Choose Whisper Web if…
- You want free transcription beyond a one-time trial
- You do not want to track minutes
- The file should stay in your browser
Choose Happy Scribe if…
- You need human proofreading
- You deliver broadcast subtitle formats such as STL or EDL
- You translate transcripts into many languages
Whisper Web vs Happy Scribe at a glance
| Feature | Whisper Web | Happy Scribe |
|---|---|---|
| Free for uploaded files | Whisper Web20 minutes and 200 MB per file, every time | Happy Scribe10 free minutes, one time |
| Paid plan | Whisper WebUS$20/mo or US$120/yr, no minute cap | Happy ScribeBasic US$17/mo for 120 minutes, or US$8.50/mo billed annually |
| Extra minutes | Whisper WebNot needed | Happy ScribeUS$0.20 a minute |
| Languages | Whisper Web99 | Happy Scribe150+ languages and dialects |
| Human proofreading | Whisper WebNot provided | Happy ScribeFrom US$2.00 a minute |
| Subtitle formats | Whisper WebSRT and VTT | Happy Scribe15+ on Pro, including STL, FCPXML and EDL |
| Translation | Whisper WebInto English | Happy ScribeAI translation into 80+ languages |
| Meeting notetaker | Whisper WebNot provided | Happy ScribeRecords Google Meet, Zoom and Teams |
Happy Scribe facts from its official pages, checked 8 Nov 2026. Confirm current plans on each site.
Price and free usage
Whisper Web
Free local mode transcribes files up to 20 minutes and 200 MB each in your browser, with no account. The file is not uploaded for transcription. Unlimited is US$20 a month or US$120 a year for cloud transcription of files up to 10 hours or 5 GB.
Happy Scribe
Free includes 10 one-time minutes for uploaded files. Basic is US$17 a month (US$8.50 billed annually) with 120 upload minutes a month; Pro is US$29 (US$19 annually) with 600; Business is US$89 (US$59 annually) with 6,000. Extra AI minutes cost US$0.20 each.
Verdict
If you transcribe a lot of audio, Whisper Web's flat plan avoids minute accounting, and short files are free. Happy Scribe's annual Basic plan is cheaper if 120 minutes a month is enough.
Subtitles and delivery formats
Whisper Web
Export SRT and VTT, plus TXT, Word and JSON. Edit text and timing before you download.
Happy Scribe
Basic exports TXT, SRT, PDF and DOCX; Pro and Business add 15+ formats, including VTT, STL, XML, FCPXML and EDL, and video export.
Verdict
For YouTube, web players and most editors, SRT and VTT are enough. For broadcast or Final Cut workflows, Happy Scribe's formats save a conversion step.
Where Happy Scribe is stronger
Human proofreading from US$2.00 a minute, 150+ AI languages and dialects, AI translation into 80+ languages, broadcast subtitle formats and a meeting notetaker. Whisper Web has none of these; it is a fast, private way to get a transcript or subtitle file.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best free Happy Scribe alternative?
Whisper Web: files up to 20 minutes and 200 MB are transcribed free in your browser every time, with no account. Happy Scribe's free plan gives 10 one-time minutes for uploads.
How much does Happy Scribe cost?
As listed on 8 Nov 2026: Basic US$17 a month or US$8.50 billed annually, Pro US$29 or US$19, Business US$89 or US$59, plus US$0.20 per extra AI minute.
Does Whisper Web offer human transcription?
No. Whisper Web uses AI only. For human-verified transcripts, Happy Scribe and Rev offer them.
Which subtitle formats does Whisper Web export?
SRT and VTT, plus TXT, Word and JSON for the transcript. Convert to other formats with the subtitle converter.