What Is The Best Voice Recognition Software Here’s Our Top 14 List:
When it comes to the top speech recognition software, youve got a handful of options. Below are 14 of the best voice recognition apps for dictation. Many of these apps have other features too like voice control and virtual assistants. We compare the features and see which voice recognition software is the best overall, for dictation, for Windows, and other categories.
Google Voice Typing Tool
If you are frequently using Google Docs, you should already be familiar with the Google Voice Typing Tool. Its a free dictation tool that works with Google Docs and Google Slides. When enabled, you can use the tool to do voice typing. It also allows you to use voice commands to edit and correct your text.
Uses Of Voice Recognition Software
One of the main things you can do with voice recognition is dictation. The app transcribes your text as you speak in real-time.
The transcription can often be edited and shared in texts or emails. Great transcription software understands context too. It won’t mistake “my bare hands” for “my bear hands.” Some of the best voice recognition software for dictation does translation.
Voice commands are another useful tool. They let you control your computer without using the keyboard or mouse. This can be great for giving the hands a rest. It is also helpful to people with disabilities.
Voice recognition software can also be a personal assistant. As a virtual assistant, it can set reminders, send texts, schedule calendar events, and more all using voice commands. These can also be used personally for IoT devices like your music or room temperature.
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Common Problems On Android App
I get a message: ‘Speech recognition is not available’.
‘Google app’ from Play store is required for SpeechTexter to work.
Can I use SpeechTexter for android offline?
Yes, you can, but accuracy will be lower.
List of available languages packs for offline use : Chinese, Dutch, English, French, German, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish.
To download a language pack open “Google” app. Tap: “More” “Settings” “Voice” “Offline speech recognition” “All” and then select the language you would like to download.
Test : Microsoft Windows Speech Recognition Text

Microsoft’s Windows Speech Recognition came in last. Its accuracy on Lovecraft was 84.3%, although it did not miscapitalize any words like GDVT. For Brown’s speech, it got its highest accuracy rating of around 94.8%, making it equivalent to GDVT.
For Darwin’s book, it managed to get a similarly high score of 93.1%. Its average accuracy across all texts came out to 89%.
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Best For Macos: Built
©Apple
Apple’s dictation feature is built right into the desktop operating system, there’s no need for third-party solutions. The built-in program for macOS makes converting your spoken words to text a walk in the park.
To set up Dictation, navigate to Apple Menu > System Preferences > Accessibility > Voice Control and then select “Enable Voice Control.” Here, you can select the dictation language and configure other options. Being a native component of the operating system, Dictation works well with any text field in macOS.
To use it, place the cursor in any text field , press the “Fn” key twice to activate, and start speaking. Since this feature learns your voice’s characteristics and adapts to your accent, it gets better with continued use. Dictation supports multiple voice commands for all standard operations , and allows you to create your own as well.
For more Mac programs, check out our guide to the best video editing software for Macs and the best Mac desktop publishing software.
What Is The Best Free Voice Recognition Software
For basic speech-to-text tasks, a free voice recognition tool would suffice. While there are plenty of free options, you should always go for a product thats proven to be secure and reliable. You also dont need to look elsewhere because theres the Google Voice Typing Tool. If you dont mind some limitations in features, Braina also offers its Lite Plan for free.
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Use Speech To Text For Windows 10
Click START and type “Windows Speech Recognition” and then follow the on-screen instructions.Microsoft has a tutorial that includes a list of useful commands. It was created for Windows 8, but works for Windows 10 as well. It might be helpful to print the dictation commands so you can refer to them. Once you enable dictation there will be an icon in the lower right corner that looks like the following:
You can improve the accuracy by clicking on this microphone icon. On the menu that appears is an item called, “Configuration.” Move your mouse over that and you will see another command to, “Improve Speech Recognition.” Select that and read through the sample text so it learns to understand you better.
Now you will be able to dictate emails, documents, and other text without using the keyboard. View this list of Speech Recognition commands for a list of commands that will help you navigate without a mouse.
Which Pick Is Right For You
If you only use voice transcription from time to time, then the default tools available in Windows 10 or with Otter will do just fine. On the other hand, if you want to write a book and you intend to heavily use speech to text, then Dragon NaturallySpeaking is a great option. While pricey, its one of the most customizable and flexible tools on the market.
If you prefer to speak into a recording device and transcribe the text later, then Transcribe is the best pick. It easily translates speech into text, but the high price point might be prohibitive for heavy users. Regardless of your intended purpose, speech to text software can spare your wrists and save you a lot of time. Give it a try yourself and decide if you want to use it more often.
