Fully local processing
Transcribes audio locally so files stay on your computer, which the README presents as the product’s main privacy and security benefit.
EchoTranscribe
EchoTranscribe is an open-source desktop app for local audio transcription using Whisper models. It keeps files on-device, supports batch transcription, and exports transcripts as TXT, SRT, or JSON.
Open-source local audio transcription
EchoTranscribe is an open-source desktop app for audio transcription built on local AI. It uses Whisper models to convert speech to text while keeping audio files on the user’s machine, which positions it as a privacy-focused option for offline transcription workflows.
The app is packaged as a cross-platform Tauri desktop application with a Python backend and a React/TypeScript frontend. The README presents it as suitable for single-file transcription, batch processing, transcript review, and export to common formats such as TXT, SRT, and JSON.
Core features
Whisper model selection
Uses Whisper-based models for transcription, with model-size choices such as Tiny, Base, Small, and Medium described in the README.
Batch transcription
Handles multiple audio files in one session and supports batch transcription with per-file progress tracking.
Multiple audio formats
Supports MP3, WAV, FLAC, M4A, OGG, and WebM input files, with the README listing a 500 MB max size for each.
Precise timestamps
Shows word-level timestamps to help users navigate transcripts and review specific parts of the audio.
Flexible export options
Exports results to TXT, SRT, or JSON and allows both individual and batch export flows.
Common use cases
Private one-off transcription
Use EchoTranscribe to turn a single recording into text while keeping the audio file local on your machine.
Batch transcription
Process several recordings in one run and review progress file by file, which fits recurring transcription workloads.
Timestamped transcript review
Review transcripts with word-level timestamps when you need to jump back to a specific section of the audio.
Multi-format export
Export the finished transcript in TXT, SRT, or JSON depending on whether you need plain text, subtitle-style output, or structured data.
Cross-platform desktop use
Run the app on Windows, macOS, or Linux for local transcription without relying on a hosted service.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Keeps audio files local for privacy-focused transcription.
- Supports batch transcription instead of only one file at a time.
- Offers word-level timestamps for transcript navigation.
- Exports to TXT, SRT, and JSON.
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Cons
- The documentation provided does not describe cloud sync, collaboration, or third-party integrations.
- Some setup steps require Node.js, Python, and Rust, so development or local build workflows are not one-click simple.
FAQ
What platforms does EchoTranscribe support?
Yes. The README says you can run the app on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
What output formats can it export?
The README shows TXT, SRT, and JSON as export options, both for individual files and batch exports.
How do you set it up?
The quick start uses Node.js, Python, and Rust for development, and the backend runs locally with the Tauri desktop app.
Who is it best suited for?
The product is aimed at local transcription work. The source emphasizes privacy, secure local processing, and support for batch transcription and word-level timestamps.
Does it integrate with external services?
No integrations are documented in the provided sources. The available documentation focuses on local file transcription and export rather than third-party connectors.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Desktop transcription app
- Source domain
- github.com
- License
- Open source
- Platform
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Primary workflow
- Local speech-to-text from audio files
- Pricing
- Free to use on GitHub; GitHub also offers paid platform plans
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