> For AI agents: the complete documentation index is at [llms.txt](https://saydart.com/llms.txt). A concatenated dump of public pages is at [llms-full.txt](https://saydart.com/llms-full.txt). Markdown versions of pages are available at the same path with a `.md` extension (for example `https://saydart.com/workflows/excel.md`).

Source: https://saydart.com/compare/dictation-software-for-mac/

# Speech to text on Mac: six dictation apps compared

Every Mac ships with free dictation. Whether you need more depends on what you write, which apps you write in, and whether you also work on Windows. Here are six options, starting with the free ones.

Reviewed October 26, 2026

## How to choose

- Just want talk-to-text now and then? Start with Apple Dictation. It is built in.
- Need to control your Mac by voice, not only type? Use Voice Control, also built in.
- Want cleaned-up text in every app, plus your own vocabulary? Try a dedicated dictation app.
- Transcribing recordings rather than writing live? You want a transcription tool, not dictation.

## 1. Apple Dictation (built in, free)

Turn it on in System Settings > Keyboard > Dictation. Start it with the Microphone key, your Dictation shortcut, or Edit > Start Dictation. In supported languages it adds commas, periods and question marks for you. Apple's settings show whether general dictation is processed on your Mac.

## 2. Voice Control (built in, free)

An accessibility feature for navigating and controlling your Mac with spoken commands, with dictation included. While Voice Control is on, it handles dictation instead of standard Dictation. Pick it if you need hands-free control, not just text.

## 3. SayDart (Mac beta, also on Windows)

A voice typing app for Mac and Windows. Press Right Option, talk, press it again, and the text lands at your cursor with filler words removed and punctuation in place.

- Writing styles (Formal, Casual, Very casual, Custom) or Original to keep every word.
- Dictionary and Snippets that sync with your account.
- Voice translation: speak one language, type another.
- History stays on your Mac.
- macOS 14.2 or later on Apple Silicon (arm64). The Mac app is in beta.
- Recognition runs in the cloud, so you need internet and an account.
- SayDart is free to start. Pro is unlimited for $12/month, billed yearly ($144), or $15 month to month. Prices exclude tax.

## 4. Wispr Flow

A dictation app for Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android, with a free plan and paid plans for individuals and teams. Check Wispr Flow's pricing page for current limits and prices.

## 5. Superwhisper

A dictation app with configurable modes and offline model options. Its site lists macOS, Windows, iOS and Android, with a free tier and a paid Pro plan.

## 6. MacWhisper

A Mac app focused on transcribing audio and video files on your device, sold as a one-time purchase, with a system-wide dictation mode. It lists macOS 14 or later.

## At a glance

| Option | Cost | Also on | Best for |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Apple Dictation | Free, built in | iPhone, iPad | Quick talk-to-text |
| Voice Control | Free, built in | iPhone, iPad | Hands-free control |
| SayDart | Free plan; Pro $15/month or $144/year ($12/month billed yearly) | Windows | Cleaned-up text in almost any app on Mac and Windows |
| Wispr Flow | Free plan; paid plans | Windows, iPhone, Android | See vendor |
| Superwhisper | Free tier; Pro | Windows, iPhone, Android | Custom modes, offline models |
| MacWhisper | One-time purchase | iPhone, iPad | Transcribing audio and video files |

Competitor details checked on their official sites on October 26, 2026. Plans change, so confirm before you buy.

## Related

- [How to dictate on a Mac](https://saydart.com/guides/how-to-dictate-on-mac/)
- [Dictation not working on a Mac](https://saydart.com/guides/dictation-not-working-mac/)
- [SayDart vs Superwhisper](https://saydart.com/compare/superwhisper/)
- [MacWhisper alternative](https://saydart.com/compare/macwhisper/)
- [Download SayDart for Mac](https://saydart.com/download/mac/)
- [Dragon NaturallySpeaking alternative](https://saydart.com/compare/dragon/)
- [Aqua Voice alternative](https://saydart.com/compare/aqua-voice/)
- [Best free voice to text software, including Mac Dictation](https://saydart.com/compare/best-speech-to-text-software/)

## FAQ

### Does the Mac have free dictation software?

Yes. Apple Dictation is built into macOS. Turn it on in System Settings > Keyboard > Dictation.

### What is the difference between Dictation and Voice Control?

Dictation turns speech into text. Voice Control is an accessibility feature that also lets you navigate and control your Mac with spoken commands.

### Does SayDart work offline on a Mac?

No. Recognition runs in the cloud, so you need an internet connection. History stays on your Mac.

### Which Macs does SayDart support?

macOS 14.2 or later on Apple Silicon (arm64). The Mac app is in beta.

### Is SayDart free?

SayDart is free to start. Pro is unlimited for $12/month, billed yearly ($144), or $15 month to month. Prices exclude tax.