py-webrtcvad
Don’t want to install py-webrtcvad? 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.
Python bindings for Google's WebRTC VAD.
Best for ultra-cheap VAD on low-power devices. Pricing: free.
What it is
A thin wrapper over the WebRTC VAD C library. MIT.
Watch out for: GMM-era accuracy — Silero VAD is generally better today.
Install / use
pip install webrtcvadWhat people actually do with py-webrtcvad-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 | Yes |
| Languages supported | 99 |
| HIPAA eligible | No |
Links
py-webrtcvad vs Whipscribe
| Feature | py-webrtcvad | Whipscribe |
|---|---|---|
| Category | Open source | Transcription APIs |
| Pricing | free | $6–$24 one-time packs (credits never expire) · first 20 minutes free |
| Speaker identification | No | Named in the summary, key quotes and chapters |
| Word timestamps | No | Yes |
| Streaming | Yes | No |
| Languages | 99 | 99 |
| Platforms | Linux, macOS, Windows | Web, API, MCP |
Alternatives to py-webrtcvad
Frequently asked about py-webrtcvad
Is py-webrtcvad free?
Yes. py-webrtcvad is free and open source.
Does py-webrtcvad work on Mac, Windows and Linux?
py-webrtcvad runs on Linux, macOS and Windows.
How do I install py-webrtcvad?
With pip: `pip install webrtcvad`. You need Python and, for most audio tools, ffmpeg on your PATH first.
How many languages does py-webrtcvad support?
py-webrtcvad lists 99 languages. That is the Whisper-family multilingual set, so quality varies by language — English and the large European languages are strongest.
Does py-webrtcvad identify different speakers?
No. py-webrtcvad 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 py-webrtcvad give word-level timestamps?
No — py-webrtcvad produces segment or sentence timing only, so subtitle cues can land mid-word.
Can py-webrtcvad transcribe live audio?
Yes — py-webrtcvad supports streaming / live input, not just finished files.
Is py-webrtcvad HIPAA compliant?
py-webrtcvad 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 py-webrtcvad?
GMM-era accuracy — Silero VAD is generally better today.
Who is py-webrtcvad best for?
Ultra-cheap VAD on low-power devices.
Does py-webrtcvad run offline?
py-webrtcvad runs on your own machine — it is open source, so nothing leaves the computer unless you configure it to.
Can I use py-webrtcvad in the browser?
No — py-webrtcvad is a Linux, macOS and Windows application, not a web app. You install it rather than sign in to it.
Where is the py-webrtcvad source code?
On GitHub at github.com/wiseman/py-webrtcvad. It is maintained by wiseman.
What kind of tool is py-webrtcvad?
In this directory py-webrtcvad is filed under vad, edge as a open-source tool.
What are the alternatives to py-webrtcvad?
There is a side-by-side page at /tools/py-webrtcvad-alternatives comparing py-webrtcvad with the closest tools in the same category on price, platform and features.
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