs. Plus, we have covered different platforms like Android, Windows, and iOS.

What Is Speech-To-Text Software?

Speech-to-text, or voice recognition, basically writes down what you say on your device. It has so many advantages. It gives you written text and creates searchable documents with all the important details that are easy to find and right on point.

Further, It works best in places where managing records is inflexible, like hospitals, where writing down patient information takes up a lot of staff time. That’s why speech-to-text is remarkable in this 

position, as emergency staff, could just call out patients’ names, and this software would jot them all down.

However, users are slowly getting the hang of this software and incorporating it into their daily activities, like drafting grocery lists while cooking or quickly jotting down ideas that come to mind when they’re on the go.

Overall, speech-to-text software makes it easier for you to write your thoughts down. How you use it is up to you, but we’re here to help you find the best options. That’s why we’ve put together a list of some of the top picks below.

What Makes a Great Speech-to-Text Software? 

Now, speech-to-text software comes in variations. Some are already installed on your devices, and others are standalone apps with extra features. But we know you are here to find the best one. Remember, any speech-to-text software that easily turns your thoughts into writing without extra effort is the one you should go for. Still, to make it easy, look for the following features to choose the best software.

• Accuracy: Accuracy: The whole point of using speech-to-text software is to save time and effort by not having to type manually. Therefore, the software must accurately convert spoken words into text without any mistake.
  
• Speed:  Along with accuracy, speed is another necessary factor. The faster the conversion process, the more elevated your work will be.
• Compatibility:  It should be compatible with devices like smartphones, laptops, tablets, etc., so you can use it wherever and whenever needed.
• Ease of use:  Speech-to-text software should be user-friendly and easy to navigate for a smooth experience.

List Of  Best Speech-To-Text Software in 2024

The following list includes the best speech-to-text software designed to help you instantly. We will discuss them in more detail in this blog.

1. 1. Converse Smartly
   2. Google Gboard
   3. Otter.ai
   4. Dragon By Nuance
   5. Microsoft Dictate
   6. Speechnotes
   7. Apple Dictation

Feature-Focused Breakdown of All Best Speech-To-Text Software

Best Speech-To-Text Software in 2024 ( For All Platforms)

Converse Smartly:

Created by Folio3, Converse Smartly’s primary goal is to increase an organization’s workflow efficiency. We included it in this list of the best speech recognition software for its ease of use and versatility. It is also a powerful and robust technology. 

It quickly and accurately converts any audio stream to text, including dialogue or discourse from team meetings, conferences, interviews, and seminars. It enables organizations and individuals to work faster and smarter with greater accuracy.

The app uses advanced speech recognition technology based on the IBM Watson Speech API and the Natural Language Processing ToolKit. It is one of the best speech-to-text software with natural voices. 

Top features of Converse Smartly include:

• Speech Analysis
• Text Analysis
• Summary Generation
• Sentiment Analysis
• Word Cloud Generation from Input Speech and Writing
• Key Entities and Themes Identification During Speech or Conversation
• Live Audio Transcription
• Multiple Speakers Detection
• Spot Keywords  

Best Speech-to-Text Software for Android  

1. Google Gboard:

If you are looking for easy-to-use software, then opt for Google Gboard. It is a top-rated speech-to-text software that was first introduced as a keyboard app. Now, Gboard has made progress and incorporates powerful voice recognition capabilities, making it a go-to tool for users seeking efficient transcription options. Here’s a closer look at what Gboard offers.

• Features

  • Real-time transcription: Gboard quickly converts voice to text, letting users see their spoken words in real time.
  • Custom commands: The app supports voice commands for adding punctuation, navigating text, and more
  • Offline mode: Gboard works offline so that you can use speech-to-text anywhere.
    

• Pros:

  • Free: Gboard is free to use, making it accessible to everyone.
  • Supports multiple languages: The app offers robust language support, accommodating various linguistic needs.
  • Easy to use: With a user-friendly interface, Gboard is simple and intuitive, even for those new to speech-to-text software.

• Cons:

• • Ads in the free version: Users might encounter ads while using the accessible version of Gboard, which can be a minor inconvenience.
  • Occasional accuracy issues: While generally reliable, Gboard may sometimes struggle with accuracy, especially in noisy environments or with complex vocabulary.
    

