Skip to content
iScribe vs InnoCaption: Which App Is Better for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Users? (2026)
If you have hearing loss, two apps come up again and again. InnoCaption – for captioned phone calls. iScribe – for live transcription of in-person conversations.
They both help deaf and hard of hearing people understand what’s being said. But they do very different things.
This guide explains both apps in simple language. You will know exactly which one you need – and why many people use both.
- Written by: karishma Rautela
- Review by: Mahipal Dosad
InnoCaption vs iScribe - Full Comparison Table
| Feature | InnoCaption | iScribe |
|---|---|---|
| Captions phone calls | Yes | No |
| Captions in-person conversations | No | Yes |
| Live real-time captions | Yes | Yes |
| AI conversation summary | Yes | Yes |
| Text-to-speech (speak for you) | Yes | No |
| Flip screen mode | No | Yes |
| Languages | Spanish, Chinese, Filipino + more | 100+ |
| Works with hearing aids | Yes | yes |
| Upload audio files | No | Yes |
| Export transcripts | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Free (US, FCC-funded) | 3-day free trial |
| Requires registration | Yes (self-certification) | No |
| Works outside US | No | Yes |
What Is InnoCaption?
InnoCaption is a free app that puts real-time captions on your phone calls.
When someone calls you – or you call them – InnoCaption shows you the words on your screen as the other person speaks.
You speak normally. They speak normally. You just read the captions instead of straining to hear.
It is certified and funded by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission). That means it is completely free for people with hearing loss in the United States.
What InnoCaption Can Do
- Captions phone calls in real time – incoming and outgoing
- Choose between live human stenographers or AI auto-captions – switch any time, even mid-call
- Keep your own phone number – no new number needed (One Number system)
- Caption 3-way calls with multiple people
- Captioned voicemail – read your voicemails as text
- Spam call filter – blocks risky calls automatically
- Make 911 emergency calls with captions
- Text-to-speech – type your response and the app speaks it for you
- AI Refine – type a few words and AI turns them into a full sentence
- TTS Shortcuts – save phrases like “Hold on please” and tap to speak them
- AI transcript summary – review what was said after the call
- Works with hearing aids and cochlear implants via Bluetooth
- Available in multiple languages including Spanish, Chinese, Filipino, French, and more
- Works on iPhone, iPad, Android, and desktop
InnoCaption Pricing
Free. For eligible users with hearing loss in the United States.
InnoCaption is funded by the FCC’s Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund. You sign a self-certification form saying you have hearing loss. No doctor’s note needed.
What Is iScribe?
iScribe is a live transcription app for in-person conversations.
When someone talks to you in the same room – a teacher, a doctor, a friend – iScribe puts their words on your screen. Right now. As they speak.
It was built from the ground up for deaf and hard of hearing people on iPhone and iPad.
What iScribe Can Do
- Live captions for in-person conversations – words appear as someone speaks
- No time limit – runs for as long as the conversation goes
- AI summary after every conversation – key points, decisions, and action items
- 100+ languages – more than almost any other app
- Offline mode – works in 9 languages even without Wi-Fi
- Flip screen – rotate text 180 degrees so the person across from you can read it
- Big, adjustable text – change font size, color, and contrast
- Save and export transcripts to PDF, text, or any app
- Upload audio and video files – get a full transcript of any recording
- Works on iPhone and iPad
iScribe Pricing
iScribe offers a 3-day free trial with full access to all features.
After the trial, a subscription is required. Plans are available weekly and annually. For a full breakdown, see iScribe’s features and pricing here.
The Biggest Difference Between InnoCaption and iScribe
Here it is – simple and clear:
InnoCaption captions your PHONE CALLS. iScribe captions in-person CONVERSATIONS.
That is the core difference. They were built for different situations.
InnoCaption answers the question: “How do I understand what someone is saying on the phone?”
iScribe answers the question: “How do I understand what someone is saying right in front of me?”
Where InnoCaption Wins
Phone Calls – InnoCaption Is the Clear Winner
This is what InnoCaption was made for.
When you make or receive a phone call, InnoCaption puts captions on your screen. You can see every word the other person says – clearly, in real time.
iScribe cannot do this. It uses your phone’s microphone to capture in-person sound. It does not tap into phone call audio.
If you want to caption your phone calls, InnoCaption is the only choice here.
Price – InnoCaption Wins
InnoCaption is completely free for eligible users with hearing loss in the United States.
iScribe offers a 3-day free trial and then requires a subscription.
If budget is a major concern and you are in the US, InnoCaption is hard to beat.
Text-to-Speech – InnoCaption Wins
InnoCaption has a text-to-speech feature. During a call, you can type a short message, use AI Refine to turn it into a complete sentence, and tap to have the app speak it out loud for you.
This is great for people who do not voice for themselves or who struggle to speak clearly on calls.
iScribe has a flip screen so others can read your phone, but no built-in text-to-speech that speaks aloud during calls.
Hearing Aid Compatibility – InnoCaption Wins
InnoCaption works directly with Bluetooth hearing aids and cochlear implants from brands like Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Starkey, MED-EL, Cochlear, and more.
You can stream your call audio straight into your hearing device while reading captions on your phone.
iScribe does not have built-in hearing aid integration.
Where iScribe Wins
In-Person Conversations – iScribe Wins
You are in class. Your teacher is talking. You are at the doctor. A friend is explaining something.
InnoCaption cannot help here. It only works for phone calls.
iScribe shows you live captions of everything said in the room – instantly, as words are spoken.
This is the most common situation deaf and hard of hearing people face every day. And iScribe handles it better than any other iPhone app.
More Languages – iScribe Wins
iScribe supports over 100 languages. InnoCaption supports a handful – mainly Spanish, Chinese, Filipino, French, and a few more for ASR mode.
