I won’t lie to you, the first day I learned about voice dictation software for windows 10 it was a bit of a shock to my system. I couldn’t believe how easy it was to use.
I had always used computer software for dictation because it was cheaper, easier to use, and never malfunctioned. But since switching to this technology I have never looked back. Here are the best.
Google Docs Voice Typing
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Did you know that Google Docs includes a free speak-to-text feature? To use it, you must be on a Chrome browser. Voice typing also supports over 100 different languages or dialects. You can even use voice commands to do some basic formatting of your text or (in certain languages) to add punctuation.
Google Docs has now become an integral part of the lives of most content writers. Especially if already a google services user. So if you use Google products such as Gmail and Google Drive, and need an in-built, powerful, yet free dictation tool, consider using Google Docs or Google Slides and make use of their Google’s Voice Typing tool. It enables you to type with your voice and make use of over 100 view commands meant explicitly for editing and formatting your documents in any way you like. Including making bullet points, changing the style of the text, and moving the cursor to different parts of the material.
To use Voice Typing through Google Docs, all you have to do is click on the “Tools” button and then select “Voice Typing” then allow Google access to your laptop or PC’s microphone.
Compatibility: Any Google Chrome compatible device
Price: Free
Download Link: https://www.google.com/docs/about/
Apple Dictation
With the free Apple dictation feature, your spoken words can become text. This tool is available for Apple devices. You can also use your voice to format the text as you go. Plus, if you select the Enhanced dictation option, you’ll be able to use dictation even if you’re not connected to the internet. Also, with the Enhanced dictation option, you can speak for longer periods of time.
Apple Dictation is one of the best free speech to text software that comes built-in with most Apple devices. It uses Siri’s servers to process up to 30 seconds of speech at a time (remember to connect to the internet). Apple Dictate is the ideal option for quickly getting your thoughts down on paper. Still, if you want to create content with longer for your voice and you’ve upgraded your Mac’s operating system to version 10.9 or later, then the better option would be Enhanced Dictation.
Furthermore, Apple Dictate helps you transcribe speech to text without an internet connection and is especially handy when faced with time constraints. With more than 70 voice commands, you can effectively control all your Mac’s actions, including typing, editing, and formatting for any document.
Compatibility: Mac
Price: Free
Get it from the Mac device’s Apple Menu by going to System Preferences, then click on keyboard and then go to dictation.
Windows Speech Recognition
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Windows (7 or later) also has free device-based speech recognition software available. To turn this feature on, go to your Windows Control Panel and click the Settings icon. Click on the Ease of Access settings, the click the Speech menu option. Make sure that the toggle button for Speech Recognition is turned on. Press the Windows key + H to start using the dictation app. Once the tool is turned on, use your voice to “type” and format your document.
Window’s Speech Recognition (WSR) is a good software for speech recognition, especially because it is specifically designed to work with Windows, and works best in its newest update with Windows 10. Most people reviewed it as good, not great, but also claimed that it is at par with Google Docs Voice Typing (GDVT) and is a Windows version of the same level.
The advantages specific to WSR are that it has computer automation and related features, because it is especially integrated into and designed for the Windows operating system, it has complete control over the computer and its features, like sleep or shutdown options, etc. In addition, it gives the user text editing options, whereby any mistakes can be there and then corrected.
Though, some downsides include the fact that it is not the most accurate voice recognition software available in the market, as its accuracy is on the weaker side, and it cannot be freely used with other operating systems is need be for a change.
Its unique selling point would be the fact that it can control the whole computer through the software options, and can edit as you go. It is also free of cost, without additional charges, and works fine with Windows 10.
Dragon Speech Recognition Products
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Dragon Speech Recognition software isn’t one product, but many. These popular, premium dictation apps use AI technology to provide some of the most accurate speech recognition tools available. Their speech recognition apps are specialized by use. They’ve got dictation apps for:
- home use
- professional use
- legal use
- medical use
And those are just some of their speech recognition tools. In fact, the specialized vocabulary available in certain tools can be a major advantage of this app. Dragon also offers extensive technical support including a knowledgebase and training.
