Head to head / AI Transcription

OpenAI Whisper API vs Speechmatics

The verdict
  • Both are close on the numbers we track; compare the details below.
ComparedOpenAI Whisper APISpeechmatics
Starting price$0.13/hr
Free tier
Visit OpenAI Whisper APIVisit Speechmatics

Feature by feature

FeatureOpenAI Whisper APISpeechmatics
Languages90+56+
APIYesYes (core product)
Real-timeNoYes
Speaker labelsNoYes (diarization)
Export formatsJSON, TXT, SRT, VTTJSON, TXT, SRT
Human optionNoNo

OpenAI Whisper API

Developers who want cheap, accurate multilingual batch transcription with a dead-simple API.

  • +Strong multilingual accuracy across 90+ languages
  • +Very low price per minute
  • +Built-in translation to English
  • +Newer gpt-4o-transcribe models available

Speechmatics

Teams and developers needing accurate, accent-robust transcription with on-prem and enterprise deployment options.

  • +Strong accuracy across accents and dialects
  • +Speaker diarization and custom dictionary included
  • +Generous free tier (~50 hours/month)
  • +Real-time and batch, plus on-prem deployment

Compared on the metrics we track for this category. Prices are the cheapest paid tier. Some links are affiliate links.