VoiceInk
Open-source Mac dictation app that transcribes speech with local AI models and pastes the text into any app.
AI Audio & VoiceFreeverified Listed on Open source
Is VoiceInk free?
Yes, VoiceInk has a free plan. What you get: Free to build and run yourself from the GitHub source. To get it: install Xcode with Command Line Tools and Git; then clone the VoiceInk repository; then run make local, which builds the app and copies VoiceInk.app to Downloads. Verified on tryvoiceink.com.
Free plan at a glance
- Includes
- Free to build and run yourself from the GitHub source
Building from source is free under GPL v3.0; local builds don't include iCloud dictionary sync or automatic updates.
- Duration
- Free forever
- Your content
- The maker says it isn't used to train AI
How to get it free
Self-host- Install Xcode with Command Line Tools and Git
- Clone the VoiceInk repository
- Run make local, which builds the app and copies VoiceInk.app to Downloads
Good to know
- Local builds don't include automatic updates or iCloud dictionary sync
- The pre-compiled app is a 7-day trial, then a one-time purchase
github.com, Checked Source
Overview
VoiceInk is a GPL-licensed dictation app for macOS that transcribes on your Mac with local models such as Whisper and Parakeet, or through cloud providers with your own API key. The ready-made app is a one-time purchase; building it from source is free.
Key features
- Local transcription with Whisper and Parakeet models
- Modes that switch settings by app, website or trigger phrase
- Personal dictionary with custom words and word replacements
- Optional AI enhancement with your own key for providers such as OpenAI, Anthropic or Groq
- Transcription of existing audio and video files in a queue
- Assistant mode for asking questions inside the recorder
Best for
- People
- Developers comfortable building Mac apps from source, Privacy-minded Mac users who want offline dictation, People who prefer a one-time purchase over a subscription
Limitations
- Free use means building from source with Xcode; local builds have no automatic updates or iCloud dictionary sync
- The ready-made app is free only for a 7-day trial
Screenshot
FAQ
- Is VoiceInk free?
- Yes. VoiceInk has a free plan: Free to build and run yourself from the GitHub source. We last checked tryvoiceink.com's pricing page on 2026-11-12.
- What does the VoiceInk free plan include?
- Free to build and run yourself from the GitHub source. Source: https://tryvoiceink.com/ (checked 2026-11-12).
- How do I get VoiceInk for free?
- Steps: Install Xcode with Command Line Tools and Git; Clone the VoiceInk repository; Run make local, which builds the app and copies VoiceInk.app to Downloads. Start at https://github.com/Beingpax/VoiceInk/blob/main/BUILDING.md (checked 2026-10-24).
- Do I need an account to use VoiceInk for free?
- Not for the free option: the free route is to self-host VoiceInk (Install Xcode with Command Line Tools and Git). Checked 2026-10-24.
- What's the catch with VoiceInk's free plan?
- Local builds don't include automatic updates or iCloud dictionary sync. The pre-compiled app is a 7-day trial, then a one-time purchase. Checked 2026-10-24.
- What are free alternatives to VoiceInk?
- Typeless, OpenWhispr and Spokenly all have free plans. We checked their free offers on 2026-11-12.
- Does VoiceInk have a free trial?
- Yes. In the downloaded app you can choose Start 7-day Trial during onboarding, or activate a purchased license.Source: tryvoiceink.com/docs/installation
- How much does the ready-made VoiceInk app cost?
- It's a one-time purchase: $25 (one Mac), $39 (up to two Macs) or $49 (up to three Macs), with lifetime updates and a 14-day money-back guarantee.Source: tryvoiceink.com
- Is there a VoiceInk student discount?
- Yes. The maker asks students to get in touch with their student ID for details.Source: tryvoiceink.com
Free alternatives
Typeless
AI voice keyboard that turns speech into cleaned-up text in any app, on Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android.
Free forever, Limited words each week, standard accuracy
OpenWhispr
Open-source dictation app that types your speech into any app, with local or cloud models and meeting notes.
Free forever, Unlimited local dictation, 2,000 cloud words per week
Spokenly
Dictation app that types your speech into any app on Mac, Windows, Linux and iPhone, with free offline models.
Free forever, Unlimited dictation with on-device Whisper and Parakeet models
Aqua Voice
Voice typing app that types your speech at the cursor in any app, on Mac, Windows, iPhone and Android.
Free forever, 2,000 free words with Avalon 1.5, plus your first 3 Notetaker meetings
Handy
Open-source dictation app: press a shortcut, speak, and your words are typed into any text field on your computer.
Free forever, Free to run on your own computer
More free AI Audio & Voice tools
- Kokoro
Free forever, Open source (Apache-2.0 license): free model weights you run yourself with Python
- Podcastfy
Free forever, Open source (Apache-2.0 license): free to run; local LLM and Edge TTS need no keys
- Unreal Speech
Free forever
- noScribe
Free forever, Free desktop app, transcription runs on your computer
- Luvvoice
Free forever, 10,000 characters a month, 3,000 per conversion
- Abogen
Free forever, Open source (MIT license): free desktop and web app that runs offline on your computer
Sources
- Free offer
- Verified on github.com/Beingpax/VoiceInk
…an open-source project, you can build VoiceInk yourself by following the instructions in…
Added by our team. We check that a free option exists and record the date; signing up is between you and VoiceInk, so read their privacy policy and terms first.
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