Braina
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Here’s a premium AI-based personal assistant app that includes voice recognition features. In fact, you can convert speech to text in over 100 different languages. Braina can also answer questions, search for information online, check the weather, and more. They’ve got an active forum where you can discuss questions with other users. Although this is premium software, a free lite version with more limited features is also available.
Braina Pro is a personal virtual assistant with artificial intelligence as its backbone. The app can process over 100 languages and can automate various computer tasks, set alarms and reminders. Furthermore, Briana Pro can also serve as a dictionary and thesaurus with text to speech options as well.
Compatibility: Any devices with Windows installed and a microphone
Price: $239
Download Link: https://www.brainasoft.com/braina/download.html
Speechnotes
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This free online dictation app works with a Chrome operating system. You don’t need to download it onto your equipment. It was created specifically to replace typing, so if you spend large parts of your day typing, this could be the speech recognition tool you need. Because it’s free, Speechnotes has ads. Also be aware that any documents you create need to be copied to your machine since Speechnotes won’t save them.
Screennotes is online dictation software that lets you type using your voice. You can also insert long texts with just one tap. It supports multiple languages including English, Spanish, Portuguese, Arabic, Chinese, Hindu, Urdu, Turkish, Bahasha, and many other languages. You can also order a professional transcribing service at $0.1 per minute.
Features:
- Fast speech recognition
- Works on any website
- Keyboard shortcut for start and pause
- Custom text stamps
- Export to Google Drive
Verdict: Screennotes is simple and easy to use online tool for dictating text. It is great for dictating texts on websites including Outlook and Gmail.
Price: Basic version is free of cost. The Premium add-free chrome extension costs $9.99 that comes with the additional feature of dictating on any website.
Website: Speechnotes
Siri
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If you’ve got an iPhone, iPad, or Mac, you’re probably already familiar with Apple’s personal assistant software app. In fact, you already have it free with your device. What most people don’t realize is that Siri can also be used as a voice dictation app for shorter messages or emails. For example, I was able to create a short note using Siri. So, if you send a lot of email or text messages, Siri could be helpful.
Cortana
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Cortana is Microsoft’s personal assistant app. And while it’s great for voice recognition and performing personal tasks, if you need to type a long document, you’re better off using Windows Speech Recognition tool (see #3 above), which is based on the same AI as Cortana.
Transcribe
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Transcribe is a premium software dictation tool. Record the information you want to convert to text. Then you can auto-transcribe it (convert it to text). If the original recording isn’t clear enough, re-speak the recording as you listen to it to create a clearer recording before you transcribe it. This tool also works with a foot pedal, if you desire.
Just Press Record
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Here’s another inexpensive transcription tool that gives you the capability for hands-free recording and text conversion. You can use it on an iPhone, iPad, or even an Apple Watch. This can be a handy way to get those all-important notes if you’ve got nothing on hand but your Apple Watch.
e-Speaking
Best for using voice command to control windows without using a keyboard or mouse.
e-Speaking is a dictation tool that allows you to control the Windows operating system. You can use the voice application to replace the keyboard and mouse. It allows you to open applications, browse windows, and create documents with voice commands.
Features:
- 100+ built-in commands
- 26 dictation voice command variation
- Integrate with Office
- Based on Microsoft SAPI speech engine
- Compatible with Windows XP, Vista, Win7, and Win8
Verdict: e-Speaking offers great value for money. It is an excellent app for Windows devices to dictate letters and emails and control the operating system.
Price: Full version costs $14. You can try the software for free for 30 days.
Website: e-Speaking
Conclusion
As technology advances, the ability to communicate becomes easier, but it can be hard to capture your ideas quickly. If you are a Microsoft user who loves to take notes with your computer’s keyboard, there are some great applications that will allow you to use speech-to-text functionality. You’ll be able to speak the words out loud and have them instantly written down at lightning-fast speed.”