Mac · Windows · Linux · Web · iOS & Android coming

Bestdictation software2026 comparison

The only dictation app that runs natively on Linux alongside Mac, Windows, and the web — with voice typing, meeting transcription, and AI text actions in one subscription. This is the honest comparison: dicted, Wispr Flow, SuperWhisper, and Dragon, side by side.

Genuine free tier — no credit card, no voice training.

Push-to-talk vs always-on: what's the difference?

dicted supports both modes. Most tools are push-to-talk only. Here's how they differ — and when each works best.

Push-to-talk (most tools)

  1. 1Press and hold a shortcut key
  2. 2Speak while holding the key
  3. 3Release to send for transcription
  4. 4Repeat for every sentence

Your left hand stays near the modifier key. Every new thought costs a keystroke.

Always-on neural VAD (dicted)

  1. 1dicted listens in the background
  2. 2Neural VAD detects your voice — not background noise
  3. 3Transcription starts automatically when you speak
  4. 4Pause to think; continue when ready — no keystroke

Works best in quiet environments. In noisy settings, switch to push-to-talk — dicted supports both.

Feature by feature.

Every cell is factually defensible from public product documentation. Where competitors have genuine strengths, we say so.

FeaturedictedWispr FlowSuperWhisperDragon Pro v16
Optional always-on hands-free mode
PTT + hands-free
Push-to-talk only
Push-to-talk only
Push-to-talk only
Web app (no install)
app.dicted.ai
macOS
No Mac app
Windows
Linux
.deb + AppImage
Meeting transcription
No bot
AI text actions
Unlimited
Formatting
Voice notes + tasks
Free tier
2 hr/mo
2,000 wds/wkTrial

Comparison details reflect publicly available information about third-party products as of June 2026 and may change — please verify current features and pricing on each provider's official website. Product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners; references here are nominative and do not imply affiliation or endorsement.

When each tool wins.

Every tool here has a genuine use case. This is our honest read of where each fits best.

dicted

Use dicted if…

  • You need Linux support, or true cross-platform across Mac, Windows, Linux, and Web
  • You want voice typing + meeting transcription + AI text actions in one subscription
  • You want the option for always-on hands-free mode (works best in quiet environments)
  • You want a functional free tier with no credit card required
Wispr Flow

Use Wispr Flow if…

  • You are on Mac or Windows and prefer a press-and-hold shortcut workflow
  • Context-aware formatting — reading your active window — fits your use case
  • You do not need meeting transcription, AI text actions, or Linux support
SuperWhisper

Use SuperWhisper if…

  • You are on Mac and want on-device transcription for maximum local privacy
  • You prefer local AI processing with no audio sent to the cloud
  • You do not need Linux, Windows, or meeting transcription
Dragon Professional v16

Use Dragon if…

  • You need deep clinical, legal, or enterprise vocabulary with a trained voice profile
  • You work in a Windows-only environment
  • You need integration with practice-management or EHR software

Why always-onis useful.

In a quiet environment, always-on VAD removes the start/stop friction. You speak when you have a thought, pause when you don't, and the text follows naturally. The interface gets out of the way.

dicted supports both modes. Hands-free is available when your environment suits it; push-to-talk is always there when it doesn't — noisy rooms, calls, open offices. You decide.

Neural voice-activity detection
dicted uses neural VAD to distinguish your voice from background noise — fans, keyboard clicks, ambient conversation — so transcription starts only when you speak.
Works in any app on any OS
Dictate into any text field — browser, email, IDE, Slack, Notion, terminal. No context capture, no screenshot, no app switching required.
Three tools, one subscription
Dictation, voice notes, and meeting recordings in one app — Mac, Windows, Linux, and the web. Push-to-talk or always-on hands-free (quiet environments), your choice.

One subscription. Three tools.

dicted Pro is $144/yr — unlimited voice typing and AI text actions, plus 100 hr/mo meeting transcription.

Free
$0
Forever free
  • 2 hours / month voice typing
  • 10 smart actions / day
  • 2 hours / month meetings
  • 1 device · No credit card
Start for free
Most popular
Pro
$12/moUSD
Billed annually · $144/yr · or $18/mo month-to-month
  • Unlimited voice typing
  • Unlimited AI text actions
  • 100 hours meeting audio / month
  • 3 devices · 24-month price lock
  • Linux + Mac + Windows

Unlimited is for one human — not bots, multi-person sharing, or resale. Fair use applies.

Get Pro

24-month price lock on annual · Cancel any time · Dictation audio discarded after transcription

Common questions

Just speak. It listens.

Voice typing, meetings, and AI actions — Mac, Windows, Linux, and Web. Free to start.

Try dicted free

No credit card. No voice training. Cancel any time.