LongScribe vs Simon Says: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between LongScribe and Simon Says comes down to understanding what each tool does best. This comparison breaks down the key differences so you can make an informed decision based on your specific needs, not marketing claims.
Bottom line: Simon Says wins this matchup. Our overall Transcription pick is Fathom. Our free Transcription pick is Fathom. Pick LongScribe if you need a fully free option.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
LongScribe
Transcribe long audio/video with timestamps and speaker labels
Best for you if:
- • Creators, journalists and researchers who need transcripts from long prerecorded audio or video rather than live meetings
- • You want a fully free tool (Simon Says requires payment)
Simon Says
AI transcription and translation
Best for you if:
- • You want deep NLE integration exports directly into professional editing timelines
- • You want frame-accurate timecode sync, not just approximate timestamps
| At a Glance | LongScribe | Simon Says |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | FreeFree tier available |
Best For | Transcription | Transcription |
Rating | - | - |
Free plan | Yes | Yes |
Choose LongScribe or Simon Says?
Choose LongScribe if
Transcribe long audio/video with timestamps and speaker labels
- Creators, journalists and researchers who need transcripts from long prerecorded audio or video rather than live meetings
- You want a fully free tool (Simon Says requires payment)
Choose Simon Says if
AI transcription and translation
- You want deep NLE integration exports directly into professional editing timelines
- You want frame-accurate timecode sync, not just approximate timestamps
| Feature | LongScribe | Simon Says |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Free | Freemium |
| User Rating | No ratings yet | No ratings yet |
| Categories | TranscriptionVideo & Media | TranscriptionTranslation |
In-Depth Analysis
LongScribe
Transcribe long audio/video with timestamps and speaker labels
LongScribe's free trial is a nice entry point, but the Starter tier at $15/month for only 3 hours of transcription is expensive compared to pay-per-minute alternatives that can be cheaper for occasional use.
Watch out
Overage fee of $0.25 per minute beyond plan hours
Weaknesses
- -Teams looking primarily for a live meeting assistant, real time meeting notes or native mobile recording.
Key features
Simon Says
AI transcription and translation
Simon Says offers a fair pricing structure, especially for low-volume users with its 'Pay as you go' option at $15/hour.
Watch out
High overage fees on lower tiers
Strengths
- +Deep NLE integration exports directly into professional editing timelines
- +Frame-accurate timecode sync, not just approximate timestamps
- +Custom dictionaries improve accuracy for technical and brand terminology
- +On-premises option serves classified and air-gapped environments
- +Pay-as-you-go option means no commitment for occasional use
Weaknesses
- -Accuracy depends on audio quality and speaker accents
- -Pay-as-you-go rate can be expensive for high-volume use
- -On-premises enhanced plan requires custom pricing negotiation
- -No real-time transcription, files must be uploaded and processed
- -Smaller brand recognition than some competitors in the creator market
Key features
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
LongScribe is free. Simon Says is freemium.
Go with: LongScribe
Want the highest-rated option?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call on ratings — compare on features and pricing.
Value user reviews?
Neither has ratings yet.
Too early to call — neither has ratings yet.
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
LongScribe is free. Simon Says is freemium. Go with LongScribe if free matters most.
What's your use case?
Both are transcription tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
Neither has ratings yet.
Key Takeaways
Simon Says
- Free tier available
- Our pick for this comparison
LongScribe
- Completely free
The Bottom Line
Simon Says wins this matchup. Our overall Transcription pick is Fathom. Our free Transcription pick is Fathom. That said, LongScribe is free, hard to beat on price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is LongScribe or Simon Says better?
Simon Says is rated in our evaluation. LongScribe is free and Simon Says is freemium.
What are LongScribe and Simon Says used for?
LongScribe: Transcribe long audio/video with timestamps and speaker labels. Simon Says: AI transcription and translation.
What does LongScribe cost vs Simon Says?
LongScribe is completely free. Simon Says is freemium (free tier + paid plans). Visit their websites for detailed pricing.