Choose KeyVox for
Mac and iPhone users who want on-device dictation without creating an account or paying every month.
Dictation comparison
KeyVox vs. Wispr Flow
KeyVox keeps dictation on your Mac or iPhone without requiring an account or monthly payment. Wispr Flow sends speech to the cloud and supports more platforms.
100% Local
0 Cloud
Dual AI Models
MIT License
Choose KeyVox when you use Mac and iPhone and want your voice turned into text on your device, without creating an account or paying a monthly fee for dictation. KeyVox also gives you a personal dictionary, KeyVox Vibes for trying different writing styles before you edit, and KeyVox Speak on iPhone.
Wispr Flow may fit you better if you need Windows, Android, or team tools. The biggest difference is simple: KeyVox handles dictation on your device, while Wispr says Flow always sends speech to the cloud for transcription.
Quick decision
KeyVox or Wispr Flow?
Consider Flow for
People who need Windows or Android support, shared team tools, or Flow’s cloud-based editing features.
Platform availability
KeyVox
macOSiPhone
Wispr Flow
macOSWindowsiPhoneAndroid (Beta)
The Main Differences
6 Decisions
01
Processing
KeyVox transcription runs on the device. Wispr Flow says its transcription always runs in the cloud.
02
Account
KeyVox does not require an account. Flow uses an account and sign-in during setup.
03
Payment
KeyVox dictation has no recurring subscription. Flow Basic lists 2,000 words per week on Mac and Windows and 1,000 on iPhone; unlimited use is part of Pro.
04
Platforms
KeyVox focuses on Mac and iPhone. Flow supports Mac, Windows, iPhone, and Android Beta.
05
Teams
KeyVox is individual-first. Flow includes team collaboration and offers enterprise administration.
06
Source
KeyVox makes its application source available with clearly listed exceptions.
KeyVox and Wispr Flow compared
This table compares the choices you can confirm today. Dictation results can still vary with your microphone, accent, language, and surroundings.
| Decision | KeyVox | Wispr Flow |
|---|---|---|
| Transcription processing | Dictation transcription runs on the device using locally installed Whisper or Parakeet models. | Wispr states that transcription always occurs in the cloud. |
| Internet requirement | 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. | An internet connection is required for cloud transcription. |
| Platforms | macOS 13.5 or later and iOS 18.6 or later. | Mac, Windows, iPhone, and Android (Beta). |
| Account requirement | No KeyVox account is required. | An account and sign-in are part of setup. Official documentation lists Apple, Google, Microsoft, SSO, and email sign-in. |
| Pricing model | Dictation does not require a subscription. KeyVox Vibes on Mac is free. On iPhone, Vibes and unlimited Speak use optional one-time unlocks. | Flow Basic is free with 2,000 words per week on Mac and Windows, 1,000 words per week on iPhone, and temporarily unlimited words on Android. Flow Pro is a recurring subscription listed at $15 per user monthly or $12 per user monthly when billed annually in the United States. |
| Dictation workflow | KeyVox uses a system-wide configured trigger key on Mac, a floating movable/customizable overlay on Mac, or the KeyVox keyboard on iPhone. | Desktop uses a system-wide hotkey and Flow Bar. iPhone uses Flow Keyboard; Android (Beta) uses the Flow Bubble accessibility overlay. |
| Custom dictionary | A custom dictionary is available on Mac and iPhone. Supported dictionary data synchronizes through your iCloud account. | Personal dictionary entries and snippets sync across devices through Wispr’s backend. Team features can provide shared dictionaries and snippets. |
| Writing and cleanup | 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. | Flow includes automatic formatting and Styles for selected English variants, with Styles rolling out gradually. Paid or trial users can use Command Mode on Mac and Windows to rewrite selected text, translate, or generate text with spoken commands. |
| Teams | KeyVox is designed for Mac and iPhone workflows. | Flow Pro includes team collaboration features. Enterprise adds options such as SSO/SAML, policy controls, and advanced usage dashboards. |
| 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. | Wispr presents Flow as a commercial cloud service in its official product materials. |
What happens to your voice
This shows the voice-to-text steps, along with downloads, iCloud Sync, accounts, and purchases.
