Need to transcribe audio fast and without breaking the bank? You're in the right place!
We've scoured the web and put together a rundown of the 12 best transcription services.
We’ve hired, managed, and fired freelancers for everything from writing and graphic to marketing and (duh) transcription. After using dozens of freelancing platforms, we know what to look for.
Here’s the lowdown to help you pick the perfect transcription service.
Our Favorite Freelance Websites for Transcription Services
- Rev – Best for enterprise businesses
- TranscribeMe – Best for small businesses
- GoTranscript – Best for fast turnaround
- Speechpad – Best for straightforward pricing
- Transcription Services.com – Best for multilingual services
- Fiverr – Best for one-off projects
- Scribie – Best for affordable options
- Athreon – Best for cybersecurity alongside transcription
- Tigerfish – Best for Quick turnaround
- Freelancer – Best for variety of options
- People Per Hour – Best for last-minute needs
- Truelancer – Best for a wide variety of freelancers
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Table of Contents
- Our Favorite Freelance Websites for Transcription Services
- Get a Fully Vetted Virtual Assistant - Without the Search
- 12 Best Freelance Websites for Transcription
- 1. Rev
- 2. TranscribeMe
- 3. GoTranscript
- 4. Speechpad
- 5. Transcription Services.com
- 6. Fiverr
- 7. Scribie
- 8. Athreon
- 9. Tigerfish
- 10. Freelancer
- 11. People Per Hour
- 12. Truelancer
- Where Can I Find Freelance Transcribers?
- What Do Freelance Transcribers Do?
- Is Hiring a Freelance Transcriber Worth It?
- How Much Does a Freelance Transcriber Charge?
- How to Hire a Freelance Transcriber?
- Best Freelance Websites by Category
- Conclusion: Try Out a Freelance Transcription Website!
- Get a Fully Vetted Virtual Assistant - Without the Search
- FAQs
We offer this website completely free to our visitors. To help pay the bills, we’ll often (but not always) set up affiliate relationships with the top providers after selecting our favorites. However, we do our best not to let this impact our choices. There are plenty of high-paying companies we’ve turned down because we didn’t like their product.
An added benefit of our relationships is that we always try to negotiate exclusive discounts for our visitors.
12 Best Freelance Websites for Transcription
Name | Best for | My Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Rev | Enterprise businesses | 4.5 |
| TranscribeMe | Small businesses | 4 |
| GoTranscript | Balance of affordability and speed | 4 |
| Speechpad | Straightforward pricing | 4 |
| Transcription Services.com | Multilingual services | 4 |
| Fiverr | One-off projects | 3.5 |
| Scribie | Affordable options | 3.5 |
| Athreon | Cybersecurity alongside transcription | 3.5 |
| Tigerfish | Same-day turnaround | 3.5 |
| Freelancer | Variety of options | 3.5 |
| People Per Hour | Last-minute needs | 3.5 |
| Truelancer | Global talent | 3 |
1. Rev
Best for enterprise businesses – 4.5/5 Rating
With clients like Yale, Legalzoom, Spotify, and CBS, Rev is probably the most trusted site for transcription services.
Their prices are listed on their homepage (see above), so there is no need to worry about drafting up a mutually-beneficial contract and debating on rates.
Rev uses a combination of freelancers and AI to ensure their clients get the most accurate transcription possible, offering advanced speech-to-text APIs. These speech engines are trained in various topics, industries, and accents to produce quality transcription.
They have a pool of over 70,000 freelancers in addition to these AI solutions, making it a great all-in-one transcription service.
Rev Pros
- Trusted by Major Brands: Used by Yale, Legalzoom, Spotify, and CBS, indicating high reliability and quality.
- Hybrid Technology: Utilizes both AI and human expertise for transcription, ensuring high accuracy.
- Large Freelancer Pool: Access to over 70,000 freelancers, providing a wide range of expertise and availability.
- Advanced Speech-to-Text APIs: Capable of handling various topics, industries, and accents.
- Variety of Services: Offers transcription, captioning, and translation services.
Rev Cons
- Higher Cost: Generally more expensive than other services, which might be a barrier for smaller businesses.
- No Subscription for Regular Users: Lacks a subscription model that could benefit frequent users.
- Inconsistencies in Complex Cases: Some reports of inaccuracies with complex terminologies or heavy accents.
