SaypadThe best free dictation apps for Mac in 2026
Six ways to talk instead of type on a Mac without paying – what each one's free version really includes, where your voice goes, and who it suits.
Disclosure: we make Saypad, and it's listed first. We've tried to be fair to everyone else – prices and limits are taken from each product's own site, checked 6 October 2026.
Quick comparison
| App | What's free | Where speech is processed | Paid option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Saypad | Everything, no word limit | On your Mac | None |
| Apple Dictation | Built into macOS | On your Mac for many languages | – |
| Superwhisper | Unlimited with local Whisper models, 2 modes | On your Mac; cloud models on Pro | $8.49/month or $249.99 lifetime |
| MacWhisper | Free version with system-wide dictation | On your Mac | Pro €64 once |
| VoiceInk | Open source – free if you build it | On your Mac | $25 once for the ready app |
| Wispr Flow | 2,000 words a week on desktop | In the cloud | $15/month or $12/month yearly |
1. Saypad – free dictation that keeps everything
Hold fn in any app, talk, let go – the text is typed where your cursor is. Whisper runs on your Mac, every dictation is saved with its audio, and Saypad checks the text actually landed. No account and nothing to upgrade to. Mac only, English and Russian tested.
2. Apple Dictation – already on your Mac
Press fn twice and talk. Fine for short, plain messages and supports many languages. In our test, Apple's on-device engine slipped on technical words, and dictation keeps no history.
3. Superwhisper (free plan) – the most features
The free plan gives unlimited local dictation, custom vocabulary and two modes. AI modes, cloud models and file transcription need Pro. Also on Windows, iPhone and Android.
4. MacWhisper (free version) – best for recordings
Built for transcribing files, meetings and podcasts, with system-wide dictation included. Higher-quality dictation and AI prompts are in Pro.
5. VoiceInk – open source
A local, open-source dictation app for Apple Silicon Macs. The source is free under GPL-3.0; the ready-to-run app is a one-time purchase from $25.
6. Wispr Flow (free tier) – cloud and AI editing
Polished, with AI editing and apps for every platform. Transcription happens in the cloud, and the free tier stops at 2,000 words a week on desktop.
Questions
Which free dictation app works offline?
Saypad, Apple's on-device dictation, Superwhisper's free plan with local models, MacWhisper and VoiceInk all run on your Mac. Wispr Flow transcribes in the cloud.
Is there a completely free app with no word limit?
Saypad and Superwhisper's free plan have no word limit. Wispr Flow's free tier allows 2,000 words a week on desktop.
Which one is open source?
VoiceInk is open source under GPL-3.0; you can build it yourself for free or buy the ready app.