Mac dictation comparison
Apple Dictation vs speakeasy.
speakeasy. is Mac only today (Apple Silicon, macOS 14+). The download won't run on this device.
You may already have the dictation tool you need. Apple Dictation is built into macOS and is a sensible first choice for occasional text. Consider speakeasy. if you want a configurable hold-to-talk workflow, optional Polish and a separate open-source build path. Neither option removes the need to review what you said.
This comparison is published by speakeasy. It explains documented features and our product's current limits; it is not an independent accuracy or speed benchmark.
What changes when you use a separate app?
| Choice | Apple Dictation | speakeasy. |
|---|---|---|
| Setup | Enable in macOS Keyboard settings. | Install the Mac app, complete setup and grant permissions. |
| Control | Start and stop with the configured Dictation shortcut. | Hold your chosen key to speak; release to process and deliver. |
| Processing | Check the on-device notice in Keyboard settings. | Online Deepgram/Groq processing; Groq for source-built BYOK. |
| Cleanup | Dictation punctuation and formatting commands. | Optional Polish, with raw-transcript fallback if cleanup fails. |
| Cost | Included with macOS. | Free hosted allowance; $5/$9 monthly plans; source build plus provider costs. |
| Product support target | Availability varies by macOS, language and region. | Apple Silicon, macOS 14+, English, ordinary editable fields. |
Apple controls and processing notice checked October 3, 2026 in Apple's Dictation guide. Select your macOS version there. speakeasy. details reflect our current plans and processing notice.
Keep Apple Dictation if
- It already enters the text you need in the apps you use.
- You want to avoid adding another app or service account.
- You prefer the processing option described by your Mac's Dictation settings.
Try speakeasy. if
- You want to hold one configurable key while speaking in your writing apps.
- You want optional filler removal and punctuation cleanup before paste.
- You want to inspect AGPL source or build with your own Groq key.
Compare with a small, real writing task
Use a disposable note or draft message and dictate the same short paragraph with each option. Include a name and a number you can check. Look at corrections, the start/stop gesture and whether text reaches your intended field. For a coding prompt, type exact filenames and symbols after the spoken explanation. A workflow that works in one field may behave differently in a terminal or custom editor.
For speakeasy., complete Practice first, then click the destination, hold Right Option, speak and release. Choose another key in Settings → Dictation if it conflicts with your Mac shortcuts. Each capture is limited to five minutes; internet is required.
If automatic paste cannot finish
Keep the original field available while speakeasy. processes the audio. If the widget confirms your text is on the clipboard, click the intended field and press Command-V, then review it. Check Microphone, Accessibility and Automation → System Events in macOS Privacy & Security. For a persistent problem, use support. We do not promise compatibility with every app or field.
What does trying speakeasy. cost?
The website download is ungated. Hosted Free offers five successful dictations per week plus unlimited Practice. Standard is $5/month for 12 hours of recorded audio and Pro is $9/month for 30 hours. The separate Groq BYOK source build needs no hosted subscription, but provider usage may cost money. It also requires a local development setup; it is not a separate packaged installer.