With the help of automatic voice recording transcription software, you can now cut down on typing time and focus on proof-reading. In this article, Thao & Co. introduces 5 popular software, each with pros and cons.
How to transcribe a voice recording in Word
Did you know that there is a voice typing function in Microsoft Word?
If your fingers are getting sore from typing, this could be a great change! This function is also pretty helpful on those days when your keyboard refuses to work properly.
It’s easy to get started:
- Step 1️⃣: Switch your system language to the language that you will speak in, if you haven’t done so.
- Step 2️⃣: Create a new or open an existing Word document.
- Step 3️⃣: Click Dictate button and select the spoken language.
- Step 4️⃣: Enable automatic punctuation by clicking on the appropriate option on the settings page.
- Step 5️⃣: Raise your voice and see the magic!
5 Online Tools for Voice Recording Into Text
Voice recognition has become very common these days – many freely available tools can get the job done with varying quality. Read up on our reviews of 5 popular tools and see which one caters best to your needs:

#1 Gboard – Fast Voice Typing
Gboard, or Google Keyboard, can be considered the most convenient way to transcribe a voice recording. Developed by Google, the virtual keyboard integrates the latest voice recognition technology and various functions to make writing easier.
Gboard’s voice-to-text capability is highly useful for everyday tasks, but may fall short in some cases.
👍🏼 Pros
- + More than 120 different languages supported.
- + Various themes to personalize your experience.
- + Intuitive and user-friendly interface.
- + Completely free on both iOS and Android.
- + Offline recognition and translation available (after downloading language packs).
- + Lightning fast speech-to-text conversion.
👎🏼 Cons
- – Noise filtering may be ineffective.
- – Hit-or-miss automated punctuation.
- – Lack of support in differentiating multiple speakers, which makes it less useful for transcribing conversations.
💡 Alternatively, opt for accurate and professional video transcription by expert human transcribers at Thao & Co.!
#2 Google Docs – Easy Voice Typing and Document Storage
Google Docs is well-known for its ease to use and support for advanced functionalities, such as voice recognition.
👍🏼 Pros
- + Good voice recognition capability with high accuracy, even for some under-resourced languages.
- + Simple and user-friendly interface.
- + No additional software or extensions needed.
- + Almost instantaneous conversion speed.
- + Smooth editing experience.
- + Documents saved to Google Drive, ensuring convenience and security.
👎🏼 Cons
- – Voice recognition capability only available in Chrome.
- – Lack of offline support for voice recognition.
- – Lack of voice recognition support, limiting its usefulness in conversation transcription.
- – Lack of support for automated punctuation or line breaks.

#3 Otter.Ai – Accurate conversation transcription
Otter.Ai is also a well-known and popular choice for audio transcription tasks. It boasts a number of advanced features that can ease the burden on professional transcribers.
👍🏼 Pros
- + Good voice differentiation capability that can effectively handle conversations.
- + Intelligent paragraph breaks.
- + Supports timecoding.
- + Supports real-time collaboration.
- + Supports export to multiple file formats.
- + Transcribe-as-you-speak functionality.
💡 How can I effectively transcribe videos?
👎🏼 Cons
- – The free version is extremely limited in terms of functionalities and usage.
- – Unsuitable for under-resourced languages.
#4 SpeechTexter – Easy to use for beginners
SpeechTexter is fairly simple as a voice-to-text software. The clean interface and limited formatting options make it a great choice for simple transcription needs.
👍🏼 Pros
- + Wide range of languages supported.
- + No account or additional software required.
- + High accuracy in environments with minimum background noise.
- + Supports saving transcription to text files.
- + Android app available.
👎🏼 Cons
- – Frequent insertion of extra spaces, which will require extensive post-editing.
- – Cannot work offline.
- – The Android app is ad-supported.
💡 See also: What is verbatim transcription?
#5 Laban Key – Strong Vietnamese Voice Recognition
Laban Key is a popular keyboard app in Vietnam. It is available for both iOS and Android. Support for voice recognition makes it easy to text and write hands-free.
👍🏼 Pros
- + Supports a wide range of languages, especially Vietnamese.
- + Simple to use with a minimum learning curve.
- + Voice recognition is available for free.
👎🏼 Cons
- – Results may not be as accurate as more specialized software.
- – Ad-supported.
- – Lack of advanced features for voice typing.
Professional and Accurate Voice Transcription Services
Voice recording transcription is highly useful in both daily and professional settings, which explains the boom in free voice transcription software.

Automatic tools, however, cannot replace human transcribers. These software still suffer from various limitations, especially in terms of speaker differentiation and proper formatting.
To ensure your transcriptions meet professional standards, it’s best to work with professional transcriptionists.
Thao & Co. translation company is a distinguished language service provider. We specialize in the transcription of:
- Youtube videos
- Recordings
- Lectures
- Workshops
- Meetings
- And more
Each transcription is meticulously proof-read for the highest possible quality. Thao & Co.’s comprehensive solution to transcription will work to your advantage.
- Here’s why:
- 🥇 All transcription projects are handled by seasoned linguists.
- 🧑🏼💼 Industry experts are assigned for projects with complex terminology.
- 🖥️ Progress tracking is a breeze with Thao & Co.’s proprietary platform.
- 💳 Quick and transparent quotations, with the most reasonable and competitive prices in the market.
- 💎 No surprise charges beyond the agreed-upon payment.
- ⏲️ On-time delivery.
- 🛡️ Total confidentiality with strict No Disclosure Agreements (NDAs).
Looking for high-quality transcription services? You’re in good company. Get in touch with Thao & Co. via our Contact page to receive your personalized consultation.