Best Transcription Companies in the UK
Once you’ve decided that you need a transcription company, you are met with a dizzying abundance of providers. And, obviously, you want to find the best possible option for you.
We hope to make your life a bit easier by helping you to uncover the best match for your requirements from the top UK transcription companies available.
When it comes to selecting the right audio transcription company, you will consider the accuracy of the output, the time it will take and the price. However, security of your data, ease of use and the types of transcription available should also play an important role in your decision.
Most of us don’t have the time to invest in reading the details on a dozen company websites. So, luckily, we have a shortcut for you. Here is our list of the best transcription companies in the UK, 2022 edition. This will give you a leg up when it comes to making the right choice.
Types of UK Transcription Companies
Before diving into the various Transcription Services, there is some context which is helpful to understand. First, automatic speech to text software solutions (ASR) and human-based transcription companies are fundamentally different when it comes to both cost and quality.
This list will focus on human transcription companies. If you want to learn more about the difference between the two, read our guide to why human transcription services are worth the cost.
Second, like many industries, some UK transcription companies use offshore workers, and the ‘location’ of a company does not actually tell you that much about the location of their workforce. There are certain regulatory liabilities (specifically related to GDPR and the UK version of the GDPR in domestic law) that impact all UK-based transcription companies to the benefit of their clients. But, for those of you who are security-conscious, it is worth looking for transcription companies with a local workforce in order to access the highest possible assurances.
Disclaimer – all information was correct at time of publishing. X in the table below indicates that the service does not comply or that this information is not available through their website at the time of writing.
This blog aims to provide you with some basic information. It is not legal, security or technical advice and should not be relied on as such. Please seek professional advice where required.
UK Transcription Companies – Quick Comparison:
Take Note
Secure, High Quality and Guaranteed Delivery Times
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 5/5
Take Note has a team of 600 UK-based transcribers and offers guaranteed turnaround times and a minimum of 99% accuracy. Their significant investment in data security, including a completely online process and the tightest compliance standards, means your data is safe. Take Note’s personal customer service is also a highlight, with clients being able to reach the account management team 24/7. Their guaranteed delivery times start from as quick as 3hrs and apply for any project of any size.
As well as Verbatim transcriptions, Detailed Notes are available which are a form of transcript summary. It’s more focused and easier for you to review, without losing any of the meaningful content. You still get your participant responses in full, but transcribers summarise your questions and remove any off-topic small talk. Very helpful for focus group transcription.
In addition, they offer in-person onsite live notetaking services which can be ideal for company meetings or if an impartial third party is necessary.
- Instant online quotes
- Guaranteed delivery times
- Best in class data security
- UK based (UK only transcribers)
- World-class customer service (85+ NPS)
On-Time and Accurate
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5
Transcriptdivas.com was started by a typist, Andrew Dodson.
They are a small typing company based in the US, with a UK office and transcribers spread internationally. Their pricing is calculated by the minute plus a surcharge for your required turnaround time, with a 24-hour turnaround costing you the most per minute at £1.40.
Offering 98% accuracy depending on the quality of the recording and a refund when files are returned late.
- US-Based (Offshore Transcribers)
- On-time promise
- Accuracy promise
- 14 day, “200% guarantee”
Proven Track Record
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 4/5
McGowan Transcription Company was founded back in 1993, and has thrived ever since, becoming a popular transcription company in the UK for those looking for a traditional method. If they have space on the schedule they always aim for a 24-hour turnaround.
Once they have your email address they will set you up on the system and send you a link via email. Once a transcription project has been confirmed via email or telephone you can start uploading.
- UK based
- Always aim for a 24-hour turnaround
- Secure FTP upload via Global Lounge
- Members of the MRS and AQR
Cheap Offshore Transcription
Rating: ⭐⭐ 2/5
Cheap and fast turnarounds make GoTranscript a popular choice in the UK. Their offshore transcriber base of over 20,000 gives them the ability to complete orders quickly (if data security is not a concern as they do use transcribers across the world).
They also offer bulk-order discounts that make them an increasingly cost-effective solution the more audio files you need transcribing.
- Scotland based (offshore transcribers)
- Very cheap
- Transcription & translation
- Online ordering and file uploads
Efficient and Competitive
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5
For the past 7 years, London Transcription has been providing a range of transcription and proofreading. Their focus is in healthcare, legal, education and media sectors.
This team of UK based typists are highly skilled at what they do which is what allows London Transcription to provide the quality they have become known for. They also charge per minute of audio content, which scales according to your required turnaround time.
- London-based with British transcribers
- Scientific and academic proofreading
- Online file upload
UK Based Transcription company with Academic Credentials
Rating: ⭐⭐ 2/5
Concentrating on interview and academic transcripts, UK transcription has a background that should place them high on your list if you are looking for a transcription company specialising in those sectors.
Based in Brighton, they also do not outsource to any overseas transcribers giving you peace of mind that the strictest security measures are in place. However, their support is only available from 9.30-5.30.
- 100% UK based
- 1hr quote
- Academic transcript expertise
Transparent Pricing
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ 3/5
At a higher price than the industry standard, Way with Words focuses on personalised projects, charging a flat fee regardless of accents, sound quality or the number of speakers.
They also offer custom transcriptions for clients that are using speech-to-text engines. Although this software can help with simple transcriptions, it’s not always accurate in settings with a larger number of speakers, but Way With Words can help to edit and make them more accurate transcriptions.
- International transcribers
- 99%+ accuracy
- Machine transcription polishing
Responsive and Secure with a Variety of Options
Rating: ⭐⭐ 2/5
Dictate2us have been running since 2006 and have a range of options focused around transcription and translation but also include interpretation, copy-typing, proofreading, editing and voice-overs.
Focused on transcriptions for dictations, meetings, lectures and interviews.
- Round the clock support
- d2u Transcriber app for recording and transcription requests
- Free trial available
- Strong security credentials
Picking the Transcription Company That is Right For You
Finding the best transcription company for you starts with assessing your own needs. If you need error-free transcripts or have a complex/poor quality recording, you want to look for a company with a track record and industry-specific experience. You’ll likely need transcription companies that offer proofreading services.
All in all, there’s a transcription company out there for everyone, you just need to know what your priorities are.
