In some ways, 2025 marked a turning point for AI dictation apps. While these tools have been around for years, they often struggled with speed and accuracy—especially if you didn’t speak clearly or had a specific accent.
Thanks to advancements in large language models (LLMs) and improved speech-to-text capabilities, these apps are now much better at understanding speech and maintaining context, which aids in text formatting. Developers have added features like automatic formatting, removal of filler words, and the ability to overlook minor mistakes, resulting in text that requires fewer edits.
With the AI trend skyrocketing in popularity, numerous dictation apps are now available. We’ve put together a list of the best options for this year.
Wispr Flow
Wispr Flow is a well-funded AI dictation app that allows you to add custom words and instructions for transcription. It offers native applications for MacOS, Windows, and iOS, with an Android version on the way.
You can choose from different transcription styles—“formal,” “casual,” and “very casual”—to suit various types of writing, whether it’s personal messages, work documents, or emails. If you’re using it alongside vibe coding tools like Cursor, there’s a feature that automatically recognizes variables or tags in your chat.
With Wispr Flow, you can jot down up to 2,000 words per month for free on desktop versions and 1,000 words per month on iOS. Subscription plans for unlimited transcription start at $15 per month.
Willow
Willow bills itself as a major time-saver for those who aren’t fans of typing. In addition to standard features like automatic editing and formatting, it utilizes large language models to generate comprehensive text from just a few dictated words.
Focusing on privacy, Willow stores transcripts locally on your device and offers an option to opt out of model training. It also allows you to incorporate custom vocabulary to better fit your profession or local dialect.
You can dictate 2,000 words per month for free on the desktop app. Individual subscription plans start at $15 per month for unlimited dictation and the ability for the app to remember your writing style.
Monologue
If privacy is a priority for you, Monologue allows you to download its model to run transcriptions on your device, preventing any data from being sent to the cloud. Additionally, you can customize its tone of voice based on the applications you use it with.
Monologue offers a free tier for 1,000 words per month, with subscriptions priced at $10 monthly or $100 annually. Top users may even receive a unique Monokey to enhance their experience.
Keyboards are so 1983. You only need one key—Monokey, the limited edition device that turns your voice into text in Monologue. We’re giving away 10, along with a free annual subscription to Monologue. #MonologueGiveaway
Superwhisper
While primarily a dictation app, Superwhisper can also transcribe audio and video files. It lets you choose and download AI models, including its own variations with different speeds and accuracies, as well as NVIDIA’s Parakeet models.
Custom prompts can be created to guide output, and you can see both processed and unprocessed transcripts integrated with the system keyboard.
The basic voice-to-text feature is free, allowing 15 minutes to test out Pro features like translation and transcription. The paid tier gives you the option to use your own AI API keys and integrate cloud or local models without limits. Monthly plans are available for $8.49, while an annual plan costs $84.99, or you can secure a lifetime subscription for $249.99.
VoiceTypr
This app adopts an offline-first approach, allowing you to use local models for transcription with no subscription required. There’s even a GitHub repository for those interested in hosting and running an open-source version. VoiceTypr supports over 99 languages and is compatible with both Mac and Windows.
It offers a three-day free trial, after which you can purchase a lifetime license: $35 for one device, $56 for two, and $98 for four devices.
Aqua
Aqua is a Y-Combinator-backed voice typing client available for Windows and MacOS, boasting impressive speed and low latency.
In addition to managing grammar and punctuation, Aqua allows you to autofill text by dictating specific phrases—just say “my address” to have it input your address, for example.
The free tier offers 1,000 words per month. Paid plans start at $8 per month (billed annually) and provide unlimited words and 800 custom dictionary entries.
Handy
Handy is an open-source, free transcription tool compatible with Mac, Windows, and Linux. While it’s pretty basic and lacks extensive customization, it’s a great option for anyone looking to start using voice dictation without incurring costs.
The app features a simple settings menu that allows you to toggle push-to-talk and adjust the hotkey to kick off transcription.
Typeless
Typeless stands out with its generous free word count and claims not to retain any data or use it for model training. The app even offers suggestions for improving a sentence if it detects any errors.
You can dictate up to 4,000 words per week (or around 16,000 words per month) for free. For $12 per month (billed annually), you can unlock unlimited words and access new features. Typeless is available for Windows and MacOS.
