easytranscript

Overview

easytranscript is desktop software for transcribing audio and video, combining AI transcription with tools for manual work. Its strongest distinction is support for transcription conventions such as GAT; the main constraint is that paid licenses include only a one-time 30 minutes of automatic transcription.

Key features

Automatic speaker-change detection gives interviews and group discussions an initial structure, and speakers can be managed or changed during editing. Automatic timestamps, word suggestions, autocorrection, abbreviations, and customizable shortcuts support repeat editing tasks. GAT support makes the software a more relevant choice for users who need to follow that transcription convention than a basic text editor.

For manual transcription, programmable footswitches can control playback actions including pausing, rewinding, and moving forward. The software also tracks time spent transcribing and estimates speed and remaining time, useful for pacing longer assignments. It handles common audio and video formats and supports transcript import and export in DOCX, ODT, RTF, and TXT.

Online transcription processes audio through Microsoft Azure and Gladia. Azure processing is generally in EU data centers, although exceptional processing outside the EU may occur. Audio files and generated transcripts are deleted when no longer needed for their collection purpose, subject to legal retention requirements.

Pricing

The Test version costs nothing and provides manual transcription only. It does not include automatic transcription, transcript export, automatic backups, or saving, so it is a limited way to assess the manual workflow rather than a practical option for keeping completed work in the software.

Students costs €5 a month, billed monthly, and Professionals costs €72 a year. Both paid plans include manual and automatic transcription, transcript import and export, automatic backups and saving, plus a one-time 30 free minutes of automatic transcription. They have no minimum term and can be paid for and canceled per device. Students suits someone who wants a lower monthly commitment; Professionals is the annual option. Neither should be mistaken for a recurring allocation of AI transcription time: more time requires a separate package.

Automatic transcription time packages usable with an active easytranscript license cost €7 a month for 1 hour, €13 a month for 2 hours, or €30 a month for 5 hours. One-time packages are also offered at €7, paid once for 1 hour and €13, paid once for 2 hours; a subscription is required. These add-on terms matter: the one-time option is not a standalone purchase, while the monthly packages add a recurring cost to the license.

Teams has custom pricing and includes central user administration, centralized billing, and priority technical support. It is the relevant option for institutes and research groups needing centralized account management, rather than individuals choosing a per-device license.

Platforms

Downloads are offered for Linux, macOS, and Windows. This desktop focus is appropriate for users doing sustained file-based transcription on those systems, but does not cover readers looking for a mobile or browser-based workflow.

Who it's for

easytranscript is a good fit for researchers, students, and transcriptionists who value manual playback control, speaker management, timestamps, and a defined transcription convention. Its footswitch support and time estimates favor deliberate, extended transcription work. It is less compelling for anyone who relies heavily on AI minutes: the included allowance is one-time, and further time costs extra.

Pros and cons

Pros: GAT support, speaker management, automatic timestamps, and manual editing tools serve structured transcription better than an undifferentiated text workflow.

Pros: Programmable footswitch controls and transcription-time estimates are useful for people working through long recordings by hand.

Cons: The free version cannot save or export transcripts, limiting its usefulness for finished work.

Cons: The paid licenses' 30 free AI minutes are one-time, and additional transcription time requires paid packages on top of an active license.

Cons: Online processing may exceptionally occur outside the EU, despite Azure processing generally taking place in EU data centers.

Alternatives

For a different transcription workflow, compare the Transcription Software category. Simon Says is worth considering for readers who want a service available across web, mobile, desktop, and self-hosted platforms; its pay-as-you-go option charges by transcription duration.

Happy Scribe may suit readers seeking a service with a free plan that includes unlimited meeting recordings, a 45-minute recording limit, and a 10-minute AI trial. f4transkript is another option for readers comparing transcription software with student-license terms.

Gladia is an alternative for readers looking for an API-oriented transcription option, while Notta offers a free plan with one seat and 120 transcription minutes per month. Superwhisper may be a better fit for voice-to-text across apps and meeting recording.

Express Scribe is a straightforward alternative for readers who want an unlimited free version for common audio formats. Picovoice Leopard is another option to consider.

Verdict

Choose easytranscript if you need a desktop transcription workspace with GAT support, careful manual playback controls, and speaker and timestamp tools. The manual workflow is its clearest strength, while paid licenses add saving and AI features. Look elsewhere if you need substantial recurring AI transcription time included in the license or a mobile and browser-based workflow.