15 Best Dictation and Text-to-Speech Apps in 2025

Whether you're a student, a professional, or someone who just wants to save time while typing, dictation, and text-to-speech apps can make your life easier. These tools help you turn your voice into written words or have written text read out loud, which is great for multitasking, improving productivity, or supporting different learning needs. In this list, you’ll find 15 of the best apps that can help you work smarter, whether you're taking notes, writing content, or just need to listen on the go.

15 Best Dictation and Text-to-Speech Apps

1. Audionotes

   
   

   

   
   

   Audionotes is more than just a speech-to-text tool. It’s an AI-powered note-taking assistant that turns voice recordings, typed text, images, and even YouTube videos into clean, structured notes. What sets it apart is its ability to not just transcribe, but also summarize, organize, and connect your content across different platforms.

   Whether you're sitting in a lecture, recording a meeting, brainstorming ideas, or creating content, Audionotes helps you stay on top of things by turning your thoughts into clear, actionable notes. It's also a solid choice for professionals in fields like medicine and law, where accuracy and detail matter most.

   Key Features:

   • Transcribe voice, videos, images, and text

   • Summarise into notes, meeting minutes, emails, and quizzes

   • Use your own prompts or templates for custom outputs

   • WhatsApp bot, Notion and Zapier integration

   • Cross-platform sync with full privacy

   • Supports 30+ languages

   • Smart publishing, link sharing, and chat with notes

   Pros:

   • Handles almost any input and turns it into clean, usable notes

   • Strong privacy, no data used for AI training

   • Excellent integrations for workflow automation

   • Helpful for students with ADHD or learning challenges

   Cons:

   • Takes a little time to learn all the features

   • Free plan has limits on recording time and uploads

   • Some advanced tools work better on desktop

   Pricing:

   • Starts free, with premium plans from $3.99/week to $99.99/year

   Best for:

   • Students who want to turn lectures or YouTube content into summaries

   • Professionals and creators who need organised content quickly

   • Anyone who wants full control and privacy while taking notes

   Platforms Available:

   • Web, iOS, iPad, Mac (Apple Silicon)

   • Chrome Extension

   • WhatsApp Bot 

   • Notion and Zapier

   • API and webhook options

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2. Apple Dictation

   
   

   

   
   

   If you use an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, Apple Dictation is already built in. It lets you turn your speech into text instantly, and you don’t even need to download anything. It supports 66 languages and works offline for many users, which makes it super handy. What stands out is how well it works with Voice Control, so you can automate things like adding punctuation, making new paragraphs, or even taking screenshots, just by speaking.

   Key Features:

   • Real-time dictation with punctuation and formatting

   • Works offline for short durations

   • Supports 66 languages, including many regional accents

   • Voice Control integration for extra automation

   Pros:

   • Free and built into Apple devices

   • Doesn’t send your data to external servers

   • Very accurate with regular speech

   Cons:

   • Only available on Apple devices

   • Doesn’t offer much room for customisation

   • Might not recognise technical or rare terms without practice

   Pricing: 

   • Free on iOS, macOS, and iPadOS

   Best for: 

   • Apple users who want a simple, private, and reliable dictation tool

   
   

3. Windows 11 Speech Recognition

   

   If you're a Windows user, this one’s already available in your system settings. It lets you control your computer, open apps, and dictate text without touching the keyboard. Since it works completely offline, your data stays on your device. With the recent Voice Access update, it’s become a lot more accurate and easier to use for both everyday tasks and accessibility.

