Best Voice to Text Apps 2023

Review of 16 best voice-to-text apps to improve productivity

A few years ago, voice-to-text apps or dictation software may have sounded like a far-fetched idea. However, with technology advancing rapidly, we now talk to computers and gadgets as if they’re another person. Certainly having its flaws, voice recognition can help make life easier though and has reduced multi-step tasks to a few simple lines.

To set up an alarm, you no longer have to unlock your phone, then open the alarm app, and then set up the alarm timing. We actually get used to saying a line like “Ok Google or Hey Siri, set an alarm for 8:30 am” which gets the job done in less than ten words. 

However, there are far more potential personal and professional opportunities to use voice-to-text for productivity, communication and workflow purposes. In this article, we will review 16 of the best voice-to-text apps, along with their pros, and cons.

Voice-to-Text Apps – Introduction

With voice recognition improving every day, it’s getting easier to use technology to make life more productive and convenient. Voice-to-text apps are doing a pretty decent job of handling basic to complex tasks with voice commands. Most professional-grade apps are not available for free, but there are plenty of free options that you can use daily. 

What is it? – Voice-to-text apps turn spoken words into text. They now mostly use technologies like artificial intelligence¹ to adapt and improve over time. These apps can be broken down into multiple categories and consist of apps for individual purposes, smart assistants like Google, Siri or Alexa as well as professional tools like Dragon Anywhere.

What’s best? – This post offers an overview of the best voice-to-text apps to suit either personal or business needs. It aims to help you understand the difference between different apps, features, and what makes each one unique. In general, we recommend checking on a provider’s privacy policy and use of your data in detail before using an app.

Best Voice-to-Text Apps 2023 – Top Picks

Dragon Anywhere	Speechtexter	Speechnotes	Speech To Text
iOS / Android / Desktop	iOS / Android	iOS / Android	iOS / Android
★★★★★	★★★★☆	★★★★☆	★★★★★
View Website	Read Review	Read Review	Read Review

*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Read the full disclosure at the end of this post.

Note: Our review of the best voice-to-text apps aims to provide a starting point to find the best solution. However, it cannot cover all the apps available.

1. Dragon Anywhere App

Dragon Anywhere (view website) is a professional speech-to-text app for mobile devices and known for its high accuracy rates and AI features. Unlike other voice-to-text apps, Dragon is not free. Plans start at $14.99 with one-week of a free trial.

Anywhere uses deep learning technology to adapt over time. It works great with the various user’s accents and in noisy places. You can use it on both mobile and computers and switch between them, whenever required. 

In short, Dragon is the way to go if the keyboard is not your forte, but you must work fast. Dictate documents, send files or create appointments with your voice. Anywhere comes in versions customized for individual professionals, enterprises but also legal professions.

There are no word limits and the app reaches a professional-grade accuracy of up to 99%. Anywhere supports auto text and customized commands and stores data and documents in a cloud-based system allowing your workflow to be organized on multiple devices.

On the flip side, users need to subscribe monthly or annually to access the app’s services. There is one license per user. Even though this is one of the best voice-to-text apps, users rely on punctuation commands and editing is still part of the workflow to fix errors.

Those limits apply to most speech-to-text apps but are approached differently. If you like to see this app being put into context, we recommend reading our Dragon Software review.

System: iOS, Android | Pricing: $14.99/month. 149.99/year.
Rating: ★★★★★ | Info: Visit Website.

2. Speechnotes

Speechnotes is a free voice-to-text app editor that you can open anytime, anywhere on all devices. There are three options available in Speechnotes: the website editor (Chrome only), the Android app and a web extension for Chrome only browsers.

The app’s interface is simple and easy to use. It needs permission to use your microphone, but no further setup is required. Click the microphone and start dictating. 

The accuracy level of Speechnotes is not very high. It may fail to recognize some words and phrases such as ‘Jingle Bells’ but also specific business-related terminology. On the other hand, the punctuation commands make life so much easier.

While this free voice-to-text app can be used to ease and organize private activities, users should consider its higher latency or slower processing of data as well as a lower accuracy rate compared to apps such as Dragon Anywhere. The extensions and editor are also limited to Chrome but it works in Chromium based browsers such as Brave.

System: Android | Price: Free with in-app purchases
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Info: Web, Android, Extension

3. Speechtexter

If typing messages and emails are your nemeses, then Speechtexter is a lifesaver. It’s a voice-to-text app for Android with Google’s backend built-in that will type your messages, emails, tweets, and more for you. It’s available in over 60 languages with up to 95% accuracy rates. 

Speechtexter is not available for iOS. Google’s backend implies that it’s available only on Android phones. You may use Speechtexter offline, but with lower accuracy rates. The language packs available in the offline mode are also limited to about a dozen.

