AssemblyAI vs Gladia (2026): Pricing, Features & Which to Choose

Who comes out ahead

Based only on the facts in our directory. The right pick still depends on the job you need done.

Lower starting price
Not comparable
Not comparable: AssemblyAI does not list a price
Free plan
Tie
Both have one
Higher rating
AssemblyAI
4.5 against 4.3
Same job?
Yes
Both are Audio tools

Side by side

Compared on	AssemblyAI	Gladia
Our rating	4.5Better	4.3
Starts at	Free	Free
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Category	Audio	Audio
Plans	Free	Free
Key features	Usage-based speech-to-text API LeMUR framework for LLM analysis on transcripts Published accuracy benchmarks against competitors Real-time and batch transcription modes Free API credits for testing	Whisper-based model with additional accuracy tuning Strong performance on accented and multilingual audio EU-based infrastructure for data residency needs Real-time transcription and speaker diarization Built-in summarization
Pros	Strong, independently referenced accuracy benchmarks LeMUR adds LLM-based analysis without a separate pipeline Usage-based pricing scales with actual demand	Tuned specifically for accented and code-switching speech EU data residency option for compliance-sensitive customers Usage-based pricing scales with actual demand
Cons	No consumer app, requires development work to use Full value depends on having an engineering team to integrate it Cost can grow quickly at high transcription volume	No consumer app, requires development work to use Built on Whisper rather than a fully proprietary model Less brand recognition than larger US-based competitors
Company	AssemblyAI, founded 2017	Gladia, founded 2022

Prices come from each vendor's pricing page, last checked 20260703. Check the vendor before you buy.

FAQ

Questions people ask

Is AssemblyAI better than Gladia?

In our reviews AssemblyAI scores 4.5 and Gladia scores 4.3. The better pick depends on the job. AssemblyAI: A developer API, not an app, built for accuracy benchmarks. Gladia: A European speech API tuned for accents and multilingual audio.

Which is cheaper, AssemblyAI or Gladia?

AssemblyAI: free. Gladia: free.

Do AssemblyAI and Gladia have free plans?

Yes, both have a free plan.

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