--- title: "The FTW Transcriber Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra" description: "Is The FTW Transcriber the right Transcription solution for you? Explore 94 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/p/102854/The-FTW-Transcriber/reviews/" page_type: "reviews" language: "en" publication_date: "2026-10-19" --- The FTW Transcriber 4.7 (94) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated October 19th, 2026 # Reviews of The FTW Transcriber Ease of use 4.7 Customer Service 4.5 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews KR Katrina R Digital TranscriptionExecutive Office, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The timecoding feature is absolutely essential and I love that you can change the setup of how the timecode is displayed in your document.“ April 9, 2024 MT Mollie T Legal TranscriptionistLegal Services, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The one thing I really hate about this player is you cannot use your keypad when using this player because they have assigned certain numbers, like 8 or 5 or 2, to a hot key function. “ August 10, 2024 Rose R TranscriptionExecutive Office, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “Works better than any other transcription system.“ January 3, 2026 MT Mollie T Legal TranscriptionistLegal Services, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I use my keypad a lot while typing, and I absolutely hate this feature and wish they would do away with it completely, or give an option to opt out of this feature. “ August 10, 2024 KR Katrina R Digital TranscriptionExecutive Office, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I got stuck making a payment to renew my licence and the email support team were absolutely amazing - quick and sorted everything for me instantly. “ April 9, 2024 AS Annette S OwnerLegal Services, 2 - 10 employeesUsed the software for: Less than 6 months. “This is SO frustrating, considering the time it will take me to load a 4-hour case, recorded as 3-minute files with JAVS. “ March 28, 2023 MD Mel D TranscriptionistConsumer Services, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “The company is very fast at responding and helping troubleshoot any issues.“ September 2, 2024 GH Geraldine H TranscriptionistWriting and Editing, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I also did not like the fact that the program was not compatible with Apple ( IMac) computers.“ August 25, 2022 ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 1-25 of 94 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Sheryll G. Legal Transcriber Legal Services Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "I am completely satisfied with the FTW Transcriber" September 26, 2026 5.0 Overall, FTW Transcriber makes my job so much more productive. The hotkeys are a lifesaver. I don't rely on my foot pedal as much as I used to because the hot keys are so much quicker to go where I need to go. The actual audio from FTW is very clear. Another product I used before FTW made the audio very muddy and a lot of time was spent trying to clear it up with different audio cleanup software. Another thing that really helps is that when I turn off the FTW Transcriber and come back to the audio it goes right to where I left off. That is an amazing time saver and keeps me from having to write down the audio minute/second where I left off with the prior software I was using. The subscription to FTW Transcriber is very affordable and is an investment into my company. The product is well worth every penny. Pros FTW Transcriber is very easy to learn. When I turn it off and return to it the next day, it goes directly to where I left off in the audio. The hotkeys make my work go so much smoother and the overall audio from recordings is excellent. Cons To be honest, I cannot think of anything I don't like about FTW Transcriber. I have only been using it for a couple of weeks, so I many find something, but, at this point, It is easy to use, and my work productivity has increase. Switched from [Express Scribe](https://www.capterra.com/p/190970/Express-Scribe/)[FTR Gold](https://www.capterra.com/p/184858/FTR-Gold/) The audio on both were terrible. Not efficient when it came to switching from listening/typing and going back to relisten to a difficult word or phrase. Neither were productive. Review Source Rose R. Transcription Executive Office Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Making my job easier." January 3, 2026 5.0 I would not do transcription without it. It makes my job easier. Others do not give the advantages such as time stamps, easy to use, settings easy to manipulate. Pros Works better than any other transcription system. Easy to use and the automatic time stamps are wonderful. Cons Renewal is a hassle. I have to change license key and redownload info every time. It would be nice if existing license key could just be updated to continue service. Alternatives considered [Express Scribe](https://www.capterra.com/p/190970/Express-Scribe/) Reason for choosing The FTW Transcriber FTW Transcriber offers more functions and is easier to use. Review Source AH Anne H. Business owner Information Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great sound quality, issues with functionality " May 19, 2020 3.0 FTW has a big benefit in the excellent sound quality and ability to automatically reduce background noise from recorder problems or from actual things happening in the background. It's a shame it's a bit 'flaky' in other areas or I'd use it all the time. Pros Compared to the most used transcription software on the market, the sound quality of FTW is fantastic. I wouldn't be without it as, due to the vastly improved sound quality compared to Express Scribe, I