OpenFlow
Which dictation app should you actually use?
Five questions, one honest answer. Built by the maker of OpenFlow, and it will happily recommend someone else when that is the right call.
Question 1 of 5
What computer do you use?
How do you feel about your voice going to the cloud?
What is your budget?
What are you mostly transcribing?
What languages do you speak?
Our honest pick for you
OpenFlow
Every option, side by side
The full comparison behind the quiz, current as of mid 2026.
| App | Price | Platforms | Runs on device | Open source | Works in any app | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| OpenFlow | Free | macOS (Apple Silicon) | Yes | Yes, MIT | Yes | Private hold-a-key dictation |
| Wispr Flow | About $12 to $15 monthly | macOS, Windows, iOS | No, cloud | No | Yes | Polished cross-device dictation |
| SuperWhisper | Subscription or one-time | macOS, iOS | Yes | No | Yes | Local dictation with modes |
| MacWhisper | One-time purchase | macOS | Yes | No | Mostly transcription of files | Transcribing recordings |
| Apple Dictation | Free, built in | Apple devices | On Apple Silicon, yes | No | Yes | Casual quick dictation |
| Otter.ai | Free tier plus subscription | Web, iOS, Android | No, cloud | No | Meeting focused | Meeting notes and transcripts |
| Dragon | One-time plus upgrades | Windows only now | Yes | No | Yes | Medical, legal, and accessibility workflows on Windows |
Dragon for Mac was discontinued in 2018, and prices change, so verify current details with each vendor before you decide.
Fair questions
What is the best dictation app for Mac?
It depends on privacy and budget. If you want free, private, on-device dictation on an Apple Silicon Mac, OpenFlow is the pick. If you are happy with a cloud subscription and want maximum polish, Wispr Flow is excellent. If you prefer to pay once, SuperWhisper covers live dictation and MacWhisper covers transcribing recordings.
What is the best free dictation app?
Apple Dictation, built into every Mac, is the zero-effort answer. If you want system-wide hold-a-key dictation with more accuracy and a custom dictionary, OpenFlow is also completely free, open source, and runs entirely on your Mac.
Which dictation apps work fully offline?
OpenFlow, SuperWhisper, and MacWhisper run entirely on your Mac. Apple Dictation processes on device on Apple Silicon Macs. On Windows, Voice Access is built in and works offline. Cloud services like Wispr Flow and Otter.ai need an internet connection.
Is Dragon still available for Mac?
No. Dragon for Mac was discontinued in 2018, and Nuance now ships Dragon for Windows only. Mac users need alternatives, which is exactly what this picker covers: OpenFlow for free local dictation, Wispr Flow for cloud polish, SuperWhisper or MacWhisper for one-time purchases.
Whatever you pick, try the free one first
OpenFlow gives you hold-a-key dictation in any app on your Mac, transcribed 100% on device. Free, open source, no account. If it is not for you, the paid apps will still be there tomorrow.
Apple Silicon, macOS 14 or later. About two minutes from download to first dictation.