What is VoiceInk?
VoiceInk is an open-source Mac dictation app that transcribes speech locally with AI so you can type by voice in any app privately. It runs speech models on your Mac's Neural Engine, so audio does not leave the device, and an iOS app is also available. The project is built in public on GitHub, and the developer reports more than 200,000 downloads and a 4.9 average rating.
VoiceInk stands out for its one-time price and transparency. You can audit the code or even build it yourself, and there is no subscription. Optional AI enhancement can clean up filler words, format emails, structure notes or rewrite selected text, and Power Mode changes settings based on which app or website you are using. It is popular with developers prompting coding agents, writers and anyone who wants fast private dictation on Apple Silicon.
Main Features
- Transcribe speech on-device using local AI models.
- Dictate into any Mac app with a global shortcut.
- Remove filler words and clean up text automatically.
- Add custom vocabulary and word replacements for names and jargon.
- Format dictation as emails or structured notes with optional AI enhancement.
- Rewrite selected text by voice.
- Switch settings per app or website with Power Mode.
- Keep timestamped voice entries in the built-in journal feature.
How to Get Started with VoiceInk
- Download VoiceInk from tryvoiceink.com on an Apple Silicon Mac running macOS 14.4 or later.
- Grant microphone and accessibility permissions and download a local model.
- Set your shortcut, click into any text field and start talking.
- Buy a license before the trial ends to keep using it.
VoiceInk Pricing
VoiceInk offers a free trial, then a one-time purchase with no subscription. Solo costs $25 for 1 Mac, Personal costs $39 for 2 Macs and Extended costs $49 for 3 Macs, all with a 14-day money-back guarantee.
Who Should Use It?
- Mac users who want private, offline dictation.
- Developers who speak prompts to AI coding tools.
- Writers who draft faster by voice.
- People who prefer a one-time purchase over subscriptions.
- Open-source fans who want to inspect the code.
VoiceInk Alternatives
- Superwhisper: more platforms and cloud model options
- Wispr Flow: cloud dictation with a free plan and Windows support
- Spokenly: another Mac dictation app with local models
Frequently Asked Questions
Is VoiceInk free?
No, but it has a free trial. After the trial, VoiceInk is a one-time purchase starting at $25 for one Mac.
Is VoiceInk open source?
Yes. VoiceInk's source code is published on GitHub for anyone to audit.
Does VoiceInk work offline?
Yes. Transcription runs locally on your Mac, and only the optional AI enhancement step uses the cloud.
Does VoiceInk work on Intel Macs?
No. VoiceInk requires an Apple Silicon Mac running macOS 14.4 or later.