Windows 10/11 dictation vs Dragon vs SayDart
On Windows 10 and Windows 11 the built-in option is voice typing: put the cursor in a text box and press Windows key + H. Microsoft says it needs an internet connection and a working microphone, and supports voice typing commands such as "delete that" and "select that". The older Windows Speech Recognition was replaced by Voice access on Windows 11 22H2 and later in September 2024; it remains on older versions of Windows.
Dragon Professional is paid desktop software for Windows. Nuance says it is optimized for Windows 11 and backwards-compatible to Windows 10, with custom voice commands, macros and transcription of audio files from a single speaker.
| Windows 10/11 dictation | Dragon Professional | SayDart | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How you start | Press Windows key + H in a text box | Install Dragon Professional v16 | Install the Windows x64 app, sign in, press Right Alt |
| Voice commands | Voice typing commands such as "delete that"; Voice access for PC control | Custom voice commands and macros | Types clean text where your cursor is; no PC voice commands |
| Existing recordings | Not covered in Microsoft's voice typing article | Transcribes audio files of a single speaker | No audio-file transcription |
| Writing help | Automatic punctuation; Fluid dictation on Copilot+ PCs | Auto-Text and custom commands | Text cleanup, Dictionary, History and a separate AI assistant |
| Cost | Included with Windows | Paid licence; check Nuance for current pricing | Free every 7 days; Pro $12/mo, or $8.25/mo billed $99 yearly. Unlimited. |
Pick Windows dictation for a quick sentence, Dragon if you control your PC by voice or transcribe recordings, and SayDart if you write a lot: "um"s disappear, Dictionary keeps names right, Snippets drop in saved text, and you can translate as you speak.
Be specific about the Dragon product
This page covers Dragon Professional for Windows, not Dragon Medical, Legal or cloud products.
Dictation and voice commands are different requirements
Dragon Professional help documents text dictation, voice commands and Auto-Text commands. SayDart types clean text where your cursor is and offers a separate AI assistant; it does not control desktop applications by voice.
| Requirement | SayDart | Dragon Professional |
|---|---|---|
| Everyday voice writing | Hold Right Alt, talk, and clean text lands in almost any app. | Desktop dictation documented. |
| Voice command workflows | Does not execute desktop commands from dictation. | Navigation, formatting and custom commands documented. |
| Existing recordings | No public file-upload transcription service. | Recording transcription described on its product page. |
| Getting started | Free every 7 days. | Check the current edition, licence and official requirements. |
When SayDart Free fits
For emails, notes, Slack replies and AI prompts, SayDart is free every 7 days: voice typing, auto cleanup, Dictionary and the Assistant, with an allowance every 7 days.
Add names and jargon to Dictionary once, and they're in your dictionary on every computer you sign in to, so SayDart writes them your way.
Keep an established command or specialist workflow when needed
If you rely on Dragon's voice commands or templates, stay on Dragon. SayDart doesn't do PC voice control.
SayDart isn't certified for medical or legal work. For everyday writing, add the names and terms you use most to Dictionary once, so SayDart writes them your way.
Make a choice using current information
SayDart runs in the cloud and keeps your history on your computer. Free every 7 days; unlimited Pro for $8.25/month, billed yearly.