20 Best Free Transcription Software for Mac in 2025

You’re looking for the best free transcription software for Mac, aren’t you? You’re at the right place. Whether you’re a student, professional, or content creator, finding the right tool to transcribe audio or video can save you hours of work.

 

The good news? There are powerful free options out there. This article answers, “Is there a free transcription app on Mac?” Moreover, it helps you find the best free audio transcription software for Mac you’ve been looking for.

 

Finally, this article describes the Krisp AI Meeting Assistant as one of the best free transcription software that boosts productivity and makes transcription effortless.

 

How to Choose the Best Free Transcription Software for Mac

To choose the right transcription software free for Mac, consider its technical capabilities and your budget. Here are the key factors to consider:

 

1. Accuracy

• Look for software that delivers high transcription accuracy, especially for complex vocabulary or multiple speakers.

 

2. Real-Time vs. Post-Meeting Transcription

• Decide if you need real-time transcription (e.g., for live meetings) or post-meeting transcription for recorded files.

 

3. Language Support

• Ensure the software supports the languages or accents relevant to your audience.

 

4. Integration With Other Tools

• Pick software you can integrate with your apps, such as Zoom, Google Meet, or project management tools.

 

5. Ease of Use

• Check if the interface is user-friendly and offers intuitive controls for editing and sharing transcripts.

 

6. Customization Options

• Look for features like keyword tagging, speaker identification, and adding a custom dictionary for niche terms.

 

7. Pricing and Free Trials

• Evaluate the software’s cost against your budget and look for free trials to test functionality.

 

8. Speed of Transcription

• If time is a priority, choose software with fast turnaround times for transcription. This is especially vital in AI-assisted online education.

 

9. Security and Privacy

• Ensure the software complies with data protection standards like GDPR or HIPAA if you handle sensitive content.

 

10. Additional Features

• Features like noise cancellation, editing tools, or meeting summaries can enhance usability.

 

Finally, you may wonder, “Does Mac have built-in transcription?” Yes, Mac has built-in transcription features through its Dictation tool, allowing users to convert speech to text. However, it’s limited to basic tasks and lacks advanced transcription functionalities like speaker identification or editing.

 

Did you know the U.S. transcription market was valued at $30.42 billion in 2024 and is anticipated to increase a CAGR (compound annual growth rate) of 5.2% from 2025 to 2030?

 

Let’s take a closer look at free audio-to-text transcription software for Mac.

1. Krisp AI Meeting Assistant

The Krisp AI Meeting Assistant is automatic transcription software for Mac free. Krisp’s AI Meeting Assistant offers a unique blend of transcription and noise cancellation, making it ideal for Mac users in noisy environments. This free AI transcription tool ensures crystal-clear audio and exceptionally accurate real-time transcriptions.

 

Pros:

• 96% accuracy of real-time, automated, multi-lingual transcription and stellar speaker recognition
• Noise cancellation for distraction-free transcriptions
• Easy integration with Zoom, Google Meet, and Microsoft Teams

 

Cons:

• Some advanced features, including custom vocabulary and extended meeting history, require premium plans.

2. Otter.ai

Otter.ai is another automatic transcription software free for Mac. This free AI transcription tool offers automatic summaries, keyword identification, and collaborative editing. It integrates with calendars and records meetings directly.

 

Pros:

• Real-time transcription with playback synchronization
• Smart keyword highlights for easy navigation
• Integrates with Google Calendar and Zoom

Cons:

• Advanced features are limited to paid plans
• Occasional errors with heavy accents

3. Fireflies.ai

Fireflies.ai is another free transcription software for Mac. Fireflies automates meeting transcriptions and captures insights. With its AI-powered note-taking and seamless integrations, this free transcription software simplifies collaboration and ensures no detail is missed.

 

Pros:

• Automated meeting transcription with action items
• Supports integrations with major platforms like Zoom and Slack
• Offers advanced search capabilities

Cons:

• Transcription accuracy varies with background noise
• Pricing may be steep for small teams

4. Notta.ai

Notta.ai is another transcription software for Mac free. This tool offers multi-language transcription capabilities and an intuitive interface. It’s ideal for global Mac users needing accurate transcriptions across various languages and seamless export options.

 

Pros:

• Supports over 100 languages and dialects
• Real-time transcription with downloadable formats
• Intuitive interface for easy navigation

Cons:

• Limited features in the free plan
• Accuracy depends on audio clarity

5. ClickUp

While primarily a project management tool, ClickUp includes transcription capabilities that streamline meeting documentation. This free transcription software for Mac offers integration with workflows. Thus, it becomes a versatile choice for teams needing transcription as part of their productivity suite.