am able to transcribe files with FTW that would be unusable without a lot of time-consuming pre-processing on Scribe. It's quite customisable although at first it can be tricky to set up. Cons FTW has a tendency to freeze and require restarting several times within the same transcription session, and periodically it suddenly decides I don't have a licence, although I do - and I have to go through support to sort this out. It's not very easy to set up (and when it decides I haven't got a licence, I have to re set up bits of it, although to some extent you can save your profile). I can't set up the time stamps exactly as I'd like them and for many years support is minimal and there is no interest in improving the software as far as I can tell. Although you can keep a 'play list' of current files you're working on, you can only either delete the play list or keep it - you can't delete individual files off it. This means it's hard to keep a record on the software of the files you have in. A big disadvantage compared to Scribe. Reason for choosing The FTW Transcriber I didn't - I use both, depending on the situation. I only use FTW when Scribe's sound quality isn't up to scratch, because otherwise Scribe is easier to use. Review Source Response from Tyger Valley Systems May 21, 2020 Thanks for your comments, all of which we note. Some of your issues are not experienced by most users, but if you contact us about them via https://www.theftwtranscriber.com/contact-us/, we'll try to help. We offer great flexibility with formatting timestamps, but if we don't offer exactly what you need, please get in touch! MT Mollie T. Legal Transcriptionist Legal Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "GREAT PLAYER EXCEPT FOR HOT KEY FUNCTION" August 10, 2024 4.0 I have use FTW for years and years for my transcription needs and love it. I have not had a bad experience, except with the hot key function. I DO NOT LIKE THAT. Pros This is my go-to audio player. I rarely use other players. I love all features, especially when they added the button to go to a specific spot in audio. The audio, to me, plays clearer and more precise with this player. It's very easy to use and navigate around. It rarely glitches and the support is great. They respond very quickly and give a workable solution. Cons The one thing I really hate about this player is you cannot use your keypad when using this player because they have assigned certain numbers, like 8 or 5 or 2, to a hot key function. I use my keypad a lot while typing, and I absolutely hate this feature and wish they would do away with it completely, or give an option to opt out of this feature. Then this would be the perfect player for me. This is why I cannot give five stars. Switched from [Express Scribe](https://www.capterra.com/p/190970/Express-Scribe/) Express Scribe was clunky to me and hard to use. FTW gives a more clearer audio. Review Source Response from Tyger Valley Systems August 20, 2024 Thank you for your review and comments. Just FYI, if you don't want to use the hotkeys, you can disable most of them on the Settings menu by checking the "disable" boxes. Also, if you want to use the numeric keypad keys but you aren't able to because hotkeys functions are assigned to them, you can assign those hotkey functions to other keys that you don't use as much. Please contact us for help with this if necessary. DL Dori L. independent general transcriptionist Writing and Editing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Been using it for years" May 22, 2020 4.0 Sometimes I use other transcription programs because they have features that The FTW Transcriber does not, such as being able to load multiple audio/video files at once. But I don't find that to be a serious drawback for my workflow. I often listen to the same audio, especially difficult audio, using multiple software programs in order to hear as much as possible, and I use The FTW Transcriber for almost every job at some point in the process, whether for initial input, proofing, or spot checking difficult audio. Also, the few times that I have had any technical issues, customer support has been responsive and their website is very helpful. All in all, my experience with it has been very good and it's been a valuable and integral element of my workflow. Pros With The FTW Transcriber, I can hear things in the audio more clearly than in other transcription software programs. Even if I use another program for the first run-through, I use The FTW Transcriber for proofing because I know I'll catch words I missed or didn't understand. I also like the fact that I can format time stamps and insert them with one keystroke. Another feature I like is that if I need to interrupt my work and close the audio or video, The FTW Transcriber will reopen the file at the point where I left off. Also, the bookmark feature is very useful when tracking multiple speakers. Cons I find that the installation process can cause some anxiety, at least for me, because there are two sets of codecs that need to be installed in addition to The FTW Transcriber software itself. However, that said, I have never had any problems with the installation. Another minor issue concerns the size of the application window in Windows 10. For many years I used The FTW Transcriber in Windows 7 with no problems, but in moving to Windows 10, the size of the application interface is smaller and I haven't found any way to adjust it. That might just be something on my end, though. One feature I would like to see added is the ability to go to a specific point in the audio by typing in the audio time instead of having to use the slider or the arrow keys. Switched from [Express Scribe](https://www.capterra.com/p/190970/Express-Scribe/) Sound quality. The FTW