   Key Features:

   • Full voice control and dictation

   • Offline usage for privacy

   • Works in multiple languages and accents

   • Connects easily with Microsoft Office apps

   • Voice commands for formatting and navigation

   Pros:

   • Comes Preinstalled in Windows

   • Safe and private due to on-device processing

   • Especially useful for accessibility

   Cons:

   • Accuracy may vary if you're not using a standard accent

   • Beginners might take time to learn voice commands

   • Interface could be more user-friendly

   Pricing: 

   • Free with Windows 10 and 11

   Best for: 

   • Windows users who want hands-free control and offline speech recognition

     
     

4. Gboard

   
   

   

   
   

   Gboard is Google’s keyboard app for mobile, and its voice typing feature is fast and reliable. You just tap the mic and start talking. It supports over 900 languages, and works inside any app where you’d normally type. It’s packed with features like AI-powered suggestions, glide typing, and even built-in search and translation.

   Key Features:

   • Voice typing with one tap

   • Smart autocorrect and text suggestions

   • Supports over 900 languages

   • Custom emojis, GIFs, and stickers

   • Built-in translator and search

   Pros:

   • Completely free and easy to use

   • Works with most apps on Android and iOS

   • Multilingual support is impressive

   Cons:

   • Works only within mobile apps

   • Clipboard sync between devices is limited

   Pricing: 

   • Free

   Best for: 

   • Mobile users who want quick dictation while messaging, emailing, or multitasking

     
     

5. Google Docs Voice Typing

   

   If you write a lot in Google Docs, this built-in feature can really help you get your ideas down faster. Just activate the mic and start speaking. It types in real time and also follows voice commands for punctuation and formatting. It’s easy to use and works well for anyone who already uses Google Workspace.

   Key Features:

   • Voice typing directly in Google Docs or Slides

   • Voice commands for punctuation and layout

   • Works with multiple languages and accents

   • Requires internet and a Google account

   Pros:

   • Free and built into Google Docs

   • Great for quick document creation

   • Beginner-friendly interface

   Cons:

   • Needs an internet connection to work

   • Not as customisable as some other tools

   Pricing: 

   • Free (with a Google account)

   Best for: 

   • Students, remote teams, and content creators using Google Workspace

     
     

6. Granola

   
   

   

   
   

   Granola is different from your usual meeting recorder. There are no bots joining your calls. Instead, it runs in the background, recording and summarising your meetings quietly. It blends AI and human input to give you clean, actionable notes. It also stands out for its privacy-first approach, with no audio or video stored, and full GDPR compliance. It’s especially useful for founders, small teams, and anyone who wants a distraction-free, secure note-taking experience.

   Key Features:

   • Silent recording with no bot presence

   • Combines human and AI notes

   • Instant summaries and action items

   • Identifies who said what

   • Privacy-focused, with calendar sync

   Pros:

   • Meetings stay natural since there are no bot interruptions

   • Custom templates and detailed summaries

   • Regular updates and user feedback-driven features

   Cons:

   • No Android or browser version yet

   • Speaker learning could be better

   Best For: 

   • Professionals and teams that value privacy and minimal disruption

   Platforms: 

   • macOS, Windows, iOS

     
     

7. Dragon Anywhere (Nuance)

   
   

   

   
   

   Dragon Anywhere is built for professionals who need detailed, accurate dictation on the go. You can speak as long as you want and create full documents without limits. It also lets you add custom voice commands and vocabulary, which makes it ideal for legal, medical, or technical use. You’ll need an internet connection, but it offers top-notch privacy and syncing with desktop Dragon apps.

   Key Features:

   • No time or length limit on dictation

   • Create templates and custom commands

   • Recognises specific industry terms

   • Syncs across mobile and desktop apps

   • Keeps your data encrypted and secure

   Pros:

   • Extremely accurate, even with complex terms

   • Works well for busy professionals

   • Lets you go hands-free for long writing tasks

   Cons:

   • No free plan

   • Needs stable internet to function

   • Occasional technical issues reported

   Pricing: 

   • $14.99/month or $149.99/year

   Best For: 

   • Lawyers, doctors, writers, and professionals who rely on voice

   Platforms: 

   • iOS, Android

     
     

8. Otter.ai

   
   

   

   
   

   Otter.ai helps you turn meetings into written notes with very little effort. It records live, identifies who’s speaking, and creates summaries you can review later. You can connect it with tools like Zoom, Google Meet, and Notion to build a full workflow. It’s especially helpful if your team runs lots of meetings and you want to focus on listening instead of writing everything down.

