Express Scribe
Don’t want to install Express Scribe? Drop the file here.
The first 20 minutes of any recording are transcribed free: a recording up to 20 minutes transcribes in full, a longer one is previewed, and a pack from $6 (500 minutes) transcribes the rest and opens every export, and credits never expire.
Long-standing transcription playback software with foot pedal support.
Best for professional human transcriptionists who need foot-pedal control and queue management. Pricing: free / Pro one-time license.
What it is
Express Scribe is the de facto standard playback software for professional transcriptionists. Supports USB foot pedals, audio playback at variable speed, and basic AI transcription on Pro.
Watch out for: Aging UI; targeted at human transcription workflows, not AI.
Install / use
nch.com.au/scribe — free + Pro
What people actually do with Express Scribe-style transcription
The tool is the means. These are the jobs — each one priced at published rates, each one wired up on its own page.
Features
| Speaker diarization | No |
| Word-level timestamps | No |
| Streaming / real-time | No |
| Languages supported | 10 |
| HIPAA eligible | No |
Express Scribe vs Whipscribe
| Feature | Express Scribe | Whipscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Desktop apps | Transcription APIs |
| Pricing | free / Pro one-time license | $6–$24 one-time packs (credits never expire) · first 20 minutes free |
| Speaker identification | — | Named in the summary, key quotes and chapters |
| Word timestamps | — | Yes |
| Streaming | — | No |
| Languages | 10 | 99 |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS | Web, API, MCP |
Alternatives to Express Scribe
Frequently asked about Express Scribe
Is Express Scribe free?
Yes. Express Scribe is free (free / Pro one-time license).
Does Express Scribe work on Mac, Windows and Linux?
Express Scribe runs on Windows and macOS. It is not listed for other platforms; check the vendor for anything beyond Windows and macOS.
How do I get started with Express Scribe?
There is nothing to install — Express Scribe is used in the browser. Create an account on the vendor's site and upload or connect your audio.
How many languages does Express Scribe support?
Express Scribe lists 10 languages.
Does Express Scribe identify different speakers?
No. Express Scribe does not label speakers; a conversation comes back as one continuous text. If you need speaker labels, that is a separate tool or a different service.
Does Express Scribe give word-level timestamps?
No — Express Scribe produces segment or sentence timing only, so subtitle cues can land mid-word.
Can Express Scribe transcribe live audio?
No — Express Scribe works on finished files, not a live stream.
Is Express Scribe HIPAA compliant?
Express Scribe does not claim HIPAA compliance. For PHI, run it on infrastructure you control or choose a service that will sign a BAA.
What are the limitations of Express Scribe?
Aging UI; targeted at human transcription workflows, not AI.
Who is Express Scribe best for?
Professional human transcriptionists who need foot-pedal control and queue management.
Does Express Scribe run offline?
Express Scribe runs on your own machine as a desktop app. Check whether the model runs locally or calls a cloud service — some desktop tools do both.
Can I use Express Scribe in the browser?
No — Express Scribe is a Windows and macOS application, not a web app. You install it rather than sign in to it.
Who makes Express Scribe?
Express Scribe is made by NCH Software.
What kind of tool is Express Scribe?
In this directory Express Scribe is filed under desktop as a desktop app.
What are the alternatives to Express Scribe?
There is a side-by-side page at /tools/express-scribe-alternatives comparing Express Scribe with the closest tools in the same category on price, platform and features.
Whipscribe is a hosted transcription service. If you want transcripts without running infrastructure, paste a URL or drop a file in the form below — you'll have a transcript in seconds.
Transcribe your recordings
Using Express Scribe today? Send your next recording here and compare the transcript. Transcribe any language, any recording · Transcription services from $0.29 an hour · Transcribe from any meeting or recording platform · How to transcribe, step by step
Explore
All transcription tools · By language · By platform · By file format · How-to guides · Transcription services · Transcription API · Pricing
Have the recording already?
Skip the setup and send the file or the link: see transcribing a long MP3 or M4A, how to transcribe a podcast and the SRT file generator.
Comparing tools before you pay?
If you would rather pay a service than run software yourself: see how the best transcription services compare, the cheapest way to transcribe an hour of audio and how our transcription services work.