If your language is not commonly spoken, iScribe is more likely to support it.
Flip Screen – iScribe Wins
iScribe has a flip screen feature. Tap a button and the text rotates 180 degrees. The person across from you can now read your phone screen directly.
This makes face-to-face conversations feel natural – at a pharmacy counter, at a restaurant, or anywhere you talk to someone in person.
InnoCaption has no flip screen. It was built for calls, not face-to-face use.
Works Outside the US – iScribe Wins
InnoCaption is only available to users in the United States with hearing loss. It is FCC-funded, so it is limited to US residents.
iScribe works everywhere in the world. No registration. No eligibility check. Just download and use.
Upload Audio Files – iScribe Wins
iScribe lets you upload any audio or video file and get a full transcript with an AI summary.
This is great for reviewing a recorded lecture, transcribing a meeting you missed, or getting key points from a long recording.
InnoCaption cannot transcribe uploaded audio files.
Real-Life Scenarios - Which App Do You Use?
Scenario 1: Calling the Doctor’s Office to Book an Appointment
You need to call and schedule an appointment. Someone on the phone is giving you dates and times.
Use InnoCaption. It captions the call in real time. You can read every word the receptionist says. You can even use text-to-speech to reply if needed.
iScribe will not help here – it cannot access phone call audio.
Scenario 2: At the Doctor’s Office During Your Appointment
You are sitting in front of the doctor. She is explaining your test results. You need to understand every word.
Use iScribe. Live captions appear as she speaks. You can use the flip screen so she can see your typed responses. The AI summary at the end tells you the key points to share with your family.
InnoCaption will not help here – it only works for phone calls.
Scenario 3: University Lecture – 90 Minutes
Your professor talks for 90 minutes. You need to follow along and review the content later.
Use iScribe. Unlimited live captions. AI summary at the end with key topics. Works even if campus Wi-Fi is slow. Save and share the transcript with classmates.
InnoCaption cannot caption in-person lectures.
Scenario 4: A Family Member Calls from Overseas
Your grandmother calls from another country. She speaks quickly and you miss half the words.
Use InnoCaption – but check that the language is supported. InnoCaption supports Spanish, Chinese, French, Filipino, and more in ASR mode.
If her language is not supported, iScribe’s 100+ language support may help for in-person conversations with her instead.
Do You Need Both Apps?
Yes – many deaf and hard of hearing people use both.
InnoCaption handles your phone calls. iScribe handles everything else – doctor visits, classes, meetings, shopping, and any in-person conversation.
They do not overlap. They work together.
InnoCaption = your ears on the phone. iScribe = your ears in the room.
Together they cover almost every communication situation in your daily life. You can also explore more options in our guide:
How to Get Started with iScribe
Getting started takes about two minutes:
- Open the App Store on your iPhone
- Search for “iScribe“
- Download and open the app
- Start your 7-day free trial
- Tap record – and start reading
That’s it. No complicated setup. No connecting devices. One tap and the captions start appearing.
The Bottom Line
InnoCaption and iScribe are both excellent apps for deaf and hard of hearing people. But they solve different problems.
Need to understand phone calls? Use InnoCaption. It is free. It is built for calls. Nothing else does this better.
Need to understand people in the room? Use iScribe. Live captions, AI summaries, flip screen, 100+ languages, offline mode.
Most people need both.
Ready to try iScribe? Download iScribe free for 7 days – no credit card surprise, full access to every feature. Open it, tap record, and start understanding every in-person conversation clearly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is InnoCaption?
InnoCaption is a free app that puts real-time captions on your phone calls. It is certified by the FCC and available at no cost to people with hearing loss in the United States. You can choose between live human stenographers or AI auto-captions during your calls.
Is InnoCaption really free?
Yes. InnoCaption is completely free for eligible users with hearing loss in the United States. It is funded by the FCC’s Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund. You self-certify that you have hearing loss – no doctor’s note needed.
Does InnoCaption work outside the United States?
No. InnoCaption is only available to users in the US with hearing loss. It is a federally funded service limited to US residents.
Can InnoCaption caption in-person conversations?
No. InnoCaption is designed to caption phone calls only. For in-person conversations, a live transcription app like iScribe is the right tool.
What is the InnoCaption One Number system?
This is InnoCaption’s patented technology that lets you keep your own phone number. Calls to your regular number are forwarded to InnoCaption so they get captioned – without anyone knowing you are using a captioning service.
Does InnoCaption work with hearing aids?
Yes. InnoCaption works with Bluetooth-compatible hearing aids and cochlear implants from brands like Oticon, Phonak, ReSound, Signia, Starkey, MED-EL, Cochlear, and more. You can stream call audio directly to your device.
What is iScribe?
iScribe is a live transcription app for iPhone and iPad. It shows real-time captions of in-person conversations, supports 100+ languages, works offline, and gives you an AI summary after each session. It was built for deaf and hard of hearing users
Can iScribe caption phone calls?
No. iScribe uses your iPhone’s microphone to transcribe audio in the room. It cannot access phone call audio. For phone call captions, use InnoCaption.
Which app is better for deaf users - InnoCaption or iScribe?
They serve different needs. InnoCaption is better for captioning phone calls – and it is free in the US. iScribe is better for live in-person conversations, doctor visits, classes, and daily face-to-face communication. Many deaf users use both apps together for complete coverage. Read more about how iScribe supports deaf users.
What languages does iScribe support?
iScribe supports over 100+ languages – one of the widest ranges of any transcription app for iPhone.
How do I get started with iScribe?
Download iScribe from the App Store. Open the app and start your 7-day free trial. Tap record and start your first live transcription. No registration or setup required.