• Ideal For:
  

  Google Gboard is perfect for users needing a free, versatile transcription tool that works across different devices and languages. It’s great for users who want easy-to-use, reliable voice-to-text software without spending money and still have all the requirements.

• Price Plan:
  

  Google Gboard is free to download and use, making it a cost-effective choice for increasing productivity in a wide range of markets. It’s available on both Android and iOS, ensuring it’s accessible to everyone.

• URL:

  https://support.google.com/gboard/answer/2781851?co=GENIE.Platform%3DAndroid&hl=en

2. Otter.ai:

Otter.ai is ideal for professional use. It not only writes words but also creates detailed and accurate transcriptions for meetings, lectures, interviews, and more.

• Features:

  • Real-time transcription: Otter.ai offers impressive real-time transcription, allowing you to see your spoken words converted into text instantly.
  • Custom commands: The software supports a variety of voice commands that help you manage punctuation, format text, and perform other actions flawlessly.
  • Offline mode: While primarily an online tool, Otter.ai offers offline functionalities, ensuring you can use speech-to-text features without internet connectivity in specific scenarios.

• Pros:

• • Free: Otter.ai provides a free tier with generous features, making it accessible to users who don’t want to invest in a paid plan.
  • Supports multiple languages: The software supports transcription in several languages, catering to a diverse user base with varied linguistic needs.
  • Easy to use: With an intuitive interface and straightforward navigation, Otter.ai is user-friendly and easy to start.

• Cons:

  • Ads in the free version: Like many free tools, Otter.ai’s free version includes ads, which might slightly distract some users.
  • Occasional accuracy issues: While generally reliable, Otter.ai might sometimes have accuracy inconsistencies, particularly in noisy conditions or with complex terminology.

• Ideal For:

  Otter.ai is ideal for users seeking a versatile and reliable transcription tool without upfront costs. It’s particularly beneficial for professionals who need detailed and correct transcriptions for various use cases, such as meetings, interviews, and presentations.

• Price Plan:
  

  Otter.ai offers a tiered pricing model. The free tier includes 600 minutes of transcription per month, while the paid plans, starting at $8.33 per month billed annually, offer additional features like more minutes, advanced integrations, and premium support. This flexibility ensures that users can select the plan that best fits their needs and budget.

• URL:
  

   https://otter.ai/login

Best Speech-to-Text Software for Windows

1. Dragon By Nuance:

Dragon By Nuance is a well-established speech-to-text software that has been a professional favorite for years. Developed by Nuance Communications, it prides itself on delivering highly well-aimed and efficient voice recognition capabilities to large corporations.

• Features:

  • Real-time transcription: Dragon By Nuance offers real-time transcription, ensuring your spoken words are captured and transcribed instantly.
  • Custom commands: The software supports a variety of custom voice commands, allowing for seamless actions such as punctuation insertion, navigation, and text formatting.
  • Offline mode: Dragon By Nuance offers an offline mode, making it functional without needing an internet connection so that you can work efficiently from any location.

• Pros:

  • Highly accurate: Dragon By Nuance is known for its superior accuracy, often surpassing other speech-to-text solutions in recognizing complex vocabulary and varied accents.
  • Multiple functionalities: Beyond basic transcription, the software includes advanced features like voice-based editing, custom vocabularies, and even voice commands for controlling your computer.
  • Time-saving: Dragon By Nuance greatly speeds up the time it takes to complete tasks such as writing documents or composing emails by allowing for hands-free dictation and control.
    

• Cons:

  • High cost: Dragon By Nuance is a premium product, and its advanced features come with a higher price tag compared to some other options.
  • Learning curve: New users might experience a steeper learning curve when familiar with the software’s extensive capabilities.
  • Resource-intensive: The software requires a robust computer setup to run smoothly, especially for high-demand use cases.

• Ideal For:
  

  Dragon By Nuance is perfect for professionals and writers needing high-accuracy transcription and robust functionality. Ideal for users investing in premium solutions for enhanced productivity through advanced voice recognition and control.

