easytranscript vs Express Scribe

easytranscript is a desktop application for transcribing audio and video, with manual editing and AI-assisted automatic transcription. It runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, and supports common media formats and transcript text formats. The software detects speaker changes and lets users manage or change speakers while editing. Editing tools include automatic timestamps, word suggestions, autocorrection, customizable shortcuts, abbreviations, and support for rules such as GAT. Programmable footswitches control playback actions such as forward, rewind, and pause. It also records transcription time and estimates speed and remaining time. The free Test version supports manual transcription but does not include automatic transcription, transcript export, automatic backups, or saving. Students costs €5 a month; Professionals costs €72 a year. Both paid plans include transcript import and export, automatic backups and saving, and a one-time 30 free minutes of automatic transcription. Online audio is processed by Microsoft Azure and Gladia; Azure processing generally uses EU data centers, with possible exceptions outside the EU. Files and generated transcripts are deleted when no longer needed for their collection purpose, subject to legal retention requirements.

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.