Patrick is an Atlanta-based technology writer with a background in programming and smart home technology. When he isnt writing, nose to the grindstone, he can be found keeping up with the latest developments in the tech world and upping his coffee game. Read Patrick’s Full Bio
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Speech To Text Software Available In Windows And Macos
Speech to text software is readily available on just about any computer or mobile device we use these days. On a mobile device this software is often triggered by saying “Hey Siri!” on iOS or “OK Google!” on an Android device. Most people use these artificially intelligent assistants to set reminders, request driving directions, or even to dictate and send a text to someone. Siri is also available on macOS, while Windows 10 has a digital assistant named “Cortana.” While you can certainly dictate brief messages to these digital assistants, both macOS and Windows have simple dictation software that will convert speech to text without invoking a digital assistant. It’s even possible to navigate the operating system or application, and perform basic actions using only your voice.
The only potential required purchase for dictation is a microphone, but chances are you already have one. Microphones are built into all-in-one computers , webcams, laptops, and tablets. If you have a headset for your phone, that may also work for your computer. Contact the Help Desk using the GET HELP tab at the top of this page if you have questions or would like assistance. USB and wireless headsets can be purchased through the Western Marketplace. If your need is temporary, you may also be able to check one out from the ATUS Equipment Loan pool.
How To Use Speech Recognition
Speech Recognition is another option if you want to control Windows 8.1, 10, or 11 with your voice. To set this up, open Control Panel in icon view and click the Speech Recognition applet. Choose the Start Speech Recognition link to set up the feature.
The first screen for setting up speech recognition explains what the feature does and how it works. Click Next, then choose whether you are using a headset, desktop, or standalone microphone. Click Next to see information on how to properly place your microphone.
Click Next again and read the sentence aloud to make sure the speech recognition feature picked up the sound and volume of your voice. Click Next, and if your voice was properly detected, the screen will tell you the microphone is set up and ready to use.
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English Voice Typing Keyboard
English Voice Typing Keyboard Voice to Text Converter as it instantly converts spoken words to text format with high accuracy.
With the advancement in technology and the rapid growth of the world English Voice Typing keyboard Voice to Text will facilitate your life. Voice to text apps can be a treat for busy professionals who dont even find time to have a conversation with their loved ones. Voice typing is actually a speech recognition tool that records, analyzes and interprets the phrases and words you speak and converts your voice into words much faster than it would take you to type. This feature is useful for visually impaired people to take notes and convey their messages in the easiest way. Voice typing in English will increase your confidence in speaking English in such a way that if you do not understand any phrase, word or sentence, it will confirm it and give alternative suggestions. With each update, app developers try to innovate new core features.In addition to voice typing, it also has built-in aesthetic wallpapers, funky stickers and cute emojis that will blow your mind. The application is very convenient to use while dealing with clients who do not speak the same language as you or useful for those who have moved abroad for study or business purpose. Speechnotes is exemplary for codifying long notes, is a delight for the students to take notes and will save them in chats for later.
Price: Free
Are Free Transcription Services Worth Using

- Dragon Naturally Speaking got a perfect 100% accuracy for voice transcription.
- Microsoft’s free voice-to-text service, Windows Speech Recognition scored an 89% accuracy.
- Google Docs Voice Typing got a total score of 95.2% accuracy.
However, there are some major limitations to free text-to-speech options you should always keep in mind.
GDVT only works in the Chrome browser. On top of that, it only works for Google Docs. If you need to enter something in a spreadsheet or in a word processor other than Google Docs, you are out of luck.
Our test results indicate it is more accurate than WSR, but you have to keep in mind that it only works in Chrome for Google Docs. And you will always need an internet connection.
WSR can make you more productive with its hands-off computer automation features. Plus, it can enter text. Its accuracy is the weakest out of the services that I tested.
That said, you can live with its misses if you are not a heavy transcriber. It’s on par with Google Docs Voice Typing but limited to Windows.
For most users, the free options should be good enough. However, for all those who need high levels of transcription accuracy, Dragon Naturally Speaking is the best option around. As an occasional user, if you need a free service, Google Docs Voice Typing is a viable alternative.
These tools prove that your voice can make you more productive. Now, try out which is the best voice-control assistant you can use right now to manage everyday tasks.
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Best Overall: Dragon Professional Individual
Dragon Professional Individual
Dragon has always been the gold standard of speech recognition programs, which continues to be the case even today. Packed with a truckload of features and extensive customization capabilities, Dragon Professional Individual is undeniably the best speech-to-text software available. Its next-generation speech engine uses “Deep Learning” technology, thereby allowing the program to adapt to the user’s voice and environmental variationseven when they’re dictating.
