Model comparison
Compare Universal-3.5 Pro and Scribe v2 using the same provider-sourced speech recognition & transcription rubric. No mystery score and no invented benchmark ranking.
Facts checked September 4, 2026
Set your usage. Your estimate updates as you type.
Uses the recording length in hours: 30 minutes = 0.5 hours. Extra features and minimum charges may change the bill.
Estimates exclude taxes, tools, cache storage/writes, free allowances and custom discounts. Image estimates cover output only, not prompt or reference-image charges. Quality modes differ by model. Unlisted settings are not treated as free.
| Model | Access | Estimated total (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Scribe v2ElevenLabs | ElevenLabs | No reviewed rate |
| Universal-3.5 ProAssemblyAI | AssemblyAI | No reviewed rate |
Quick take
AssemblyAI's accuracy-focused transcription model for files and live audio, with code-switching, speaker labels, timestamps, and contextual prompting.
Async and realtime routes have different prices, and retention depends on endpoint and account controls. Verify optional feature charges, EU routing, training opt-out, BAA status, and zero-retention eligibility.
ElevenLabs' multilingual speech-to-text model for detailed transcripts with many speakers, word timing, audio events, and large custom keyterm lists.
Do not assume batch and realtime are the same route or price. Zero-data-retention is conditional rather than automatic, so verify the plan, endpoint, region, and enable_logging behavior before processing sensitive audio.
Compare the published facts
Values use each provider's own published units and limits. A blank means the provider did not publish a directly comparable value in the sources reviewed.
| Speech recognition & transcription | Universal-3.5 Pro | Scribe v2 |
|---|---|---|
| Transcription priceCurrent provider price per audio hour or minute for the listed processing route. | $0.21/hour async · $0.45/hour streaming | $0.22 / audio hour; realtime listed separately |
| Live or batchWhether the model handles realtime streams, uploaded recordings, or both. | Uploaded files and realtime streaming | Batch and long audio; separate realtime route |
| LanguagesProvider-published language coverage, separating trained or advertised coverage from specifically verified languages where needed. | 18 languages at launch with native code-switching | 90+ languages |
| Speaker labelsWhether the model identifies who spoke and any published speaker limit. | Yes | Up to 32 speakers |
| TimestampsAvailable word-, segment-, or utterance-level timing information. | Word-level timestamps | Word-level timestamps |
| Vocabulary controlKeyword boosting, custom spelling, context, prompting, or other ways to improve domain terms. | Contextual prompting and keyterm prompting | Up to 1,000 keyterms; audio tags and language detection |
| Where to use itDirect API, cloud catalog, application, or regional endpoint documented by the provider. | AssemblyAI US and EU APIs | ElevenLabs Speech-to-Text API |
How to choose
Start with the job you need to complete, then validate cost, access, and policy details on your exact provider route.
AssemblyAI's retention and model-training behavior depends on endpoint, contract, BAA status, EU processing, and opt-out settings. Its docs describe zero-data-retention options for eligible realtime use; verify the exact account configuration.
Provider and API links
ElevenLabs lets eligible API customers manage data-use preferences. Zero-data-retention through enable_logging=false is limited to qualifying enterprise configurations and supported models, including Scribe v2; verify the live plan and regional endpoint.
Provider and API links
Frequently asked questions
Universal-3.5 Pro: AssemblyAI's accuracy-focused transcription model for files and live audio, with code-switching, speaker labels, timestamps, and contextual prompting. Scribe v2: ElevenLabs' multilingual speech-to-text model for detailed transcripts with many speakers, word timing, audio events, and large custom keyterm lists.
Consider Universal-3.5 Pro when your priority is Meetings and calls with language switching. Consider Scribe v2 when your priority is Multilingual media transcription. Test both with your own data and provider route before committing.
No. This comparison aligns provider-published facts for the Speech recognition & transcription category. It does not claim a universal winner or combine incompatible third-party benchmark scores.
