# The FTW Transcriber Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Is The FTW Transcriber the right Transcription solution for you? Explore 93 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/102854/The-FTW-Transcriber/reviews --- The FTW Transcriber 4.7 (93) 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 March 13th, 2026 # Reviews of The FTW Transcriber Ease of use 4.7 Customer Service 4.5 ## Pros and Cons in Reviews 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. “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 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. “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 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 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 Mv Marina v Freelance TranscriberResearch, Self-employedUsed the software for: More than 2 years. “I love that I'm able to adjust the time delay when inserting time stamps automatically. And for burnt-in timecoding, that I can adjust the start times to coordinate with what's on my screen.“ August 24, 2022 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 93 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use 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 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. 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! MD Mel D. Transcriptionist Consumer Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A must-have for any transcriptionist." September 2, 2024 5.0 The company is very fast at responding and helping troubleshoot any issues. They also take feedback and ideas. FTW is highly recommended in the transcription group I am in. I would not be able to work without it. I have tried another popular free audio player, and it crashed my computer constantly. FTW is fantastic! Pros I love the ability to jump to a specific timestamp and to listen at a higher speed. Cons I had to redownload it, and I couldn't remember all my previous settings and shortcuts because they all changed to default. I wish I could use the same key for multiple computers. I have had to buy it four times for four different computers. Switched from [Express Scribe](https://www.capterra.com/p/190970/Express-Scribe/) Express Scribe crashed my Word and computer constantly Review Source 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 MV Marina V. Freelance Transcriber Research Used the software for: 2+ years ### "The Perfect Helper" August 24, 2022 5.0 The biggest benefits are the good sound quality, which helps me work faster, and the really easy time stamping, which is all-important, as it saves an enormous amount of time. When I've had questions about the software, my email queries were responded to promptly and my problems solved. I'm able to work so much more efficiently using this software and I would hate to ever again have to transcribe without it. Pros I love that it's so easy to use, that the sound quality is excellent and that I'm able to insert time stamps (which I use regularly) either manually or automatically as required. I love that I'm able to adjust the time delay when inserting time stamps automatically. And for burnt-in timecoding, that I can adjust the start times to coordinate with what's on my screen. Also, it works perfectly with every file format that I've needed to work with. It's just the perfect tool for transcribers. Cons There's really nothing that I don't like about it. For my purposes, everything about it is just perfect. Review Source CT Corinne T. Transcriptionist Facilities Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "For the professional transcriber, it's essential to have in your armoury! " August 24, 2022 4.0 FTW is always my go-to transcription software for clarity and in-depth software options that perhaps other software on the market doesn't provide. Pros The software is easy to navigate and adjust to your individual needs. I will always pass files through FTW first as the clarity is second to none. Cons Perhaps more reach on the volume control. I'd like it louder sometimes. And the overall look of the software could do with refreshing, but apart from that, I like it! Review Source TB Tracey B. Transciptionist Writing and Editing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best software I've used for transciption" January 28, 2021 5.0 Overally I'd rate this programme as the best I've ever used!! Well done to the FTW team! Pros It's super easy to navigate, and customise settings. The ability to set timestamps according to your requirements is a fantastic feature. Plays many file types, or has the ability to convert. I've tried various other software, but I always come back to FTW!!! Really love it. Cons The only con is that it doesn't have the facility to increase sound, or decrease background noise on bad audio. I.e. to increase volume on really awful soft talking / or reduce the background noise on audio. It would be a great added feature instead of having to download Audacity, etc. Review Source BNN Bonnie Nadine N. CXO Writing and Editing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Top Notch -- NONE better than the FTW" May 26, 2020 5.0 All of my daily transcription needs, as well as playing my MP3s to generate the right minute/second timers for my hobby as a lyricist. Pros Absolutely EVERY single thing possible. From download to implementation to daily use without worry. Customer service is best of the best. The first iterations of the software were a tiny big cumbersome/tedious with setting up. It's now flawless and simple. Cons There is absolutely ZERO to dislike or anything that is least, whatsoever. This is as perfect as it gets. Reason for choosing The FTW Transcriber I tried it once and never switched. When you've tried the rest, you stick with the best. Review Source JL Julie L. Owner Writing and Editing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "An essential part of my work" May 21, 2020 4.0 I use it for every job I perform as a proofreading step as the sound quality is superior, and I can often pick up hard to hear sections that I can't in my other software. Pros I use FTW as a second level for proofreading. Whilst I use another software for the first level, which is more user friendly to type up fast, I always use FTW to proof the work as an important