The commodification of Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology, similar to the evolution of the airline industry, is democratizing access to speech-to-text services, with a wide range of providers now available to cater to various use cases and budgets. Historically dominated by a few key players, the ASR market has transformed due to advancements in deep learning and neural networks, resulting in improved speed, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness. Companies must navigate the speed-accuracy-cost tradeoff when selecting an ASR provider, balancing between fast results and precision depending on their specific needs. Emerging providers like Gladia address this by offering hybrid models that reconcile speed and quality, ensuring customizable and affordable solutions. As the market continues to evolve, ASR technology is anticipated to become as accessible and ubiquitous as commercial air travel, despite potential challenges such as hidden costs and market opacity.