kitio.aiAssemblyAI vs Google Cloud Speech-to-Text
A side-by-side look at pricing plans, free tiers, features, pros and cons, updated for 2026. AssemblyAI 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 diarization
- PII redaction
- Sentiment and topic detection
- LLM features over transcripts
- Chirp speech models
- Streaming recognition
- Speaker diarization
- Model adaptation
- 100+ languages
| Feature | AssemblyAI | Google Cloud Speech-to-Text |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Speech AI API for transcription, diarization and audio understanding | 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 | AssemblyAI | |
| Based in | United States | United States |
| Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Key features |
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Both offer: Speaker diarization.
Pricing compared
AssemblyAI 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
3 plans
Free
Free
- Try the API for free
- No commitment
Pay as you go
$0.21 / hr (Universal-3.5 Pro)
- Universal-2 at $0.15/hr
- Streaming from $0.45/hr
- Add-ons billed per hour
Custom
Custom
- Custom rate limits
- Higher concurrency
- Enterprise-grade flexibility
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
AssemblyAI
- High accuracy on English
- Rich analysis features
- Clear documentation
- Add-on features cost extra
- No end-user app
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 AssemblyAI if you want:
- High accuracy on English
- Rich analysis features
- Clear documentation
Watch out: add-on features cost extra.
Choose Google Cloud Speech-to-Text if you want:
- Huge language coverage
- Strong Chirp accuracy
- Monthly free tier
Watch out: complex pricing and versions.
AssemblyAI vs Google Cloud Speech-to-Text FAQ
What is the difference between AssemblyAI and Google Cloud Speech-to-Text?
AssemblyAI: Speech AI API for transcription, diarization and audio understanding. Google Cloud Speech-to-Text: Google's speech recognition API with Chirp models in 100+ languages. Both are audio & voice tools.
Is AssemblyAI or Google Cloud Speech-to-Text cheaper?
AssemblyAI starts at See pricing page and Google Cloud Speech-to-Text starts at See pricing page. Check both pricing pages for current plans.
Do AssemblyAI and Google Cloud Speech-to-Text have free plans?
AssemblyAI: Yes. Google Cloud Speech-to-Text: Yes.
Who makes AssemblyAI?
AssemblyAI is made by AssemblyAI, 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, AssemblyAI or Google Cloud Speech-to-Text?
Choose AssemblyAI if you value high accuracy on english and rich analysis features. Choose Google Cloud Speech-to-Text if you value huge language coverage and strong chirp accuracy.