The year 2025 marked a significant turning point for AI dictation applications. While dictation software has existed for many years, historical versions were often slow and lacked accuracy, particularly for users with specific accents or less-than-perfect enunciation.
However, breakthroughs in large language models (LLMs) and advanced speech-to-text technologies have dramatically enhanced these systems, enabling them to interpret spoken language more precisely and maintain contextual coherence for improved text formatting. Developers have also integrated sophisticated features that automatically format text, eliminate superfluous words, and correct minor errors, resulting in output that requires minimal editing.
Given the widespread embrace of AI, the market is now flooded with numerous such applications. To help you navigate this crowded landscape, we have compiled a selection of the most effective and useful dictation apps available this year.
Wispr Flow
Wispr Flow is a robust and well-funded AI dictation application that allows users to incorporate custom vocabulary and specific dictation instructions. It offers native applications for macOS, Windows, and iOS, with an Android version currently under development.
This app provides extensive customization for transcribing notes, offering style choices such as “formal,” “casual,” and “very casual” to suit different writing contexts like personal messages, professional documents, or emails. Furthermore, when used with vibe-coding tools like Cursor, it can automatically identify variables or tag files within your chat sessions.
Wispr Flow provides a free tier, allowing up to 2,000 words per month on desktop platforms and 1,000 words per month on iOS. For unlimited transcription, subscription plans begin at $15 per month.
Willow
Willow promotes itself as a significant time-saver for individuals who prefer not to type. Beyond standard features like automated editing and formatting, the app incorporates large language models to generate substantial blocks of text from just a few spoken words.
Willow also prioritizes privacy in AI-assisted note-taking by storing all transcripts locally on your device and offering an opt-out option for model training. It further enhances adaptability by allowing users to add custom vocabulary, helping the app understand industry-specific jargon or regional dialects.
Users can dictate up to 2,000 words per month for free on Willow’s desktop application. Individual subscription plans start at $15 per month, offering unlimited dictation and the ability for the app to learn and remember your unique writing style.
Monologue
For those prioritizing privacy, Monologue offers the option to download its AI model, enabling local transcription on your device and eliminating the need to send data to the cloud. Additionally, the app allows for customization of its tone of voice to align with the specific applications you are using.
Monologue provides a free tier for dictating up to 1,000 words per month. Subscription costs are $10 monthly or $100 annually. As a unique incentive, top users of the app may receive a distinctive Monokey device designed for enhanced interaction with the application.
Superwhisper
Superwhisper functions primarily as a dictation app but also boasts the capability to transcribe content from both audio and video files. The application grants users the flexibility to select and download various AI models, including its proprietary models with varying speeds and accuracy, as well as Nvidia’s Parakeet speech-recognition models.
Users can craft custom prompts to guide the output generation. The app seamlessly integrates with the system keyboard, allowing for easy viewing of both processed and raw transcripts.
The fundamental voice-to-text function is free, and a 15-minute trial is provided for Pro features such as translation and advanced transcription. The paid tier enables users to utilize their own AI API keys and integrate cloud or local models without any usage limitations.
Pricing includes a monthly plan at $8.49, an annual plan at $84.99, or a lifetime subscription for $249.99.
VoiceTypr
The VoiceTypr application adopts an offline-first, no-subscription business model, allowing users to perform transcriptions using local models. An open-source GitHub repository is also available for those interested in self-hosting and running the software. VoiceTypr supports more than 99 languages and is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems.
A three-day free trial of the app is offered, after which users can purchase a lifetime license. The cost is $35 for single-device use, $56 for two devices, and $98 for four devices.
Aqua
Aqua, a voice-typing client backed by Y Combinator for Windows and macOS, asserts itself as one of the fastest tools in its category regarding low latency.
In addition to managing grammar and punctuation, Aqua facilitates text autofill using spoken phrases — for instance, saying “my address” can prompt Aqua to type in your complete address.
The application also provides its own speech-to-text API for integration with other software.
The free tier includes 1,000 words per month. Paid plans, starting at $8 per month (billed annually), offer unlimited words and access to 800 custom dictionary entries.
Handy
Handy is a free, open-source transcription utility compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux. While relatively basic and offering limited customization, it serves as an excellent starting point for users looking to incorporate voice input without incurring costs.
Its minimalist settings menu allows for toggling push-to-talk functionality and adjusting the hotkey used to initiate transcription.
Typeless
Typeless distinguishes itself within this category with a generous free word count. The company asserts that it neither retains user data nor employs it for model training. Typeless also includes a feature that suggests improved sentence constructions if a user’s dictation contains errors or fumbles.
The app’s free tier permits dictation of up to 4,000 words per week (approximately 16,000 words per month). For unlimited words and access to forthcoming features, a subscription costs $12 per month (billed annually). Typeless is exclusively available for Windows and macOS.