The Best 8 Dictation Apps for Writers: Free & Paid
Applications converting speech to text are like a dream come true when it comes to capturing your thoughts whether you are a seasoned writer or a new beginner. These tools enable writers to be more productive by increasing their speed and productivity while reducing strain. If you are on the lookout for an efficient way of turning your thoughts into text, here is a list of the best dictation software for writers.
What are Dictation Tools?
A dictation tool is software that turns speech into text using artificial intelligence technology. These tools recognize speech and turn it into text in real-time. Some dictation tools offer on-demand transcription services, which means that they use pre-recorded audio recordings to turn speech into text.
Having so many use cases, dictation tools are commonly preferred by content creators, students, business professionals, and writers. With the right dictation software that produces high-quality outputs, you shouldn’t suffer from wrist, hand, shoulder, or back pain again because you won’t be using a pen, paper, or a keyboard. All you need to do is speak and watch the speech-to-text tool do its job.
Best Dictation Software for Writers
Here is a list for you to explore the most popular speech-to-text tools by comparing their key features, advantages, and disadvantages.
| ⚙️ Tool | 🌟 Key Features | 🗣️ Languages Supported |
|---|---|---|
| Maestra | AI-powered transcription & dictation, multiple file formats, editing, cloud storage | 125+ languages |
| Windows Voice Typing | Simple voice commands for punctuation and formatting | 40+ |
| Dragon | customizable vocabulary, voice commands for formatting, punctuation, and navigation | English, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, and Italian. |
| Braina Pro | AI-powered dictation, virtual assistant, and commands for writing & editing | 100+ languages |
| Apple Dictation | Offline mode and integrates with the Apple ecosystem. | 60+ |
| Speechnotes | Web-based, Google Speech API integration and easy-to-use | 60+ languages |
| Google Docs Voice Typing | Built into Google Docs, real-time dictation, supports punctuation commands, cloud-based for seamless access across devices. | 100+ languages |
| Dragon Anywhere | Mobile version of Dragon, cloud syncing, and custom word listing. | English, German |
1. Maestra
Maestra comes to the rescue of writers with its real-time and on-demand transcriptions along with advanced localization tools. You can either upload a recording to Maestra’s audio to text converter or open the free live transcription tool and start talking to see your speech turn into text instantly.
Maestra is the strongest contestant on this list thanks to its unparalleled accuracy and versatility.
Plus, it is the best dictation software for every writer regardless of their language because it supports 125+ languages.
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Experience the Convenience of Hands-Free Writing with Maestra
Dictate your thoughts effortlessly and boost your productivity. Available in 125+ languages and 100% free.
2. Windows Voice Typing
Voice typing is a built-in tool that is available for Windows 11 users. It is powered by Azure Speech services to enable you to enter text on your computer without typing. Just make sure that you are connected to the internet and your mouse cursor is in a text box.
Currently, the voice typing tool supports 45 languages and can place punctuation marks on commands
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3. Dragon Professional
Dragon is another dictation tool that is available to Windows users. It is not a browser-based tool. You need to download it to your computer, enabling you to use Dragon offline too.
It uses deep learning and offers high accuracy. You can train the tool for customized voice commands and edit documents with commands.
Since it is a product specially designed for Windows systems, it integrates well with other applications in the Windows ecosystem.
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4. Braina Pro
Braina Pro is another dictation app that you can download to your computer if you are using a Windows system. Braine allows you to type in any website or application such as Word, Gmail, LibreOffice, and WordPress.
With Braina, you don’t have to touch the keyboard even while editing your text because you can navigate through the document with voice commands.
You can teach Braine jargon, new commands, or uncommon names for later use. You can also benefit from Braina’s AI writing assistant in correcting punctuation, capitalization, and spelling.
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5. Apple Dictation
Just like Windows, Apple too has a built-in dictation tool that you can use free of charge. It is available on all Apple devices and supports 60+ languages.
While the standard dictation allows you to dictate for 40 seconds only when you are connected to the internet, the enhanced dictation feature allows continuous dictation and works offline.
The tool can insert punctuation marks on commands and works across various apps such as Notes, Safari, and Messages.
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6. Speechnotes
Speechnotes is a browser-based free voice transcription software. You can either upload audio/video files or start dictating for Speechnotes to turn speech into text.
While it is available on the browser, you can also use the Chrome extension or mobile app to be able to dictate whenever you need without limitations.
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7. Google Docs Voice Typing
If you are using Google Docs to record your thoughts, you can also use its built-in voice typing feature instead of typing in. This voice recognition tool supports 100+ languages and works across all devices.
You can edit any mistakes without turning off the voice typing feature by just moving your cursor and giving a command. You can also use simple commands to format the text however you want.
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8. Dragon Anywhere
Dragon Anywhere brings the accuracy of Dragon to your mobile phones and synchronizes with Dragon on your computer.
Dragon Anywhere is actually the mobile version of Dragon Professional, but there are some important differences. While Dragon Professional is a one-time purchase, this mobile app has a subscription plan, and it doesn’t work offline as their dictation software for pc.
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The Benefits of Dictation Tools for Writers
When creative individuals are inspired, trying to keep up with the pace of their minds is extremely difficult, and trying to type at such a pace will only increase the number of typos in your writing.
Dictation software can:
Being able to write down your thoughts by speaking is a great convenience for writers because it is way faster than using a pen or keyboard. With all these benefits of voice recognition software, capturing every thought in the middle of a stream of consciousness is not a dream anymore.
Therefore, finding the best dictation software is a crucial step that leads to success. Every author, journalist, or blogger can find a tool that serves their needs.
While Dragon and Braina cater to professionals with their advanced features, Google Docs voice typing, Apple Dictation, Windows Voice Typing, and Speechnotes serve individuals needing simple dictation. Maestra stands out as a multifunctional tool that supports 125+ languages. It not only turns speech into text but also streamlines your workflow with additional AI tools.
Revolutionize Your Writing Process
Turn your brainstorming sessions into text and create the first draft of your writing within seconds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do writers use dictation?
Yes, many writers use dictation tools because of the convenience they provide. Whether you are a journalist, blogger, or a novelist, speech recognition tools are great assets that can streamline your writing process.
These tools are specially helpful in creating first drafts, multitasking, and speeding up the process. Plus, writers who suffer from wrist and back pain after long hours of typing prefer to use dictation software too.
Is dictation better than typing?
This is a matter of choice; however, dictation software offer multiple benefits for writers. So, if you want to:
- speed up your writing process,
- reduce eye strain and wrist pain,
- create first drafts easily while brainstorming in a conversational manner,
- multitask while capturing your thoughts
then dictation might be better for you.
What is the best voice recognition software for writers?
Deciding which one is the best voice recognition software for you depends on your personal needs.
- If you desire to dictate using your mobile phone, then you can benefit from Dragon Anywhere.
- While Apple users might find Apple Dictation enough for simple tasks, Windows users can use Windows Voice Typing instead.
- If you are a professional novelist, you might want to use advanced tools such as Dragon Professional, Braina Pro, and Maestra that can handle long dictation sessions with great accuracy.