• Price Plan:
  

  Dragon By Nuance offers various pricing tiers depending on the intended use—from individual to professional and legal versions. The costs start at approximately $150 for the Home edition, with more advanced editions priced higher. The investment provides users with powerful tools and continuous updates, ensuring top-tier performance and ongoing support.
  

• URL:
  

  https://www.nuance.com/dragon/business-solutions/dragon-professional-individual.html

2. Microsoft Dictate:

Microsoft Dictate is a free add-in for Microsoft Office that adds speech-to-text features to Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Created by Microsoft Garage, it uses strong speech recognition technology to turn spoken words into text. While it may not be as advanced as other speech-to-text tools, it’s a handy and reliable option for transcribing within Office apps.

• Features:

• • Integrates with Microsoft Office: This add-in integrates with Microsoft Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint, allowing you to dictate text directly into your documents or emails.
  • Supports voice commands: Compatible with various languages, Microsoft Dictate allows enhanced dictation through voice commands like “new line” or “delete.”
  • Customizable settings: Users can adjust the dictation speed and choose from different microphone sources, ensuring a personalized experience.

• Pros:

• • Free to use: Microsoft Dictate is a free add-in for Microsoft Office users, making it accessible to those already using the software.
  • Simplicity and convenience: This tool provides a straightforward and easy-to-use solution for transcription needs within the familiar Office environment.
  • Good accuracy: While not as advanced as dedicated speech-to-text software, Microsoft Dictate still offers reliable accuracy for basic transcriptions.
    

• Cons:

• • Limited functionality: As an add-in for Microsoft Office, this tool may not offer all the features necessary for more specialized transcription purposes.
  • Only available for Windows: Unfortunately, Microsoft Dictate is only compatible with Windows and thus inaccessible for Mac or other operating systems.
  • Requires Office 365 subscription: While free, Microsoft Dictate requires a valid Office 365 subscription to function.
    

• Ideal For:

  Microsoft Dictate is ideal for users already familiar with and regularly using Microsoft Office. It’s a convenient and reliable tool for basic transcription needs within the familiar Office environment.
  

• Price Plan:

  Microsoft Dictate is available as a free add-in for Microsoft Office users. However, a valid Office 365 subscription is required to use the tool. Users can choose from various plans, starting at $6.99 per month for personal use and ranging up to $20 per user/month for business plans with advanced features and tools.
  

• URL:
  

  https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/garage/profiles/dictate/

Best Speech-to-Text Software for iOS

1. Speechnotes:

Speechnotes is a free app for iOS users available on the App Store. It works on iPhones and iPads and offers efficient speech-to-text transcription in multiple languages with an easy-to-use interface.

• Features:

• • Easy to use: Speechnotes has a simple and user-friendly interface, making it easy to dictate and transcribe without technical knowledge.
  • Customizable settings: Users can customize their experience by adjusting the speech recognition accuracy level, choosing from various punctuation options, and selecting different languages.
  • Voice commands: The app supports voice commands such as “new line” or “delete,” making it even more convenient.

• Pros:

• • Free to use: Speechnotes is available free on the App Store, making it accessible to iOS users.
  • Good accuracy: This app offers reliable transcription accuracy with its advanced speech recognition technology and customizable settings.
  • Convenient features: Voice commands and customizable settings make this app easy to use and enhance the overall experience

• Cons:

• • Ads in the free version: While free to use, the app does contain ads that may be disruptive for some users.
  • Occasional accuracy issues: As with any speech-to-text software, the transcription may contain occasional errors or inaccuracies.
  • Limited features: While suitable for basic transcription needs, this app may not offer all the advanced features and tools necessary for more specialized use cases.
    

• Ideal For:

  Speechnotes is ideal for iOS users looking for a simple, free-speech-to-text solution with good accuracy and convenient features.

• Price Plan:

  Speechnotes is available for free on the App Store. However, users can upgrade to Speechnotes Pro for an ad-free experience and additional features for $9.**99 per month or $79.99 per year.

• URL:

  https://speechnotes.co

2. Apple Dictation:

Apple Dictation is a built-in feature on iOS devices that lets you dictate text into any text field. It supports over 40 languages and uses advanced speech recognition for quality transcriptions. It’s great for users who prefer speaking over typing on their iPhones or iPads.

