AI dictation for macOS
A dictation app for Mac that writes where you work
Dictro turns natural speech into clean, ready-to-send text at your cursor—in Mail, Slack, Notion, browsers, code editors, and nearly any other Mac app. The default pipeline runs locally on Apple Silicon.
Apple Silicon · macOS 15+ · Free plan · On-device mode
Choosing a Mac dictation app
Look beyond raw speech-to-text
A useful dictation app should reduce work, not leave you editing a transcript. For everyday writing, four things matter most: whether it works outside its own window, whether it handles natural corrections, whether it keeps sensitive speech private, and whether starting it is faster than reaching for the keyboard.
System-wide input
Dictate into the text field already under your cursor instead of recording elsewhere and pasting later.
Natural cleanup
Pause, restart a phrase, or say “actually” mid-thought. Dictro removes filler and returns a readable sentence.
On-device privacy
In on-device mode, audio capture, recognition, and refinement stay on your Apple Silicon Mac.
One-key access
Hold Option–Space to speak, then release to place the result where you were already writing.
How Dictro works
From voice to finished text in three steps
- 1
Put your cursor anywhere
Open an email, message, document, prompt, issue, or note. If it accepts normal typing, Dictro can usually write there.
- 2
Hold Option–Space and speak
Talk at your natural pace. You do not need to dictate punctuation or plan a perfect sentence before starting.
- 3
Release for polished prose
Dictro transcribes, removes verbal clutter, and inserts the cleaned result at the active cursor.
For setup details and app-specific tips, read the guide to voice typing in any Mac app.
A practical comparison
Dictro and Apple's built-in dictation solve different problems
macOS already includes capable dictation and it is a sensible choice for short, literal input. Dictro is designed for people who think out loud: the extra local refinement step turns false starts, filler, and mid-sentence changes into a cleaner final draft.
| Capability | Dictro | Built-in dictation |
|---|---|---|
| Types into Mac apps | Yes | Yes |
| Removes filler and false starts | Local refinement | Mostly literal transcription |
| Works offline | Yes, in on-device mode | Depends on Mac and language settings |
| Custom words | Names and specialist vocabulary | System vocabulary |
Privacy by architecture
Your default dictation path stays on your Mac
Dictro's on-device mode uses Apple Silicon for speech recognition and language cleanup. It continues working without Wi-Fi, and dictated content is not sent to Dictro. An optional Fast Mode is available for users who deliberately choose cloud processing; it is off by default.
Read the offline dictation guide or the full privacy policy for the exact data-handling details.
Frequently asked questions
What people ask about Dictro
What is the best dictation app for Mac?
The best choice depends on your workflow. Choose a system-wide app if you want text at the cursor, on-device processing if privacy or offline use matters, and a cleanup pass if you want finished writing instead of a raw transcript. Dictro combines those three priorities on Apple Silicon Macs.
Does Dictro work in every Mac app?
Dictro works in standard editable text fields across macOS, including Mail, Slack, Notion, browsers, terminals, and code editors. Secure password fields and apps that block accessibility input are intentionally excluded.
Is Dictro free?
Yes. The free plan includes up to 10,000 dictated words per week, the full on-device pipeline, and system-wide dictation. No payment card is required to start.
Which Macs can run Dictro?
Dictro supports Apple Silicon Macs with an M1 chip or newer, running macOS 15 or later.