KeyVox
- You speakKeyVox listens on your Mac or iPhone.
- Your device makes the textThe voice-to-text work happens on that device.
- Your words appearKeyVox places the text where you are typing so you can review it.
Wispr Flow
- You speakFlow records through its desktop or mobile experience.
- The cloud makes the textWispr says Flow always transcribes speech in the cloud.
- Flow returns the wordsFlow’s privacy settings control whether the recording and text are saved or used to improve its service.
On-device dictation and cloud privacy are different
KeyVox turns your voice into text on your Mac or iPhone. iCloud Sync can keep supported dictionary entries and settings in step, but it is not used to transcribe your speech.
Wispr says Flow always transcribes in the cloud. Privacy Mode controls whether dictation may help evaluate or improve its models. Private Cloud Sync separately controls whether audio, transcripts, and history are stored on Wispr’s servers.
Wispr says turning Privacy Mode on and Private Cloud Sync off provides zero retention for audio and transcripts. The speech still travels to the cloud for processing before it is discarded.
How the daily workflow differs
On Mac, hold your KeyVox trigger key, speak, and let go. The movable/customizable overlay will show you when your voice is detected. On iPhone, tap the microphone on the KeyVox keyboard. Your words appear as normal text for you to check and use.
Flow uses a desktop shortcut and Flow Bar, an iPhone keyboard, and an Android Beta bubble. A Flow account connects its supported devices and saved information.
Choose KeyVox for a focused Mac-and-iPhone experience without creating an account. Consider Flow when Windows or Android support is essential.
Custom words, snippets, and synchronization
KeyVox lets you save the English names, brands, and special words you use. Supported entries can sync between Mac and iPhone through your Apple iCloud account, with no separate account required.
Flow also offers a personal dictionary. Wispr says its entries sync through a Flow account across supported devices. Paid team features can add saved snippets and shared libraries.
For a personal Mac-and-iPhone dictionary without another login to manage, KeyVox keeps the experience simple.
Writing cleanup and changing text after dictation
KeyVox Vibes gives you three writing styles: Casual, Polished, and Chill. You can try another style on your latest dictation or go back to the previous one. Once you begin editing the text yourself, KeyVox leaves it alone.
Flow offers automatic formatting, personalized Styles for selected English variants, and paid-or-trial spoken editing commands on Mac and Windows.
KeyVox makes it easy to try another tone and return to the previous style on the words you just dictated.
Where each approach fits
Why choose KeyVox
- Transcription stays on the device after model installation.
- No account is required.
- Dictation does not depend on a recurring subscription.
- You can switch styles or go back on your latest KeyVox dictation before you edit it.
- Application source is available with clearly documented exceptions.
When Flow may fit
- You need Windows or Android support.
- Your team needs shared libraries or administration tools.
- You prefer Flow’s cloud-based editing features.
Common questions
Questions people ask
Is KeyVox a Wispr Flow alternative?
Yes, for people who want system-wide Mac dictation and iPhone keyboard dictation with on-device transcription, no account to create, and no recurring subscription for dictation.
Does Wispr Flow transcribe offline?
No. Wispr’s official data controls state that transcription always occurs in the cloud, so an internet connection is required.
Does KeyVox require a subscription?
KeyVox dictation does not require a recurring subscription. Mac Vibes is free; iPhone Vibes and unlimited Speak use optional one-time unlocks.
Which app is better for a team?
KeyVox is designed for Mac and iPhone workflows. Wispr Flow has team features and enterprise administration.
Is KeyVox Free?
Yes. KeyVox is free to use with no recurring fee for dictation or weekly limit.
Free your voice
Keep your voice on your device.
Download KeyVox for on-device dictation, a personal dictionary, and no recurring subscription for dictation.
No KeyVox account. Dictation has no recurring subscription.