AI Tool

Spokenly Review

Spokenly is an AI-powered dictation application available for Mac, Windows, Linux, and iPhone, offering free offline transcription using local Whisper and Parakeet models.

shipped Jul 31, 2026aifreemium

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Why it matters

1Supports over 100 languages with automatic detection.

2Offers free offline transcription using local Whisper and Parakeet models.

3Provides flexible, low-latency dictation with advanced per-mode settings.

4Integrates custom speech-to-text endpoints and OpenAI-compatible services.

Specs

API Docs

View Documentation →

API Available

Yes, public API

overview

What is Spokenly?

Spokenly is an AI-powered dictation tool developed by Spokenly that enables users to convert spoken words into text in real-time across various applications. It supports over 100 languages and offers both free offline transcription using local models and cloud engine integration with user-provided API keys.

features

Key Features of Spokenly

Spokenly provides a comprehensive set of features designed for efficient and private speech-to-text transcription across multiple operating systems. Its core functionality revolves around AI-powered dictation with extensive language support and customization options.

AI-powered dictation with support for over 100 languages.
Free offline transcription using local Whisper and Parakeet models.
Flexible, low-latency dictation with advanced per-mode settings, including temperature control and reasoning effort.
Integration of custom speech-to-text endpoints and OpenAI-compatible services.
Hotkey-activated dictation for system-wide use.
Option to use cloud engines with user-provided API keys for extended functionality.
AI Instructions for grammar correction, filler word stripping, and text formatting.
Searchable and exportable dictation history with audio replay.
Privacy-first design with a local-only mode that blocks all network requests.

use cases

Who Should Use Spokenly?

Spokenly is designed for individuals and professionals seeking to enhance productivity through voice input, particularly those requiring multilingual support, privacy, or integration with AI development workflows.

Professionals and Writers: For faster writing of emails, messages, notes, and documents, aiming to increase productivity by dictating up to 4x faster than typing.
Developers and Coders: To dictate prompts into AI coding agents such as Claude Code, Cursor, and Codex, leveraging the Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server.
Users Prioritizing Privacy: Individuals who require on-device processing of voice data, utilizing the local-only mode with Whisper and Parakeet models to ensure data never leaves the device.
Multilingual Users: For seamless dictation and automatic language detection across over 100 supported languages.
Accessibility Users: Providing an efficient tool for individuals with limited mobility to interact with various applications through voice.

how to use

How to Use Spokenly

Spokenly facilitates real-time speech-to-text transcription across various applications on Mac, Windows, Linux, and iPhone. Users can begin by selecting their preferred transcription model and activating dictation via hotkey.

1Download and install the Spokenly application on a compatible operating system (Mac, Windows, Linux, iPhone).
2Choose between 'Local Models' for offline, privacy-focused transcription or 'Your API Keys' to integrate cloud services like OpenAI.
3Configure per-mode settings such as temperature control and reasoning effort for advanced dictation.
4Activate dictation using a hotkey to input text into any application that accepts text.
5Utilize AI Instructions for post-transcription text cleanup, including grammar fixes and filler word removal.
6Access dictation history for review, search, and export, with audio replay functionality.

pricing

Spokenly Pricing & Plans

Spokenly operates on a freemium model, offering robust free tiers for local and API-key-based cloud usage, alongside a subscription-based Pro plan for managed cloud services and advanced features.

Local Models: $0 forever - Includes unlimited use of Whisper & Parakeet models, works completely offline, and has no usage limits.
Your API Keys: $0 forever - Includes all local features, integration with OpenAI, Deepgram, Groq, etc., and real-time transcription, requiring user-provided API keys.
Pro: $8.33/month - Offers high-accuracy cloud models, support across macOS, iOS, Windows & Linux, cross-device syncing, AI text cleanup & polish, and works out of the box.

Pros

+Offers genuinely free, unlimited offline transcription using local Whisper and Parakeet models.
+Supports over 100 languages with automatic detection, enhancing multilingual productivity.
+Features a unique Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server for integration with AI coding agents.
+Provides a privacy-first design with a local-only mode that blocks all network requests.
+Allows users to integrate their own API keys for various cloud speech-to-text engines (OpenAI, Deepgram, Groq).
+Active release cadence with recent updates including Apple Intelligence support and AI Instructions.

Cons

−Accuracy can be reduced in noisy environments.
−Some users desire more robust advanced editing features within the application.
−Setting up Bring Your Own Key (BYOK) cloud mode can be complex for non-developers.
−The iOS keyboard's reliability may sometimes necessitate switching to online models, potentially negating local privacy benefits.
−The Mac App Store version is no longer updated, with sideload builds receiving Sparkle auto-updates.

Policies

Pricing Page

View Pricing→

Similar Tools

Spokenly vs Competitors

Spokenly distinguishes itself in the dictation software market through its hybrid architecture, emphasis on privacy, and unique Model Context Protocol (MCP) Server, offering a blend of local and cloud-based transcription options.

Amical↗

Integrates Whisper for speech-to-text with open-source LLMs for intelligent processing and note-taking across multiple platforms.

Amical offers additional AI processing capabilities beyond just transcription and supports a broader range of platforms (Mac, Windows, iOS & Android) compared to Spokenly's listed platforms.

OpenWhisprOn Stork Compare

Provides fully open-source dictation software that runs Whisper and Parakeet models entirely on your hardware for maximum privacy.

OpenWhispr offers a similar core local dictation experience to Spokenly but is entirely open source, providing more transparency and community-driven development, though it doesn't explicitly list mobile support.

Whispering↗

An open-source, local-first dictation app for Mac that allows direct connection to various cloud providers using your own API keys for enhanced flexibility.

While primarily Mac-focused, Whispering offers similar flexibility to Spokenly in allowing users to choose between local processing and connecting to cloud APIs with their own keys, maintaining user data control.

Visit Spokenly↗