 

Pros:

• Built-in transcription within a robust project management platform
• Customizable workflows for task follow-ups
• Excellent for team collaboration

Cons:

• Transcription isn’t its core focus
• Steeper learning curve for non-tech-savvy users

6. Fathom.ai

Fathom.ai specializes in summarizing and transcribing meetings automatically. This tool can highlight critical points and insights, saving users time navigating meeting recordings.

 

Pros:

• Automatically identifies key moments during meetings
• Simple interface with intuitive highlights
• Integrates seamlessly with popular conferencing tools

Cons:

• Limited customization options
• Accuracy may vary with complex discussions

7. Grain

Grain captures and transcribes essential moments in video meetings. Its ability to share highlighted snippets makes it a collaborative tool for Mac users in fast-paced environments.

 

Pros:

• Capture and share meeting highlights with ease
• Real-time transcription with seamless video playback
• Excellent collaboration features

Cons:

• Limited transcription features compared to others
• Works best for video meetings only

8. MeetGeek.ai

MeetGeek.ai is another free transcription software for Mac. This tool automates meeting transcriptions and creates actionable summaries. It offers AI-powered insights and keyword tagging for managers and teams on Mac.

 

Pros:

• Generates meeting summaries and key takeaways
• AI-based keyword tagging for better organization
• Integrates with tools like Zoom and Google Workspace

Cons:

• Transcription accuracy depends on audio clarity
• Limited export formats

9. Descript

Descript is another free transcription software for Mac. This multi-functional tool combines transcription, audio editing, and video editing. Its text-based editing feature sets this tool apart for content creators and teams using Mac.

 

Pros:

• Combines transcription with powerful audio/video editing
• Easy text-based editing for audio content
• Multi-platform integration

Cons:

• Learning curve for advanced features
• Pricey for casual users

10. Dictation.io

Dictation.io is another free transcription software for Mac. This tool offers a simple, browser-based transcription solution ideal for Mac users. Its real-time transcription is fast and effective for quick note-taking or meeting summaries.

 

Pros:

• No installation is required; works in-browser
• Real-time transcription with playback
• Easy-to-use and free

Cons:

• Limited to basic transcription features
• Requires a stable internet connection

11. Speechnotes

Speechnotes is a lightweight browser-based transcription tool ideal for Mac users who need quick, real-time voice-to-text functionality. Its simplicity and offline capabilities make it a standout choice for everyday use.

 

Pros:

• Free to use and works offline
• Allows real-time transcription
• Simple and distraction-free interface

Cons:

• Limited advanced features
• Requires Chrome browser for optimal performance

12. Google Docs Voice Typing

Google Docs Voice Typing is a free and widely accessible tool for Mac users. With built-in voice recognition, it seamlessly converts speech to text within Google Docs, offering reliable and easy-to-use functionality.

 

Pros:

• Completely free with a Google account
• Integrated with Google Docs for document editing
• Supports multiple languages

Cons:

• Requires an internet connection
• Lacks advanced transcription features

13. Bear Notes

Bear Notes is a note-taking app that includes voice recording and transcription features. This tool has a sleek interface and is a great organizational option for Mac users seeking combined note-taking and transcription capabilities.

 

Pros:

• Combines transcription with note organization
• Free version available with essential features
• Easy export options

Cons:

• Advanced features require a subscription
• Not specialized for long audio files

14. Apple Notes with Dictation

Apple Notes, combined with the Dictation feature, provides a straightforward solution for voice-to-text transcription. It’s excellent for users who prefer native Mac apps for quick notes and transcriptions.

 

Pros:

• Free and integrated with macOS
• Syncs across Apple devices via iCloud
• User-friendly for basic transcription

Cons:

• Limited customization options
• No advanced transcription tools

15. Voice Notebook

Voice Notebook is an online and offline speech-to-text application offering transcription for Mac users. Its multi-language support and basic editing tools make it an attractive option for casual users.

 

Pros:

• Supports multiple languages
• Offline functionality available
• Export transcriptions to various formats

Cons:

• Basic interface lacking advanced features
• Accuracy depends on audio clarity

16. Dragon Dictation (Lite Version)

Dragon Dictation is known for its voice recognition technology. The lite version offers free, basic transcription services for Mac users needing high-quality, fast transcription.

 

Pros:

• Highly accurate voice recognition
• Free version available for basic transcription
• Easy integration with Mac tools

Cons:

• Advanced features are locked behind a paywall
• Requires a learning curve for optimal use

17. Transcriber for WhatsApp

Transcriber for WhatsApp is a niche tool for converting WhatsApp voice messages into text. It’s great for Mac users needing quick transcriptions of saved audio files.