System: Android | Price: Free but contains ads.
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Info: Playstore.

courselounge reading tip: No matter how great voice-to-text apps will be, typing as an input method will remain important. You can learn techniques to type faster here. Alternatively, we put together a round of the best typing programs here.

4. Speech to Text – Voice to Text App

For iOS users, the choice of voice-to-text apps seems to be a bit limited. Speech to Text is a great voice-to-text app for them. What makes Siri’s speech-to-text app interesting is that it’s powered by Nuance. The same company that offers the Dragon software suite, one of which, Dragon Anywhere, we have reviewed above.

The app uses the Cloud to store data and save computing power. The interface is very user friendly and the accuracy levels are high. Also, your data is protected by Cloud privacy laws. Apart from good accuracy rates, there is auto-correction for grammar and punctuation. It requires an internet connection to be used.

System: iOS, Mac | Price: $2.99
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Info: iOS.

5. Evernote

Evernote is among the most popular iOS and Android note-taking apps. It’s the recommended solution for note-taking, document sharing, and voice typing. 

For those who need an all-in-one kind of collusion, Evernote is the best choice. You can create documents, powerpoints, and share notes with associates for collaboration. It also allows you to sync on various devices for easy access. 

The application is available as a free version with paid storage upgrades. You can purchase from a variety of packages with more storage. A voice-to-text functionality is built-in using your phone’s features.

System: iOS, Android, Mac, Clipper | Price: Free + Premium.
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Web: iOS | Android.

6. Listnote 

The Listnote speech-to-text app combines two basic notepad functionalities. It records audio while converting it into text at the same time using Google voice search. The app is available in multiple languages and supports iOS and Android devices.

In terms of accuracy, ListNote is as good as the Google voice search. Except for small errors, it’s pretty solid overall. Each voice note is saved as a searchable note. You can categorize and color code the voice notes, and share them via email, text, etc. 

Along with the basic features, Listnote also offers a few unique ones. For example, Time-to-breathe lets you choose how long the app should wait before stopping voice input. Considering data privacy, ListNote provides password protection and encryption.

System: iOS, Android | Price: Free with ads. Premium $5.99.
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Info: Free | Premium.

7. Just Press Record 

For podcasters and journalists, Just Press Record is an excellent tool. It’s similar to the Transcriber, which means that you can record audio and transcribe it into text later. It’s suitable to record audio in a classroom, during meetings, or simply recording your thoughts. Store the audio files on your local storage and iCloud and access it anywhere. 

You can even use your Apple Watch to record audio with Just Press Record. It can be used with both your built-in microphones or an external one. This amazing voice-to-text app is not available on the Playstore, but you’re in luck if you’re an iOS user.

System: iOS, Android | Price: $4.99
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Store: iOS | Website

8. Dictation – Speech to Text App

If you’re looking for the best voice-to-text apps for iOS, then Dictation is the one. You can dictate and translate your words into text easily and efficiently. You can configure any application on your iPhone to work with Dictation. 

A free version of the Dictation voice-to-text app is available, but for longer texts, you need the pro version. It allows unlimited use of the application.

System: iOS, Android | Price: Free. In-app purchases.
Rating: ★★★★★ | Info: App Store.

9. Gboard

Gboard is one of the most popular voice-to-text apps because it comes pre-installed on most Android phones. The app offers more features than any other free voice-to-text app such as Glide typing, voice typing, emoji, multilingual typing, Google Translate, and more. 

The two most unique features of the Gboard are multilingual typing with support for hundreds of languages and Google Translate. For a free voice-to-text app, it’s easy to use, solid and offers gesture controls. Except for basic errors due to environmental factors like noise, Gboard is pretty accurate. It’s only available on Android phones.

System: Android | Price: Free
Rating: ★★★★★ | Web: Playstore

10. Speech Recogniser App

Speech Recogniser is another iOS app to use your voice for typing. Dictate your ideas in over 26 languages and post them directly to your social media accounts with it. 

Overall, the app is easy to use. Once installed, you can choose your default language and hit the start button to start dictating. The output can later be translated, shared, or you can even play the audio afterward. 

If you need to translate your notes to another language or transcribe them later, then Speech Recogniser is the way to go. The app is available for free (iOS users only) and you can give it a try to see if it fits your needs. Dictation in this voice-to-text app is not perfect though but it works well with a few adjustments.

System: iOS, Android | Price: $9.99
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Info: Visit Website.

11. Apple Siri

There are not many voice-to-text apps available on the iOS app store and Apple Siri may be just the reason behind that.

Siri is available on all Apple devices including Macs, iPhones, iPads, smartwatches, and more. Siri makes for one of the most used and best voice-to-text apps and is an Apple exclusive smart assistant. As for Android users, Google is the smart assistant you got.

