Voice input guide
How to choose a Mac voice input app
Mac voice input now ranges from built-in dictation to AI apps. The important questions are not only recognition accuracy but also where processing happens, how much formatting you get and how you pay.
This page reflects information as of 11 November 2026. Orqnote pricing and requirements may change.
What is AI voice input?
AI voice input converts speech to text and then uses AI to make the text easier to read. It removes self-corrections and fillers, and adjusts punctuation, paragraphs and lists.
Unlike plain transcription, it reduces the editing you do after dictation. It suits emails, meeting notes, chat messages and blog drafts where you want to use what you said with minimal cleanup.
Three approaches to Mac voice input
Voice input apps fall into three broad approaches. Each has different strengths, so choose by your use and priorities.
| Approach | Strengths | Considerations | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Built-in OS dictation | No extra cost. Works after a quick setup | Limited AI formatting and specialist vocabulary | Quick, short notes |
| Cloud AI voice input | Large models, many features and cross-platform support | Audio or text goes to an external service; subscription fees may apply | Prioritising the latest model quality and convenience |
| On-device AI voice input (Orqnote) | Speech recognition and formatting on your Mac; one-time purchase | Requires Apple Silicon and macOS 26 or later; initial model download | Reducing external data and fixing costs |
Checklist for choosing
- Where processing happens: is it acceptable to send audio or text externally, or should it stay on your Mac?
- Formatting: do you need transcription alone, or filler removal, lists and tone adjustment?
- Dictionary and specialist terms: do you want names and product terms inserted without repeated corrections?
- Cost: subscription or one-time purchase, and whether usage adds fees.
- Requirements: does it support your Mac’s chip and OS version?
How to dictate with Orqnote
- Place the cursor in a text field in the app where you want to write.
- Press Right Option and speak. The app shows the recording state.
- Press again to transcribe, format and insert the text. If no text field is found, the text is copied.
Who Orqnote is for
Orqnote suits people who want speech recognition and text formatting to stay on their Mac, and those who prefer a one-time purchase without usage-based AI fees. It is not aimed at people who need the same app on Windows or iPhone, or who want a free plan first.
Frequently asked questions
What is AI voice input?
AI voice input does more than convert speech to text. AI also tidies self-corrections and fillers and inserts readable text. Unlike plain transcription, it can adjust punctuation, paragraphs, lists and tone.
How is it different from built-in Mac dictation?
Built-in macOS dictation is convenient and free. Orqnote combines Whisper speech recognition with on-device LLM formatting and can reflect your dictionary and terms from the front window.
Is my voice sent externally?
In Orqnote’s on-device mode, speech recognition and text formatting run on your Mac, and audio and transcripts are not sent to an external AI. Only if you choose API mode is the transcript sent to your configured provider.
Can I try it for free?
Orqnote has a 7-day free trial. No email or card is required and there is no automatic charge. Each Mac gets one trial.
Which Macs are supported?
Requires an Apple Silicon Mac with macOS 26 or later. Intel Macs, Windows, iPhone and Android are not supported.
Try it free for 7 days
Start by dictating one email. No card is required and there is no automatic charge.