Finding the best free dictation apps for Mac can be tricky. Many "free" options are either limited, send your voice to the cloud, or push you toward paid plans. Here's an honest comparison of the top free speech-to-text and voice typing software for Mac.
Apple Dictation (Built-in)
macOS includes free built-in dictation. It's convenient, but it sends your voice to Apple's servers for processing—so it requires internet and isn't fully private. Accuracy is good for general use but can struggle with technical terms and medical vocabulary.
Mellon: Free, Local, Private
Mellon is one of the few truly free dictation apps that processes everything on your Mac. No cloud, no account, no subscription. Your voice never leaves your device. It works offline, in every app, and reaches 150+ WPM. For the best free dictation software that respects your privacy, Mellon is the top choice.
Other Free Options
Browser-based tools like Dictation.io are free but only work in the browser. Some apps offer free tiers with limits (e.g., recording length or daily caps). If you want unlimited, private, system-wide dictation for free, Mellon is the standout.
Why Free Dictation Matters
Voice typing shouldn't require a subscription. Whether you're a student, professional, or someone with typing difficulties, access to good speech-to-text software matters. Mellon proves that the best free dictation app can also be the most private.
Try the best free dictation app for Mac. Download Mellon—no signup, no payment, no strings attached.