Thanks to the “Smart Format Rules” feature, users can easily configure how they want specific items to appear. Dragon Professional Individual’s advanced personalization features allow it to be tailored for maximum efficiency and productivity. You can import or export custom word lists for acronyms and unique business-specific terms. Plus you can configure custom voice commands for quickly inserting frequently used content in documents and even create time-saving macros to automate multi-step tasks with simple voice commands.
What Makes A Great Dictation App
How we evaluate and test apps
All of our best apps roundups are written by humans who’ve spent much of their careers using, testing, and writing about software. We spend dozens of hours researching and testing apps, using each app as it’s intended to be used and evaluating it against the criteria we set for the category. We’re never paid for placement in our articles from any app or for links to any sitewe value the trust readers put in us to offer authentic evaluations of the categories and apps we review. For more details on our process, read the full rundown of .
It’s amazing how far dictation software has come in the 20-plus years since I first tried it. I wouldn’t have recommended it back then for the casual userit was too much work for too little reward. But now, it’s actually enjoyable to see your words skip across the screen like you’re dictating to your own personal assistant. And with the use of artificial intelligence that recognizes your speech with more accuracy the more the apps are used, it’s hard to go wrongno matter the platform.
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Health Advantages To Voice Typing
Sitting in front of a computer in general may result in different types of Computer Related Repetitive Strain Injuries . To avoid them the best way is not to sit in front of the computer for long periods of time. But, if you have to, you have to take extra care on your posture. You can read more about it here . Voice typing is one of the main recommended ways to minimize these risks, as it enables you to sit back comfortably, freeing your arms, hands, shoulders and back altogether. You can get back to typing once finished dictating for corrections & editing.
A Free Alternative To Dragon Naturally Speaking
Speechnotes is completely free & comparable in its accuracy to Dragon Natuarlly Speaking. Many of you told us that in some ways, it even outperforms Dragon.We should mention though, that Speechnotes is an alternative to Dragon for dictation purposes only, not for voice controlling other software and not for voice-typing within other software. Dragon has these additional capabilities.If you need to dictate an article though, you will find Speechnotes not only cheaper, but perhaps even better for you.
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Top 10 Trending Speech To Text Software In 2022
HomeYour Daily TechBytesTop 10 Trending Speech to Text Software in 2022 Muhammad Abbas
Efficiency is paramount in the workplace. The quicker you can do a task, the more money you can rake in for your firm. Thus, employee productivity features quite high on the list of concerns for an organization. But ensuring a high productivity level is no mean feat it requires, among other things, diligent planning and the use of modern technologies. Imagine the effort your team has to put in to manually transcribe sensitive audio recordings, notes, and multiple other documents. It would cost you time and money. An efficient organization saves both. Luckily, the digital revolution has empowered us with tools like speech to text that make our work lives more manageable.
One such tool is speech to text software. It enables you to type hands-free text and turn your voice to text. In other words, it turns cumbersome everyday business processes into easy-to-do tasks, thus saving you time, effort, and yes, money as well.
This article sheds light on the top 10 speech to text software you can employ to enhance your workforce efficiency.
Lets explore these powerful AI-enabled tools.
Ibm Watson Speech To Text
OS: Requires API
Price: Free / $0.01 per minute
Best for: High volume, single voice transcriptions
G2 rating: 4 out of 5 stars
IBM Watson might be best known as the AI software that once went head-to-head with Jeopardy champions in a battle of trivia. What you may not know is that this software is also very strong for helping people conduct menial tasks, like transcribing your audio and shaping it into text. Using AI and digital learning, this technology applies what it knows about the way people talk to create accurate text transcriptions. If you have hours of speech that need to be formed into text, the IBM Watson may be what youre looking for. Note, however, that the price reflects the advanced software of this program.
Features
OS: Windows XP to 10, the app works on Android and iOS
Price: Free / $79 per year
Best for: People who need multi-language support with a guarantee of accuracy
TechRadar rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Braina Pro is, like many voice recognition software solutions, powered by AI technology. This means that the software will only get better over time. Upon the first time using this program, you may notice the learning in action element involved in its functioning. However, what may seem to be inaccurate text when first dictating to the Braina Pro is afterwards automatically corrected as the software adjusts to the voice its transcribing. The digital brain behind Braina is smart enough to understand accents as well as multiple languages.
Features
Pros
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