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SPECIFICTION
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Express Scribe

nch.com.au

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinuxAPI
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Spec score 9.2 #1 of 46 in Transcription Software

What it is

Express Scribe is an audio player designed to support transcription on Linux, macOS and Windows. Its free edition can be used without a time limit and handles common audio formats; timestamps are supported. Playback can vary speed without changing pitch, control multiple channels and play video. Users can operate playback through keyboard hotkeys or supported professional USB foot pedals, and the software works with Microsoft Word and other major word processors. It can receive dictations from FTP, email or a local network, then send completed transcriptions to clients. Speech recognition software can convert audio to text, including SAPI-compliant tools. Express Scribe can also receive encrypted dictation files from Express Dictate or Pocket Dictate. Proprietary recorder formats require the professional version, and the listed professional features include video playback. Paid plans include Professional Quarterly at $26.49 a month, billed quarterly; Basic Annual at $79.99 a year; and Professional Annual at $99 a year. The maker provides tutorials, format and file help, controller guidance, FAQs and technical support contact details.

Spec sheet

What it does
Express Scribe is desktop audio playback software designed to help typists transcribe recordings.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Purpose
Express Scribe is a professional audio player designed to help transcribe audio recordings.Read 11 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Intended users
The product page identifies medical, legal and video transcription as use cases.Read 11 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Free plan
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · secure.nch.com.au
Integrations
GetApp user data mentions Google Drive and Microsoft Word as integrations.Read 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Support
The maker provides video tutorials, file and format help, controller setup guidance, FAQs, and a link to contact technical support.Read 11 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
License
The EULA reserves copyright to NCH Software, distributes the software as-is and grants a proprietary license rather than an open-source license.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nchsoftware.com
Apple App Store availability
The separate Express Scribe Transcription listing says it has insufficient ratings to display an overview.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Audio and video playback
The product plays both audio and video recordings.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Automatic file management
Incoming dictations can be loaded automatically from FTP, email, local network folders or Express Delegate.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Company founding
LinkedIn states that NCH Software was founded in 1993.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Company ownership and founder
Crunchbase identifies NCH Software as a private company founded by Peter Lupton and based in Greenwood Village, Colorado.Read 15 Oct 2026 · crunchbase.com
Company size and headquarters
LinkedIn lists NCH Software as privately held, headquartered in Greenwood Village, Colorado, with 51–200 employees.Read 15 Oct 2026 · linkedin.com
Controls
Playback can be controlled with keyboard hotkeys or supported professional USB foot pedals.Read 11 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Documentation
NCH provides a 52-page Windows help manual, FAQs, tutorials, technical support links and a version history.Read 15 Oct 2026 · help.nchsoftware.com
Encrypted dictation
Express Scribe can receive encrypted dictation files from Express Dictate or Pocket Dictate.Read 11 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
File formats
The site lists more than 30 audio formats and numerous video formats, including MP3, WAV, DSS, M4A, MP4 and WMV.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
File handling
It can automatically receive dictations from FTP, email or a local computer network and send finished transcriptions to clients.Read 11 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Foot-pedal control
Professional USB foot pedals can control playback, with plug-and-play setup support.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Free edition limits
The free version supports common audio formats, while proprietary format support is available by upgrading to the professional version.Read 11 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Hotkeys
System-wide hotkeys allow playback control while typing in another application.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Latest Windows release
Version 15.13 was uploaded on 2026-10-15 with a low-disk-space warning and an exposed Extra Volume Boost setting.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Limit: audio quality
GetApp and Capterra reviewers report tinny, static or otherwise weaker audio quality than competing transcription players.Read 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Limit: editing tools
G2 and Capterra reviewers say the editor lacks autocorrect and basic audio enhancement, requiring another application for cleanup or proofreading.Read 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Limit: license complaints
Apple reviewers report updates that failed to recognize previously paid licenses and demanded another payment.Read 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Limit: support
G2 and GetApp data indicate customer support is weaker than ease of use, with GetApp rating support 3.5 out of 5.Read 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Linux
A native Linux build is available, but the maker says it cannot support some esoteric proprietary formats; running the Windows version with Wine supports more formats.Read 11 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Playback
It provides variable speed playback with constant pitch, multi-channel control, and video playback.Read 11 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Praise: ease of use
GetApp reviewers repeatedly describe the software as intuitive and useful for both new and experienced transcribers.Read 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Praise: low cost model
G2 reviewers value the one-time purchase approach and the ability to try the software before buying.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Praise: productivity controls
G2 reviewers praise customizable hotkeys, foot-pedal support, playback speed controls and broad format support.Read 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Professional edition limits
The comparison page lists DSS, Sony recorder formats, Philips, Grundig and Olympus recorder formats, and video playback as Pro features.Read 11 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Public SDK
The public SDK is a Windows command-line interface that opens, selects, dispatches, completes and deletes dictation files.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Rating on Apple App Store
2.9 out of 5 from 12 ratings for Express Scribe ProRead 15 Oct 2026 · apps.apple.com
Rating on Capterra
4.3 out of 5 from 52 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · capterra.com
Rating on G2
4.4 out of 5 from 31 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · g2.com
Rating on GetApp
4.3 out of 5 from 52 reviewsRead 15 Oct 2026 · getapp.com
Rating on TrustRadius
Likelihood to recommend rated 7.0 out of 10 from 1 ratingRead 15 Oct 2026 · trustradius.com
Rebranding
NCH offers Express Scribe rebranding with a customer logo and details for a fee.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Recorder docking
The software can import recordings from analog and digital portable voice recorders.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
SDK
The SDK page describes command-line control for opening and closing files, dispatching or deleting files, and bringing the application to the front or back.Read 11 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
SDK scope
The SDK page says the command-line interface is the current integration method and offers no broader REST API or official language SDK.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Security for dictations
NCH says Express Scribe can receive encrypted dictation files from Express Dictate or Pocket Dictate.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Site security
NCH states that its server uses SSL to encrypt personal information transmitted through its site.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Speech recognition
It can use Microsoft speech engines or Dragon NaturallySpeaking to create draft text in the Notes box.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nchsoftware.com
Speech recognition limitation
The manual says recognition may take longer than the recording and may reach only about 90% accuracy even after training.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nchsoftware.com
System requirements
The product page lists Windows 7–11, macOS 10.5 or later, sound support and optional internet, foot pedal and SAPI speech engine.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Timestamp support
YesRead 22 Sep 2026 · secure.nch.com.au
Variable speed playback
Playback speed can be changed while keeping the original pitch.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Word integration
Express Scribe runs in the background while users type in Microsoft Word and other word processors.Read 15 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Word processors
Express Scribe works with Microsoft Word and other major word processors, with hotkeys for mouse-free playback.Read 11 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au

