Express Scribe vs pmTrans
Express Scribe
nch.com.aupmTrans
github.comSide by side
| Figure | Express Scribe | pmTrans |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 8 | 0 |
| Spec score · Transcription Software | 9.2 (#1) | 7.0 (#43) |
| Spec score · AI transcription tools | 9.3 (#3) | 6.8 (#43) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| License | The EULA reserves copyright to NCH Software, distributes the software as-is and grants a proprietary license rather than an open-source license. | The repository lists an LGPL-3.0 license. |
| Purpose | Express Scribe is a professional audio player designed to help transcribe audio recordings. | pmTrans describes itself as an open-source tool for interview transcriptions. |
| Support | The maker provides video tutorials, file and format help, controller setup guidance, FAQs, and a link to contact technical support. | The README points users to a Facebook page for questions, feedback, and comments. |
| Timestamp support | Yes | Users can insert timestamps anywhere in the transcription text. |
Plans
Express Scribe
- FreeFree
- Professional QuarterlyPrice not published
- Basic AnnualPrice not published
- Professional AnnualPrice not published
- Express Scribe FreeFree
- Express Scribe Professional Quarterly Plan$26.49 a month
- Express Scribe Basic Annual Plan$79.99 a year
- Express Scribe Professional Annual Plan$99 a year
In their own words
Express Scribe
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.