AI-powered dictation apps saw widespread adoption in 2025, as advances in large language models and speech-to-text systems addressed long-standing issues around speed, accuracy, and context that previously limited voice-based writing tools.
From Niche Tools To Everyday Writing Aids
Dictation software has existed for years, but earlier versions often struggled with accents, unclear enunciation, and contextual understanding. In 2025, improvements in large language models and speech recognition systems enabled apps to better preserve context, format text automatically, remove filler words, and smooth over speech errors, reducing the amount of manual editing required after transcription.
As a result, dozens of AI dictation apps entered the market, each targeting different user needs around writing style, privacy, pricing, and platform support.
Feature-Rich Dictation With Wispr Flow
Wispr Flow positioned itself as a highly configurable dictation tool with native apps for macOS, Windows, and iOS, with an Android version in development. The app allows users to add custom vocabulary and instructions, and to select transcription styles such as formal, casual, or very casual depending on the writing context.
Wispr Flow integrates with coding tools such as Cursor, where it can recognize variables or tag files during dictation. The free tier allows up to 2,000 words per month on desktop and 1,000 words on iOS. Paid plans start at $15 per month and remove transcription limits.
Willow Emphasizes Speed And Local Privacy
Willow markets itself as a productivity tool for users who prefer speaking over typing. In addition to standard formatting and editing features, Willow can expand short dictated phrases into longer passages using large language models.
The app stores transcripts locally on the user’s device and allows users to opt out of model training. Custom vocabulary support enables adaptation to specific industries or dialects. Willow’s free tier includes 2,000 dictated words per month on desktop, with subscriptions starting at $15 per month for unlimited use and writing-style memory.
Offline-First Transcription With Monologue
Monologue focuses on privacy by allowing users to download its speech model and run transcriptions entirely on-device, avoiding cloud processing. The app also lets users adjust tone based on the applications it integrates with.
Monologue offers 1,000 free words per month. Paid access costs $10 per month or $100 per year. The company said high-usage customers may receive a physical Monokey accessory designed to work with the app.
Model Flexibility In Superwhisper
Superwhisper combines live dictation with transcription from audio and video files. Users can download and choose between multiple AI models, including proprietary models with varying accuracy and speed, as well as Nvidia’s Parakeet speech-recognition models.
Superwhisper supports custom prompts to guide output and displays both processed and raw transcripts through system keyboard integration. Core voice-to-text features are free, with 15 minutes available to test Pro features. Paid plans cost $8.49 per month, $84.99 per year, or $249.99 for lifetime access.
Offline And Open Source Options
VoiceTypr adopts an offline-first approach with no subscription model, using local transcription models. The app supports more than 99 languages and runs on macOS and Windows. An open source version is available on GitHub for users who prefer to self-host.
VoiceTypr offers a three-day free trial, followed by lifetime licenses priced at $35 for one device, $56 for two devices, and $98 for four devices.
Handy provides a free, basic transcription experience on macOS, Windows, and Linux. It offers limited customization, including push-to-talk and hotkey controls, and is aimed at users experimenting with voice input without paid features.
Automation And High Free Limits
Aqua, backed by Y Combinator, offers low-latency dictation on macOS and Windows. Beyond grammar and punctuation, the app supports spoken shortcuts that autofill predefined text, such as addresses. Aqua also provides a speech-to-text API for third-party applications.
The free tier includes 1,000 words per month. Paid plans start at $8 per month with annual billing and include unlimited dictation and up to 800 custom dictionary entries.
Typeless differentiates itself with a high free usage allowance and data retention claims. The app allows up to 4,000 words per week on its free tier and suggests improved sentence versions if a user stumbles while dictating. Paid plans cost $12 per month with annual billing and remove usage limits. Typeless is available on Windows and macOS.
Featured image credits: Freepik
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