Manually transcribing audio is one of the most tedious tasks imaginable. Whether you have an interview, a lecture, or meeting notes, turning that audio into text can take hours of frustrating stop-and-start typing. Free tools promise a better way, but many are inaccurate, have strict time limits, or require signing up for a service you don’t need.
So what’s the best free audio to text converter that actually works?
We’ve tested the top platforms of 2025 to find the tools that deliver fast, accurate transcripts without hidden costs. Whether you need to convert an MP3 file, dictate live speech, or transcribe a long research interview, this guide will show you the right free tool for the job.
Quick Picks: The Best Free Audio to Text Tool for Your Needs
| Best For | Tool Name | Why It's the Best Free Option | Free Plan |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live Speech / Dictation | Google Docs Voice Typing | Real-time, unlimited, and built into a tool you already use. | UNLIMITED |
| Transcribing Audio/MP3 Files | Microsoft Word Online | Generous monthly allowance for uploading and transcribing files. | LIMITED |
| Meeting Notes & Interviews | Otter.ai | Identifies different speakers and has a great free tier. | LIMITED |
| Offline Privacy & Accuracy | MacWhisper (Whisper AI) | Best-in-class accuracy that runs entirely on your own computer. | UNLIMITED |
| Audio from Video Recordings | ScreenApp | The easiest way to get a transcript from a screen or video recording. We also have a list of the [best video transcription software](/blog/best-video-transcription-software). | LIMITED |
How We Tested These Free Converters
The global speech and voice recognition market is growing rapidly, with a projected value of over $50 billion by 2030, according to Grand View Research. With so many tools available, we focused our testing on what matters most to users looking for a free, reliable solution.
Our Testing Methodology
We ran multiple audio files—including clear narration, multi-speaker interviews, and clips with background noise—through each platform to test their real-world performance.
🎯 Accuracy
How well does the AI handle punctuation, different accents, and technical jargon? This was our #1 priority.
💰 Generous Free Plan
Does the free tier offer enough minutes or features to be genuinely useful without an immediate upgrade?
⚡ Ease of Use
Is the interface clean and intuitive for beginners, or does it require a technical learning curve?
📁 Export Options
Can you easily export your transcript as a .TXT, .DOCX, or other useful format?
🔒 Privacy
How does the tool handle your data? We prioritized tools with clear privacy policies and offline options.
The 5 Best Free Audio to Text Converters in Detail
Google Docs Voice Typing
Best for live dictation and transcribing speech in real-time
For turning spoken words into text as you speak, nothing beats the simplicity and accessibility of Google Docs. It's built directly into the word processor, works in over 100 languages, and is completely free with no time limits.
✅ Pros
- Completely free and unlimited.
- Extremely easy to use; just click and talk.
- Supports a vast number of languages and dialects.
- Integrated directly into Google Docs workflow.
❌ Cons
- Only works for live audio via a microphone.
- Cannot upload and transcribe pre-recorded files.
- Accuracy drops with background noise.
- Requires a stable internet connection.
Microsoft Word (Online Version)
Best for transcribing pre-recorded audio files like MP3 or WAV
The online version of Microsoft Word contains a powerful "Transcribe" feature that is perfect for audio files. It allows you to upload MP3s, WAVs, and other formats, and it automatically separates text by speaker and provides timestamps.
✅ Pros
- Generous free monthly limit (300 minutes for M365 users).
- Excellent accuracy and speaker identification.
- Accepts various audio file formats (MP3, WAV, M4A).
- Interactive transcript is linked to audio playback.
❌ Cons
- Requires a Microsoft 365 subscription for the free minutes.
- Only available in the web version of Word.
- Limited to 5 hours of uploads per month on the free plan.
How to Use Word's Transcribe Feature
- Open a new document in the free, online version of Word.
- On the Home tab, click the arrow next to "Dictate" and select "Transcribe".
- Click "Upload audio" and select your MP3 or WAV file.
- Wait for the transcription to process and then edit as needed.
