Free Speech-to-Text Software Options
Here is a list of free software options for turning voice into text that allows users to interact with computers and devices using their voice.
1. Apple Dictation
On Mac: https://support.apple.com/guide/mac-help/use-dictation-mh40584/mac.
On iPhone: https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/dictate-text-iph2c0651d2/ios.
2. Windows Speech Recognition
Windows 10: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-voice-recognition-in-windows-83ff75bd-63eb-0b6c-18d4-6fae94050571#WindowsVersion=Windows_10.
Windows 11: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/use-voice-recognition-in-windows-83ff75bd-63eb-0b6c-18d4-6fae94050571#WindowsVersion=Windows_11.
3. Google Docs Voice Typing
Google article: https://support.google.com/docs/answer/4492226?hl=en#zippy=%2Cspeak-for-accessibility.
4. Dictation.io (Chrome)
Dictation accurately transcribes your speech to text in real time. You can add paragraphs, punctuation marks, and even smileys using voice commands.
Setup:
Open https://dictation.io/speech in Chrome browser.
Click Launch Dictation.
Will open up a page for you with brief instructions. Press Start.
On the home page you will also find a Voice commands button. By clicking that button you will be able to choose your preferred language and view a list of commands that you can use in your dictation.
List of available commands: https://dictation.io/commands.
5. Google Gboard
Free app available for download from the Google Play Store. A Google keyboard which allows for voice typing.
6. Speechnotes
The app is powered by Google voice recognition tech. When you’re recording a note, you can easily dictate punctuation marks through voice commands, or by using the built-in punctuation keyboard.
Link: https://speechnotes.co/dictate/
Download from Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=co.speechnotes.speechnotes&hl=en_GB.
7. Transcribe (iOS)
The app can transcribe any video or voice memo automatically, while supporting over 80 languages from across the world. While you can easily create notes with Transcribe, you can also import files from services such as Dropbox. This app allows you to transcribe the first 15 minutes for free, then every hour after that comes at a cost.
Download from Apple App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/transcribe-speech-to-text/id1241342461.