The Best Open-Source Dictation Apps
Public source lets you inspect, learn from, and contribute to an app, but licenses and paid distribution can still differ.
Choose KeyVox if you want a ready-to-use open-source dictation app for Mac and iPhone. Choose Handy for free local dictation across Mac, Windows, and Linux.
VoiceInk is a configurable Mac-focused option with separately distributed iPhone access. Voicetypr supports Mac and Windows, with local dictation by default and optional cloud tools.
What we checked
We required an official public application repository, then compared license terms, documented exclusions, platforms, local processing, everyday workflow, and whether a nontechnical person can download a ready-to-use app.
A public repository is not a promise that every model, asset, service, trademark, or paid binary has identical reuse rights.
Open-source choices compared
| Product | License and boundary | Platforms | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| KeyVox | MIT source code with documented boundaries for third-party models, branded assets, and proprietary Vibes adapters | Mac and iPhone | Approachable everyday dictation across Apple devices |
| Handy | MIT-licensed source with free ready-made releases | Mac, Windows, and Linux | Free, fully local desktop dictation |
| VoiceInk | GPL-3.0 Mac application source; compiled and iPhone distribution have separate commercial terms | Mac app plus separately distributed iPhone app | Configurable open-source Mac workflow |
| Voicetypr | AGPL-3.0 source; the ready-made app uses a free trial followed by a one-time lifetime license | Mac and Windows | Local dictation with optional cloud transcription and AI tools |
KeyVox: easiest cross-device fit
KeyVox publishes its application source under MIT terms while clearly documenting items outside that license. The product supports Mac and iPhone, uses local Whisper and Parakeet models, and does not require you to create an account.
Its normal workflow is ready for ordinary users: download the app, install a model, then speak from the Mac trigger key or iPhone keyboard.
VoiceInk: configurable Mac fit
VoiceInk publishes its Mac application under GPL-3.0. It supports local transcription and optional cloud providers, with a compiled Mac app sold through one-time lifetime licenses.
The official compiled Mac release is listed for Apple Silicon and macOS 14.4 or later. Its iPhone app is separately distributed and licensed.
Handy: free local dictation across desktops
Handy is an MIT-licensed app with free downloads for Mac, Windows, and Linux. It uses local Whisper or Parakeet models, then places the finished text in the app where you are working.
Handy is a strong fit when you want a simple, fully offline desktop tool that is easy for developers to inspect, change, and extend. It does not provide an iPhone app.
Voicetypr: local by default with optional online tools
Voicetypr publishes its source under AGPL-3.0 and supports Mac and Windows. Local transcription keeps the recording on your computer; choosing a cloud transcription provider sends the recording to that provider instead.
Its ready-made app includes a free three-day trial followed by a one-time lifetime license. Optional online tools can clean up text or use cloud transcription, so the privacy path depends on the settings you choose.
Questions people ask
Is every part of KeyVox MIT licensed?
No. The repository documents boundaries for third-party models, branded assets, and proprietary Vibes adapters. Review the license and notices for the exact scope.
Is KeyVox Free?
Yes. KeyVox is free to use with no recurring fee for dictation or weekly limit.
Use dictation you can inspect.
Download KeyVox or explore its public source.
No KeyVox account. Dictation has no recurring subscription.