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Voicemail-to-text is one of those features you don’t realize you need until you’ve used it. Instead of listening to every voicemail from beginning to end, you can read a transcript, see what the other caller wanted, and decide whether you need to respond.
Some apps stop at transcription. Others combine it with spam filtering, call screening, or a dedicated second phone number that keeps your personal number private. What matters is what you need out of your phone.
Here are some apps and services that currently transcribe voicemail to text, along with the features that set them apart.
What Is Voicemail Transcription?
Voicemail transcription uses speech-recognition technology to convert a voicemail recording into readable text. Instead of listening to every message from start to finish, you can scan the transcript to see why someone called and whether you need to respond. If something isn’t clear, you can still listen to the original recording.
Transcription isn’t perfect. Background noise, poor connections, names, phone numbers, and fast speech can all affect accuracy. Still, having a transcript gives you another way to review a voicemail when listening to the full recording isn’t convenient.
Why Use Voicemail Transcription?
Voicemail transcription gives you more control over how you manage incoming calls. You can review a message without playing audio, which can be useful in public places, while traveling, or anytime playing a voicemail out loud isn’t convenient. Transcription can also make it easier to screen unfamiliar callers, check delivery updates, review marketplace inquiries, or see whether a callback is necessary.
Some voicemail transcription services also include spam filtering, separate voicemail inboxes, or dedicated second phone numbers. These additional features can help you organize calls and keep different conversations separate.
Best Apps That Transcribe Voicemail to Text
More and more apps are offering voicemail transcription, but the experience can vary significantly depending on the service. Here are the most popular apps and services that currently offer voicemail-to-text features:
Burner
Burner combines AI Voicemail Transcription with a dedicated second phone number designed to help keep your personal number private.
Currently available on iOS, Burner’s AI Voicemail Transcription converts voicemail messages into readable text so you can quickly see why someone called. The original recording is still available whenever you want or need to listen.
This feature is part of Burner Premium and works with your Burner number, a real second phone number that remains separate from your personal number. Calls, texts, and voicemail for that number stay separate from your personal number.
In addition to AI Voicemail Transcription, Burner also offers:
- A real second phone number
- Separate voicemail for every Burner number
- Custom voicemail greetings
- Number Lookup
- Do Not Disturb controls for each number
- Spam and robocall filtering
- The ability to delete a Burner number and its associated calls, texts, and voicemail history when you no longer need it
Ultimately, beyond voicemail transcription, Burner gives you more flexibility in how you manage calls, texts, and your personal number. Learn more about how Burner works as a second phone number.
Google Voice
Google Voice includes voicemail transcription for supported accounts and regions. Transcripts appear alongside voicemail messages, allowing you to read messages rather than dialing into your voicemail box.
Google Voice also includes features such as:
- A separate phone number
- Call forwarding
- Spam filtering
- Visual voicemail
- Calling and texting through the app
For people who already use Google services and want voicemail transcription with a second number, Google Voice can be a practical option.
Apple Live Voicemail
Apple’s Live Voicemail displays a real-time transcript while someone is leaving you a message. You can read what the caller is saying as they speak and decide whether to answer before the message ends.
Because it’s built directly into the iPhone Phone app, availability depends on your iPhone model, iOS version, language, region, and carrier. For people who want voicemail transcription on their existing number, Live Voicemail can be a practical option.
If you’re considering a separate number instead, compare the different ways to get a second phone number.
Android Voicemail Transcription
Voicemail transcription on Android converts voicemails into readable text depending on your phone, calling app, and mobile carrier. Some Android devices include transcription through Google’s phone app or visual voicemail, while others rely on carrier-supported features.
Depending on your device, you may also have access to call screening, spam warnings, visual voicemail, and other AI-assisted calling tools. Check your phone’s voicemail settings or contact your phone service provider to see which features are available.
Why Burner Is More Than Voicemail Transcription
Voicemail transcription tells you what someone said. Burner pairs it with a second phone number and tools that help you manage unwanted calls and keep your personal number private.
Calls, texts, and voicemail to your Burner number stay separate from your personal number, giving you a dedicated place to manage those conversations. Burner also combines AI Voicemail Transcription with separate voicemail, spam filtering, and other privacy tools.
A second number can be useful for dating apps, buying or selling online, or signing up for services that don’t need your personal number. With Burner, those conversations stay connected solely to your Burner number.
Learn more about how Burner helps keep your personal number private and protects your data.
What to Look for in a Voicemail-to-Text App
When comparing voicemail-to-text apps, look beyond transcription to features that make calls and messages easier to manage.
Transcription Accuracy
Because background noise, names, addresses, and poor connections can affect transcription accuracy, look for an app that also gives you access to the original recording. That way, you can still listen to the message if the transcript misses something.
Spam Filtering
Spam filtering adds another layer of context for unfamiliar calls. Burner pairs spam and robocall filtering with AI Voicemail Transcription, so you have more information about deciding whether to respond.
Learn more about potential spam calls and how to handle them.
Separate Voicemail for Your Second Number
Every Burner number has its own voicemail and custom greeting, so messages to your Burner number stay separate from your personal voicemail. With Burner Premium on iOS, AI Voicemail Transcription also turns those messages into text, making it easier to quickly review calls and keep conversations organized.
Related: How to Have Multiple Phone Lines and One Number
Keeping Your Personal Number Private
A second number lets you be more selective about who gets your personal number. With Burner, you can also delete a number when you no longer need it, along with its associated calls, texts, and voicemail.
That flexibility is another way Burner helps you keep your real number private.
Does Burner Transcribe Voicemail on Android and iPhone?
AI Voicemail Transcription is currently available with Burner Premium on iOS, while Burner’s core calling, texting, voicemail, spam filtering, and Number Lookup features are available on both iOS and Android.
If voicemail transcription is what you’re looking for, iOS is the place to start.
AI Voicemail Transcription with Burner
Burner Premium on iOS turns voicemail messages into readable transcripts, with the original recording available when you need it. Voicemail for your Burner number stays separate from your personal voicemail.
