What Is the Best Dictation App for Mac in 2025? (Compared)

If you're searching for the best dictation app for Mac, you're not alone. Voice dictation and speech-to-text software have exploded in popularity as people look for faster ways to write. The average person types at 40–70 words per minute (WPM), but the best dictation apps can reach 120–150+ WPM with high accuracy. That's a game-changer for emails, docs, and notes.

What Makes a Great Dictation App?

The best dictation software for Mac should offer: accuracy (especially for medical and technical terms), privacy (does your voice go to the cloud?), speed, and universal app support—so you can dictate into any text field, not just one app.

Comparing the Best Dictation Apps for Mac

Mellon is a free, privacy-first dictation app that runs 100% locally on your Mac. No subscriptions, no cloud—your voice never leaves your device. It works in every app, supports custom shortcuts, and reaches 150+ WPM. If you want the best free dictation app with zero privacy trade-offs, Mellon is hard to beat.

Wispr and VoiceInk are popular paid options with cloud processing. MacWhisper uses Whisper AI locally with a one-time purchase. Apple's built-in dictation is free but sends audio to Apple's servers and requires internet.

Best Free Dictation App for Mac

For the best free dictation software that keeps everything on your Mac, Mellon stands out. No account, no subscription, no data collection. Just download and start dictating. It's the best free speech-to-text app for Mac users who care about privacy and speed.