Dictation is a helpful feature that lets us use our voices instead of our hands to type. There are numerous dictation tools out there with different features and costs. Usually, the best ones are on the pricey side. Still, you don’t have to spend money to enjoy a decent dictation experience.
You can use several free dictation tools on your computer to enjoy a hands-free typing experience. Read on to see which ones they are.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Operating System’s Dictation Tool
Before settling on a dictation tool, there are several things to consider. You want something that best suits your needs, such as a basic dictation tool or a more advanced dictation software with extra features. Below are factors to consider when choosing dictation software:
1. Accuracy
Accuracy is key when it comes to dictation software. You don’t want to be frustrated while dictating because the software transcribes your words wrong even after you repeat the word several times. So, if you’re choosing dictation software, opt for one with high accuracy.
2. Compatibility
Not all dictation software will be available on every device. It goes without saying that you’d opt for software that’s compatible with your device. However, if you want to use dictation software on multiple devices, you might want to consider one compatible with multiple devices, so you don’t have to learn how to use different software on each device.
3. Ease of Use
The user experience is one of the factors that determines the success of any software, and it’s no different for dictation software. You want user-friendly dictation software, so you don’t spend too much time figuring out how to navigate it.
4. Ratings and Reviews
Ratings and reviews tell you a lot about a product. Before choosing dictation software, look at reviews and ratings to understand its performance. They’ll help you decide whether to opt for it or look for something else.
5. Privacy
It’s essential to protect your privacy when using software. If you have privacy concerns when using dictation software,check its privacy policyon the developer’s website. If it states information clearly, it’s a good sign.
6. Features
Some dictation tools have many features, like language support, integration with Google, and the ability to dictate corrections, while others are more minimalistic. Depending on your needs, you’ll either want dictation software with a variety of features or a specific feature.
Dictation software comes at different prices, from more affordable to pricey. The more features a dictation software has, the more it costs. Dictation software that’s built-in to your device costs nothing, but often doesn’t have many features. Choose software that suits your budget and your needs.
1. Apple Dictation
When looking for free dictation software for your Mac, first consider Apple Dictation, the free, built-in dictation software available on every Apple device. The best part is,using dictation on your Macis quite simple. Once you’ve enabled it, you can use it in any software that supports typing, aside from Google Docs.
It’s lacking in features, but don’t let that deter you. It supports over thirty languages and has high accuracy, so you shouldn’t worry about too many errors as long as you speak clearly. Also, you can use your iPhone to input text, thanks toApple’s continuity feature.
If you may’t afford paid dictation software for your Mac, Apple Dictation is a decent enough tool for your dictating needs.
2. Windows Voice Typing
Windows has a built-in voice typing tool with which you can dictate to your computer, and it’s completely free and easy to set up and use. If youuse voice typing on Windows 11, there’s support for over 30 languages, which is a plus.
It does an adequate job of transcribing your text to speech, but watch out for those errors. It might miss some punctuation and misspell some words, so you should proofread afterward to be safe.
One downside of Windows voice typing is that it requires an internet connection, which might be an issue if you don’t have internet access. Overall, if you’re a Windows user looking for a dictation tool, try out Windows voice typing.
3. Google Docs Voice Typing
Google Docs' voice typing is another terrific free dictation tool for your computer. As the name implies, it’s a Google Docs tool built-in, so you may enjoy a hands-free typing experience while using the software. It’s beneficial when you consider that Google Docs doesn’t support Apple Dictation.
One downside to Google Docs' voice typing is that it’s only available on Google Chrome. It’s also slow and not the best when dictating punctuation.
However, as free software with support for over a hundred languages and fair accuracy, Google Docs' voice typing is good for dictating long-form content. Just be sure to speak clearly and slowly, so it can pick up on your words.
To use Google Docs' voice typing, click onTools, then selectVoice typing. Click on the microphone icon that appears on the left to start dictating. Click on the icon again to stop dictating. Visit theGoogle Docs Editors Helppage for the complete list of voice commands.
4.Dictation.io
Dictation.io is a simple, free online dictation tool that looks like a notebook page. However, you can only use it on Google Chrome, so you’ll have to install the browser if you don’t already have it. It is less accurate than Apple Dictation or Google Docs voice typing. Like the latter, however, it doesn’t support Apple Dictation.
It supports thirty languages, including English, French, Hindi, and Spanish. You can insert smileys, special characters and punctuation marks using specific commands. For a list of all the commands, you can use while dictating with Dictation.io, visit itsVoice Commandspage.
5.Speechnotes
Speechnotes only works on Google Chrome, doesn’t support Apple Dictation, and has a simple user interface. It’s a great tool if you’re looking for free dictation software with a fair amount of accuracy.
There are many dialects to choose from and a helpful list of commands on the right you can refer to while you dictate. However, the commands occasionally fail to work. For example, several times when we tried to insert a comma, Speechnotes typed it as karma.
There is a bit of a lag between when you dictate words and when they appear on your screen, but it’s a small price to pay for an otherwise decent dictation tool. Dictating with Speechnotes is free, although you’re able to pay $1.9 per month for access to premium features.
Free Dictation Software Is a Decent Option
Dictation software with tons of features is great, but most cost money, and not everyone can afford to pay for them. Also, some people don’t need those types of dictation software, preferring simple tools they can easily access. That’s why free dictation software exists as an alternative.
The tools might not have all the features or be as accurate as paid versions, but they do the job. Make sure that you do everything you can to improve your dictation accuracy as well.