Plans and prices

Free Free Unlimited free version · Common audio formats Read 22 Sep 2026 · nch.com.au
Professional Quarterly Price not published Professional features · All upgrades · Unlimited ongoing use Read 22 Sep 2026 · secure.nch.com.au
Basic Annual Price not published Standard Edition Read 22 Sep 2026 · secure.nch.com.au
Professional Annual Price not published Unrestricted Professional License Read 22 Sep 2026 · secure.nch.com.au
Express Scribe Free Free Common audio formats including WAV, MP3, WMA and DCT Read 11 Oct 2026 · nch.com.au
Express Scribe Professional Quarterly Plan $26.49 a month $26.49 quarterly Unlimited ongoing use of all professional features and all upgrades Read 15 Oct 2026 · secure.nch.com.au
Express Scribe Basic Annual Plan $79.99 a year $79.99+VAT/year Standard Edition Read 15 Oct 2026 · secure.nch.com.au
Express Scribe Professional Annual Plan $99 a year $99.00+VAT/year Unrestricted Professional License Read 15 Oct 2026 · secure.nch.com.au

Every Express Scribe plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free edition supports common audio formats.
  • Playback speed changes while pitch stays constant.
  • Keyboard hotkeys and supported USB foot pedals control playback.
  • Can receive dictation through FTP, email or local network.
  • Works with SAPI-compliant speech recognition software.

Limits

  • Proprietary recorder formats require the professional version.
  • Professional Quarterly costs $26.49 a month, billed quarterly.
  • Basic Annual costs $79.99 a year.
  • Professional Annual costs $99 a year.

Who it suits

Express Scribe suits medical, legal and video transcription workflows. It may also fit users who want keyboard or supported foot-pedal playback control alongside a word processor.

Verdict

Express Scribe combines transcription-focused playback controls with file intake, word-processor workflows and speech-recognition compatibility. Check the format limits of the free edition and the listed paid-plan terms if proprietary recorder support is needed.

Where Specifiction places it

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