Whether you are presenting, podcasting or blogging, there are times when you will want to create content without having to type out everything by hand. Sometimes phrases flow better when read aloud, and other times it is just easier to use natural speech than having to stop and type it out.
I decided to put down a list of best dictation softwares, no distractions. Take our time to select your best choice.
Best for Android: Gboard Voice Typing
Of the many keyboard apps available for Android, Gboard is arguably the most popular. Google’s keyboard comes with a lot of nifty features, such as glide typing and one-handed mode. But apart from these, it also includes reliable speech recognition capabilities. You can use your voice for everything from writing e-mails to responding to text messages, as Gboard’s Voice Typing works with any Android app that accepts text input. To use the feature, all you have to do is tap the microphone icon (located at the right side of Gboard’s suggestion strip) and start dictating when “Speak now” is displayed.
Any errors in the transcribed text can be manually corrected. You can also use Gboard’s Voice Typing functionality to replace words in any document or message. For this, select the target word, and tap the microphone icon. Once “Speak now” is displayed, say the new word to replace the existing term. Gboard supports voice dictation in multiple languages and can be used offline as well.
Microsoft Dictate
Microsoft’s Dictate is here to prove that the even best text to speech software can be free and be just as good as premium software. Created by Microsoft Garage (a division of the company where employees get to work on their ideas as projects), this feature-rich application boasts the same advanced speech recognition technology that powers the Microsoft Cortana Virtual Assistant.
Dictate is essentially a Microsoft Office add-on and works well with Word, PowerPoint and Outlook. You can install it from the Microsoft store if you don’t already have it pre-installed with a copy of Microsoft 365. Once installed, you can access it through the “Dictation” tab that shows up in the top right of the Ribbon toolbar. The app supports voice commands for most standard operations such as typing or editing text, moving the cursor to a new line and adding punctuations either manually or automatically.
Furthermore, the app offers features such as visual feedback to specify that it is processing speech input. Microsoft dictates also supports dictation with real-time translation 60 different languages. Microsoft Dictate is compatible with Office versions 2013 and above and works well with Windows versions 8.1 and above.
Apps Compatibility: Windows devices only
Price: Free
Download Link: https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/garage/profiles/dictate/
NaturalReader
Price: Personal:$99.50(one-time payment)
NaturalReader is the kind of speech to text software that can read or narrate a variety of text and multiple document formats so that users do not have to strain their eyes. It helps to convert text into audio files such as MP3. You can even change the pronunciation of a word as you like. NaturalReader offers an online version, as well as a downloadable edition. A free version is also available, but with limited features.
Bear File Converter
Price: Free
Bear File Converter is a comprehensive tool that offers a variety of services, including the speech to text converter. It is available online for free use. You can upload audio files that are no more than 3 megabytes in size and click on convert. The audio file formats supported by this speech to text software are MP3, OGG, WAV, WMA, and many more. You can also add audio files URL. Just click convert to start the process. The files are saved to the device in a word file.
Google Docs Voice Typing
Price: Free
The Google speech to text software is in-built in the Google Docs available on the browser. With this free and remarkable tool, you can work faster without having to type in anything. It has around 100 voice commands that help you make edits and formatting. Whether you want to enter bullet points, change lines, or underline a word, this voice to text software by Google is an excellent choice. It is available on the web, but it cannot be downloaded. To use this, just hop onto Google Docs and click on Tools, tap on Voice Typing. Then, allow microphone use and start speaking.
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/
Otter
Otter can be used for taking notes and as a collaboration app that records and transcribes any audio source as long as the speech is coherent. Common data sources include meetings, interview and other voice interactions with data processing in real-time. Created by AISense, Otter uses Ambient Voice Intelligence for some of the smartest and most accurate speech recognition tools out there. Transcriptions are available within minutes so you can share them with your team almost immediately.
Compatibility: Android and iOS
Price: Free 600 minutes/month; $9.99 for 6,000 minutes/month
Get it from: https://otter.ai/login
Window’s Speech Recognition (WSR)
Price: Free
Windows users can enjoy this voice to text software that is already built-in in the system and just needs a quick and straightforward activation method to start. Through the Window’s Speech Recognition software, users can convert audio to text on various programs, browsers, or applications. This can be used to open or close programs, set calendars, or even search and start a song. To activate, enter Windows Speech Recognition in the search bar. Go through the steps to help your computer recognize your voice, and you’re good to go.
Dragon Professional Individual
Price: $500 for professional and enterprise version/$49.99 for the basic version
As the name suggests, this speech to text software is a highly professional tool to make a writer’s life easier. It has loads of editing commands and a typing speed of 160 words per minute. It offers almost 99% accuracy and works on various programs as well as on the browser. After installation, you can easily activate and convert audio to text. Pre-recorded audios containing a single speaker can also be quickly transcribed through this tool.
Braina Pro
Price: $169/lifetime(limited time offer) or $59/annually
Braina Pro is not just a speech to text converter; rather, it works as a complete virtual assistant. It can set alarms, open or close files, or complete a multitude of tasks on your computer. This software also boasts a mobile app that can be used to control your PC without having to physically access it. More than 90 languages are supported by Braina Pro. But, you will need an active internet connection to do so. Just subscribe and download the app, open it and click on the microphone icon. Click and say ‘ Enter dictation mode’ and start using it.
Speechnotes
Price: Free
A very efficient and powerful speech to text converter is the Speechnotes tool. It is easily accessible as there is no need to download, register, or subscribe. By opening the Speechnotes online link on Chrome, you can click on the microphone icon and start dictating to convert audio to text. There are numerous, frequently used commands and shortcuts displayed on the left side of the screen. What’s more, Speechnotes automatically capitalizes sentence starters and autosaves documents. After completion, the text can be directly saved to the local files or exported to Google Drive.
Voice Finger
Price: $9.99
Voice Finger is an extremely powerful yet easy-to-use speech to text software that makes all kinds of computer tasks easier. With this tool, you can enjoy hands-free gaming or complete tasks without even touching the mouse. All clicks and holding special keys is also easily done by Voice Finger. This voice to text software is the ultimate solution for gamers or those who have extensive writing tasks as it makes everything effortless. Whether you want to move the cursor, type documents, or click to shoot in a game, Voice Finger has got you covered. Just download the software and start using it. A free version is also available.
Best for iOS: Built-In Dictation Functionality
Apple’s iOS is—and has always been—renowned for its out-of-the-box nature. All the features in the mobile operating system are readily usable, and voice typing is no exception. If you want a dependable speech to text solution for your iPhone and iPad, you’ve got one integrated right into iOS. The voice dictation feature can be accessed via the default iOS keyboard, and it works great with all apps (both official and third-party) that accept text input. This means that you can do everything from composing emails to taking notes using your voice.
To dictate text in any app, tap the microphone icon on the iOS keyboard, and start speaking. When you’re dictating, an animated waveform is displayed to indicate that speech is being processed. If there are any errors (e.g. spelling mistakes) in the transcribed text, they can be fixed manually. Dictation in iOS works offline (for selected languages), and there’s voice command support for the majority of operations (e.g. formatting text, adding punctuations).
Conclusion
It’s always useful to have a toolbox of reliable available options for completing common computing tasks, and Microsoft’s far from the only choice when it comes to speech-recognition. We’re here to highlight some of the free alternatives out there that will work anywhere Windows does—on your tablet, phone, or PC.