The Best Free Dictation Apps
“Free” can mean included with your device, free core use, a weekly allowance, or source code you build yourself. The limit matters as much as the price.
If you want everyday Mac and iPhone dictation without paying every month, KeyVox is our top free-use pick. Ordinary dictation has no word meter and does not require you to create an account.
Apple Dictation comes with your device, VoiceInk can be built from its source code, and several cloud-based apps limit their free use.
How we define free
A product qualifies when a useful dictation path is available without a payment. We note word limits, build requirements, separate paid downloads, and optional unlocks instead of treating every free tier as equivalent.
Free choices compared
| Product | What is free | Main limit or condition | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|
| KeyVox | Dictation | Optional iPhone Vibes and unlimited Speak are one-time unlocks | On-device |
| Apple Dictation | Included feature | Availability varies by Apple device and language | On-device in supported cases |
| superwhisper | Basic dictation and limited cloud voice-model use | Local models and custom vocabulary require Pro | Cloud on the listed free voice-model path |
| VoiceInk | GPL source code | Building it requires technical setup; compiled downloads are paid | Local or optional cloud |
| Wispr Flow | Basic weekly allowance | Word limits vary by platform | Cloud |
How KeyVox differs
KeyVox does not meter normal dictation by words, and you do not need to create an account. The speech-to-text step stays on your device after setup.
Mac Vibes is included. On iPhone, Vibes and unlimited Speak are optional one-time unlocks; ordinary dictation remains available without a recurring plan.
Questions people ask
Is KeyVox Free?
Yes. KeyVox is free to use with no recurring fee for dictation or weekly limit.
Start local dictation without a monthly bill.
Download KeyVox for Mac and iPhone.
No KeyVox account. Dictation has no recurring subscription.