The choice is between Speechmatics, with 56+ languages, and Potok, with about 30. Speechmatics translates over 30 languages to and from English, exports JSON, TXT and SRT, and takes uploads under 1 GB in the request body; Potok has no translation, takes files up to 2 GB in Telegram and exports six formats.
Get the text of your recording
Your recording goes to @potok_now_bot as a file or a voice message, and the transcript returns to you in Telegram.
Go to @potok_now_bot in Telegram
Files up to 2 GB · export to TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT and VTT · speaker labels and timestamps · about 30 languages
Facts that matter here
- Speechmatics labels speakers; Potok also labels them, as Speaker 1, 2.
- Speechmatics states no Telegram bot on its public pages.
- Potok adds MD, DOCX, PDF and VTT beyond what Speechmatics lists.
- Speechmatics translation runs to and from English only.
- On largest file, Speechmatics lists Under 1 GB when uploaded in the request body, and Potok lists Up to 2 GB.
Side by side
| Speechmatics | Potok | |
|---|---|---|
| Recognition languages | 56+ languages | About 30 |
| Translation of transcripts | Over 30 languages, to and from English | Not available |
| Speaker labels | Yes | Yes, can be switched on |
| Export formats | JSON, TXT, SRT | TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT, VTT |
| Telegram bot | Not stated on its public pages | Yes, @potok_now_bot |
| Largest file | Under 1 GB when uploaded in the request body | Up to 2 GB |
Facts about Speechmatics come from its public pages and from third-party reviews. They can change; check the vendor's site before you decide.
| Option | What it means |
|---|---|
| Where to use it | The Telegram bot @potok_now_bot, plus its mini app for big uploads |
| Dictation | A separate Potok desktop app lets you dictate text into any program; it recognises Russian speech |
| Accepted | Voice messages, audio and video |
| Export | TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT, VTT |
| Summary | A summary button under the transcript gives a short digest |
Mistakes to avoid when you compare
| What goes wrong | Effect | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Sending a file near 1 GB in a Speechmatics request body | The upload may fail at the limit | Keep files under 1 GB or use Potok |
| Expecting translation between any two languages | Speechmatics translates to and from English only | Plan an English pivot or use another translator |
| Expecting DOCX or PDF export from Speechmatics | Only JSON, TXT and SRT are named | Pick Potok when you need document formats |
| Choosing Potok for a language outside its 30 | Coverage is narrower than Speechmatics | Check your language on both lists first |
| Deciding from one line of the table alone | A strong line can hide a weak one that matters for your recording | Go through every row and mark the ones that are deal breakers for you |
Next steps
Not sure about a term? Open the glossary. Need to check a language? See the languages page. Helpers are in tools.
Common questions
How many languages does Speechmatics support?
It lists 56+ languages, while Potok covers about 30 languages.
Does Speechmatics translate?
Yes, over 30 languages, to and from English. Potok does not translate text.
What is the Speechmatics upload limit?
Uploads in the request body stay under 1 GB. Potok accepts a file up to 2 GB.
Which formats does Speechmatics export?
JSON, TXT and SRT. Potok exports TXT, MD, DOCX, PDF, SRT and VTT.
How do I try Potok?
Open @potok_now_bot in Telegram and send your audio file.
What does the table say about speaker labels?
For Speechmatics it lists Yes, and for Potok it lists Yes, can be switched on. Test one real file in both tools if this line decides your choice. The wording above follows the vendor page as it was read for this comparison.
Sources
We opened each page below on the date shown. Because pages get updated, confirm important details at the source.
- Speechmatics, official page, Speechmatics · checked
- Speechmatics, official page (docs.speechmatics.com), Speechmatics · checked
- Speechmatics, official page (docs.speechmatics.com), Speechmatics · checked
- Whisper speech recognition system (Wikipedia), Wikipedia · checked
See the result on your recording
Drop an audio or video file, or a voice message, into the chat with @potok_now_bot; the recognized text is sent back there.
Open @potok_now_bot in Telegram