Simon Says vs AssemblyAI: Which is Better in 2026?
Choosing between Simon Says and AssemblyAI 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: AssemblyAI is our overall pick for transcription workflows. Pick Simon Says if you need a free tier to start with.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
We've tested both tools. Here's who should pick what:
Simon Says
AI transcription and translation
Best for you if:
- • You want to try before committing
- • AI transcription and subtitling platform with direct NLE integration for video professionals
- • Pay-as-you-go at $0.25/min or subscription plans from $15/mo with included hours
AssemblyAI
Speech-to-text API with high accuracy transcription
Best for you if:
- • AssemblyAI provides AI models for speech-to-text, speaker detection, and audio intelligence
- • It transcribes audio with high accuracy and extracts insights like sentiment and topics
| At a Glance |  Simon Says |  AssemblyAI |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | FreeFree tier available | $0.15/moPay As You Go |
Best For | Transcription | Transcription |
Rating | 3.0/5 | 4.6/5 |
Choose Simon Says or AssemblyAI?
Choose Simon Says if
AI transcription and translation
- 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
- You want a free tier before you commit
Choose AssemblyAI if
Speech-to-text API with high accuracy transcription
- Good speech-to-text
- Speaker diarization
- Topic detection
| Feature | Simon Says | AssemblyAI |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing Model | Freemium | Paid |
| User Rating | ★3.0/5 8 reviews | ★4.6/5 107 reviews |
| Categories | TranscriptionTranslation | TranscriptionAPI Tools |
In-Depth Analysis
Simon Says
AI transcription and translation
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 of $15/hour is 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 Descript or Rev in the creator market
Key features
AssemblyAI
Speech-to-text API with high accuracy transcription
Strengths
- +Good speech-to-text
- +Speaker diarization
- +Topic detection
- +Good accuracy
- +Fair pricing
Weaknesses
- -Expensive at scale
- -Limited languages
- -Real-time latency
- -API only
- -Enterprise features limited
Key features
Pricing: Simon Says vs AssemblyAI
| Plan | Simon Says | AssemblyAI |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | N/A | Free Free |
| Tier 2 | N/A | $0.15 Pay As You Go |
Pricing verified from each vendor's public pricing page. Compare in detail on Simon Says pricing and AssemblyAI pricing.
Who Should Use What?
On a budget?
Simon Says has a free tier. AssemblyAI is paid only.
Go with: Simon Says
Want the highest-rated option?
Simon Says: 3.0/5 (8 reviews). AssemblyAI: 4.6/5 (107 reviews).
Go with: AssemblyAI
Value user reviews?
Simon Says: 8 reviews (3.0/5). AssemblyAI: 107 reviews (4.6/5).
Go with: AssemblyAI
3 Questions to Help You Decide
What's your budget?
Simon Says is freemium. AssemblyAI is paid. Simon Says lets you start free.
What's your use case?
Both are transcription tools. Compare their specific features to decide.
How important are ratings?
AssemblyAI is rated higher: 4.6/5 vs 3.0/5.
Key Takeaways
AssemblyAI
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 3.0/5
- Larger review base (107 reviews)
- Our pick for this comparison
Simon Says
- Has a free tier
The Bottom Line
AssemblyAI is our pick. Simon Says has a free tier if you want to test without paying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Simon Says or AssemblyAI better?
AssemblyAI is rated in our evaluation. Simon Says is freemium and AssemblyAI is paid.
What are Simon Says and AssemblyAI used for?
Simon Says: AI transcription and translation. AssemblyAI: Speech-to-text API with high accuracy transcription.
What does Simon Says cost vs AssemblyAI?
Simon Says is freemium (free tier + paid plans). AssemblyAI is a paid tool. Visit their websites for detailed pricing.