macOS has built-in dictation, but it's basic. No custom vocabulary, cloud-dependent, and limited accuracy for technical content. Here are 5 better alternatives for power users.
What's Wrong with Apple Dictation?
Apple's built-in dictation (System Settings → Keyboard → Dictation) has limitations:
- Cloud-dependent: Sends audio to Apple servers (privacy concern)
- No custom vocabulary: Can't train it on your terminology
- Limited accuracy: Struggles with technical terms, names
- Basic interface: No history, no editing, no AI features
- Inconsistent: Sometimes slow, sometimes doesn't activate
For casual use, it's fine. For daily productivity, you need something better.
1. Sotto — Best Overall
Native Mac app with local Whisper AI. Push-to-talk, auto-paste, custom dictionary.
- ✓ Local AI (privacy-first)
- ✓ Push-to-talk global hotkey
- ✓ Auto-paste into any app
- ✓ Custom vocabulary
- ✓ Optional cloud fallback
$29 one-time — use on 3 Macs
Sotto is built specifically for real-time dictation. Hold the hotkey, speak, release—text appears wherever your cursor is. Works in Slack, VS Code, browser, everywhere.
2. Wispr Flow — Best Subscription Option
Cloud-powered dictation with smooth UX. Popular among productivity enthusiasts.
- ✓ Good accuracy
- ✓ Push-to-talk
- ✓ AI formatting
- ✗ Requires internet
- ✗ Monthly subscription
$10/month ($120/year)
Wispr Flow is polished and accurate, but requires a subscription and cloud processing. Good option if you don't mind ongoing costs and cloud dependency.
3. MacWhisper — Best for File Transcription
Local Whisper for transcribing audio/video files. Great for podcasts, interviews.
- ✓ Local processing
- ✓ File transcription
- ✓ Batch processing
- ✗ Not designed for real-time dictation
- ✗ No push-to-talk workflow
$15-35 one-time
MacWhisper excels at transcribing existing audio files—podcasts, interviews, meetings. Not ideal for live dictation, but great for its use case.
4. Talon — Best for Hands-Free Control
Full voice control system. Write code, control your computer, all by voice.
- ✓ Complete voice control
- ✓ Write actual code by voice
- ✓ Highly customizable
- ✗ Steep learning curve
- ✗ Requires significant setup
Free (Patreon for beta)
Talon is powerful but complex. It's designed for people who want to control their entire computer by voice, including writing code. Overkill for simple dictation.
5. Otter.ai — Best for Meeting Transcription
Cloud transcription with meeting integrations. Auto-joins Zoom, Meet, etc.
- ✓ Meeting auto-join
- ✓ Speaker identification
- ✓ Searchable archive
- ✗ Subscription required
- ✗ Cloud processing (privacy)
$10-20/month
Otter.ai is great for teams who need meeting transcription. Not ideal for individual dictation, but excellent for collaborative note-taking.
Comparison Table
| App | Best For | Local AI | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sotto | Real-time dictation | Yes | $29 once |
| Wispr Flow | Cloud dictation | No | $10/mo |
| MacWhisper | File transcription | Yes | $15-35 |
| Talon | Full voice control | Yes | Free |
| Otter.ai | Meeting notes | No | $10-20/mo |
The Verdict
For most Mac users who want better dictation than Apple's built-in option, Sotto is the best choice: local AI, push-to-talk workflow, one-time purchase. If you specifically need meeting transcription, consider Otter.ai. For file transcription, MacWhisper is solid.
Upgrade Your Dictation
Sotto gives you the speed and accuracy Apple's dictation can't match. $29 one-time, use on 3 Macs, lifetime updates.
Get Sotto