Choose KeyVox for on-device dictation and rewriting.
It works on Mac and iPhone and can keep dictating and styling your text with 3 differnt Vibes, without internet after setup.
Dictation comparison
KeyVox vs. Willow
KeyVox keeps transcription on your Mac or iPhone. Willow uses cloud models and adds context-aware rewriting, business controls, and Windows support.
100% Local
0 Cloud
Dual AI Models
MIT License
Choose KeyVox if you want dictation to run on your Mac or iPhone. Choose Willow if you want cloud-based rewriting, Windows support, or shared tools for a team.
Willow’s Private Mode limits what it retains, but dictation still uses its cloud servers. KeyVox turns speech into text on your device.
Quick decision
Dictation or rewriting?
Choose Willow for cloud rewriting
It can tighten, expand, change tone, or fix grammar, and it also supports Windows.
KeyVox and Willow compared
| Decision | KeyVox | Willow |
|---|---|---|
| Processing | Dictation transcription runs on the device using locally installed Whisper or Parakeet models. | Willow says it uses cloud servers rather than on-device processing so it can run larger AI models for dictation and rewriting. |
| 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. | Willow’s own documentation states it uses cloud processing for dictation rather than on-device transcription, so an internet connection is required. |
| Platforms | macOS 13.5 or later and iOS 18.6 or later. | Mac, iPhone, and Windows, with Android listed as coming soon. |
| Account | No KeyVox account is required. | A Willow account is required to use the app and to choose a privacy mode. |
| 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 plan offers a limited weekly word allowance on a smaller model. Individual Pro is listed at $15 per month, or $12 per month billed annually. Business is listed at $35 per month, or $28 per month billed annually. 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. | Willow dictates through a Mac app, an iPhone keyboard, and a Windows app, turning speech into text wherever you are typing. |
| Personal words | A custom dictionary is available on Mac and iPhone. Supported dictionary data synchronizes through your iCloud account. | Willow offers a custom dictionary for names, acronyms, and specialized terms. Business and Enterprise plans add shared team dictionaries. |
| 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. | Willow can adapt tone by context and offers one-tap AI rewrite options to tighten, expand, change tone, or fix grammar after dictating. |
| 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. | Willow is a commercial closed-source product; its official materials do not describe the application source as open or publicly available. |
On-device and private cloud are not the same
KeyVox keeps the speech-to-text step on the Mac or iPhone. The initial model download and iCloud synchronization are separate from transcription.
Willow says Private Mode is its default and does not collect dictated text, audio, or screen content beyond basic account and usage data. It still sends speech to cloud servers for processing. Business and Enterprise plans add enforced controls.
Daily dictation
KeyVox uses hold-to-talk on Mac and its keyboard microphone on iPhone. It inserts text but does not press Send or Return; what happens next is up to that app.
Willow dictates through Mac, Windows, and an iPhone keyboard. Its account connects the service and privacy choice across the supported experience.
Dictionaries and rewriting
KeyVox supports a personal dictionary whose supported entries can sync through iCloud. KeyVox Vibes lets you try a different writing style on your latest dictation or switch back before you edit it.
Willow offers a custom dictionary and context-aware tone, plus one-tap rewriting to tighten, expand, change tone, or fix grammar. Business plans add shared dictionaries.
Why KeyVox stands apart
KeyVox advantages
- Speech becomes text on the device.
- Works offline after model setup.
- No account to create, and no recurring fee for dictation.
- Public application source with documented exceptions.
Willow considerations
- Dictation requires its cloud service.
- An account and recurring Pro plan are part of unlimited individual use.
- Its broad team controls are unnecessary for most individuals.
Common questions
Questions people ask
Does Willow work offline?
No. Willow says it uses cloud processing for dictation, so it needs an internet connection.
Does Willow have a free plan?
Its official pricing page lists a free plan with a limited weekly word allowance.
Is KeyVox Free?
Yes. KeyVox is free to use with no recurring fee for dictation or weekly limit.
Free your voice
Keep the voice-to-text step on your device.
Download KeyVox for local dictation on Mac and iPhone.
No KeyVox account. Dictation has no recurring subscription.