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Plain Scribe

PlainScribe transcribes and translates audio/video. No subscription, pay as you go.

Checked 5 Oct 2026 Reviewed by Alex Listed since August 2024

Screenshot of Plain Scribe

At a glance

Starts at $4 per audio hour Price as published by the vendor, September 2026.
Free tier Yes, limited
Platforms Web
Best for Freelancers, independent researchers
Not for Businesses with large audio libraries

4.0 out of 5

Scored by Alex after real use

Our verdict

PlainScribe is great for those needing flexible transcription without commitments. If you need constant access or want a monthly plan, this might not be ideal.

✓What it does well

Multi-language supportTranscribes in up to 47 languages automatically.
Auto-deletion of transcriptsAll transcripts auto-delete after 30 days for privacy.
No upfront commitmentTop up credits only when needed, no monthly plans to cancel.

✕Where it falls short

Limited free minutesStarts with just 30 free minutes before paying.
High cost per minute for long transcriptions$4 per hour or $0.067 per minute can add up quickly.
No desktop app included in base priceDesktop app is an additional ~$50 purchase if needed for sensitive files.

Key features

AI summaries and subtitlesOffers AI generated summaries alongside transcripts.
Automatic language detectionIdentifies languages automatically without manual input.
Transcripts auto-delete after 30 daysAutomatically removes transcriptions to ensure privacy and prevent data retention.
Desktop AppOption for offline transcription

Questions about Plain Scribe

What does Plain Scribe do?

Plain Scribe transcribes and translates audio and video on the web. The vendor says it transcribes in up to 47 languages with automatic language detection, and it offers AI-generated summaries and subtitles alongside each transcript.

How much does Plain Scribe cost?

Plain Scribe uses pay-as-you-go pricing with no subscription, starting at $4 per audio hour, or $0.067 per minute. Users top up credits only when needed. The reviewer notes that this rate can add up quickly for long transcriptions.

Is there a free version of Plain Scribe?

Plain Scribe has a limited free tier that starts with 30 free minutes of transcription before payment is needed. After that, users buy credits as they go rather than signing up for a monthly plan they would need to cancel.

Does Plain Scribe store transcripts?

Not permanently. Plain Scribe automatically deletes all transcripts after 30 days for privacy, to prevent data retention. For sensitive files, an optional desktop app offers offline transcription, but it costs about $50 extra and is not included in the base price.

Who is Plain Scribe best for?

Plain Scribe suits freelancers and independent researchers who want flexible transcription without commitments. The reviewer says it may not be ideal for anyone who needs constant access or prefers a monthly plan, and Toolio marks it as not for businesses with large audio libraries. It scores 4.0 out of 5.

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