Dictate to Your Computer
This is the optional follow-along resource from Session 1. If you want to write faster, capture ideas out loud, or turn voice notes into content, start with MacWhisper on Mac, or use the built-in free dictation tools on Mac and Windows.
Fastest recommendation
If you are on a Mac, start with MacWhisper first. Free tier, fully offline, strong accuracy, and no subscription.
Zero setup option
Need something right now? Use macOS Dictation or Windows Voice Typing. Both are already on your computer.
Cross-platform power user
If you want real-time voice typing across apps on both Mac and Windows, Typeless and Whispersoft are the next step.
MacWhisper: Start Here on Mac
MacWhisper is the best place to start if you use a Mac. It runs locally on your machine, keeps your audio private, and the free version is strong enough for most people.
Free Tier
Free
Tiny, Base, and Small models with unlimited usage.
Pro Version
EUR59
One-time purchase. Adds larger models, speaker detection, and more export options.
Student / NGO
EUR29
Discounted Pro pricing via support@macwhisper.com.
Why it stands out
It uses Whisper locally on your Mac, which means audio does not need to leave your machine. That makes it strong for private notes, client calls, interviews, and raw idea capture. It also handles recorded files well, not just live dictation.
Download MacWhisperDownload and install MacWhisper
Visit goodsnooze.gumroad.com/l/macwhisper and download the free version. Open the downloaded file, drag MacWhisper into your Applications folder, then launch it from Spotlight or Applications.
Download a model and grant permissions
On first launch, use the model downloader and choose Small for a good balance of speed and accuracy. When macOS asks for microphone access, click Allow. If you miss the prompt, go to System Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Microphone, and enable MacWhisper there.
Use it for files or live dictation
Drag audio or video files into the app to transcribe them offline. For live dictation, click the microphone icon and speak directly into the app. Pro users can also capture system audio for calls, meetings, and videos playing on the Mac.
Pros
Free tier with no hard usage cap, private on-device processing, one-time Pro purchase, and exports for TXT, SRT, VTT, DOCX, and PDF.
Tradeoffs
Mac only, best on newer Apple Silicon Macs, and some advanced live-text workflows need extra setup.
Free Built-In Dictation
If you do not want to install anything yet, both Mac and Windows already include dictation. The quality is lower than the dedicated tools, but for occasional writing it is completely fine.
Built-In Mac
macOS Dictation
- Open System Settings and go to Keyboard.
- Turn Dictation on and choose your language.
- Confirm the right microphone is selected.
- Click into any text field and press the Fn or Globe key twice to start.
- Say punctuation out loud, like “comma”, “period”, or “new line”.
Built-In Windows
Windows Voice Typing
- Go to Settings, then Privacy & Security, then Microphone, and confirm access is on.
- Click into any text field where you want words to appear.
- Press Windows + H to open Voice Typing.
- Click the microphone button and start speaking.
- In Windows 11, enable auto-punctuation from the toolbar settings if you want easier writing.
Note
Cross-Platform Options
If you want a tool that works on both Mac and Windows, the PDF recommended two stronger options: Typeless for polished cloud-based dictation, and Whispersoft for private local transcription.
Typeless
Mac + WindowsBest if you want hold-to-talk dictation that injects text directly into whatever app is currently focused.
- Free plan: 10 hours per month
- Pro plan: $9 per month billed annually
- Needs internet because transcription happens in the cloud
Whispersoft
Privacy FirstBest if you want local transcription and do not want audio sent to external servers.
- Self-hosted Whisper is free if you are comfortable with setup
- Whispersoft app is a $29 one-time purchase
- Strong choice for sensitive content or privacy-heavy work
What to choose
Best overall on Mac: MacWhisper. It is the cleanest starting point from the PDF and the strongest option for Session 1.
Best no-setup path: use built-in Dictation on Mac or Voice Typing on Windows.
Best if you want voice typing in every app on both platforms: Typeless.
Best if privacy matters most: Whispersoft or self-hosted Whisper.