Dictation/Speech-to-Text Apps and Software

Speech to text (STT)  (also known as "voice to text", "voice recognition", "live transcription", or "dictation") uses automated speech recognition (ASR) to convert spoken words into digital text. This is the same functionality that allows you to create text messsages using the microphone feature in your phone or how Zoom creates automatic live captions. STT can be used as an alternative to typing or to transcribe other audio, such as lectures or recorded files. 

Free/ Low Cost AT for Dictation/Speech-to-Text listed below:

"Dictate" for Microsoft Office

 

Many Office 365 programs (Word, Outlook, OneNote, PowerPoint) include the "Dictate" feature. The web version of Microsoft Word also includes a "Transcribe" feature, which is described in more detail on our Notetaking page. 

Dictation for Gmail

Features:

  • Speech-to-text Chrome extension to assist with dictating e-mails
  • Built into Gmail account
  • Supports 60 languages

Cost: Free

Compatibility: Chrome extension

Dictation.io

Features:

  • Speech-to-text web application
  • Allows for the ability to copy, save, publish, tweet, play, e-mail, or print dictated text
  • Supports 100 languages

Cost: Free

Compatibility: Online Web Application for Chrome Browser

Dragon Anywhere

Features:

  • Speech recognition software that recognizes your works and transcribes them
  • Dictate words into text messages, e-mails, social media, or paste into other apps and programs using the clipboard feature
  • Hands-free, quick dictation for anyone on the go

Cost: Free trial for seven days, $15/month after seven days

Compatibility: iOS: iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch

GBoard

Features:

  • Voice typing to dictate text on the go
  • Includes other features as well: emoji search, handwriting, multilingual typing, glide typing and google translate

Cost: Free

Compatibility: iOS: iPad, iPhone; Android

ListNote

Features:

  • Speak your notes with hands-free speech recognition
  • Organize notes within the app
  • Searchable notes
  • Ability to send notes via SMS, e-mail, Twitter, and more

Cost: Free

Compatibility: Android

Speechnotes

Features:

  • Speech to text tool only for dictation
  • Offers a distraction-free environment
  • Allows for the ability to create new sessions, save to Google Drive, e-mail, save to computer, and print
  • Zoom options available

Cost: Free

Compatibility: Online Web Application for Chrome Browser

TalkTyper

Features:

  • Allows you to create text for any purpose. You can speak to write documents, create e-mails, blog posts, tweets, etc.
  • Dictate one sentence at a time
  • When done, copy and paste it into your document

Cost: Free

Compatibility: Online Resource

VoiceNote

Features:

  • Extension for Google Chrome that allows you to type by simply speaking out loud
  • Create a shortcut for easy use with other applications
  • Speak your punctuation or click the buttons to add it to the text

Cost: Free

Compatibility: iOS: iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch

Voice Control for Mac, iPad, iPhone

Features:

  • Control a Mac, iPad, iPhone by voice
  • Used with Siri speech-recognition engine
  • Customizable vocabulary for commands

Cost: Free

Compatibility: Mac, iOS: iPad, iPhone

Voice Recognition in Windows 10

Features:

  • Control a computer by voice
  • Trains to the user’s voice
  • Uses commands to navigate a computer

Cost: Free

Compatibility: Built-In to Windows Operating System

Voice Typing in Google Docs

Features:

  • Type and edit by speaking in Google Docs or in Google Slides speaker notes
  • Correct mistakes without moving your cursor
  • No training needed

Cost: Free

Compatibility: Built-In Chrome Browser Option