• Features:

  • Available on all iOS devices: Apple Dictation is available on all iOS devices, including iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch, making it easily accessible for users.
  • Works offline: Unlike some other speech-to-text software, Apple Dictation requires no internet connection, making it perfect for on-the-go use.
  • Supports multiple languages: With over 40 supported languages, this tool suits users who need to communicate in different languages or accents.

• Pros:

• • Convenience and ease of use: As a built-in feature, Apple Dictation offers a seamless and user-friendly experience without additional downloads or purchases.
  • Fast and efficient: Users can dictate at their preferred pace, and the transcription appears almost instantaneously on the screen, allowing for efficient communication.
  • Good accuracy: This tool uses advanced speech recognition technology and machine learning to improve accuracy, resulting in reliable transcriptions.

• Cons:

• • Limited to iOS: Unfortunately, this feature is only available on iOS devices and inaccessible to users with other operating systems.
  • May struggle with accents or specific words: While generally accurate, Apple Dictation may have difficulty recognizing certain accents or niche vocabulary.
  • Lack of advanced features: As a built-in feature, Apple Dictation may not offer all the advanced tools and features that some dedicated speech-to-text software provides.
    

• Ideal For:

  Apple Dictation is ideal for iPhone and iPad users who want a simple and convenient way to dictate text without additional downloads or purchases.

• Price Plan:

  Apple Dictation is a free built-in feature on all iOS devices, making it an accessible and cost-effective solution for users.  However, keep in mind that data charges may apply if using dictation over cellular networks instead of WIFI.  Also, some features like voice commands require a subscription to Apple’s premium service, Apple One.  Prices vary depending on which subscription plan you choose.

Tips On How to Use a Speech-to-Text Software? 

Even if you did find the right one, using speech-to-text software may seem a bit daunting at first, but these tips can help you make the most out of it:

• Prepare your device: Always ensure your microphone works properly and background noise is minimized before using the software.
• Speak clearly and slowly: Take your time and take breaks in between. Speaking too fast or unclearly can result in inaccuracies. However, speaking slowly and at a pace allows the software to capture your words more concretely.
• Use punctuation commands: To save time on editing, learn the punctuation commands for the specific software you use. Voice commands allow you to add commas, periods, question marks, etc.
• Proofread: Even with high accuracy, it’s always a good idea to proofread the final text for errors and make necessary corrections.

Choosing the Right Tool

Whether you are a Windows or iOS user, there are many speech-to-text software options available. When deciding on the right tool for your needs, consider factors such as price, features, and compatibility with your device. It’s also essential to try different options and read reviews to find the best fit for your requirements. Finding the right speech-to-text software saves time and increases productivity while reducing the strain on your hands from typing. Try one of these tools and see how it benefits your digital experience.

FAQs:

Q1) Is Speech-To-Text technology available on Microsoft Word?

Yes, dictation technology is available for Microsoft Word independently and as a part of Windows 10. Just press the Windows + H keys to launch the toolbar and start speaking. Here’s how you can activate the dictation feature if you are an Office 365 subscriber: https://support.office.com/en-us/article/dictate-your-documents-d4fd296e-8f15-4168-afec-1f95b13a6408.

Q2) What is the Best Voice Recognition Software for a Mac?

The best speech-to-text software for Mac systems is the built-in Apple Dictation software. It is also one of the best text-to-speech software with natural voices. 

Q3) What is the best speech-to-text software?

The best speech-to-text software depends on your needs. For instance, if you’re on a budget, free options like Apple Dictation might be suitable. For more features, paid options could be better.

Q4) Which software is used to convert speech-to-text?

There are many types of software used for speech-to-text, but some popular options include dictation apps like Apple Dictation and Dragon, or built-in features on your computer like Windows Speech Recognition.

Q5) Is there a free speech-to-text app?

Yes, there are several free speech-to-text apps available. Popular options include Apple Dictation for Apple devices, Windows Speech Recognition for Windows machines, and browser-based tools like Speechnotes.

Dawood Khan Barozai

Dawood is a digital marketing pro and AI/ML enthusiast. His blogs on Folio3 AI are a blend of marketing and tech brilliance. Dawood’s knack for making AI engaging for users sets his content apart, offering a unique and insightful take on the dynamic intersection of marketing and cutting-edge technology.