mercuryScribe vs Pepys

mercuryScribe is a locally run web interface for transcribing audio and video, with transcript editing and document export. It uses Faster Whisper for speech transcription and pyannote models to distinguish speakers. Users can edit transcripts in a browser, save changes as VTT files, and generate HTML or DOCX files containing speaker names and timestamps. The FAQ says audio, transcripts, and metadata are not sent to external services; the models are obtained from Hugging Face. Users need a Hugging Face access token and must accept terms for the required models. MAXQDA support is included by default, and custom integrations can be developed. The maker documents Docker, Windows package, and Python package installation options. The software is free and open source under the MIT license for personal, academic, or commercial use, and is listed for Linux, macOS, Windows, and web. The maker describes it as built for researchers and also suitable for journalists, podcasters, organizations, educators, accessibility groups, and professionals. Professional services include installation help, training, workshops, and private server setup with GPUs.

Pepys converts uploaded audio, video, links, cloud recordings, and podcast feeds into searchable, timestamped transcripts. It transcribes in 99 or more languages with automatic language detection. Each transcript may include an AI summary, key moments or chapters, translation, and chat answers linked to timestamps. Supported inputs include MP3, WAV, M4A, MP4, and MOV, plus links from YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and podcast RSS. Exports cover TXT, Markdown, DOCX, PDF, SRT, VTT, and JSON, with timestamps retained in subtitle files. Integrations include Google Drive, OneDrive, Zoom, Telegram, Chrome, ChatGPT, and Claude; Pepys also offers a direct API and MCP server. API and integration use consume transcription credits without per-seat fees, subscriptions, or credit expiration. The Forever Free plan includes signup and demo minutes, while pay-as-you-go costs $0.85, paid once purchase. Source media is automatically purged after 30 days, while transcripts and exports remain.