Cockatoo com is a transcription & subtitle service. It lets you transcribe only 2 files or the first 30 minutes.
Cockatoo has many limitations for example you can’t add videos from external sources e.g. YouTube, Google Drive etc.
These are the best alternatives to Cockatoo.
- ListenMonster
- HappyScribe
- Veed
- Trint
- AmberScript
- Filmora
ListenMonster: Best Free Alternative
ListenMonster is a free transcription service – powered by OpenAI (ChatGPT parent company). It simply means the highest accuracy while transcriptions.
ListenMonster is free and no login sign-up is required. Simply upload your files and transcribe them. You can transcribe content in 99 languages. It also lets you translate your media files.
Pros
- Try for Free
- Easy-to-use User interface
- No account required
- Export Result SRT or TXT
- Highly Accurate
Cons
- Subtitle tool not a Complete Video Editor
- Long lines in timestamps – Not Suitable for Tiktok/Reel videos
| Free | Pro User- $67/lifetime |
|---|---|
| Max 50 MB file | Max 1 GB file |
| 120 minutes/month | 600 minutes/month |
| Remove Background Noise | |
| Paste Links to Transcribe ( Google Drive, Soundcloud, etc) | |
| Export Video with captions (3 Videos/month) | Export Video with captions (30 Videos/month) |
| Trending Video Caption templates |
Other Paid Alternatives to Cockatoo
The following transcription services are not free. However, if you are looking for more features then you can try these alternatives.
HappyScribe: More Than Just Transcription
HappyScribe is a transcription service that offers a range of features beyond just converting speech to text. While it does provide your only one transcription for free, it’s worth noting that the process can take some time. So, if you’re in a hurry, this might not be the quickest option.
Backend Technology
One of the standout features of HappyScribe is its backend operations, powered by AWS API. This ensures a stable and reliable service, which is crucial when you’re dealing with important transcriptions. However, it is not very accurate.
Variety of Output Formats
HappyScribe goes the extra mile by offering a variety of output formats for both transcription and subtitles. This flexibility allows you to choose the format that best suits your project, whether it’s for a video, podcast, or presentation.
In-Platform Video Editing
What really sets HappyScribe apart from the competition is its in-platform video editing feature. You can directly add subtitles to your videos within the platform. Moreover, you have the freedom to customize the font, color, and size of the subtitles to match the style of your video.
Paid Plans
For those who require more features, HappyScribe offers a paid plan starting at $17. This plan includes 2 hours of transcription and also provides the option for human transcription services, adding an extra layer of accuracy to your projects.
Veed: More Than Just Transcription
Veed.io started as a cloud-based video editor but has expanded its offerings to include transcription services. While it does offer free transcription, be aware that exporting those transcriptions is a paid feature.
Backend Technology
Veed.io’s transcription service appears to be powered by reliable backend technologies like AWS or Azure APIs. This ensures a stable and dependable service, especially important for professional projects.
Versatility in Features
What sets Veed.io apart is its versatility. It’s not just a transcription tool; it’s a complete video editor. You can record videos directly on the platform and even use pre-made templates to give your videos a professional touch.
Limitations on Free Plan
While the platform initially had no restrictions on its free plan, they’ve since added some limitations. For instance, exporting transcriptions is now a paid feature, and you should also expect a watermark on your results if you’re using the free plan.
Why Choose Veed.io?
Veed is an all-in-one solution for video editing and transcription. Its range of features makes it a good fit for those who are looking for more than just a simple transcription service.
Trint: Simple Yet Effective
This website is very similar to the Cockatoo. Trint may not have the flashiest website or the most modern design, but it offers a solid user experience. It provides a 7-day free trial, allowing you to transcribe up to 3 files, although it might take some time to get the job done.
Multiple Upload Options
Trint offers a variety of ways to upload your files. You can upload directly from your computer, use Google Drive, or even record within the platform itself. Got a video link? Trint can handle that too.
Caption Format
When it comes to captions, Trint keeps it straightforward by offering only the SRT format. This makes it easier for users who don’t want to get bogged down with multiple format options.
Pricing
Trint’s paid plans start at $60 per month, which allows you to transcribe up to 7 files. If you need more, their next tier is priced at $75 per month and offers unlimited transcriptions.
AmberScript: Flexibility at a Price
AmberScript stands out for offering both machine-generated and human-made transcriptions. With a 10-minute free trial, you can test the waters before diving into a paid plan.
Multiple Upload Options
Uploading files is a breeze with AmberScript. Whether you’re using your computer, cloud storage, or a URL, the platform accommodates various upload methods.
Manual Timestamps
One thing to keep in mind is that AmberScript doesn’t automatically insert multiple timestamps. You’ll need to manually move your cursor and hit the enter key to create new timestamps, which may not be ideal for everyone.
Pricing
When it comes to cost, AmberScript charges $8 per hour for machine-generated transcriptions or subtitles. While not the cheapest option out there, the service offers a blend of quality and flexibility that many users may find appealing.
Wondershare Filmora
Filmora is the best Veed alternative if you prefer Desktop Video editing software instead of cloud-based.
Wondershare developed Filmora specifically for YouTube creators. Filmora is available at a one-time price, unlike Veed which is a subscription. The free version will watermark your results.
Filmora does not transcription or subtitle feature. The Wondershare team developed an extra Add-on for Filmora Speech-to-text, it is basically AWS API. It offers only the first 30 minutes for free.
Pros
- Desktop Software
- All Crucial editing features from masking to Background remover
- Advance Customization
Cons
- No Build-in templates
- Similar Accuracy, not better.
Filmora offers features like custom masking, advanced keyframe etc. that Veed do not offer. Filmora has integrated free stock media libraries such as Pixabay, Pexels, and Giphy to get stock footage inside the editor.
Final Words
Transcribing audio and video can be incredibly useful but also time-consuming without the right tools. Paid services like Cockatoo offer automated transcription, and the free alternative ListenMonster provide similar capabilities without the cost.
Other transcriptions tools HappyScribe, Veed, Trint, AmberScript, and Filmora Offer more features such as directly transcribing YouTube videos etc. Each has its own pros and cons to consider, but overall they present a free option for getting text from audio or video files.
