What apps are there that are free and convert the voices from an audio file (or a video) to text?

I've been obsessed with voice input for years. I've used the following tools on my phone:

1. AudioPen

I like it for quick recordings. I think it is a good one for initial practice with speech to text writing. You can change the writing output easily (voice, length, tone, format). I was an early adopter so I got great pricing for the premium version which is now $99 per year. I don’t like the 15 minute time limit and inability to record while switching between apps. https://audiopen.ai

2. Otter

Great for conversations, but you can use it on a monologue too. I’m using Otter to write a course with a group with our virtual meeting transcripts. Paid Otter Pro version is $16.99 per month. https://otter.ai

3. Ultimate Brain Voice Notes

This is my favorite. It integrates with my Notion because I use Thomas Frank’s Ultimate Brain system for Notion. Takes more initial setup, but it's glorious for reducing my administrative burden and digital overwhelm. All I have to do is hit record from my phone, and the transcription shows up in my Notion notes inbox with an AI generated title and even follow up items and a summary. $30 per month for a paid Pipedream account, plus about $0.40/hour for voice recordings. I’m constantly using it. https://thomasjfrank.com/how-to-transcribe-audio-to-text-with-chatgpt-and-notion/

4. Gboard - using it now to write this post by dictating in real time. I use it on my phone to write some texts, emails, etc.

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I know I left out Dragon Nuance, the OG of dictation everyone says is the gold standard. I haven’t tried it yet. I think I might explore it next. $150 for year for Dragon Anywhere.

Any other favorite mobile speech-to-text apps you love for writing?

Hey everyone,

Well… we knew this day was coming.

With ElevenReader and a bunch of other AI voice apps moving to strict time limits or paid plans, I’m wondering if there are any truly 100% free text-to-speech reader apps for iOS still out there in 2025. I’m talking about apps that let you listen to articles, PDFs, or ebooks—without character/time caps, forced upgrades, or intrusive ads.

I’ve checked out some of the usual suspects, but most either:

•	Limit you to a couple hours or a set number of characters per week

•	Require a subscription for anything beyond basic use

•	Have a free tier that’s basically just a trial

I’m aware of a few options like:

•	Text to Speech! – Decent, but pretty basic and has some in-app purchases

•	Speak4Me – Free and supports sharing, but not sure about long-form reading

•	Nagish – Great for accessibility and phone calls, but not really for general reading

•	Speech Central – Free for small amounts of content, but unlimited use is a paid upgrade unless you’re blind and using VoiceOver

Are there any new or lesser-known apps that are actually unlimited and free for regular users? Or any creative workarounds (like using Shortcuts or web-based tools) that are still working well?

Would love to hear what’s working for you all in 2025!

Thanks!