Choose KeyVox for more control
Use on-device dictation, teach it your important words, change the tone with Vibes, and listen with Speak on iPhone.
Direct answer · Apple Dictation
How Is KeyVox Different From Apple Dictation?
Apple gives you basic dictation. KeyVox gives you a fuller voice toolkit for writing, polishing, and listening.
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Apple Dictation is the basic voice-typing tool built into Apple devices. KeyVox is a separate app for people who want more from their voice: on-device dictation, a custom dictionary for important words and names, KeyVox Vibes for trying different writing styles before editing, and Speak for listening to copied text on iPhone.
If you only need occasional built-in voice typing, Apple Dictation may be enough. If you want a more complete voice toolkit that works across Mac and iPhone, KeyVox gives you much more room to make dictation your own.
Quick decision
The quick decision
Use Apple Dictation for the basics
It is already built in and works well for people who only need simple voice typing.
What KeyVox Adds
| What matters to you | KeyVox | Apple Dictation |
|---|---|---|
| Easy voice typing | Yes, after a one-time setup. | Yes, built into supported Apple devices. |
| On-device dictation | Yes, with the speech option you install. | Apple says iPhone Dictation works on-device in many languages. Mac behavior can vary by language and settings. |
| A custom dictionary | Yes, for the English words and names that matter to you, with supported iCloud Sync. | Apple has its own language tools, but not the KeyVox dictionary experience. |
| Change the tone after dictating | Yes. KeyVox Vibes can try another writing style or switch back before you edit the text. | Not with KeyVox Vibes. |
| Listen to copied text on iPhone | Yes. KeyVox Speak uses on-device voices. | Apple offers separate spoken-content tools outside Dictation. |
| Does it require a subscription? | No recurring subscription for dictation. | No separate Dictation subscription; it is part of the operating system. |
A Complete Voice Toolkit
5 Ways KeyVox Helps
01
Your Choice
Choose the on-device speech option that feels best for the way you talk.
02
Your Words
Teach KeyVox the English names and special words you use.
03
Helpful Formatting
Turn your latest dictation into paragraphs or a list, and change it back before you edit the text.
04
KeyVox VibesMake your latest dictation sound casual, polished, or chill before you edit it.
05
Speak
Listen to copied text with an on-device voice on iPhone.
Why People Move Beyond Basic Dictation
Built-in dictation can be useful when you only want to speak a quick sentence. KeyVox is for the moments when you want voice typing to become a bigger part of how you write.
The custom dictionary, reversible formatting, Vibes, and Speak give you useful tools before and after the words appear, all in one app built for Mac and iPhone.
A Quick One-Time Setup
- Allow microphone access so KeyVox can hear you.
- On Mac, allow Accessibility so KeyVox can place words in the app you are using.
- On iPhone, add the KeyVox keyboard and turn on Full Access.
- After setup, use KeyVox in the writing areas where you already work.
Common questions
Questions people ask
Is KeyVox more private than Apple Dictation?
KeyVox gives you a clear on-device dictation path. Apple says iPhone Dictation is on-device in many languages, while Mac behavior can vary by language and settings.
Why install KeyVox if Apple Dictation is built in?
KeyVox adds a custom dictionary, reversible formatting, three KeyVox Vibes, on-device model choice, and KeyVox Speak on iPhone. It is a fuller voice toolkit, not just basic dictation.
Do KeyVox or Apple Dictation require a subscription?
Apple Dictation is included with supported systems. KeyVox dictation also does not require a recurring subscription.
Can I keep KeyVox and Apple Dictation installed?
Yes. They are separate input options, so you can choose the one that fits a particular device, field, language, or task.
Is KeyVox Free?
Yes. KeyVox is free to use with no recurring fee for dictation or weekly limit.
Free your voice
Get more from your voice.
Download KeyVox for on-device dictation, your own dictionary, KeyVox Vibes, and KeyVox Speak on iPhone.
No KeyVox account. Dictation has no recurring subscription.