Amazon Transcribe vs Google Cloud Speech-to-Text
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. Amazon Transcribe starts at See pricing page and Google Cloud Speech-to-Text starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Google's speech recognition API with Chirp models in 100+ languages
FreemiumAt a glance
Best for
Category
Pricing model
Starting price
Free plan
Made by
Based in
Rating
Key features
- Batch and streaming transcription
- Speaker identification
- Custom vocabulary
- PII redaction
- Call Analytics
- Medical transcription
- Chirp speech models
- Streaming recognition
- Speaker diarization
- Model adaptation
- 100+ languages
| Feature | Amazon Transcribe | Google Cloud Speech-to-Text |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | AWS speech-to-text service for apps, calls and media | Google's speech recognition API with Chirp models in 100+ languages |
| Category | Audio & voice | Audio & voice |
| Pricing model | Freemium | Freemium |
| Starting price | See pricing page | See pricing page |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Made by | Amazon Web Services | |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Pricing compared
Amazon Transcribe starts at See pricing page and Google Cloud Speech-to-Text starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Free plan
Cheapest paid plan
Top plan
Free trial
2 plans
Free Tier
Free
- 60 minutes per month
- First 12 months
Standard
$0.024 / min (first tier)
- Billed per second, no minimum
- Tiered rates drop with volume
- Batch and streaming
Prices in USD, checked Oct 28, 2026 or later. Plans change often, so confirm on each tool's site before you buy.
Pros and cons
Amazon Transcribe
- Integrates with the AWS stack
- Contact center features built in
- Scales to large volumes
- Setup needs AWS knowledge
- Accuracy trails specialist APIs
Google Cloud Speech-to-Text
- Huge language coverage
- Strong Chirp accuracy
- Monthly free tier
- Complex pricing and versions
- Requires a Google Cloud project
Which one should you choose?
Choose Amazon Transcribe if you want:
- Integrates with the AWS stack
- Contact center features built in
- Scales to large volumes
Watch out: setup needs aws knowledge.
Choose Google Cloud Speech-to-Text if you want:
- Huge language coverage
- Strong Chirp accuracy
- Monthly free tier
Watch out: complex pricing and versions.
Amazon Transcribe vs Google Cloud Speech-to-Text FAQ
What is the difference between Amazon Transcribe and Google Cloud Speech-to-Text?
Amazon Transcribe: AWS speech-to-text service for apps, calls and media. Google Cloud Speech-to-Text: Google's speech recognition API with Chirp models in 100+ languages. Both are audio & voice tools.
Is Amazon Transcribe or Google Cloud Speech-to-Text cheaper?
Amazon Transcribe starts at See pricing page and Google Cloud Speech-to-Text starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do Amazon Transcribe and Google Cloud Speech-to-Text have free plans?
Amazon Transcribe: Yes. Google Cloud Speech-to-Text: Yes.
Who makes Amazon Transcribe?
Amazon Transcribe is made by Amazon Web Services, based in United States.
Who makes Google Cloud Speech-to-Text?
Google Cloud Speech-to-Text is made by Google, based in United States.
Which should I choose, Amazon Transcribe or Google Cloud Speech-to-Text?
Choose Amazon Transcribe if you value integrates with the aws stack and contact center features built in. Choose Google Cloud Speech-to-Text if you value huge language coverage and strong chirp accuracy.