2. TranscribeMe
Best for small businesses – 4.0/5 Rating
At half the cost of Rev, TranscribeMe is a great, affordable option for small businesses.
Their team of freelancers can transcribe every audio and video file for just under 80 cents a minute. This price point makes it our choice for smaller businesses with tighter budgets.
Trusted by Salesforce, Kaplan, and Cisco, TranscribeMe provides businesses across multiple different industries both transcription and translation services. They offer a HIPAA and GDPR-compliant workflow designed to keep information secure and confidential.
TranscribeMe offers AI datasets, speech recognition, and data annotation in addition to their translation and transcription services, all at a competitive price point.
TranscribeMe Pros
- Cost-Effective: Offers competitive pricing, making it suitable for small businesses with tight budgets.
- Compliance with Standards: HIPAA and GDPR-compliant, ensuring data security and privacy.
- Quick Turnaround Options: Capable of delivering transcriptions swiftly when required.
- Diverse Services: Provides not just transcription but also translation and AI datasets services.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy for clients to upload and manage their audio files.
TranscribeMe Cons
- Additional Charges for Features: Charges extra for verbatim transcripts and time stamps.
- Accuracy Issues in Specialized Fields: Some reports of lower accuracy in technical or medical terminologies.
3. GoTranscript
Best for the balance of affordability and speed – 4.0/5 Rating
Offering a 100% human approach, GoTranscript has some of the best industry prices and fastest turnaround times.
Their transcription prices start at only $.84 per minute for all types of video and audio footage including everything from YouTube videos to podcasts.
The three-step process involves:
- Upload your content
- Set up payment through PayPal or another method
- Receive the transcript directly to your email in as little as 6 days.
GoTranscript Pros
- Human-Driven Transcription: Ensures high-quality output by relying solely on human transcribers.
- Competitive Pricing: Offers one of the best prices in the industry.
- Global Service: Capable of handling multiple languages and serving international clients.
- Discounts Available: Provides bulk and student discounts.
- Effective Customer Support: Known for responsive and helpful customer service.
GoTranscript Cons
- Longer Delivery Times: Turnaround times can be longer, especially for manual services.
- Higher Prices for Manual Services: Manual transcription services are priced higher compared to automated options.
4. Speechpad
Best for straightforward pricing – 4.0/5 Rating
With a straightforward price structure, Speechpad makes the process easy right from the start.
Their transcription is done by real human freelancers, not AI, which adds a nice touch when compared to other agencies that use AI first.
They offer a guarantee and a 99% accuracy promise and some of their large corporate clients include Amazon, AAA, and Netflix. Speechpad’s team of over 5,000 freelance transcriptionists are talented and well-paid, making them more motivated to do their best work.
Speechpad Pros
- Human-Centric Transcription: Relies entirely on human transcriptionists for quality assurance.
- Competitive Pricing: Offers services at affordable rates.
- Rush Service Options: Provides faster delivery for urgent projects.
- Strong Confidentiality and Security: Ensures the safety and privacy of recordings.
- User-Friendly Website: Simplifies the ordering process for clients.
Speechpad Cons
- Variable Quality: Quality can fluctuate based on audio complexity and service level chosen.
- Additional Charges for Complexity: Extra fees for difficult audio or technical content.
5. Transcription Services.com
Best for multilingual services – 4.0/5 Rating
Not all freelance sites offer transcription services in over a hundred languages, but transcriptionservices.com sure does.
They also offer a simple pricing model with no extra charges for other more advanced aspects of transcription like multiple speakers or speaker identification.
Transcriptionservices.com has provided transcription services for companies and positions as high as the vice president of the United States, with specialized transcription services for fields like science and legal content.
The company also engages in philanthropic endeavors, donating a month’s supply of hearing aid batteries to people in developing countries for each order.
Transcription Services.com Pros
- Multilingual Capabilities: Offers transcription services in over a hundred languages, catering to a global clientele.
- Simple Pricing Model: Transparent pricing without extra charges for advanced transcription features.
- High-Profile Experience: Has provided services for significant clients, including the vice president of the United States.
- Specialized Services: Expertise in fields like science and legal transcription.
- Philanthropic Commitment: Engages in social responsibility by donating hearing aid batteries to developing countries.
Transcription Services.com Cons
- Quote-Based Pricing: While transparent, the pricing requires a custom quote, which may not be instant.
