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Expert Review
Updated 2026-01-12

7 Best Closed Caption Tools (2026)

Make your content accessible

Closed captions make your content accessible to deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers, and improve engagement for all viewers. These tools help you create quality CC.

7 tools compared5 min read3,200 monthly searches
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Key Takeaways

  • YouTube provides free auto-CC
  • NoteLM downloads existing CC free
  • Professional services ensure compliance

How We Evaluated

1Accuracy
2Accessibility compliance
3Editing features
4Format support
5Price

Top 7 Tools Compared

Ranked by features, pricing, ease of use, and user reviews

🏆 Our Top Pick for 2026

YouTube CC

Free YouTube closed captions.

4.3
Free

Pros

  • Free
  • Built-in
  • Auto-generate

⚠️ Cons

  • Variable accuracy

Best for: YouTube creators

#2

Download existing closed captions.

4.5
Free

Pros

  • Free
  • All CC tracks
  • Instant

⚠️ Cons

  • Download only

Best for: Getting existing CC

#3

Professional captioning.

4.6
$1.50/min

Pros

  • 99% accuracy
  • ADA compliant

⚠️ Cons

  • Expensive

Best for: Professional needs

#4

Enterprise captioning.

4.5
Custom

Pros

  • High accuracy
  • Compliance
  • Integration

⚠️ Cons

  • Enterprise pricing

Best for: Enterprise

#5

Collaborative captioning.

4.1
Free

Pros

  • Free
  • Collaborative
  • Community

⚠️ Cons

  • Basic features

Best for: Community projects

#6

Auto-generate captions.

4.0
$16/mo

Pros

  • Easy
  • Styling

⚠️ Cons

  • Paid for full

Best for: Styled captions

#7

AI + human captioning.

4.4
Custom

Pros

  • Highest accuracy
  • Real-time

⚠️ Cons

  • Enterprise only

Best for: Live events

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about these tools answered

YouTube CC is free for creators. NoteLM downloads existing CC from any YouTube video free.

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Written By

NoteLM Team

The NoteLM team specializes in AI-powered video summarization and learning tools. We are passionate about making video content more accessible and efficient for learners worldwide.

AI/ML DevelopmentVideo ProcessingEducational Technology
Last verified: January 12, 2026