   Key Features:

   • Real-time transcription and speaker tagging

   • Automatically generates summaries and to-dos

   • Works with major video platforms and calendars

   • Clean, searchable transcript layout

   Pros:

   • Easy to use, with strong app integrations

   • Free plan available for casual use

   • Great for team collaboration

   Cons:

   • Sometimes misses words or gets speakers wrong

   • Some features are limited in free or lower-tier plans

   Pricing: 

   • Free plan available; paid plans start at $16.99 per user/month

   Best For: 

   • Teams, content managers, and meeting-heavy roles

   Platforms: 

   • Web, Android, iOS

     Read More: 9 Best Otter AI Alternatives

9. Speechnotes

   
   

   

   
   

   Speechnotes is a quick and simple tool if you just want to start talking and get your words on the screen. It’s designed for live note-taking, class notes, or interviews. You can also upload audio for transcription. It’s very straightforward to use and great for when you need to focus on the content without getting distracted by too many options.

   Key Features:

   • Real-time dictation and audio upload

   • Timestamps for tracking important parts

   • Voice commands for punctuation

   • Works on both web and mobile

   Pros:

   • Free and easy for anyone to start using

   • Doesn’t take long to learn

   • Good for fast tasks or short projects

   Cons:

   • Struggles with complex or noisy audio

   • No AI summaries or multi-speaker tools

   • Ads appear in the free version

   Pricing: 

   • Free (with ads); paid version removes ads

   Best For: 

   • Writers, students, or interviewers who need basic transcription

   Platforms: 

   • Web, Android

     
     

10. Braina

    
    

    

    
    

    Braina is a powerful speech recognition tool designed for Windows users who want more than just dictation. You can control your computer, search the web, set reminders, and even use your phone as a microphone. It supports over 100 languages and works well even in noisy environments. While the design feels a bit outdated, it’s packed with features that make it a great pick for power users.

    Key Features:

    • Speech-to-text in 100+ languages

    • Can be used as a personal assistant

    • Customise vocabulary and responses

    • Use your phone as a wireless mic

    • Controls desktop apps with your voice

    Pros:

    • Very high accuracy

    • Good for automation and complex tasks

    • Handles background noise well

    Cons:

    • Interface looks old-fashioned

    • No official Mac version

    • Free version supports only English

    Pricing: 

    • Free Lite version (English only); Pro costs $79/year or $199 one-time

    Best For: 

    • Tech-savvy Windows users, researchers, and businesses

    Platforms: 

    • Windows, Android, iOS (mic app only)

      
      

11. Sonix

    
    

    

    
    

    If you need serious transcription power for work or research, Sonix is built for that. It gives highly accurate transcripts (up to 99%), labels speakers clearly, and even shows the tone and topics in conversations. It’s trusted by teams, media professionals, and researchers who want secure, professional results without a lot of cleanup.

    Key Features:

    • Up to 99% accurate transcription

    • Detects and labels different speakers

    • Creates summaries and detects sentiment or topics

    • Secure with AES-256 encryption and SOC 2 compliance

    • Offers tools for collaboration and app integrations

    Pros:

    • Keeps your data safe and private

    • Ready to use for teams and companies

    • Minimal editing needed

    Cons:

    • Not cheap

    • May take time to learn if you're new to transcription tools

    Pricing: 

    • Custom pricing for enterprise plans, $16 for Premium 

    Best for: 

    • Teams, media professionals, and researchers who want top-quality transcripts

    Platforms: 

    • Web-based

      
      

12. Rev Voice Recorder & Transcription

    
    

    

    
    

    Rev gives you both AI and human transcription options. If accuracy is your priority, especially with multiple speakers or accents, this tool is a reliable pick. You can record directly in the app, label speakers, and get time-coded transcripts. It's popular among podcasters and researchers who need fast, clean, and searchable text.

