Free, open-source Mac dictation · premium optional

Plainsay vs VoiceInk

Plainsay and VoiceInk both publish source code and support local speech recognition. The distinction is not “open versus closed.” Compare the cost of the ready-to-use app and how each product fits your writing workflow.

Reviewed September 5, 2026 · Published by the Plainsay team

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Two open-source approaches to Mac dictation.

Mac dictation features and pricing
What mattersPlainsayVoiceInk
Ready-to-use appFree signed and notarized Mac download.Official builds use paid, one-time licenses; check current offers. Source
Source licenseMIT-licensed Mac client. Optional Cloud backend is separate.GPL-3.0; build instructions are public. Source
Speech recognitionLocal Whisper or Parakeet; cloud providers are optional.Local speech models, including Whisper and Parakeet integrations. Source
Workflow focusDictate into apps, keep vocabulary and history, review edits before replacement.App/URL-aware modes and contextual writing features. Source

Prices are the listed currencies, not currency-converted equivalents. Offers and taxes can vary; check the vendor’s checkout. Plainsay facts describe the released Mac app, not unreleased work.

When Plainsay makes sense

Plainsay is an option when you want a downloadable free Mac app without building from source. Local mode does not require an account, subscription, or a paid license. You can read the client code under MIT terms. Optional Cloud provides hosted speech and Polishing for users who prefer that setup.

When VoiceInk may suit you better

Consider VoiceInk if its app-aware modes match how you switch between writing tasks. Its repository describes the workflow and its paid builds support ongoing development. VoiceInk source and feature overview

Open source does not automatically mean all processing is local

Whichever app you choose, check the provider used for both speech recognition and text editing. In Plainsay, Local speech keeps audio on your Mac, but enabling hosted Polishing can send transcript text to that provider. For a fully local workflow, keep Polishing off or use a compatible local endpoint.

Questions before switching

Can I build either app myself?

Yes. Plainsay publishes its MIT-licensed Mac client, and VoiceInk publishes source with build instructions under GPL-3.0. Read the relevant license and build guide. VoiceInk repository

Is premium required for Plainsay?

No. The free Local download supports ongoing dictation with no subscription or usage quota. Cloud and paid provider services are optional.

Try it with your own words

Download Plainsay for an Apple silicon Mac running macOS 14 or later. Choose Local during setup, download a speech model, and dictate a few sentences in your normal apps. Review names, punctuation, and insertion behavior. No payment card or Cloud subscription is needed.

This is a comparison of documented features, not a controlled accuracy or speed benchmark. The recommendations are our editorial assessment. We do not claim Plainsay wins every workload.

Sources and review date

Official pages checked on September 5, 2026. Features and plans can change.

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