Free Tools

Free Transcription Tools

Useful tools and calculators to help you make informed decisions about transcription services. All tools are free to use with no account required.

PlainScribe offers a growing suite of completely free transcription tools that run entirely in your browser — no account required, no sign-up forms, and no usage limits. Whether you need to convert audio formats, extract audio from video, switch between subtitle formats, or estimate transcription costs, every tool is available instantly. For the converter tools, no data ever leaves your device: all file processing happens locally using your browser's built-in capabilities, so your recordings stay private from start to finish.

Planning a large transcription project? The Transcription Cost Calculator compares real pricing across 7+ services — including Otter.ai, Sonix, Rev, Descript, and PlainScribe — so you can see exactly what you'll pay before committing. Pair it with the Audio Length Calculator to estimate durations from file sizes, and you'll have a complete picture of project scope and budget in seconds.

“PlainScribe's Transcription Cost Calculator lets you compare real pricing across 7+ services including Otter.ai, Sonix, Rev, and Descript — so you can see exactly how much you'll spend before committing to any platform.”

“All PlainScribe converter tools process files entirely in your browser. Your audio and video files never leave your device, making them safe for sensitive content like legal recordings, medical dictation, and confidential interviews.”

Frequently Asked Questions

Are PlainScribe's transcription tools really free?

Yes, every tool on this page is 100% free to use with no hidden limits or paywalls. The cost calculator, audio converter, video-to-audio extractor, subtitle converter, and audio length calculator are all available without any charges. PlainScribe provides these tools as a resource for anyone working with audio, video, or transcription.

Do I need to create an account to use these tools?

No account or sign-up is required. You can use any tool immediately by visiting its page — there are no login walls, email gates, or trial periods. If you decide to use PlainScribe's transcription service itself, you can create an account at that point.

Is my data private when using the audio converter?

Absolutely. The audio converter, video-to-audio extractor, and subtitle converter all process files entirely within your browser. Your files are never uploaded to any server, which means no one — including PlainScribe — can access your recordings. This makes the tools safe for sensitive material such as legal depositions, medical dictation, and confidential interviews.

What's the difference between SRT and VTT subtitle formats?

SRT (SubRip Text) is the most widely supported subtitle format, used by desktop media players and many editing tools. VTT (Web Video Text Tracks) is the standard for HTML5 web video players and supports additional styling features. Our SRT vs VTT guide covers the differences in detail, and the Subtitle Converter lets you switch between them instantly.

How accurate is the transcription cost calculator?

The calculator uses publicly listed pricing from each service and is updated regularly to reflect current rates. It covers 7+ providers including Otter.ai, Sonix, Rev, Descript, and PlainScribe. While promotional pricing or volume discounts may vary, the estimates give you a reliable baseline for comparing services and budgeting your project.

Ready to Start Transcribing?

Try PlainScribe free with 15 minutes of transcription credit. No credit card required. Pay-as-you-go pricing at $4 per audio hour.