Interpreter vs TurboScribe
Quick answer
TurboScribe transcribes audio and video files after you upload them. Record something, upload it, get a transcript back. Great for post-recording work.
Interpreter transcribes in real-time while you're on a call. You see the words as they're spoken, not after the call is over.
If you're an interpreter who needs to see what's being said during a call, TurboScribe won't help. It only works with files you upload after the fact.
What TurboScribe does
TurboScribe converts audio and video files to text. Upload an MP3 or MP4, get a transcript back. Fast processing via Whisper AI.
Good accuracy (they claim 99.8%), 98 languages, speaker recognition. Files up to 10 hours or 5GB. Batch upload 50 at once.
Free: 3 files per day, 30 min each. Unlimited: $10/month (annual) or $20/month (monthly).
What Interpreter does
Real-time, while you're on the call. Both speakers, both languages, on screen as words are spoken.
Medical call: Lisinopril 10mg, Metoprolol 25mg twice daily. On screen before you need to repeat it. No recording, no uploading, no waiting.
Two-way translation side by side. HIPAA compliant. $0.25-$0.40 per hour.
Feature comparison
| Feature | Interpreter | TurboScribe |
|---|---|---|
| Primary purpose | Live call transcription | File upload transcription |
| Real-time transcription | ||
| Works during calls | ||
| Two-way translation | ||
| File upload transcription | ||
| Languages | 60+ | 98 |
| Speaker identification | ||
| HIPAA compliant | Not specified | |
| No file storage |
Pricing comparison
Different pricing for different use cases:
$0.25–$0.40/hour
Polyglot Mini: $0.25/hr. Polyglot: $0.40/hr. Pay only for active call time.
$10–$20/month
$10/mo (annual) or $20/mo (monthly) for unlimited. Free: 3 files/day, 30 min each.
TurboScribe is cheaper for bulk file transcription. Interpreter is the only option if you need real-time during calls.
Choose TurboScribe if
- You have recordings you need transcribed after the fact
- You want to transcribe podcasts, interviews, or video files
- You need subtitles or captions for video content
- You don't need real-time transcription
Choose Interpreter if
- You're an interpreter who needs to see words during calls
- You need real-time transcription, not post-recording
- You want two-way translation between speakers
- You need HIPAA compliance for medical calls
- You don't want audio stored anywhere
The real question
Completely different tools.
TurboScribe: "Have a recording, need it transcribed." Upload, wait, get transcript.
Interpreter: "On a call right now, need to see what's being said." Words appear as spoken.
OPI work needs words during the call, not after. TurboScribe can't do that. Good tool, wrong job.