- Potentially Higher Costs: Depending on the project's complexity, costs might be higher than some competitors.
6. Fiverr
Best for one-off projects – 3.5/5 Rating
If you're looking for a great transcriber, one of the oldest platforms you can check out is Fiverr.
You can filter transcribers based on their:
- experience in audio or video transcription
- years of experience
- ability in any specific industry-related language like medical or legal.
There are also filters for budget, service options, and delivery time, allowing you to find a transcriber that can get your project done within a 24-hour turnaround if necessary.
Fiverr allows you to locate your transcriber and contact them to work out the details of your project. Once the terms have been determined, you pay your transcriber upfront through Fiverr’s secure payment platform.
Read our Fiverr review.
Here are our favorite Fiverr Profiles for Transcription Services:
1. transexpert
Transexpert’s services are affordable and reliable with a large volume of past work, making her a great pick whenever you need quick transcription done.
2. adnanjilani90
adnanjilani90 can transcribe audio and video files accurately and timely at an affordable price range with a turnaround time as fast as 12 hours.
3. madeleine01
As a Top Rated seller, madeleine01 produces clean scripts that eliminate filler words like “uh” and “like” as well as verbatim transcriptions, both for affordable prices.
Check out our full list of the best Fiverr profiles for transcription services >>
Fiverr Pros
- Wide Selection of Freelancers: Offers a diverse range of transcribers with different expertise and experience levels.
- Transparent Review System: Clients can make informed decisions based on previous customer reviews and ratings.
- Flexible Pricing: Clients can find services that fit various budget ranges.
- Direct Communication with Freelancers: Allows for clear and direct project discussions and negotiations.
- User-Friendly Platform: Easy navigation and transaction process.
Fiverr Cons
- Variable Quality: Quality of work can significantly vary depending on the chosen freelancer.
- Service Fees: Additional fees are applied to the rates of freelancers.
7. Scribie
Best for affordable options – 3.5/5 Rating
A pretty affordable transcription option is Scribie.
Offering cheap and quick AI and human transcription services, Scribie has a 100% accuracy guarantee.
They have a 4-step transcription process that involves AI and human editing. Scribie will also provide SRT/VTT files, strict verbatim transcripts, audio time coding, BITC, start/end time, and more.
Scribie Pros
- Affordable Rates: Offers services at lower prices, making it accessible for clients with limited budgets.
- 100% Accuracy Guarantee: Promises high accuracy in transcriptions.
- Four-Step Process: Involves both AI and human editing for quality assurance.
- Free Re-Reviews: Offers re-reviews at no extra cost if the quality is not satisfactory.
- Manual and Automated Options: Provides flexibility in choosing the type of service based on client needs.
Scribie Cons
- Inconsistent Quality with Automation: Automated services might result in variable quality.
- Slower Manual Transcription: Manual transcription process can be time-consuming.
8. Athreon
Best for cybersecurity alongside transcription – 3.5/5 Rating
Offering cybersecurity services alongside transcription, Athreon is a great, affordable place to get your transcription services.
Athreon works with a hybrid blend of both AI technology and human ability to produce the most accurate transcription.
Per their website, the full menu of customized solutions they offer includes:
- Dictation
- Transcription
- virtual scribing
- speech recognition
- system interfaces
- mobile apps
- Analytics
- Compliance
- security risk assessments
- security training
- dark web scans
- breach mitigation
- workflow management.
Athreon Pros
- Hybrid Transcription Approach: Combines AI technology with human expertise for enhanced accuracy.
- Industry-Specific Expertise: Offers services tailored to specific sectors, ensuring relevant and accurate transcription.
- High Confidentiality Standards: Emphasizes security, making it suitable for sensitive content.
- Comprehensive Service Range: Provides dictation, transcription, virtual scribing, and more.
- Support for Various Formats: Capable of handling different types of audio and video formats.
Athreon Cons
- Non-Transparent Pricing: Lack of clear pricing information can be a drawback for budget planning.
- Primarily Geared Towards Organizations: May not be as suitable for individual or small-scale needs.
9. Tigerfish
Best for same-day turnaround – 3.5/5 Rating
Tigerfish has been around and offering transcription services since 1989 and claims GE, ESPN, and United Way as some of their esteemed clients.
