Which transcription model is cheapest?
Want to find the cheapest transcription model? Media models price per image, second or minute rather than per token, so the math is different. This page helps teams choosing transcription get a realistic monthly figure for their volume.
Results update automatically as you type.
| GPT-4o mini Transcribe | OpenAI | $0.003/min | $300.00 |
| GPT-4o Transcribe | OpenAI | $0.006/min | $600.00 |
Why this isn't trivial
The part people underestimate: transcription models differ in per-minute price and accuracy, so the cheapest depends on how much accuracy you need. In practice the biggest savings come from matching model accuracy to the stakes of the audio, so it is worth modelling before you commit.
How it's calculated
We estimate this by comparing per-minute rates across transcription models. Every figure uses the current provider prices baked into the site (reviewed daily), and you can override any input to match your own assumptions.
Frequently asked questions
Does cheaper mean less accurate?+
Sometimes; for clean audio the gap is small, so budget models often suffice.
When do I need the premium model?+
Noisy audio, accents or high-stakes transcripts justify the premium.
Are these prices up to date?+
Yes. The model prices behind this calculator are refreshed and reviewed daily, so your estimate reflects current provider rates rather than a stale snapshot.
Related
Estimates for planning. Pricing data last reviewed 28 July 2026.