second level as the sound quality is far superior. Cons I don't find it as easy to work with for simply fast type ups, however the audio quality is superior. I also find it frustrating that whilst you can put the volume up to maximum, there is no option to boost the volume on the file within the software to a higher level. Review Source Response from Tyger Valley Systems May 22, 2020 Thank you! AV Anne V. Translator, English>French Financial Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Nimble and perfect" May 19, 2020 5.0 Again, I am an occasional user but I am completely satisfied with it every time I have to use it. The first time It takes about 15 minutes to download, install and understand and you are on your way! Then, every time I have had a chance to use it (once or twice a year maybe), the update was cheap, there are always new functions, I love it ! Pros \- It is so user-friendly! I only get to use it a couple of times each year because my main job is translation rather than transcription, and I always marvel at how easy it is to fall back into the functions and the settings. - Completely compatible with the Infinity foot pedal. - Also, it never crashes! (quite exceptional for anything you try to use with Windows :-)) Cons Nothing comes to mind ;-) Nothing comes do mind ;-) Reason for choosing The FTW Transcriber Somebody recommended it and it was compatible with Infinity foot pedal provided by first customer Review Source Response from Tyger Valley Systems May 21, 2020 We appreciate your kind comments. Please note our updates are not "cheap" - they're free! LL Linda L. Transcriber Writing and Editing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Transcription " May 29, 2020 4.0 Pros Automatic time stamps of varying types. Ease of use. ability of the product to play multiple audio types such as wav and mp3, etc Cons Cleaning up or reducing the background noise is not available. Volume range could be increased. No quick way of toggling between audio speed variables. Review Source SA Sharon A. Transcriptionist Telecommunications Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Software review" May 21, 2020 4.0 It helps me go over my work and gives me another perspective of the voicing. Pros What I liked most about this software was it's ease of use and the fact that it has a time coding facility. Cons The sound and volume is not as good as it should be. Also at the end of the recording it flips back automatically to the start. That bug was supposed to be fixed!! Review Source DO David O. Director of Claims Fishery Used the software for: 2+ years ### "FTW Transcriber" May 20, 2020 5.0 We needed something to transcribe recordings from time to time. Looked around for a low cost solution and was pleasantly surprised to find this online. Pros Product is very easy to use and has many excellent features. We don't need to use all of them, but they are there if needed. Cons For some reason it frequently asks to reenter the license key number and is a little bit of an irritant when you go to use it and have to go through the process. I don't know if it is something on our end that is causing that or theirs. Review Source Response from Tyger Valley Systems May 21, 2020 Thanks for your comments. If the software doesn't always store your key, running it as an administrator should solve that. For more help on that, please contact us via: https://www.theftwtranscriber.com/contact-us/ SF Sharon F. Owner Legal Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "I love this software." May 21, 2020 5.0 Pros I am a freelance paralegal and am frequently called upon to provide transcripts of recordings (video and audio) sometimes taken under very stressful circumstances and in many and varied formats. This program has handled (almost?) all with great results. It is so helpful to be able to manage these recordings with a foot pedal instead of trying to do it with a mouse. Cons That is sometimes does not work with everything and every format I have sent to me. But that isn't your fault. Some of it is from law enforcement software that must be viewed in their viewer. Not as friendly as FTW is. Review Source DM Denise M. Proofreader Legal Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Excellent software!" May 19, 2020 5.0 My overall experience has been excellent. I would definitely recommend this software to everyone. Pros I love this software because it is so easy to use. Audio comes out very clear. Whenever I have had any issues, the team at FTW has always addressed them right away, and if not right away, within 24 hours. Cons There is nothing that I can think of that I was not happy with. Switched from [Express Scribe](https://www.capterra.com/p/190970/Express-Scribe/) Poor customer support/service. Review Source Response from Tyger Valley Systems May 21, 2020 Your comments are very much appreciated! MT Monique T. Transcripter Writing and Editing Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "FTW WORKS!" May 21, 2020 5.0 Overall experience is great Pros Loads fast. Audio has the best quality usually out of my set of transcribing programs i use. Unfortunately, i always read it as WTF. But wtf, FTW Is the word. Cons Sometimes double opens. Goes to beginning when over instead of staying at end. Switched from [Express Scribe](https://www.capterra.com/p/190970/Express-Scribe/) Needed to upgrade clarity Review Source LL Laurence L. Freelancer Translation and Localization Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Freelancer" May 27, 2020 5.0 Pros I liked that it has shortcuts. easy to use. Cons It makes the computer heats up. voice quality decreases when decreasing the speed. Review Source 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 JT Jackie T. Virtual Medical Secretary Health, Wellness and Fitness Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Very pleased with this transcriber" May 19, 2020 4.0 Pros Very easy to use, easy to copy audio files from patient notes to transcriber. Cons Can't really think of anything, it works well. Review Source Similar Products Featured ## Related categories [Medical Transcription](https://www.capterra.com/medical-transcription-software/)[Transcription](https://www.capterra.com/transcription-software/) ## 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.