Dictation apps range from free built-in options to premium tools with AI refinement. This guide covers the full spectrum—so you can find what fits your needs and budget.
The Quick Version
Just want a recommendation?
- Best overall: Private Transcriber AI — polished output, versatility (real-time + files + subtitles), total privacy
- Best for power users: Superwhisper — deep customization
- Best for speaker diarization: MacWhisper — multi-speaker recording identification
- Best free: Aiko — open source, capable
- Best built-in: Apple Dictation — already on your Mac
Now let's break down why.
Understanding the Categories
Dictation apps fall into three categories:
Real-time dictation: You speak, text appears immediately. Used to replace typing.
File transcription: You upload audio files, get transcripts. Used for interviews, podcasts, meetings.
Hybrid: Both capabilities in one app.
Most people want real-time dictation. If you have existing recordings to transcribe, you need file transcription (or hybrid).
Free Options
Apple Dictation (Built-in)
Every Mac has dictation built in. Press the microphone key or enable it in System Settings.
Pros: Free, works everywhere, no installation
Cons: 30-second time limit, accuracy issues with technical terms, Enhanced mode sends audio to Apple
Verdict: Good for testing if dictation works for you. Not sufficient for serious daily use.
Aiko
Open-source Whisper transcription. Free, local processing, basic interface.
Pros: Free, private, open source
Cons: Limited features, basic UI, file transcription focus
Verdict: Best free option if you value privacy and can work with basic tools.
Budget Options
Whisper Notes
Simple Whisper-based transcription at the lowest paid price point. Universal purchase covers Mac and iOS.
Pros: Very affordable, cross-platform, simple
Cons: Basic features, no text refinement
Verdict: Good value for light users who want something better than Apple Dictation without spending much.
VoiceInk
Open-source dictation with more features than Aiko. GitHub transparency. Reasonable one-time price.
Pros: Open source, verifiable privacy, decent features
Cons: Some bugs reported, especially on iOS
Verdict: Best budget option for users who value open-source transparency.
Mid-Range Options
MacWhisper
Specializes in file transcription with speaker diarization—identifying different speakers in multi-speaker recordings. Batch processing, timestamps, speaker labels, integrations.
Pros: Speaker diarization for multi-speaker files, batch processing, local processing
Cons: Speaker diarization is the main differentiator; for single-speaker files, other tools may offer more features
Verdict: Best choice if you specifically need to identify different speakers in recordings (interviews, panel discussions, meetings).
oto
Positions itself for ESL users and non-native accents. Menu bar integration, mid-range pricing.
Pros: Accent optimization, clean interface
Cons: Less established than alternatives
Verdict: Consider if accent recognition is important to you.
Premium Options
Private Transcriber AI
Dual-AI architecture: Whisper for transcription, Qwen for text refinement. Works for both real-time dictation and audio/video file transcription (MP3, WAV, MP4, MKV, M4A). Speak casually, get polished output. Load files, get refined transcripts. Change tone, fix errors, translate—without re-recording. Exceptionally fast on M-series Macs.
Generates SRT subtitle files with timestamps for videos. Built-in Journal organizes transcriptions with tags and search. Due tab provides task management with deadlines and recurring tasks.
Everything runs locally. No internet, no account, no data leaving your Mac.
Pros: Real-time + file transcription + subtitles in one app, polished output without editing, organization & tasks built-in, privacy-first, intelligent refinement, optimized for M-series performance
Cons: Subscription model (not one-time purchase)
Verdict: Best versatile option combining dictation, file transcription, subtitles, and organization. The dual-AI approach produces ready-to-use text for any source.
Superwhisper
Power-user tool with extensive customization. Custom vocabulary, multiple modes, advanced configuration.
Pros: Deep customization, custom vocabulary, iOS companion
Cons: High price, steep learning curve
Verdict: Best for users who want granular control and are willing to invest time in setup.
Feature Comparison
| App | Type | Privacy | Refinement | Price Tier |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Dictation | Real-time | Mixed | No | Free |
| Aiko | Files | Local | No | Free |
| Whisper Notes | Both | Local | No | Budget |
| VoiceInk | Real-time | Local | No | Budget |
| MacWhisper | Both | Local | No | Mid-range |
| oto | Real-time | Local | No | Mid-range |
| Private Transcriber AI | Both + Subtitles | Local | Yes | Premium |
| Superwhisper | Both | Config | Modes | Premium |
Decision Framework
By Primary Need
"I want to type less" (real-time dictation)
→ Private Transcriber AI for polished output, VoiceInk for budget, Apple Dictation for free
"I need to transcribe recordings" (file transcription)
→ Private Transcriber AI for AI refinement & subtitles, MacWhisper for speaker diarization, Aiko for free
"I need both real-time + files + subtitles + organization"
→ Private Transcriber AI (most versatile)
"I need extensive customization"
→ Superwhisper
By Budget
Free: Apple Dictation (quick notes), Aiko (file transcription)
Under $20: Whisper Notes
$20-50: VoiceInk, oto
$50-100: MacWhisper
Premium: Private Transcriber AI (subscription), Superwhisper (one-time)
By Priority
Privacy above all: Private Transcriber AI (100% local), VoiceInk/Aiko (open source)
Polished output: Private Transcriber AI (dual-AI refinement)
Customization: Superwhisper
Simplicity: Private Transcriber AI, Whisper Notes
File transcription with AI refinement & subtitles: Private Transcriber AI
Speaker diarization for multi-speaker files: MacWhisper
The Case for Paying
Free options (Apple Dictation, Aiko) work but have real limitations.
Apple Dictation's 30-second limit interrupts flow constantly. Accuracy with technical vocabulary is poor. Enhanced mode compromises privacy.
Paid options like Private Transcriber AI remove these friction points. No time limits. Better accuracy. Privacy guaranteed. And crucially: the dual-AI system means less time editing output.
Calculate your time cost. If dictation saves you 30 minutes daily, that's 10+ hours monthly. Is that worth a subscription? For most professionals, yes.
My Recommendation
For most Mac users who want practical dictation:
Start here: Private Transcriber AI's free tier. All features, 15-second limit. Test with real tasks—email, notes, messages, file transcription. See if the dual-AI refinement and versatility fit your workflow.
If you need speaker diarization for multi-speaker files: Try MacWhisper.
If you want customization: Consider Superwhisper (test free tier first).
If budget is critical: VoiceInk or Aiko.
The tools have matured. Quality transcription is available at every price point. The question isn't whether voice-to-text works—it's which flavor fits your needs.