Available in over 20 languages, you can access this app on all current Macs and iPhones, and even offline. Powered by Siri, you get very accurate results, enjoy end-to-end encryption and have advanced commands setup. You can also format the text with simple commands like ‘new paragraph’ and create personalized commands.

System: iOS, Android, WatchOS, HomePod | Price: Built-in.
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Info: Website

12. Amazon Alexa 

Apple has Siri, and Windows has Cortana, but Amazon has taken over the IoT market with its AI assistant Alexa. It was first used in Amazon Echo smart speakers in 2014. 

Alexa is a smart solution to control your house and be more productive with mundane tasks. It’s not exactly cheap but you get what you pay for! You can do anything from turning off the lights to settings alarms, and more with Alexa.

Backed by Amazon and Google, Alexa has an ever-growing library of voice commands. You can send emails, make grocery lists, and send a text message. However, it is not a voice-to-text app in a strict sense, and separate hardware might be required.

System: iOS, Android | Price:
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Info: Visit.

13. Google Assistant 

If you’re looking for a free assistant on Android, then Google Assistant is a natural choice. You can do anything from setting an alarm to opening an application or making a call. 

The best feature of Google Assistant is voice recognition. Activate the assistant by simply saying ‘Okay Google’. For simple commands like ‘Make a call’ or ‘Set up an alarm for 8:30’, it works quite well. 

Again, Google Assistant is not strictly a voice-to-text app, but a pretty decent way to organize your ideas and be more productive than ever. As the name indicates, Google Assistant is an Android application but available for iOS too.

System: Android, iOS | Price: Free
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Info: Android. AppStore

14. Microsoft Cortana 

We have spoken about Siri earlier and her immense ability but if you’re using Windows 10, then Microsoft Cortana is there for you. Since Cortana is a Windows built-in feature, it’s useful for people who want to get something done quickly.

If you cannot use the keyboard due to some injury, Cortana can assist you with basic tasks through voice commands. It will take time to get used to your voice though.

Recent versions of Windows 10 also offer a voice-to-text app functionality. You can create documents, files, and emails without having to type. You can also include punctuation marks, handle cursor movements, and add special characters to your document.

System: Windows | Price: Built-in.
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Info: Website

15. Transcribe – Speech To Text

Transcribe provides a solid way to turn audio into text. It saves the audio as an MP3 file and transcribes it later. It’s the go-to tool when you want to turn audio into text later on. Transcribe is highly accurate and fast, but there’s a catch. It’s also a paid application that offers a week of free one-week trial and a subscription of $20 per year. 

The paid version is not exactly expensive and the annual payment structure is easy to follow. Since it’s subscription-based software, there are no extra charges for updates. This voice-to-text app is available on both Playstore (Android) and App Store (Apple).

System: iOS, Android | Price: Free. In-app purchases.
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Website: Android. AppStore

16. TalkBox 

If you’re looking for an application to improve social media messaging, then Talkbox makes for a nice option. It’s a chatting app designed to connect people. You cannot dictate with Talkbox, but compared to other voice-to-text apps, it has more unique features. The features include text messaging, voice typing, voice dialing, and more. 

Also, Talkbox edits your contact list to add others who use the application. It’s a pretty intuitive way to stay in touch with friends available on both Android and iOS.

System: Android, iOS, Mac | Price: Free
Rating: ★★★★☆ | Website: iOS | Android.

How to Choose the Best Voice-To-Text Apps?

Choosing the best voice-to-text apps for daily use is a hard choice. There are multiple factors that you must consider beforehand.  

For regular day-to-day use, a built-in application like Siri (in Apple), Cortana (in Windows), and Google (in Android) are the best choices. They’re not only efficient but also free and built into your device. No need to download new software. 

As for professional use, applications like Dragon Anywhere and Evernote are a great choice. They’re not free but the features make for the perfect assistant and provide great accuracy in dictations, along with cloud storage. 

Best Voice-To-Text Apps 2023 – Review Verdict

Wrapping up our tour of the best voice-to-text apps 2023, voice recognition not only optimizes your tasks but also makes for a great writing tool. You can send emails, dictate long documents, and make the most of these tools. 

For writers and students, voice typing and voice-to-text apps can speed up your work. Although, don’t forget to proofread and edit your work. The technology is good but not perfect at present. 

Whether you use voice-to-text apps or not, be sure to make use of the smart assistant technology in your respective devices. Siri, Google, Cortana, and Alexa are built-in programs. You don’t need to download or install anything separately. 

At the end of the day, what’s important is that you’re doing better than you were yesterday!

What are the best voice-to-text apps? Let us know your choice and opinion in the comments below.

Sources: 1

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links to some providers of voice-to-text apps. courselounge may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. It does not add any extra costs. All reviews, opinions, descriptions and comparisons expressed here are our own.