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noScribe

noscribe.de

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinux
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Spec score 8.4 #20 of 46 in Transcription Software

What it is

noScribe is a free, open-source desktop app for transcribing interviews and sensitive recordings with AI models running locally on the computer. It uses Whisper-based models for transcription and pyannote for speaker recognition, with support for around 60 languages. Its editor aligns text with audio playback so users can review and correct transcripts. Research tools let users mark pauses and overlapping speech, add timestamps, and choose whether filler words are included. The app accepts almost any audio or video format and exports formatted HTML, plain text, or WebVTT subtitles. Transcripts can be opened in MS Word or LibreOffice, or imported into QDA software such as MAXQDA or QualCoder. The maker estimates a one-hour interview takes about one to three hours to transcribe; NVIDIA CUDA acceleration can reduce processing time. Current versions support Windows 10 and require macOS 14 or later. Linux binaries are not available for version 0.8; users are directed to version 0.7 or manual installation. It is licensed under GPL-3.0.

Spec sheet

Purpose
noScribe is a desktop app for transcribing interviews and other sensitive audio data with local AI models.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Product
noScribe is a free, open-source desktop app for transcribing interviews and other sensitive audio data with local AI models.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Intended users
The project began for qualitative social research and is also used in journalism, medicine, companies, government agencies, and NGOs.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · noscribe.de
Integrations
Transcripts can be opened in MS Word or LibreOffice and imported into QDA software such as MAXQDA or QualCoder; WebVTT can be used with EXMARaLDA.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Privacy
Transcription runs entirely on the user's computer, without cloud processing.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Support
The maker recommends GitHub Issues for help and provides email contact for urgent cases.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Headquarters
Frankfurt am Main, GermanyRead 28 Sep 2026 · noscribe.de
Command line
Since version 0.7, noScribe provides a command-line interface that can be integrated into scripts.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Commercial use
The maker says users may use transcripts commercially without restrictions, while modifying the software is subject to GPL-3.0 terms.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Editing
A dedicated editor lets users review transcripts while aligning the text with audio playback.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
File support
The app can process almost any audio or video format.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Input and output
It supports almost any audio or video format and can export HTML, plain text, or WebVTT files.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
License and use
noScribe is released under GPL-3.0, and the maker says there are no restrictions on commercial use of transcripts created with it.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Linux availability
The download page says Linux binaries are not yet available for version 0.8 and directs users to version 0.7 or manual installation.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Models
The software uses Whisper-based transcription and pyannote for speaker recognition, and supports around 60 languages.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Open source
noScribe is free and open source under GPL-3.0.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Output formats
noScribe can create formatted HTML, plain text, or WebVTT subtitle files.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Performance
The maker estimates that transcribing a one-hour interview takes about one to three hours, with NVIDIA CUDA acceleration able to reduce processing time.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Research features
Users can mark pauses and overlapping speech, add timestamps, and choose whether to transcribe filler words and disfluencies.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Speaker identification
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · noscribe.de
System requirements
The current macOS version requires macOS 14 or later; Linux binaries are not yet available for version 0.8, while version 0.7 or manual installation is offered.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Transcript editing
An included editor lets users align audio and text to review and correct transcripts.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de
Transcription
The software uses Whisper-based models and supports speaker recognition and around 60 languages.Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de

Plans and prices

noScribe Free Free and open source · noScribe is free and will always remain so Read 11 Oct 2026 · noscribe.de

Every noScribe plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Audio and transcripts remain on the user's computer
  • Speaker recognition and around 60 languages
  • Editor aligns transcript text with audio playback
  • Exports HTML, plain text, and WebVTT
  • Transcripts may be used commercially without restrictions

Limits

  • One-hour interviews may take one to three hours
  • Linux binaries are not available for version 0.8
  • Current macOS requirement is version 14 or later

Who it suits

It suits researchers, journalists, and others working with interview or sensitive audio who want local transcription and transcript-editing tools. Users of older operating systems or Linux should check the stated version and installation constraints first.

Verdict

noScribe pairs local transcription with editing and research-oriented transcript controls, without sending audio or transcripts outside the computer. Its processing time and current Linux and macOS constraints are important to account for before choosing it.

Where Specifiction places it

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