    Key Features:

    • Choose between AI and human transcription

    • Time-stamped transcripts with speaker labels

    • Simple editing tools

    • Works on mobile and desktop

    Pros:

    • Handles various accents well

    • Flexible pricing with no long-term commitment

    • Great for longer projects

    Cons:

    • Focused mainly on English

    • AI accuracy depends on sound quality

    Pricing: 

    • Starts at $9.99 per user/month for Annual Plans going up to $20.99 per user/month for Pro plan. Custom pricing for enterprise. 

    Best for: 

    • Podcasters, students, and researchers who want flexible and accurate transcripts

    Platforms: 

    • Web, iOS, Android

      
      

13. Temi

    
    

    

    
    

    Temi is great if you want a quick, no-fuss transcription service. It uses AI to transcribe with around 90 to 95 percent accuracy when your audio is clear. You can upload files, get timestamps, label speakers, and edit directly in the browser. It’s especially useful for freelancers, students, or anyone with smaller projects.

    Key Features:

    • Quick AI transcription with timestamps

    • Detects different speakers

    • Built-in editor for transcripts

    • Supports various file formats

    • Works with Zapier and has an API

    Pros:

    • Very affordable

    • Fast turnaround

    • Easy to export transcripts

    Cons:

    • English only

    • Doesn’t work for live meetings

    • Lacks advanced features like summaries or analytics

    Pricing: 

    • $0.25 per audio minute, no subscription required

    Best for: 

    • Freelancers, students, and podcasters who need fast and affordable transcripts

    Platforms: 

    • Web, iOS, Android

      
      

14. Notta.ai

    
    

    

    
    

    Notta.ai is built for teams that work across languages and platforms. It can transcribe live meetings or uploaded files, add speaker names, and even create AI summaries or mind maps. You can also schedule meetings, translate content, and use a smart chatbot to ask questions about your notes. This is a strong option for international and remote teams who want more than just basic transcripts. 

    Key Features:

    • Real-time and recorded transcription

    • Built-in summarizer and mind map generator

    • Speaker labels and timestamps

    • Supports 58 languages

    • Meeting scheduler and Chrome extension

    Pros:

    • Fast and accurate for live or recorded content

    • Designed for remote collaboration

    • Smart chatbot adds extra support

    Cons:

    • Free plan has feature limits

    • Mobile version is not as strong as the web version

    Pricing: 

    • Free plan available; paid plans start around $13/month

    Best for: 

    • Remote teams, international companies, and users who want more than just transcription

    Platforms: 

    • Web, Chrome extension, iOS, Android

      
      

15. Dictation.io

    
    

    

    
    

    If you just want something simple and free, Dictation.io is worth a look. It runs straight from your Chrome browser and uses Google Speech Recognition to transcribe as you speak. Nothing gets saved on the cloud, so your content stays private. It's a good tool for writing short notes, messages, or even emails using your voice.

    Key Features:

    • Real-time voice-to-text in browser

    • Supports multiple languages

    • Simple voice commands for punctuation and formatting

    • Works without storing data online

    Pros:

    • Completely free

    • Fast and accurate for short tasks

    • Keeps your data local and private

    Cons:

    • No mobile app

    • No advanced features like speaker labeling or analytics

    Pricing: 

    • Free

    Best for: 

    • Anyone who needs quick voice dictation on a desktop browser

    Platforms: 

    • Web (Chrome browser)

What to Look for in a Dictation App (Buying Guide Section)

When you're picking a dictation app, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind to make sure it fits your needs and works smoothly. Here’s what to look for:

1. Accuracy That Actually Works for You

   The first thing you need is solid accuracy. The app should understand your voice clearly, even if you have an accent or there's some background noise. A good dictation tool won’t mess up your words just because someone coughed nearby or you’re not speaking in an American accent.

