---
title: "How to evaluate transcription accuracy claims"
description: "Use independently measured Benchmark Word Accuracy, not unverified 99%+ marketing figures, when you compare transcription products."
canonical: "https://verbafy.io/blog/how-to-evaluate-transcription-accuracy-claims"
last-updated: "2026-09-08"
---

# How to evaluate transcription accuracy claims

Many transcription products advertise 99% or higher accuracy. That number is only useful when you can check the model, dataset, normalization, and who measured it.

## What Benchmark Word Accuracy means

Benchmark Word Accuracy is `100% − WER` for an exact speech-to-text model on a named benchmark. It is evidence about that model under those conditions. It is not a guarantee for every Transcript.

## How Verbafy reports accuracy

Verbafy currently transcribes with AssemblyAI. On the independent [Coval Speech-to-Text Benchmarks](https://benchmarks.coval.ai/stt?window=30d) (30-day window), that model has a best-in-class 3.2% WER. Benchmark Word Accuracy is 96.8% (`100% − WER`). The Coval WER snapshot varies. Last checked on 8 September 2026. Coval is a third-party benchmark. Real results vary with audio quality, accents, terminology, crosstalk, and speaker similarity.

This evaluation method applies to [YouTube to text](/youtube-to-text), [Spotify to text](/spotify-to-text), and [meeting to text](/meeting-to-text).

## Why a lower checkable number can be more useful

A lower, independently measured number is more useful than a 99%+ marketing claim that does not name a dataset, model, or measurer. The confidence is in evidence you can inspect. It is not a ranking that says Verbafy transcribes more words correctly than a 99% claim.

If a product names an independent benchmark, model, dataset, and date, treat that evidence with the same care.

## What to check in a Transcript

Accuracy copy is not a substitute for playback. Open the timestamp and hear the original audio before you quote a name, number, or decision.

[Start with 60 transcribed minutes per week.](/app)

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```