Why Chrome extension searches are so common
Chrome does not ship a "dictate anywhere" control of its own. If you want voice to text in a Gmail reply, a ChatGPT prompt or a form field, people often look for a Chrome extension. That works for some, but extensions only run inside the browser and usually ask for broad website permissions.
Option 1: Google Docs voice typing (free, Docs only)
Open a document, choose Tools → Voice typing, click the microphone and speak. Google documents this for recent Chrome, Edge and Safari, but only inside Google Docs (and Slides speaker notes).
It is a strong free option when you live in Docs. It does not cover Gmail compose, ChatGPT, Notion in the browser or other tabs.
Option 2: A Chrome extension
Many speech to text Chrome extensions add a microphone button to web pages. Before you install one, check:
- Permissions. Does it ask to "read and change all your data on all websites"? Decide if that is acceptable.
- Where audio goes. Read its privacy policy: which speech service processes your voice?
- Which sites it supports. Some only work in certain text fields.
- Price and limits. Free tiers vary.
Extensions only work inside the browser. If you also write in desktop apps such as Word or Slack, you will need something else there.
Option 3: A desktop dictation app (Chrome tabs + everything else)
A desktop app types wherever your cursor is — a Chrome tab, Edge, Word, Slack — with the same shortcut. No extension install and no "read all websites" permission prompt.
SayDart is one of these. It is not a Chrome extension. Press Right Alt on Windows or Right Option on Mac, talk, then press it again.
- Types into Chrome and Edge tabs at your cursor
- No extension and no website permissions to grant
- Filler words removed, punctuation added
- Dictionary for names and terms you use often
- Recognition runs in the cloud; recordings and history stay on your computer
- Free to start with a modest weekly limit; Pro for unlimited use
Built-in Windows option: Win+H
On Windows, press Windows key + H for Microsoft's built-in voice typing in any text field, including Chrome. It is free and fine for short bursts. A desktop dictation app adds cleanup, Dictionary and the same shortcut across browsers and desktop apps.
Which should you use?
| You want to… | Use |
|---|---|
| Dictate a long doc in Google Docs | Docs voice typing |
| Add a mic button only inside Chrome | An extension you have vetted |
| Talk in Gmail, ChatGPT, Slack web and desktop apps | A desktop dictation app |
| Quick free bursts on Windows | Win+H |
Use SayDart in Chrome
- Download SayDart, install and sign in.
- Click into any text field in Chrome — for example Gmail or ChatGPT.
- Press your shortcut, speak, press it again. Review before you send.
Pricing
SayDart is free to start. Pro is unlimited for $12/month, billed yearly ($144), or $15 month to month. Prices exclude tax.
Talk in the tab you already have open
Install SayDart, click a Chrome text field and dictate your next reply. No extension required.