Transcriber does a better job of minimizing background noise. Review Source Response from Tyger Valley Systems May 30, 2020 Thanks for the review. You can adjust the size of the interface by dragging the corners of it. IL Iris L. Transcriptionist Writing and Editing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A must-have for me" August 24, 2022 5.0 My transcripts are highly accurate, and transcribing with FTW is so much easier than the other software I have tried. There really is no learning curve. I highly recommend this program for anyone who does transcription. The low cost of a license makes it a viable option for pretty much anyone. Pros I have been using the FTW Transcriber for over 10 years now. It is my first choice when transcribing. The sound quality is second to none. The fact that it comes with preset low- and high-speed playback makes proofing my transcript so much easier and faster. I cannot say enough good things about this software. I would be lost without it. Cons Not a con for me personally, but the volume level of the FTW Transcriber is fairly low compared to other products of its kind. I have installed an audio enhancer, which solves this problem. Alternatives considered [Express Scribe](https://www.capterra.com/p/190970/Express-Scribe/) Reason for choosing The FTW Transcriber I did, in fact, purchase a license for Express Scribe too, but I let it lapse because I found myself choosing FTW every time. Switched from [Express Scribe](https://www.capterra.com/p/190970/Express-Scribe/) The sound quality of FTW transcriber is far superior. Review Source JM Jennifer M. Audio Transcriptionist Consumer Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "My GO-TO software for 5 years" August 24, 2022 5.0 The rare occasions that I have had difficulties with the software (perhaps 3 times in 5 years), customer support has been very responsive and thorough. I've used FTW about 5 years and the only thing I could suggest to the developers is to enlarge and bold the wording on the face. Words are small, pale, and difficult to read from any distance. Pros FTW is user-friendly; menus are organized, easy to access, with an adequate variety of settings that are easy to understand. FTW can accommodate video recordings to be able to view Zoom recordings with participants and/or slides, giving the transcriber the ability to sync or lip read. Cons When I considered using FTW macros, I determined that the capabilities I already had made adopting them unnecessary. Switched from [Express Scribe](https://www.capterra.com/p/190970/Express-Scribe/) It's been long enough now that I cannot remember the reason. Review Source VS Victoria S. Transcrptionist Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Ease and functions are simple" May 26, 2020 4.0 Swift and simple use of audio player on a daily basis. Sound enhancement has to be dualled with another program which is constantly in useon my computer and with FTW. Pros Audio loading is swift and simple. Quality of audio is superior to other software. Will convert type of audio file to play in FTW. Allows user to set up time stamps easily with personalised text. Function of timed time code stamps at intervals is wonderful. Controls for volume and speed are easily accessible. Cons The program crashes and will not shut down with End Task. On a couple of occasions, inexplicably the licence key is not on view in settings and will not allow use until computer restart (annoying as all else working and set up), and on one occasion took several hours to get an email to reset. There are no settings to improve audio quality e.g. reduce background noise, sharpness, less bass etc. The files cannot be deleted individually, the only function is 'clear playlist' of all which is more than distracting when you have files with similar identities which could be removed on other programs in a click. But instead you have to wade through and actually play the file to ensure correct. Alternatives considered [Express Scribe](https://www.capterra.com/p/190970/Express-Scribe/)[FTR Gold](https://www.capterra.com/p/184858/FTR-Gold/) Reason for choosing The FTW Transcriber Better quality audio. Quicker and simpler to load audio files and will accept/convert type of audio file itself for FTW to use. Switched from [Express Scribe](https://www.capterra.com/p/190970/Express-Scribe/) Automatically better quality audio and time timestamp codes. Review Source KR Katrina R. Digital Transcription Executive Office Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best option " April 9, 2024 4.0 Absolutely outstanding! I got stuck making a payment to renew my licence and the email support team were absolutely amazing - quick and sorted everything for me instantly. I was very pleasantly surprised and exceptionally grateful! Pros I love the bookmark feature and use this constantly. It's great if you take a break but need to remember exactly where you were up to. It also helps if you are trying to identify different voices to bookmark each voice and then be able to easily listen to compare. The timecoding feature is absolutely essential and I love that you can change the setup of how the timecode is displayed in your document. Cons I wish there was a volume boost button (aside from the actual volume slide). Sometimes audio can be on the quiet side and this is one function I have noted in other transcriber software that would be extremely helpful. Alternatives considered [Express Scribe](https://www.capterra.com/p/190970/Express-Scribe/) Reason for choosing The FTW Transcriber Mainly the timecode feature but also the bookmark feature helped to sway me. Review Source Deloris S. Freelancer Writing and Editing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "FTW Transcriber Will Make