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Live Captions (iPhone) vs Live Caption (Android): Side-by-Side Comparison

Checked November 10, 2026. Next full check February 2027.

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This page puts Live Captions (iPhone) and Live Caption (Android) side by side. It shows what each maker or store says. It does not pick a winner.

At a glance

FeatureLive Captions (iPhone)Live Caption (Android)
MakerAppleGoogle
GroupLive captionsLive captions
Works oniPhone, iPadAndroid
Built into the phoneYesYes
CostBuilt in. Built into supported iPhones. No separate app to buy.Built in. Built into supported Android phones. No separate app to buy.
Good foriPhone users who want captions with nothing to install.Android users who want captions on videos and calls.

Main differences

  • Live Captions (iPhone) works on iPhone, iPad. Live Caption (Android) works on Android.
  • Both are listed as: built in. Read each cost note below.

What each one does

Live Captions (iPhone)

  • Captions audio from apps, such as podcasts and video.
  • Captions in-person talk with the microphone.
  • Lets you pause, clear the text, move the window or go full screen.
  • Lets you change the size, color and style of the text.
  • Lets you copy the text into Notes or Messages.

Live Caption (Android)

  • Captions speech in videos, podcasts, phone calls, video calls and audio messages.
  • Works without data after you download a language pack once.
  • Processes captions on your phone. Google says captions are never stored or sent to Google.

What each one needs

Live Captions (iPhone)

  • An iPhone 11 or later.
  • A supported language and region. Apple says it is not available in all of them.

Live Caption (Android)

  • A supported Pixel or other Android phone.
  • Wi-Fi the first time, to download the language pack.

Good to know

Live Captions (iPhone)

  • Apple says accuracy may vary. Apple says not to rely on it in high-risk or emergency situations.
  • For calls, you choose to keep captions for 1 minute or 1 hour. With 1 hour, all call participants hear an announcement that the call is being transcribed.
  • To turn it on: Settings, then Accessibility, then Live Captions.

Live Caption (Android)

  • Google says it is not meant for calls with more than one other person.
  • Captions may not work for some media and calling apps.
  • Google says it does not work on music, uses more battery, and turns off in battery saver mode.
  • To turn it on: press a volume button, tap More, then Live Caption.

How to choose

  • Check your phone first. Some apps work on one kind of phone only.
  • Read the limits for each app above. Then read each full page.
  • Check the cost on the store listing before you install.
  • Try one app at a time. Tell your audiologist which one helps.

This guide is general information. It does not diagnose hearing loss and it does not replace a hearing evaluation. An app cannot tell you why you hear less. An audiologist can.

Read more on our site

Sources

We read these pages on November 10, 2026. Prices and phone requirements change, so check the listing before you install.

Need help choosing?

Using captions all day? Your hearing may need a closer look. Call 650-342-9449.

California Hearing Center has offices in San Mateo and San Carlos. One phone number reaches both: 650-342-9449.

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