Their guarantee is a fully edited transcript in just two hours, which is a pretty impressive promise.
Clients range from video production to consulting to legal, with a large part of their clients being from the government and manufacturing industries. They even transcribe for conventions.
Tigerfish Pros
- Long-Standing Reputation: Established in 1989, indicating reliability and experience.
- Rapid Turnaround Capability: Promises a fully edited transcript in just two hours.
- Diverse Client Base: Experience with a range of clients, from government to manufacturing.
- “Five Minute Free” Trial: Offers a free trial to showcase service quality.
- Comprehensive Services: Includes transcription, editing, and proofreading.
Tigerfish Cons
- Opaque Pricing Structure: Prices are not listed upfront, requiring a quote request.
- Limited Information on Rush Services: No clear mention of expedited services for urgent needs.
10. Freelancer
Best for a variety of options – 3.5/5 Rating
Freelancer has a secure payment system, so you can hire a freelancer with peace of mind knowing that your money is safe.
With profiles of over 50 million freelancers, this site has the most freelancers in terms of sheer numbers. You're bound to find at least one transcription specialist within your budget and with the necessary qualifications.
The time tracker and mobile app let you check your transcriber's progress and how much time they have put in so far, even when you're not at your computer.
Freelancer Pros
- Vast Pool of Freelancers: Access to over 50 million freelancers, offering a wide range of skills and price points.
- Competitive Bidding System: Allows clients to receive various proposals and choose the best fit.
- Direct Communication with Freelancers: Facilitates clear project discussions and negotiations.
- Milestone Payment System: Enhances security for both clients and freelancers.
- Work Samples and Reviews: Enables clients to vet freelancers effectively based on past work and feedback.
Freelancer Cons
- Inconsistent Quality: The experience and quality of work can vary widely among freelancers.
- Platform Fees: Additional fees apply for both posting a job and accepting work, increasing overall costs.
11. People Per Hour
Best for last-minute needs – 3.5/5 Rating
Did you wait until the last minute to find a freelancer to transcribe your content? People Per Hour is the way to go.
By looking at freelance transcribers' resumes and portfolios, you can find a transcription specialist with any specialty and price point.
The great thing is, you're practically guaranteed to find a transcriber who can get your video or audio transcription or closed captioning done right away.
People Per Hour has helped find freelancers, many of them specializing in transcription, for over 100,000,000 businesses across the globe.
People Per Hour Pros
- Diverse Global Talent Pool: Access to a wide range of freelance transcribers from various parts of the world.
- Flexible Pricing: Clients can negotiate prices directly with freelancers, allowing budget flexibility.
- Escrow Payment Protection: Ensures security for both clients and freelancers in transactions.
- Freelancer Ratings: Helps in assessing the quality and reliability of freelancers through previous client reviews.
People Per Hour Cons
- Service Fees: Additional fees for clients and freelancers, which can add to the overall cost.
- Time-Consuming Vetting Process: Finding the right freelancer may require sifting through numerous profiles and proposals.
12. Truelancer
Best for global talent – 3.0/5 Rating
If you’re looking for a great transcriber, Truelancer is a fantastic resource.
By looking at a list that includes a transcription freelancer's qualifications, any relevant degrees or certifications, location, and rates, you can easily find the best one for your needs. You can also see what their specialty is, such as closed captioning, audio, or video transcription.
To learn more about each freelancer, you can check out the short intro on their profile, which will help you decide if they would be a good fit for your team.
Truelancer Pros
- Wide Variety of Freelancers: Offers a broad selection of freelancers with diverse skills and rates.
- Free Job Postings: Allows clients to post jobs without any upfront cost.
- Competitive Pricing: Freelancer competition can lead to more affordable rates.
- Safe Payment System: Features an escrow system for secure transactions.
Truelancer Cons
- Variable Freelancer Quality: The quality of work can significantly vary depending on the chosen freelancer.
- Commission Fees: Additional fees for using the platform, affecting the overall cost.
Where Can I Find Freelance Transcribers?
There are a few different options that companies have to find transcription freelancers.
- Open-Market Platforms (ideal for small projects and budgets: Upwork and Fiver.
- Highly-vetted Agencies (ideal for large companies or big budgets): Rev or TranscriptionServices.com
For larger enterprises, we recommend a company like Rev, which has years of experience working with major companies.