Transcribing Less Painful" September 8, 2022 5.0 Pros When I uploaded audio to the software, it was an easy process, including video. FTW Transcriber software makes it easier to hear what the speakers are saying even when you are using inexpensive headphones. I always used a USB foot pedal, so transcribing the audio or video was easy. In fact, with FTW Transcriber, I really didn't need to hit the rewind pedal too much because whenever I stopped the audio, it would automatically rewind a few seconds to help me to capture all of the words. Cons With this software, you have to pay by the month to reap the benefits. If you don't pay for the software, it will stop playing at 15 minutes. There should be a free version that will play longer files. Switched from [Express Scribe](https://www.capterra.com/p/190970/Express-Scribe/) That software played my audio and video files better. I can hear the speakers voices clearer. Review Source MA Michelle A. Transcriber Executive Office Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Does the job it is supposed to." August 24, 2022 5.0 Overall experience with FTW - I would be lost without this software. It makes transcription so much easier and less hassle than some other transcription software that I have used over the years. The few times that I have had to request assistance has been quick and seamless. What more could you ask for? Pros FTW is very easy to use. Audio quality is very good. Easy to add new or change function keys. Cons Sometimes I have to convert files, even though I have the conversion option ticked. Works very slow on video. Review Source AG Althea G. Transcriber Writing and Editing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Over two years and still my favorite" May 21, 2020 5.0 I've used this software for more than five years. It has been easy to use, and set up. And the sound quality has been great. Pros Great features, ease of use and configuring to personal use was great. You can set up appearance of time stamps, color of the software, automatic time stamps etc. The software also plays may different file extensions, playlist is easy to find for the most recent files you're working with. With the paid version you can adjust the size of the software on your screen. Cons My only con is that once offline features in the software will not work. It would be nice if there was a way to work offline with this software and keeping all features in tact. Reason for choosing The FTW Transcriber Sound quality and time stamp variations. Review Source Response from Tyger Valley Systems May 26, 2020 Thanks for your review. It is possible to use FTW Transcriber offline. Please contact us for more information. LB Lina B. Certified Court Reporter and Authorized Court Transcriptionist Legal Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "THE BEST TRANSCRIPTION PROGRAM" May 21, 2020 5.0 The audio is superior to any other program I have used. I don't have to strain to hear or understand what is being said. Pros This software makes it possible to transcribe both audio and many forms of video transcription. The quality of the audio is far superior to some of the more well-known products available. I have some of the other programs as well, but FTW is my go-to on a daily basis. Cons It would be nice to be able to take away background noise or echo, but even so, I find that FTW does some of that innately. Also, since I am a sole practitioner and I am the only one transcribing, it would be nice to put FTW on more than one computer without having to pay for a second licence. I am only ever using one computer at a time. Review Source LC Linda C. Transcriptionist Writing and Editing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "My favorite transcription software" May 26, 2020 5.0 Pros FTW is easy to install and use and dependable. Their customer support is excellent. The audio quality is superior to other software I've used. My favorite feature is probably the hot keys and the fact that I can do almost everything with one key. My Play key is set to F1 and I tap it to play. If I hold it down,it will back up so I can replay a section. It basically works like a foot pedal. I have two other software programs that I use for proofing, but FTW is my go-to transcription software. Cons If I could improve one thing with FTW, it would be to add options to adjust audio settings beyond just from one channel to the other. Review Source KW Karen W. Independent Contractor Legal Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best software" August 24, 2022 5.0 Out of so many options available, FTW is my first choice. It shames the competition. Pros The best part about this software is the customer support and service. Thay being said, it is my go-to software for all things transcription. Cons I cannot think of one thing negative to say about it. Reason for choosing The FTW Transcriber It worked and had the best sound quality. Switched from [Express Scribe](https://www.capterra.com/p/190970/Express-Scribe/) ES was and is awful, period! Review Source JM Jill M. Transcriptionist Market Research Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Transcribers need this tool! " August 24, 2022 5.0 The product has helped me be a better transcriptionist. I use it for both video and audio files to produce quality transcripts. Couldn't do my job without it! Pros The natural language processing often enables me to pick up things in this file that other competitor software doesn't. It's a tool I rely on to help me be more proficienct as a transcriber. Cons It did take me a while to get used to the controls and user interface but overall I do prefer it over other audio playback software. Review Source SC Sarah C. Freelance Transcriber Writing and