 

Pros:

• Free and easy to use
• Explicitly designed for WhatsApp audio files
• Saves time for audio-to-text tasks

Cons:

• Limited to WhatsApp audio formats
• No advanced editing or transcription features

18. Rev’s Free Audio & Voice Recorder

Rev offers a free audio recorder with built-in transcription capabilities for Mac. While its primary transcription services are paid, the free recorder includes some transcription features.

 

Pros:

• Free recorder with basic transcription tools
• High-quality audio recording
• Syncs with Rev for enhanced functionality

Cons:

• Transcription features are limited in the free version
• Requires in-app purchases for full capabilities

19. oTranscribe

oTranscribe is a free, open-source transcription software designed for simplicity. It’s excellent for Mac users manually transcribing interviews, lectures, or podcasts with timestamping features.

 

Pros:

• Free and open-source
• Intuitive interface with playback controls
• Works offline

Cons:

• No automated transcription
• Time-consuming for large files

20. Kapwing

Kapwing is a free online transcription and editing tool that combines video editing and transcription in one platform. It’s perfect for Mac users who need to transcribe and edit video or audio content seamlessly.

 

Pros:

• Free version supports transcription and editing
• Works directly in the browser; no installation is required
• Ideal for multimedia projects

Cons:

• Limited transcription minutes in the free plan
• Requires an internet connection for usage

Choosing Krisp as Free Transcription Software for Mac

If you’re looking for free audio transcription software for Mac that you can easily integrate with your device and enjoy exceptional features, look no further. The Krisp AI Meeting, TIME’s top pick for note-taking apps without an in-meeting bot, is simple and easy to integrate with your Mac.

 

Krisp’s AI Meeting Assistant comes with excellent usability, premium features, and competitive pricing. But that’s only part of the story. Krisp’s AI Meeting Assistant takes your meeting experience to the next level by offering exceptional features. These include:

 

• AI Meeting Recording with unmatched audio quality
• AI Noise Cancellation with the most powerful noise suppression
• AI Meeting Transcription with outstanding accuracy
• AI Meeting Notes & Summaries without errors
• AI YouTube Transcripts without delay
• YouTube Summarizer with AI

How Krisp’s AI Meeting Assistant Makes Transcription Productive

The Krisp AI Meeting Assistant’s Transcription offers exceptional accuracy and stellar speaker recognition. Krisp’s AI Meeting Assistant automatically transcribes online discussions instead of you.

 

Moreover, the Import and Transcribe feature allows you to upload audio and video files to Krisp and get the transcription. This feature is convenient for offline recordings.

 

Additionally, the Krisp AI Meeting Assistant provides error-free Meeting Notes and Summaries with critical takeaways. So, you can focus on meeting discussions, brainstorming, and idea generation instead of manual note taking.

 

Finally, you can make minor changes to the transcript and include the information in a meeting notes template.

How to Integrate Krisp as Free Transcription Software for Mac

How can you seamlessly integrate the Krisp AI Meeting Assistant with Mac to enjoy high-quality and productive AI transcription?

 

1. Download and Install Krisp

• Visit Krisp’s official website and download the Mac version.
• Once downloaded, open the file and follow the instructions to install it.

 

2. Set Krisp as Your Microphone and Speaker

• Open your system settings and navigate to Sound Preferences.
• Select Krisp Microphone as your input device.
• Choose Krisp Speaker as your output device for noise-free communication.

 

3. Integrate With Video Conferencing Apps

• Open your preferred meeting app (e.g., Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams).
• Set Krisp Microphone as your input device in the audio settings of the app.
• Use Krisp Speaker for noise-canceling output.

 

4. Enable Transcription Features

• Launch Krisp and access the transcription and meeting assistant settings.
• Configure it to take notes, provide summaries, and transcribe conversations in real time.

 

5. Test the Setup

• Conduct a test meeting to ensure Krisp is working correctly. Speak in a noisy environment to observe the noise-canceling feature.

 

6. Start Using Krisp for Productivity

• Enjoy distraction-free meetings and use Krisp’s AI-powered tools to enhance collaboration.

 

Krisp’s flagship Noise Cancellation technology is already running on 200M+ devices and processing 80B+ minutes of conversations daily.

 

The Krisp AI Meeting Assistant is compatible with WinOS and MacOS and with any videoconferencing tools like Zoom, Goole Meet, and Microsoft Teams.

 

Wrapping Up

You can find more than one free transcription software for Mac. These include the Krisp AI Meeting Assistant, Otter, Fireflies, Notta, and more. These transcription tools offer both pros and cons. So, take a closer look at them to find the perfect match for your needs.

 

You can effortlessly convert your audio into text with the right free transcription software for your Mac. Whether you’re a student, professional, or content creator, these tools offer great features, such as stellar speaker recognition and accuracy, to streamline your work.

Frequently Asked Questions