   
   

2. Real-Time vs Post-Recording Transcription

   Some apps type out your words as you speak. Others transcribe everything after you're done recording. Think about what works better for your workflow. If you like to see words appear instantly, go for real-time transcription. If you prefer speaking freely and editing later, post-recording options might suit you better.

   
   

3. Easy Integration With Your Other Tools

   If you use Google Docs, Microsoft Word, or CRM tools like Salesforce, choose an app that connects well with them. This saves you from copying and pasting your notes every time and keeps your work organized in one place.

   
   

4. Support for Multiple Languages

   If you speak or work in more than one language, check if the app supports it. Multilingual support makes your life easier, especially if you're switching between languages in meetings or while working with clients.

   
   

5. Works Across All Your Devices

   Make sure the app runs on whatever devices you use. 

   
   

6. Know What You're Paying For

   Some apps offer basic features for free but lock useful tools behind a paid plan. Look at what you’re getting in each tier and decide if the paid version gives you enough value for your money.

   
   

7. Privacy and Data Security

   You're trusting the app with your voice and possibly sensitive information. Check how your data is stored and whether it’s encrypted. A reliable app will always put your privacy first.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a dictation app or speech-to-text software?

   A dictation app turns your spoken words into written text right as you speak. It uses speech recognition technology to make writing, note-taking, or transcribing quicker and hands-free, whether you're on your phone, tablet, or computer.

   
   

2. How accurate are dictation apps compared to manual typing?

   It depends on the app and your environment, but top-rated apps can reach about 90 to 95% accuracy when conditions are good. If you speak clearly and there's not much background noise, some apps can even be faster and more accurate than typing.

   
   

3. Are dictation apps free to use?

   Yes, many are. Apps like Gboard and Google Docs Voice Typing are free and easy to use. However, if you need extra features or better accuracy, you might want to look at premium versions. Free versions often come with some limits on how much you can use or what features are included.

   
   

4. Do these apps work offline or require an internet connection?

   Some apps like Apple Dictation (in basic mode) or Windows Speech Recognition can work without internet. Others, like Otter.ai or Google Docs Voice Typing, need an internet connection because they process speech through cloud services. Offline tools usually come with fewer features or slightly lower accuracy.

   
   

5. Can I use dictation apps in multiple languages?

   Yes, most of them support many languages like English, Spanish, French, and German. Some, like Google Gboard and Braina, offer over 100 languages. Just make sure to check the app's language options before you choose one.

   
   

6. Do I need a special microphone for dictation apps?

   Not really. Most apps work fine with the built-in mic on your phone or laptop. But if you're working in a noisy place or want better results, using a good external mic, headset, or even AirPods can help a lot by reducing background noise.

   
   

7. Do dictation apps require internet to work?

   Some do, and some don’t. Tools like Windows Speech Recognition or Dragon Anywhere work offline. But many advanced apps rely on cloud-based processing, so they need internet for the best accuracy and full features.

   
   

8. Can dictation apps be used on both iOS and Android?

   Yes, most of the popular ones are available on both platforms. Just keep in mind that some apps like Apple Dictation only work on iOS devices.

   
   

9. Do these apps work with Bluetooth headsets or AirPods?

   Yes, they do. Most dictation tools support Bluetooth mics and headsets. In fact, using a Bluetooth device in a noisy setting can improve accuracy. Just make sure your headset has decent microphone quality and some noise cancellation.

   
   

10. How do I improve the accuracy of dictation apps?

    Try speaking slowly and clearly, keep background noise low, and use a reliable mic. If the app allows training, take time to do it. Also, sticking to supported languages and accents can improve results over time.

    
    

11. Can I dictate punctuation and commands like "new paragraph"?

    Yes, most dictation tools let you speak formatting commands. If you say things like “comma,” “period,” or “new paragraph,” the app will add them for you. Apps like Dragon Anywhere or Otter.ai offer more advanced command options for editing without touching the keyboard.