SpeakWrite: A Reliable Transcription Platform for U.S. and Canadian Freelancers

SpeakWrite is a professional transcription service provider that has been around for years, offering remote transcription and typing work for eligible applicants. While it’s not as widely known as some other transcription companies, it has built a solid reputation among legal professionals, law enforcement agencies, and businesses for its fast and accurate transcription services.

This article takes a closer look at the SpeakWrite platform, what it offers, who can apply, and what to expect as a freelance transcriptionist.

What Is SpeakWrite?

SpeakWrite is a U.S.-based company that provides transcription and typing services for a range of industries — including legal, law enforcement, insurance, and general business. The platform connects clients with trained transcriptionists who work remotely from home, using the company’s proprietary software to complete assignments.

SpeakWrite prides itself on offering 24/7 services and delivering fast turnaround times. Because of the high standards expected, applicants must meet specific requirements before being accepted as transcribers.

Who Can Apply?

As of now, SpeakWrite is only accepting applications from residents of the United States and Canada (excluding California residents). This geographical restriction limits access for many international job seekers, but for North American applicants, it represents a legitimate work-from-home opportunity.

Application Requirements:

To apply as a transcriptionist with SpeakWrite, candidates must:

• Be legal residents of the U.S. or Canada (not California).

• Be fluent in English, both spoken and written.

• Have at least one year of transcription experience in a professional setting.

• Own a Windows-based computer (Macs are not supported).

• Use Windows 10 (64-bit) with at least 6 GB of RAM.

• Have a wired headset, reliable internet connection, and a quiet workspace.

Smartphones, tablets, or Apple devices are not supported because SpeakWrite requires the installation of its own transcription software, which runs exclusively on Windows machines.

Application Process

Applying to SpeakWrite is straightforward, provided you meet all the eligibility criteria:

1. Visit the SpeakWrite Careers Page: Navigate to the company’s official website and find the “Transcriptionist Positions” section under the “Services” or “Careers” tab.

2. Complete the Application Form: Fill in your personal details and answer a series of qualification-based questions (e.g., your transcription experience, location, and system specs).

3. Submit a Typing Test: You may be asked to complete a short test to evaluate your typing speed and accuracy.

4. Software Installation & Training: If accepted, you will be given instructions on how to download the SpeakWrite software and begin their training module.

What Types of Work Are Available?

SpeakWrite offers various types of transcription, but primarily focuses on:

• Legal transcription

• Law enforcement transcription

• General business transcription

• Typing services

Legal and law enforcement transcriptions often require familiarity with specific terminology, so experience in those fields is a plus.

Payment and Compensation

SpeakWrite transcriptionists are paid per word, which makes earnings dependent on how fast and accurately you can work. While it won’t replace a full-time salary for most, it can be a good source of supplemental income.

Payouts are made twice per month, and while exact rates vary, experienced transcribers with high accuracy often report competitive earnings.

Pros of SpeakWrite

✅ Reputable & Established: A long-standing company with many years in the industry.
✅ Flexible Hours: Work remotely on your own schedule.
✅ Consistent Workload: Often a steady flow of transcription jobs, especially for legal or law enforcement professionals.
✅ Free Software: All tools provided by the platform.

Cons of SpeakWrite

❌ U.S. and Canada Only: Not accessible to international applicants.
❌ Strict Requirements: Requires specific hardware and previous transcription experience.
❌ Windows-Only Platform: No support for macOS or mobile devices.
❌ No Guaranteed Work: Like most freelance platforms, job availability may fluctuate.

Is SpeakWrite Worth Trying?

If you're based in the U.S. or Canada (and not in California), have transcription experience, and meet the technical requirements, SpeakWrite is absolutely worth considering. While it may not be ideal for beginners or international freelancers, it offers a legitimate way to earn extra income from home doing transcription work.

It’s not a platform that guarantees instant success, but those who meet the criteria and are willing to put in the effort often find SpeakWrite to be a reliable and professional work opportunity.

Final Thoughts

SpeakWrite isn’t trying to be flashy or trendy — it’s a practical, well-structured transcription company that values accuracy, speed, and professionalism. It’s a particularly good fit for those with legal transcription backgrounds or experience working with law enforcement audio.

For freelancers in the U.S. and Canada looking for remote transcription work, SpeakWrite can be a solid part of a broader freelancing strategy. Combine it with other platforms, and you could build a more consistent income stream over time.