No separate download
Enable Dictation in Keyboard settings, choose a shortcut and language, then start speaking in a text field.
Mac dictation compared
Built in, or built for your workflow?
Apple Dictation is convenient and already on your Mac. A dedicated local app earns its place when you want a clearer privacy boundary, reusable writing modes, voice-directed edits, and file transcription.
Compare both options
No manufactured winner.
Choose for the work you do.
Choose for the work you do.
The decision ledger
01
InstallDo you want zero setup or a dedicated tool?
02
PrivacyDo you need a guaranteed local processing path?
03
OutputDo you need a transcript or ready-shaped text?
04
Beyond dictationDo you edit selections or transcribe files?
The best choice follows the work
Use Apple Dictation for built-in, straightforward voice typing. Choose Vocis when local processing and a deeper voice workflow matter more.
Start with the obvious
Apple Dictation is already there. Try it first.
If you occasionally want to speak a message instead of typing it, the built-in tool may be all you need. It works wherever you can type, supports a configurable shortcut, punctuation commands, and—in supported languages—automatic punctuation.
Native Mac behavior
On Apple silicon, you can continue typing while Dictation is active. Apple also provides spoken commands for punctuation, formatting, and emoji.
Privacy varies by setup
Keyboard settings tell you whether general Dictation voice input and transcripts are processed on-device for your current language and configuration.
Side by side
Two good tools. Different promises.
| Question | Apple Dictation | Vocis |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Included with macOS. | Free, with every feature included. |
| Setup | Enable Dictation in Keyboard settings and choose a shortcut and language. | Install the app, grant Microphone and Accessibility permissions, then download a speech model. |
| Everyday input | Dictates into places where you can type, with support for spoken punctuation and formatting commands. | Starts from a global shortcut and inserts the finished transcript into the focused writable field, with a clipboard fallback. |
| Local processing | Keyboard settings indicate whether general Dictation is processed on-device for the current setup. Language and region support varies. | Speech recognition and optional rewriting run on your Apple silicon Mac after the selected models are downloaded. |
| Writing shape | Automatic punctuation is available in supported languages; you can speak punctuation and formatting commands. | Raw, Tidy, Email, and Custom modes can shape the transcript before insertion using an optional local language model. |
| Editing existing text | Built-in Dictation focuses on entering text. Voice Control is Apple’s separate feature for broader spoken commands. | Voice Edit takes selected text plus a spoken instruction and replaces the selection locally. |
| Repeated text | Not a dedicated Dictation workflow. | Spoken snippet triggers expand into signatures, addresses, replies, or other reusable text. |
| Audio or video files | Built-in Dictation is for live voice input. | Transcribes supported audio and video files locally and lets you copy or reshape the transcript. |
| System requirements | Availability and features depend on macOS, language, and region. | Requires macOS 15.2 or later on Apple silicon. |
Apple Dictation behavior is summarized from Apple’s current Dictate messages and documents on Mac guide. Check Keyboard settings on your own Mac for the processing statement that applies to your language and configuration.
Make the call
Choose the smaller tool that solves the whole job.
You want occasional voice typing with no extra app
- You prefer a feature already built into macOS
- You mainly need direct, live text entry
- Built-in punctuation and commands cover your workflow
- Your Keyboard settings show the privacy behavior you expect
Voice is becoming part of how you write
- You want a fixed on-device processing boundary
- You dictate frequently across different apps
- You want rough speech shaped before insertion
- You need Voice Edit, snippets, dictionary terms, or file transcription
Common questions
The details that change the choice.
Is Apple Dictation always cloud-based?+
No. Apple says Keyboard settings indicate whether voice inputs and transcripts for general Dictation are processed on-device for your current setup. The answer can depend on language, region, and configuration, so check the statement shown on your Mac.
Does Vocis replace Apple Dictation?+
It does not need to. Both can remain available. Use the tool whose shortcut and processing model fit the current task.
Why does Vocis require Accessibility permission?+
It allows the global shortcut to work and lets Vocis insert finished text at the active cursor. Voice Edit is off by default and reads selected text only when you invoke its shortcut.
Can I try Vocis without paying or creating an account?+
Yes. Vocis is free, every feature is included, and no account is required.
When voice becomes a workflow.