At a Glance
- AI dictation apps surged in 2025, with new features for formatting and context.
- Leading apps offer free word limits ranging from 1,000 to 4,000 words per month.
- Subscription plans start as low as $8 per month, unlocking unlimited transcription.
- Why it matters: Businesses and individuals can now convert speech to polished text with minimal editing, saving time and reducing typing.
In 2025, AI dictation apps gained mainstream traction thanks to advances in large language models and speech-to-text technology. Developers added automatic formatting, filler-word removal, and local-model options to meet privacy and productivity demands. Below, we review the top options and their pricing tiers.
Wispr Flow
Wispr Flow lets users add custom words and choose transcription style-formal, casual, very casual. It offers native apps for MacOS, Windows, iOS, and an upcoming Android version. Free tier: 2,000 words/month on desktop, 1,000 on iOS. Subscription: unlimited for $15 per month.
Willow
Willow markets itself as a time-saver, with automatic editing, formatting, and LLM-generated text from a few words. It stores transcripts locally and lets users opt out of model training. Free tier: 2,000 words/month on desktop. Subscription: unlimited for $15 per month.
Monologue
Monologue prioritizes privacy by allowing users to download its model for on-device transcription. It offers tone-customization and a free tier of 1,000 words/month. Subscription: $10 per month or $100 per year. Top users receive a limited-edition Monokey device.
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Superwhisper
Superwhisper is a dictation app that also transcribes audio/video files and lets users choose or download AI models, including NVIDIA’s Parakeet. Basic voice-to-text is free, with 15 minutes of Pro features for testing. Paid tier: $8.49/month, $84.99/year, or $249.99 lifetime.
VoiceTypr
VoiceTypr follows an offline-first, no-subscription model using local models. It supports 99+ languages and works on Mac/Windows. Free trial: 3 days, then lifetime license: $35/device, $56 for two, $98 for four.
Aqua
Aqua, backed by Y-Combinator, promises low latency and autofill via spoken phrases. It offers a free tier of 1,000 words/month and paid plans starting at $8 per month (annual billing) for unlimited words and 800 custom dictionary entries.
Handy
Handy is a free, open-source transcription tool for Mac, Windows, and Linux. It provides basic push-to-talk and hotkey settings but limited customization.
Typeless
Typeless claims no data retention and suggests improved sentences for fumbles. Free tier: 4,000 words per week (≈16,000/month). Paid: $12 per month (annual billing) for unlimited words and new features. Available on Windows and Mac.
| App | Free Words/Month | Subscription Price |
|---|---|---|
| Wispr Flow | 2,000 / 1,000 (iOS) | $15/month |
| Willow | 2,000 | $15/month |
| Monologue | 1,000 | $10/month or $100/year |
| Superwhisper | Unlimited (free tier) | $8.49/month |
| VoiceTypr | 3 days free | $35-$98 per device |
| Aqua | 1,000 | $8/month |
| Handy | Unlimited | Free |
| Typeless | 16,000 | $12/month |
Key Takeaways
- 2025 saw a surge in AI dictation apps with advanced formatting and privacy features.
- Free word limits range from 1,000 to 16,000 per month, while paid plans start at $8/month.
- Local-model options and custom vocabularies are common across leading apps.
The growing variety of dictation tools means you can choose one that fits your workflow, privacy needs, and budget.