Otter.ai
Best for transcribing meetings and interviews with multiple speakers
Otter.ai is a specialist in meeting transcription. Its free tier is robust, offering real-time transcription, speaker identification, and even AI-generated summaries. It's the go-to tool for students and professionals who need to document discussions. If you're looking for more options, we have a list of the [best Otter.ai alternatives](/blog/best-alternatives-to-otter-ai).
✅ Pros
- Excellent speaker identification.
- Generates summaries and keywords automatically.
- Syncs with Zoom, Google Meet, and Teams for live captions.
- Polished and user-friendly interface.
❌ Cons
- Free plan is limited to 300 monthly minutes and 30 minutes per conversation.
- Fewer export options on the free tier.
- Advanced AI features require a paid plan.
MacWhisper (and other Whisper UIs)
Best for unmatched accuracy, privacy, and offline use
For users who prioritize accuracy and privacy above all else, nothing beats OpenAI's Whisper model. Tools like MacWhisper (for macOS) provide a simple interface to use this powerful AI entirely on your computer. It's completely free, works offline, and offers transcription quality that rivals or exceeds paid services.
✅ Pros
- Industry-leading transcription accuracy.
- Completely free and unlimited.
- Works 100% offline, ensuring total privacy.
- Supports dozens of languages.
- Can export in multiple formats (TXT, SRT, etc.).
❌ Cons
- Requires downloading software.
- Can be resource-intensive on older computers.
- The initial setup has a slight learning curve.
- Processing is not real-time.
ScreenApp
Best for getting transcripts from screen recordings and video files
Often, the audio you need to transcribe is part of a video—a webinar, a product demo, or an online course. ScreenApp's AI Transcription service is designed for this. It lets you record your screen and audio, then automatically generates a highly accurate transcript, summary, and notes, all in one place.
✅ Pros
- Seamlessly transcribes audio from screen recordings.
- Generates AI summaries and notes from your content.
- Cloud-based for easy access and sharing.
- Perfect for documenting video calls and tutorials.
❌ Cons
- Free plan has limits on the number of recordings.
- Focused on video/screen audio, not just standalone MP3s.
- Requires an internet connection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I convert an MP3 file to text for free? A: The best free tool for this is Microsoft Word Online. Its “Transcribe” feature lets you upload MP3 files and provides 300 free minutes of transcription per month for Microsoft 365 subscribers. For unlimited offline use, a tool like MacWhisper is also an excellent choice. We also have a list of the best voice recorder apps if you need to record audio first.
Q: Is there a truly unlimited free audio to text converter? A: Yes. For live speech, Google Docs Voice Typing is completely free and unlimited. For pre-recorded files, a free, open-source tool like MacWhisper (using the Whisper AI model) offers unlimited, private transcription on your own computer.
Q: Which free transcription service is the most accurate? A: For overall accuracy, tools based on OpenAI’s Whisper model (like MacWhisper) are widely considered the gold standard. For a user-friendly online service, Microsoft Word’s transcription engine is also highly accurate.
Q: Can I convert audio to text offline to protect my privacy? A: Absolutely. Using a desktop application like MacWhisper or another Whisper UI allows you to process audio files directly on your machine. None of your data is sent to the cloud, ensuring maximum privacy.
Q: Do these free tools support different languages? A: Yes. Google Docs Voice Typing supports over 100 languages for live dictation. Whisper-based tools also have excellent multi-language capabilities for transcribing pre-recorded files.
Conclusion: Choosing the Right Free Tool for You
In 2025, you have access to powerful, free transcription tools that were once exclusive to expensive paid services. The best choice depends entirely on your specific task:
- For quick notes and live dictation, use Google Docs Voice Typing. It’s instant, unlimited, and couldn’t be easier to use.
- For transcribing audio files (MP3, WAV), Microsoft Word Online offers the best balance of features, accuracy, and a generous free allowance.
- For accuracy and privacy, downloading a Whisper AI tool is the unbeatable power-user choice.
- For audio from video or meetings, Otter.ai excels at identifying speakers, while ScreenApp is the perfect solution for transcribing your screen recordings and video content.
By picking the right tool from this list, you can finally stop wasting time on manual transcription and turn your audio into useful, searchable text in minutes.
