The year 2025 marked a significant turning point for AI dictation applications. While dictation tools have existed for years, their past performance was often hampered by sluggishness and imprecision, typically requiring specific accents and clear articulation for reliable use. However, breakthroughs in large language models (LLMs) and advanced speech-to-text technologies have dramatically enhanced these systems, enabling them to interpret spoken words with greater accuracy and preserve context for superior text formatting. Developers have also integrated sophisticated features that automate text formatting, eliminate filler words, and disregard minor speech errors, resulting in text that demands minimal editing. Given the immense rise in AI’s popularity, a multitude of such applications are now available. We’ve compiled a selection of this year’s most effective and practical dictation apps.
But advances in large language models (LLMs) and speech-to-text models have helped improve the systems that can decipher speech better while retaining the context to format the text. And developers have built in features to automatically format text, remove filler words, and ignore fumbles to output text that would need fewer edits.
Given the immense rise in AI’s popularity, a multitude of such applications are now available. We’ve compiled a selection of this year’s most effective and practical dictation apps.
Wispr Flow
Wispr Flow is a robust AI dictation application, backed by substantial funding, allowing users to incorporate custom vocabulary and specific dictation guidelines. It offers dedicated native applications for MacOS, Windows, and iOS, with an Android version currently under development.
This app provides extensive customization for note transcription, enabling users to select “formal,” “casual,” or “very casual” writing styles, ideal for diverse contexts like personal messages, professional work, and emails. When integrated with vibe coding tools such as Cursor, a feature can be activated to automatically identify variables or tag files within conversations.
Users can transcribe up to 2,000 words monthly for free on desktop platforms and 1,000 words per month on iOS. Unlimited transcription is available through its subscription plans, starting at $15 per month.
Willow
Willow positions itself as a significant efficiency booster for individuals who prefer not to type. In addition to standard capabilities such as automated editing and formatting, the application utilizes large language models to construct complete text passages from only a handful of dictated words.
Willow also prioritizes privacy in AI-assisted note-taking, storing all transcripts directly on your device and offering an opt-out option for model training. Furthermore, it allows for the integration of custom vocabulary, enabling the app to adapt to industry-specific terminology or regional dialects.
Willow provides a free tier for its desktop app, allowing 2,000 words of dictation per month. Personal subscription plans, beginning at $15 monthly, offer unlimited dictation and the ability for the app to learn and apply your unique writing style.
Monologue
For those prioritizing privacy, Monologue offers the ability to download its language model, allowing transcriptions to be processed directly on your device without transmitting data to the cloud. Additionally, the application enables users to tailor its tone of voice to suit the specific applications it’s being used with.
Monologue provides a free tier for up to 1,000 words per month, with subscription options at $10 monthly or $100 annually. As an incentive for its most active users, the company even offers an exclusive ‘Monokey’ peripheral designed for use with the app.
Superwhisper
Superwhisper functions primarily as a dictation tool but also supports transcription from audio and video files. It empowers users to select and download various AI models, including its proprietary models with varying speeds and accuracy levels, as well as NVIDIA’s Parakeet speech recognition models.
The application further allows for custom prompts to guide the output. Users can conveniently view both processed and raw transcripts, seamlessly integrated with the system keyboard.
Its fundamental voice-to-text functionality is free, with a 15-minute trial period for Pro features like translation and extended transcription. The premium subscription enables the use of personal AI API keys and unlimited integration of cloud and local models.
Pricing includes a monthly plan at $8.49, an annual plan at $84.99, or a one-time lifetime subscription for $249.99.
VoiceTypr
VoiceTypr distinguishes itself with an offline-first, no-subscription model, enabling local transcription using on-device models. An accompanying GitHub repository is available for users interested in self-hosting and running the open-source version. VoiceTypr supports over 99 languages and is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.
A three-day free trial is offered, after which users can purchase a lifetime license. Pricing is set at $35 for a single device, $56 for two devices, and $98 for four devices.
Aqua
Aqua, a voice typing client supported by Y-Combinator, is available for Windows and MacOS, asserting itself as one of the swiftest tools in its class regarding latency.
Beyond managing grammar and punctuation, Aqua facilitates text autofill; for instance, uttering “my address” can prompt the app to input your complete address.
The application additionally provides its proprietary speech-to-text API for integration with other software.
A free tier grants users 1,000 words per month. Paid subscriptions, beginning at $8 monthly (when billed annually), provide unlimited words and access to 800 custom dictionary entries.
Handy
Handy presents itself as a free and open-source transcription utility, compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux operating systems. While the application is relatively straightforward and lacks extensive customization options, it serves as an excellent entry point for users looking to leverage voice input without incurring costs.
Its minimalist settings menu allows for features like push-to-talk toggling and modification of the transcription activation hotkey.
Typeless
Typeless stands out within this category for offering a generous free word count. The company asserts that it neither stores user data nor utilizes it for model training. Typeless also suggests an improved version of a sentence if you might have fumbled a line.
The free tier permits dictation of up to 4,000 words weekly (approximately 16,000 words per month). For $12 per month (billed annually), users can access unlimited words and new features. Typeless is exclusively available for Windows and MacOS.