KeyVox is ready to use
A joined Mac-and-iPhone workflow, synced personal words, Vibes, and Speak.
Dictation comparison
KeyVox vs. VoiceInk
Both make source available and support local speech recognition. KeyVox centers a joined Mac-and-iPhone experience; VoiceInk offers a configurable Mac-first path.
100% Local
0 Cloud
Dual AI Models
MIT License
KeyVox is the more approachable dictation experience across Mac and iPhone, with no account to create and no recurring fee for dictation. VoiceInk mainly warrants a look when you specifically want a configurable GPL Mac project and are comfortable managing local and optional cloud providers.
The products use different licenses and distribution models, so “open source” does not mean their paid downloads or exceptions are identical.
Quick decision
Why try KeyVox first
VoiceInk is the specialist case
It fits people specifically seeking a configurable GPL Mac project and optional provider choices.
KeyVox and VoiceInk compared
| Decision | KeyVox | VoiceInk |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Dictation transcription runs on the device using locally installed Whisper or Parakeet models. | The official repository describes local AI transcription and also documents optional cloud model support in current releases. |
| Platforms | macOS 13.5 or later and iOS 18.6 or later. | The open-source Mac app requires macOS 14.4 or later, and the compiled Mac download is listed for Apple Silicon. VoiceInk also offers a separately distributed iPhone app. |
| Account | No KeyVox account is required. | Account requirements depend on the chosen VoiceInk distribution and any optional cloud provider. |
| Pricing | Dictation does not require a subscription. KeyVox Vibes on Mac is free. On iPhone, Vibes and unlimited Speak use optional one-time unlocks. | Source code can be built under the GPL-3.0 license at no cost. The compiled Mac app is sold as a one-time lifetime purchase: $25 for one Mac, $39 for up to two Macs, or $49 for up to three Macs, each with a 14-day money-back guarantee and no recurring fee. |
| Normal use | KeyVox uses a system-wide configured trigger key on Mac, a floating movable/customizable overlay on Mac, or the KeyVox keyboard on iPhone. | A global Mac shortcut records and inserts text; available options depend on the chosen release and configuration. |
| Personal words | A custom dictionary is available on Mac and iPhone. Supported dictionary data synchronizes through your iCloud account. | VoiceInk includes custom vocabulary features; synchronization and provider behavior depend on the selected distribution and setup. |
| 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. | VoiceInk offers configurable enhancement and prompt-based workflows, including optional cloud providers. |
| 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. | The Mac application repository is published under GPL-3.0; compiled downloads and iPhone distribution have separate commercial terms. |
Privacy depends on the selected path
KeyVox dictation runs on-device after its model download. iCloud sync handles supported settings and dictionary data, not transcription.
VoiceInk describes local AI transcription and also documents optional cloud providers. Local use and cloud-enhanced use are different privacy choices, so confirm the model and provider you select.
Mac-first or joined Apple-device use
KeyVox supports Mac and iPhone as one product experience. Custom dictionary words can sync through your Apple iCloud account.
VoiceInk’s open-source Mac app requires macOS 14.4 or later, and its compiled Mac download is listed for Apple Silicon. Its iPhone app is distributed and licensed separately.
What you pay for
KeyVox dictation has no recurring subscription. Optional iPhone Vibes and unlimited Speak are one-time unlocks.
VoiceInk source can be built under GPL-3.0 at no cost. Its official compiled Mac app uses tiered one-time lifetime licenses, while the iPhone product is separate.
Why KeyVox stands out
KeyVox advantages
- One Mac-and-iPhone product experience.
- No account to create.
- Dictionary sync, Vibes, and Speak are easy to understand.
- Local processing is the normal dictation path.
VoiceInk considerations
- The compiled Mac app has newer system and Apple Silicon requirements.
- Mac and iPhone distribution are separate.
- Optional providers make the privacy path depend on configuration.
Common questions
Questions people ask
Are KeyVox and VoiceInk open source?
Both publish application source, but they use different licenses, distribution terms, and documented boundaries. Review each official repository before reusing code.
Is KeyVox Free?
Yes. KeyVox is free to use with no recurring fee for dictation or weekly limit.
Free your voice
Try local dictation without a complicated setup.
Download KeyVox for Mac and iPhone.
No KeyVox account. Dictation has no recurring subscription.