Compare Mac dictation apps
Where your voice goes. How your words are cleaned up. What you pay. See the differences before you choose.
Try EnviousWispr freemacOS 14+ · Apple Silicon · No accountSwipe across for apps and scroll down for features. Names stay in view.
| Find what matters to you. | EnviousWisprFree, private dictation | Wispr FlowCloud dictation | SuperwhisperModel and mode choice | FluidVoiceFree, configurable dictation | SpokenlyLocal and cloud flexibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01Cost & setup | |||||
| Price | FreeDictation, file transcription and local AI polish. | Free + Pro2,000 words/week on desktop. Pro $15/month, or $12/month billed annually. | Free + ProUnlimited Whisper models free. Pro $8.49/month; annual and lifetime options. | FreeLocal dictation and Fluid Intelligence. Cloud provider fees may apply. | Free + paidLocal models free. Local+ $29 one-time. Pro $9.99/month or $99.99/year. |
| Getting started | No accountInstall the app and download your models. | Sign inAn account and internet connection. | Choose a modelNo account needed for offline transcription. | Choose your setupGrant permissions, set a shortcut and choose your models. | No account for local useInstall local models. Pro activation depends on purchase source. |
| 02Privacy & processing | |||||
| Where audio goes | Stays on your MacTranscription always runs on-device. | CloudAudio is sent for cloud transcription. | Local or cloudDepends on the voice model you choose. | Local-firstVoice and text stay local unless you opt into a cloud AI provider. | Local or cloudLocal models keep audio on-device. Cloud models send it to a provider. |
| Works offline | YesAfter setup, with local transcription and polish models. | Internet requiredCloud-connected dictation. | With local modelsDownload the models first. | With local modelsDownload speech and Fluid Intelligence models first. | With local modelsLocal Only Mode blocks external network access. |
| AI text cleanup | Local AI includedCloud polish also available with your own provider.¹ | Automatic, in cloudCleanup is part of the dictation workflow. | Local or cloud AIPro includes local and cloud language models. | Local AI includedFluid Intelligence, or a cloud provider you choose. | Local or cloud AIIts own on-device cleanup model or Apple Intelligence on supported Macs; cloud via your key or Pro. |
| 03Everyday use | |||||
| Workflow | Dictate & transcribe filesDictation into your apps, plus recordings you import. | Dictation across devicesMac, Windows, iOS and Android. | Dictation & meetingsMac, Windows, iOS and Android. Voice models, custom prompts and modes. | Dictation & voice actionsConfigurable speech models, Write Mode and Command Mode. | Dictation across devicesMac, Windows, Linux and iOS. Per-mode prompts and models. |
| Languages | 99+ with WhisperParakeet covers 25 European languages. | 100+Language support varies by feature. | 100+Model-dependent language support. | 99 with WhisperModel-dependent; Parakeet v3 covers 25 languages. | 100+Model-dependent language support. |
| On Apple Silicon | M1 or latermacOS 14+. Intel Macs are not supported. | SupportedSpeech processing runs in the cloud. | SupportedRecommended for offline models. | SupportedmacOS 15+. Intel support through Whisper models. | SupportedmacOS 13.3+. Local model support varies on Intel. |
| App source code | Open sourceGPLv3. AI models have their own licenses. | Proprietary | Proprietary | Open-source appGPLv3. Fluid Intelligence is a separate, private runtime. | Proprietary |
| Explore further | Our features | Full comparison | Full comparison | Full comparison | Full comparison |
¹ Local or cloud, your choice. EnviousWispr keeps audio on your Mac. If you choose cloud polish, selected text and cleanup context go directly to your provider. Providers may charge for usage. Apple Intelligence polish requires macOS 26+ and availability.
Checked 17 October 2026. Prices are in the currencies shown; taxes and regional pricing may vary. Features can depend on your plan, model and setup. See primary sources ↓
The trade-offs
Dictate into your apps, transcribe a recording, and clean up the text with local AI. No account or subscription. Your audio stays on your Mac.
The trade-off: you need Apple Silicon and macOS 14+. If cross-platform access or a broader team workflow matters more, look at those capabilities first.
See how offline worksSee the results
How does the text actually turn out? Mostly Mac compared seven dictation apps using the same passages. Watch the examples and the reviewer’s conclusions.
Watch the independent comparison This is one reviewer’s test, not a guarantee for every voice, language or Mac.
Mostly Mac EnviousWispr segment · 6:25 ↗Take a closer look
EnviousWispr alongside 18 dictation, transcription and developer tools.
This comparison is published by Envious Labs, the maker of EnviousWispr. Product facts come from the sources below. Our fit recommendations are editorial judgments.
Free, private dictation for Mac. No account. No subscription.
macOS 14+ · Apple Silicon · Android 13+