What Do Freelance Transcribers Do?
Freelance transcribers type audio or video files into a written text format. This is done for legal proceedings, closed captioning, or conversations that need to be put in writing.
Freelance transcribers are usually contractors who are hired for a short-term project, though you usually have the option to hire them full-time if you both agree to it.
Is Hiring a Freelance Transcriber Worth It?
Hiring a freelance transcriber is worth it to make sure that you have an accurate transcription of your important meeting or closed captions for an audio or video file that you have.
Freelancers are also a more affordable option for smaller startups that have tight budgets and only need a one-time transcription done.
How Much Does a Freelance Transcriber Charge?
Freelance transcribers charge differently depending on:
- Their level of experience
- Project duration
- The scope of the project
- How much work you need from them
- Turnaround time
You can expect to pay a freelance transcriber around $1.50 per minute of audio or $90 to $200 per audio hour.
How to Hire a Freelance Transcriber?
To hire a freelance transcriber follow these steps:
- First, decide the budget you can spend on one.
- Then, begin your search.
- If you need transcription for a smaller project, look to a site like Upwork or Fiverr.
- If you expect to need a transcriber for hours and hours of video or audio content, try Rev or TranscribeMe, services that are more effective for larger projects.
- Draw up terms for a contract that you and your freelance transcription expert agree on.
- From there, enjoy accurate transcription results.
Best Freelance Websites by Category
Looking for more of the best freelance websites but need to browse by category? Check out our below freelance website reviews to either expand your portfolio or hire a freelancer for your next project.
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- Freelancing Websites for Illustrators
- Freelancing Websites for Writers
- Freelancing Websites for Accountants & Bookkeepers
- Freelancing Websites for Data Entry
- Freelancing Websites for Data Analysts
- Freelancing Websites for Data Scientists
- Freelancing Websites for Editors & Proofreaders
- Freelancing Websites for Digital Marketing
- Freelancing Websites for SEO Experts
- Freelancing Websites for Video Editors
- Freelancing Websites for Photographers
- Freelancing Websites for Virtual Assistants
- Freelancing Websites for Software Testers
- Freelancing Websites for Attorneys
- Freelancing Websites for Translators
- Freelancing Websites for Transcribers
- Freelancing Websites for Voice-Overs
- Freelancing Websites for College Students to Find Work
Conclusion: Try Out a Freelance Transcription Website!
Choose a transcription service that fits your needs, including budget, quality, or project size. For personalized options, try Fiverr or Freelancer; for larger projects, look at Rev or TranscribeMe.
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- Every candidate is tested for the exact skills required for your role
- Fast, tailored matching - handpicked to meet your needs and budget
FAQs
Can you freelance as a transcriber?
Absolutely, freelancing as a transcriber is a great option for those who possess strong listening skills and a good command of the language they intend to transcribe in.
Many platforms, such as Rev, TranscribeMe, and GoTranscript, offer opportunities for individuals to take on transcription work. The flexibility of freelancing allows you to choose your workload and schedule, making it ideal for people looking for a part-time job or a flexible full-time career.
To start, you'll need a computer, a reliable internet connection, and transcription software or a platform to work with.
It's also beneficial to have a foot pedal for controlling audio playback and a good pair of headphones. As you gain experience and demonstrate reliability and accuracy, you can build a reputation and potentially charge higher rates for your services.
When should I hire a freelance transcriber?
You should hire a freelance transcriber as soon as you know that you will need an important meeting transcribed or closed captioning done for your video or audio content.
Where is the best place to find freelance transcribers for enterprise business?
Rev is often recommended as one of the best places to find freelance transcribers for enterprise businesses due to its robust platform that caters to high-volume and professional transcription needs.
It offers a scalable solution for businesses of all sizes, ensuring that even large projects with tight deadlines are handled efficiently.
Rev's transcribers are rigorously tested and vetted to provide quality and accuracy. Also, the platform's ease of use, clear pricing, and strong customer service make it a reliable choice for businesses requiring regular transcription services.
Enterprises can benefit from Rev's dedicated support and the ability to handle a variety of formats and content types, from video and audio files to specialized industry-specific recordings.
How do I start freelance transcription?
Starting freelance transcription is easy. We recommend signing up with a large agency to get more experience, then upping your rates once your accuracy and efficiency are at a higher level.
Geoff Cudd