Editing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great Product for Professional Results" May 21, 2020 5.0 Pros After trialling a few other products, FTW Transcriber really won me over with just how customisable it is. I can tweak the automatic rewind of audio, set all my hotkey preferences and timestamp options to my heart's content. I love that the window always stays on top, and how compatible it is with Word as well as providing its own basic wordprocessor. It plays a whole range of files, and I've never had a problem opening video or audio from clients. It's made working as a freelance transcriber much easier. Cons I think the interface looks a little intimidating until you get used to it. There are a lot of options, and it took me a little time to work out how to best to set them all. Review Source Response from Tyger Valley Systems June 3, 2020 Many thanks! NG NANCY G. Owner Arts and Crafts Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Simple and Straightforward" May 23, 2020 5.0 I'm a sole proprietor of a transcribing service and don't have a technical support staff. I rely on advice and service from FTW and have always been pleased. Pros I did not have experience using this transcription software. I had used other programs, but found them bulky and loaded with features that I wouldn't use. The instructions for set-up and use are easy to follow. Best of all, the software works. The support team is accessible and and responsive. Cons I do wish there were some way to select which recordings to delete without having to delete them all. I realize they are still in my downloads file, but it's nice to have all my transcription recordings in one place and not mixed in with other types of files. Review Source SE Stacy E. transcriber Writing and Editing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Excellent software" May 21, 2020 5.0 I've been using FTW for years. It's the best transcription software I've used. I recommend it to everyone I know that transcribes. Pros For me, the clarity of audio is superior to any other software I've used. Cons Sometimes it won't take the audio format I receive and I have to convert the file. Review Source DL Dayle L. Independent Contractor Writing and Editing Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "No issues up until this week" May 27, 2020 4.0 I have used FTW for some time now as a self employed research and finance transcriptionist. No problems up until recently. My licence key keeps dropping out and this morning I had to reset as i received a notification that the software was being used on another computer. I only have the one computer I use this program on. Pros Hotkeys and time stamping Quality Ease of use Features Cons Not that I can think of Overall very happy Review Source RH Rhonda H. Transcriptionist Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great Transcription Software" July 10, 2020 4.0 Pros The first thing I noticed about this software is the easy set up! I was working on a transcript within 10 minutes of downloading the software. It's pretty self explanatory and user friendly. Cons If you take too long of a break it will freeze up. I avoid that problem by exiting out before I take a break. It always saves my place in the file. Review Source KS Kaye S. Transcriptionist Insurance Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Excellent software!" June 5, 2020 5.0 Wouldn't use anything else, thank you so much! I have tried other software, which was not as good and a lot more expensive. It is an integral part of my business. Pros The best transcription software out there at an amazing price. I could not run my business without it, and I am more than pleased with its ease, and the customer service is excellent. I recommend it to all my colleagues. Cons Not much to clear up file with, i would appreciate a few filters that could take out background noises. Review Source PW Pat W. Independent Contractor Executive Office Used the software for: 2+ years ### "FTW Transcriber ... the only one I will use" May 21, 2020 5.0 Pros Overall, I just found this software to work the best for my needs. I have used a few others but FTW is the one I am most comfortable using Cons There isn't anything I can think of that I like least Alternatives considered [Express Scribe](https://www.capterra.com/p/190970/Express-Scribe/) Reason for choosing The FTW Transcriber I found it very easy to navigate and use Review Source Response from Tyger Valley Systems May 29, 2020 Thank you! MP Marcia P. Medical transcriptionist Accounting Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Good software" May 26, 2020 4.0 Very positive experience overall using FTW Transcriber.The price is reasonable and software works well most of the time. Pros FTW Enables me to add time codes into my documents very easily. It works for many different audio and video file formats and is compatible with my foot pedal. Cons Well, it would be nice if I could increase the volume more than is possible now with the current version. Review Source SC Sally C. Mrs Education Management Used the software for: Less than 6 months ### "FTW Transcriber a good and reliable product" August 15, 2022 5.0 Overall experience was very positive. I was transcribing interviews for a Ph.D. candidate's dissertation topic. It was easy to use and very user-friendly. I would recommend it! Pros It was easy to use and the sound was clear. Playback controls were very helpful since many of the interviews I transcribed were with people who had strong accents, or there was a lot of background noise. Cons I didn't find anything I particularly disliked. It went well for me. Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Send me user reviews about this product ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox.