Comparison · updated November 2026

A TranscriptAPI alternative beyond YouTube

TranscriptAPI is a simple, inexpensive YouTube transcript API. Transkrio covers the same YouTube use cases and adds TikTok, Instagram Reels and podcasts, plus speech-to-text for anything without captions.

TranscriptAPI details from transcriptapi.com, checked November 7, 2026. Prices change; check their site. Spot an error? [email protected].

Side by side

TranskrioTranscriptAPI
Free100 credits100 credits
Entry plan$9 / month, 3,000$5 / month, 1,000
Per 1,000 at volume$1.93 (Pro), $1.32 (Scale)$2.50 top-ups ($1.50 on annual)
PlatformsYouTube, TikTok, Instagram Reels, podcastsYouTube
Videos without captionsTranscribed, 1 credit / minuteNot offered
Playlists and channelsYesYes
YouTube searchNoYes
Batch (many URLs in one call)Yes, 50 per callNot stated
Failed requestsFree"1 credit = 1 successful request"
Unused creditsRoll over up to 2x planTop-ups last at least 30 days
Rate limit60 / minute200-300 / minute
MCP serverYesYes
n8nNative community nodeVia HTTP request

Choose TranscriptAPI if

You only need YouTube captions, under about 1,000 transcripts a month, or you need YouTube search or high request rates.

Choose Transkrio if

More options in the best YouTube transcript APIs. Try Transkrio with a free key.

Try it with 100 free credits No card needed. Failed requests are free and unused credits roll over.
Get free API key

FAQ

Is TranscriptAPI cheaper?

For up to 1,000 YouTube transcripts a month, yes: $5 versus Transkrio's $9 Starter. From about 2,000 a month Transkrio is cheaper per transcript ($3 per 1,000 on Starter, $1.93 on Pro, versus $2.50 per 1,000 in TranscriptAPI top-ups).

Can TranscriptAPI transcribe videos without captions?

Its pricing page doesn't offer it. Transkrio transcribes audio for 1 credit per minute.

Does Transkrio have YouTube search?

No. Transkrio lists playlists and channels, but doesn't search YouTube.