How we compare dictation software
Every buying guide and comparison on Dicktation says what it's based on and when it was last checked. Here's the method behind them.
What our guides are based on
- The makers' own information: pricing pages, feature lists, supported platforms and privacy policies. We link to them, so you can check.
- Hands-on testing, where noted. A guide only says we tested something when someone actually used it, and those sections include specific observations. If a guide doesn't say it was tested, it's based on published information.
- The date we last checked. Prices and features change often. Each guide shows when it was last reviewed.
What we look at
| Factor | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Where it works | In every app, or only inside its own window or one browser |
| Accuracy and cleanup | Whether it adds punctuation and fixes filler words automatically |
| Platforms | Mac, Windows, iPhone, Android, web |
| Price and free tier | What you get without paying, and what the paid plan costs per year |
| Privacy | Whether audio is processed on your device or sent to a server, and what's kept |
| Custom words | Whether it learns names and jargon |
Free options come first
Every computer and phone already has good dictation built in. Our guides always include those free options and say plainly when they're enough. Paying only makes sense if you dictate a lot, need dictation in every app, or want automatic cleanup.
Affiliate links
Some products in our guides pay us a commission if you buy through our links. That never changes what we say about them. Products without an affiliate program appear in the same guides, judged the same way. See our affiliate disclosure.
Corrections
If something is out of date or wrong, tell us and we'll fix it.