Choose KeyVox for on-device dictation
It works on Mac and iPhone and can keep dictating without internet after setup.
Dictation comparison
KeyVox vs. Aqua Voice
KeyVox turns speech into text on your Mac or iPhone. Aqua Voice uses its cloud model and adds Windows, spoken editing, and team controls.
100% Local
0 Cloud
Dual AI Models
MIT License
Choose KeyVox if you want dictation to run on your Mac or iPhone. Choose Aqua Voice if spoken editing, Windows support, or controls for an organization matter more to you.
Aqua Voice sends speech to its cloud model, even when Privacy Mode stops transcript retention. KeyVox turns speech into text on your device.
Quick decision
The quick decision
Choose Aqua Voice for spoken editing
It also supports Windows and offers controls for organizations.
KeyVox and Aqua Voice compared
| Decision | KeyVox | Aqua Voice |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Dictation transcription runs on the device using locally installed Whisper or Parakeet models. | Aqua Voice processes audio in the cloud using its proprietary Avalon transcription model. |
| Offline use | Installed transcription models work without an internet connection. Internet access is needed for initial downloads and optional Apple services such as iCloud synchronization and App Store purchases. | Aqua Voice transcribes in the cloud, so an internet connection is required for dictation. |
| Platforms | macOS 13.5 or later and iOS 18.6 or later. | Mac, Windows, and iPhone. |
| Account | No KeyVox account is required. | An Aqua Voice account is required, including for the free tier. |
| Pricing | Dictation does not require a subscription. KeyVox Vibes on Mac is free. On iPhone, Vibes and unlimited Speak use optional one-time unlocks. | A free tier includes 1,000 words with no card required. Pro is listed at $8 per month billed annually (or $10 month-to-month) for unlimited dictation and the Avalon model. Team is listed at $12 per month for centralized billing and org-wide privacy controls. Enterprise pricing is custom. |
| Workflow | KeyVox uses a system-wide configured trigger key on Mac, a floating movable/customizable overlay on Mac, or the KeyVox keyboard on iPhone. | Aqua Voice dictates system-wide on Mac and Windows and through an iPhone keyboard, and it includes voice edit commands for changing formatting or wording after dictating. |
| Personal words | A custom dictionary is available on Mac and iPhone. Supported dictionary data synchronizes through your iCloud account. | Pro plans include custom dictionary values, with a larger shared dictionary available on Team plans. Aqua Voice states its dictionary syncs across desktop and mobile. |
| Writing tools | Vibes provides on-device Casual, Polished, and Chill styles for English text. The latest unedited KeyVox dictation can be restyled or returned to its previous saved style. | Aqua Voice supports spoken edit commands, such as removing filler words, changing case, or reformatting numbers, applied to the current or most recent transcript. |
| Public source | MIT-licensed KeyVox source is available. The license clearly lists proprietary source and assets, protected branding, model adapters, and third-party materials that use separate terms. | Aqua Voice is a commercial closed-source product; its official materials do not describe the application source as open or publicly available. |
Where your speech becomes text
Privacy settings and processing location answer different questions.
KeyVox
- SpeakKeyVox records on your Mac or iPhone.
- Process on the deviceThe downloaded model makes the text there.
- InsertThe text appears in the app where you are writing.
Aqua Voice
- SpeakAqua Voice records through its desktop app or iPhone keyboard.
- Send to AvalonIts cloud model produces the transcript.
- Return textPrivacy Mode controls retention, not whether cloud processing occurs.
Privacy and retention
KeyVox does not send recorded speech to a transcription server. It needs a connection for setup tasks such as downloading a model, but dictation can then work offline.
Aqua Voice says transcripts may be retained by default to improve its model unless Privacy Mode is enabled. Team plans can enforce that mode, and Enterprise adds zero-data-retention controls. Aqua Voice also publishes a Trust Center and SOC 2 Type II status.
Workflow and accounts
KeyVox uses a hold-to-trigger key on Mac and a keyboard microphone on iPhone. You do not need to create an account to use it.
Aqua Voice works system-wide on Mac and Windows and through an iPhone keyboard. An Aqua Voice account is required, including for the free tier.
Personal words and editing
KeyVox supports a personal dictionary and KeyVox Vibes, which lets you try a different writing style on your latest dictation before you edit it.
Aqua Voice Pro includes custom dictionary values that sync across desktop and mobile. Spoken edit commands can change formatting or wording in the current or most recent transcript, while team plans add larger shared dictionaries.
Why KeyVox stands apart
KeyVox advantages
- On-device and offline transcription.
- No account to create.
- No recurring fee for dictation.
- Public application source with documented exceptions.
Aqua Voice considerations
- Dictation requires its cloud service and an account.
- Unlimited use requires a recurring Pro plan.
- Dictionary values and broader controls are paid features.
Common questions
Questions people ask
Can Aqua Voice work offline?
No. Aqua Voice says its Avalon transcription model runs in the cloud.
Does Aqua Voice require an account?
Yes. Its official FAQ says an account is required, including for the free tier.
Is KeyVox Free?
Yes. KeyVox is free to use with no recurring fee for dictation or weekly limit.
Free your voice
Try dictation that stays on your device.
Download KeyVox for Mac and iPhone.
No KeyVox account. Dictation has no recurring subscription.