Would you like to work at home as a transcriptionist? Are you confused about the best transcription equipment for beginners?
Many workers dream of working from home as a transcriptionist, but not all of them are aware of how much equipment or software to buy.
Working at home as a transcriptionist is different than working in a brick and mortar setting, because you will be taking the transcription from your computer instead of from a person.
So, how much do you really need? What would the basics be?
What Are Some Major Pieces of Must-Have Tools For Transcriptionists?
Unless you are transcribing the one-minute and under transcription hits on Amazon Mechanical Turk, then you will probably want to invest money in buying a few items. Most transcribers need a:
- Reliable computer with a fast processor and enough storage
- USB, noise-canceling headset
- Transcription software – Express Scribe, oTranscribe, or FTW Transcriber
- USB foot pedal – Infinity is a popular brand
- Text expander software – TextExpander, PhraseExpress, or AutoHotkey
- Word processing software – MS Word or Google Docs
- High speed internet connection
- Noise reduction tools can be helpful for poor audio files – Audacity or Krisp AI
Below, we are touching on the most important tools to help you understand why you need them.
How Do I Select a Headset?
An article was already previously written and appeared on this blog about headsets. A good headset for transcription work should ensure clear audio, comfort, and minimal background noise.
There are many good options out there at all price points!
Noise-canceling is an important feature because it will help with your sound quality. You should also opt for a wired headset that plugs into your computer rather than wireless so your connectivity doesn't get interrupted.
That said, if you are someone who needs to get up and down a lot while you work, a wireless headset might make more sense for you.
A few good choices (all $30 or under) include:
- Koss KSC75 (affordable, clear sound, lightweight)
- Logitech H390 (USB, noise-canceling, padded comfort)
- Spectra USB Transcription Headset (designed specifically for transcription work)
What Are Good Transcription Software Packages?
For traditional transcription work, many professionals rely on Express Scribe by NCH Software.
Unlike AI-powered tools, Express Scribe is designed specifically for manual transcription, offering features like foot pedal compatibility, playback speed control, and hotkeys to make the process smoother.
It supports various audio formats and integrates well with text expander tools, and so for these reasons it is a top choice for freelance transcribers and professional transcriptionists.
Why Should You Invest in a Good Foot Pedal?
Imagine you're watching a video and need to pause, rewind, and play it over and over while writing everything down. Now, imagine doing that with your hands on a keyboard—constantly stopping, clicking the mouse, and restarting.
Sounds frustrating, right?
That's where a foot pedal comes in! Instead of using your hands to pause and rewind, you control the audio with your foot, just like pressing the gas pedal in a car.
This means your hands stay on the keyboard, and you can type faster and smoother without stopping all the time. It is a must-have for professional transcribers. Because the faster you go, the more you are making per hour.
Infinity makes a high-quality foot pedal that many transcribers use. It's highly-rated on Amazon.
What is a Text Expander and Why Do You Need It?
A text expander is like a magic shortcut for typing. Instead of writing the same long words or sentences over and over, you type a tiny shortcut, and the computer instantly fills in the full text for you.
For example, if you type “addr”, the text expander can automatically turn it into “123 Main Street, Springfield, IL 62704”. Or if you type “tyvm”, it can change it to “Thank you very much!” without you having to type it all out.
This helps you type way faster, avoid mistakes, and save time, especially if you do a lot of transcription or repetitive typing.
As mentioned above, TextExpander, PhraseExpress, or AutoHotkey are all three good choices for this.
To Sum Up
I hope this post has helped you better understand what you need for your transcription career!
Keep in mind you may not need to rush out and buy transcription headsets and foot pedals, or transcription software, unless you've been hired by a company. Many people wait until they have the work before buying the equipment.
Also, it's a good idea to check with the company you are working for to be sure they don't have special requirements for the equipment you need to use prior to purchasing anything.
Want to Know More About Work at Home Transcription and How to Get Started?
If you don't know a lot about transcribing from home, I recommend Transcription Foundations – a free 7-lesson mini-course that teaches you all about general transcription, how much you can earn, where to find work, and more!
The course is entirely go at your own pace, and you'll receive details via your email! Everything is done at home, from your computer.
Go here to learn more about what the free course offers.
Leisa Good has worked in the corporate world as well as side hustled and operated a virtual assistant business full-time since 2006.. She wrote the eBook on that one! She is also a PFYP certified career coach and the owner of the blog, Powerfully Purposed For Success. She empowers folks 50-ish to find fun, flexible, and financially rewarding work both now and into retirement. However, this time it will be work/life on their terms.