If you want to become a professional transcriptionist, the transcription foot pedal is one of the tools that will help you the most.
Not only will it help you be more productive and faster when transcribing audio to text, but it will also allow you to do the job much more comfortably and efficiently.
By using a foot pedal to transcribe, you’ll be able to increase your workload and therefore your rates.
In this article, we’ll tell you everything about transcription pedals, their uses, advantages, and three affordable options to start using right away in your workflow.
A transcription foot pedal is a tool that allows you to control audio playback using your foot; it’s designed to keep your hands free so you can focus on typing.
A transcriptionist without a foot pedal has to use their hands to control the audio—such as fast forward, pause, rewind, and play—while also typing what they hear.
This results in losing valuable seconds, and that’s when the foot pedal becomes essential.
A transcription foot pedal typically has four buttons and can be configured to perform different functions: rewind, play/pause, and fast forward.
Pedals can be pressed intermittently or constantly and are easy to install. You only need to connect them via USB and configure them according to your transcription software.
Using a transcription pedal allows for faster typing, meaning you can write more words in less time and thus handle a larger workload.
This will enable you to generate significantly more extra income than if you only transcribe manually without a pedal.
The pedal lets you control the audio at will, without needing to use your hands or interrupt your flow—making the transcription process of an audio or video at least twice as fast.
Also, there are other ways to speed up the transcription process even further, for example by using an automatic transcription service, which allows you to get an initial transcription of an audio in just a few seconds.
Here is a selection of the best transcription foot pedals on the market and their main features.
This selection is based on conversations with professional transcriptionists and reviews of these products on Amazon and other platforms.
We would also like to clarify that we are not affiliated with this platform and do not receive any commission. Our goal is to show you standout models so you can streamline your transcription process with quality foot pedals.
Infinity VEC is one of the most popular and highest-rated alternatives: 4.6 out of 5 stars. It’s a device built to last and costs approximately $65.
✔️ It has a robust construction and is designed to provide maximum performance and comfort for the user.
✔️ It has more surface area to stay firmly in place and not slip.
✔️ Dimensions: 9.6 x 7.8 x 1.97 in.
Philips ACC2310 is a 3-pedal model with rewind, fast forward, and play functions; it costs $84 and has a rating of 4.4 out of 5.
✔️ Ergonomic design for comfortable use during long periods
✔️ Non-slip pad keeps the device secured to the floor
✔️ Dimensions: 6.69 x 2.2 x 7.87 inches
✔️ Weight: 658 grams
The Infinity foot pedal from Executive Communication Systems is the transcription pedal with the most reviews on the market. It has over 2,500 reviews with a score of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
It is especially ideal for medical transcription.
✔️ Price is $65
✔️ Designed with the highest-quality components that ensure functionality for years
✔️ 1.9 inches long x 8 inches wide x 7.6 inches tall and weighs two pounds
To use a transcription foot pedal, you need specialized software. In addition to the standard functions, the software may also include audio slowdown, skipping, and jump to the next dictation, among others.
The software lets you configure functions according to your preferences; available options will depend on what your chosen software supports.
Some examples include NCH Express Scribe, Martel Pro Transcriber, SpeechExec Pro by Philips.
Typically, you need to connect the transcription foot pedal to your PC or laptop via a USB cable, open the transcription software, and you’ll be able to start transcribing quickly and easily.
Here is a list of what we consider the best transcription software for use with a pedal.
These are some of the most frequently asked questions about transcription pedals.
Yes, the pedal is helpful because it lets you type faster, but if you want to save time and money, the solution is to do automatic transcriptions.
We invite you to visit ScriptMe and discover what this service offers—you’ll save a lot of time and money.
You only need to upload the audio file, and in just a few minutes, you’ll have a transcription file.
This transcription will be quite accurate; however, if you want to modify any word or phrase, you have access to the transcription editor, which is very easy to use.
This high-quality transcription, done in just a few minutes, can be exported in various file formats. You can upload the content to social media and share it with anyone you want.
If you haven’t used one before, it may not be easy to get used to or configure, although that typically becomes a non-issue after a few days.
Also, some pedals freeze and stop working unexpectedly. You’ll need some patience to unplug, reconnect, and restart the transcription software.
Another downside is that if you transcribe for many hours straight, you may experience muscle fatigue because it forces you to maintain a specific posture.
Additionally, some pedals may be incompatible with certain transcription programs or operating systems. Always make sure of compatibility to avoid the mistake of buying an incompatible device.
The lifespan of a transcription pedal is highly variable. It depends on usage, material quality, and environmental conditions, including humidity levels.
Unfortunately, we can’t provide a more precise answer; lifespan can range from a few months (less than a year) to up to 7 years.
The transcription foot pedal is a practical and essential tool if you want to become a professional transcriptionist.
There are several models at different price points depending on material quality, features, tools, and compatibility with platforms.
Despite its advantages, like any device, it’s fallible—and if you want to take your productivity even further, automatic transcription is the solution.
ScriptMe offers accurate, fast transcriptions in over 30 languages. Contact us and we’ll tell you about all the benefits of our transcription and automatic translation service.
