Spiik2
Apple Voice Memos
Already on your iPhone. It transcribes on iPhone 12 or later in supported languages, and you can search the transcripts and copy them out.
3
Otter
Live transcription with speaker identification, on phones, desktops and the web. Pro has 1,200 minutes a month and stops at 90 minutes per conversation.
4
What to look for
- Recording that survives real life. Check that it keeps recording with the phone locked, and that you can control it from the Lock Screen.
- Access to the audio. A transcript can mishear a name. If the app keeps your audio, you can tap the line and check.
- Limits you can live with. Look at both monthly minutes and length per recording, since these are often separate limits.
- A way out. Make sure you can export the transcript and the audio.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best voice recorder app for iPhone with transcription?
We recommend Spiik. It has a live transcript, speaker labels and 100+ languages, with no monthly minute cap on Pro. If you only want a basic free transcript, use Apple's Voice Memos.
Can I transcribe a recording I already made?
Yes. Spiik imports audio and video from Files and Photos, and accepts shares from Voice Memos and WhatsApp.
Sources
Competitor facts come from the public pages below, checked on October 31, 2026. Prices are US prices, change often and can vary by country and offer. We compare price, limits, features and platforms rather than accuracy percentages, because we know of no independent test that covers these apps side by side. Spotted something out of date? Email [email protected] and we will fix it.