DictaDictation Software for Mac
Dragon is gone from Mac. Apple's built-in dictation stops after 60 seconds. Cloud apps send your voice to servers. If you need dictation software that works locally and gives you your exact words — that's what Dicta does.
What to look for in dictation software
Where is audio processed?
Cloud-based: your voice goes to a server. Local: it stays on your device. For sensitive content, local wins.
Verbatim or rewrite?
Some software rewrites your words with AI. Others give you exactly what you said. For AI prompts and code, verbatim matters.
Recording limits?
Built-in dictation stops at 60 seconds. For meeting notes, long thoughts, or detailed explanations — you need hours, not seconds.
Price vs value?
Premium dictation apps range from $8 to $20/month. Check what you actually need — not every workflow requires the most expensive option.
How Dicta fits
100% local processing
Audio never leaves your Mac. No cloud, no servers, no data collection. Works offline.
Verbatim output
What you say is what you get. No AI rewrites, no auto-correction. Your exact words, pasted at cursor.
4-hour recordings
No 60-second timeout. Record as long as you need — meeting notes, brainstorming sessions, long documentation.
Two shortcuts, works anywhere
⌥ Space to record, Esc to paste. Works in Cursor, VS Code, ChatGPT, Slack, Notes — any app with a text field.
$5.90/month or $29/year
Lower than most dictation software. 7-day free trial, no card required, cancel anytime.
Questions
What is the best dictation software for Mac?
It depends on your needs. For private, on-device dictation with verbatim output, Dicta processes audio locally on your Mac. Dragon was the long-time standard but discontinued Mac support. Apple's built-in dictation is free but limited to ~60 seconds and sends audio to their servers.
Is Dragon dictation still available for Mac?
No. Nuance discontinued Dragon for Mac. If you're looking for a Mac dictation alternative, Dicta runs natively on macOS with local processing and no subscription over $6/month.
Does dictation software work offline?
Most cloud-based dictation software requires internet. Dicta works fully offline — the speech model runs on your Mac's hardware. No internet connection needed after initial setup.
How much does dictation software cost?
Prices range from free (Apple's built-in) to $8-20/month for premium apps. Dicta is $5.90/month or $29/year, with a free 7-day trial and no card required.
Can dictation software understand technical terms?
Modern speech models handle technical vocabulary well. Dicta uses a local model that recognizes programming terms, product names, and domain-specific language without sending your audio to the cloud.
Compare specific alternatives: Superwhisper vs Dicta · Wispr Flow vs Dicta · Mac dictation options
Dictation software that stays on your Mac.
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