Paraspeech for Mac
Voice to text for Mac
Paraspeech is a Mac dictation app for writing emails, notes and documents by voice. Hold your shortcut, speak and release to insert text into editable Mac fields. Choose downloaded local models on Apple Silicon or cloud models with a subscription.
macOS 14.0 or later. Local models require Apple Silicon; Intel Macs use cloud models with a subscription.
When should you choose Paraspeech?
Choose Paraspeech when you want to write directly in Mac apps, use supported local models without internet after setup, or buy local features with a one-time Lifetime plan. If Apple Dictation already meets your needs, you may not need another app. For Windows, Android, free local dictation or synced voice notes, compare the alternatives before choosing.
Use your voice where you write
Email and messages
Speak a reply or explain a longer thought, then review it before sending.
Notes and first drafts
Capture an idea, outline a document or draft a paragraph without typing every sentence.
Developer instructions
Describe a bug or coding task. Review exact file paths, names and constraints before using the prompt.
From speech to text in three steps
Step 1
Set up dictation
Allow microphone access. Enable Accessibility for text insertion, choose a model and set your shortcut.
Step 2
Speak your draft
Place the cursor in an editable field, hold your dictation shortcut, speak and release it.
Step 3
Review and use the text
Check names, punctuation and meaning. If a field does not accept automatic insertion, paste from the clipboard.
Need the setup walkthrough? Read the documentation.
Choose local or cloud transcription
Choose the mode that fits your Mac and how you want speech processed.
| Requirement | Local transcription | Cloud transcription |
|---|---|---|
| Mac hardware | Supported Apple Silicon Macs | Eligible Intel and Apple Silicon Macs |
| Speech processing | Audio is transcribed on your Mac | Required audio is sent to the cloud provider |
| Internet | Model download needs internet; local transcription works offline after setup | Internet is required |
| Paid access | Included with subscriptions and Lifetime | Requires a subscription |
Rewriting has its own local or cloud setting. Eligible dictation can temporarily use cloud processing online when a local model is unavailable. To keep dictation local, download a supported local speech model and enable Privacy Mode: it blocks cloud transcription and cloud rewriting for dictation. Local rewriting requires its own downloaded model and eligible access in the direct Mac app. Meeting Mode recordings and automatic cloud summaries are separate. Applications you put text into have their own processing and storage practices. Read the offline and privacy details.
Review the words before you send
Check names, dates and technical terms, especially when the exact wording matters. Our synthetic coding-prompt example shows the raw transcript and the manual corrections it needed.
See the developer example and test detailsQuestions about Mac voice to text
- Can I use voice to text in any Mac app?
- Paraspeech can insert text into many editable Mac fields with Accessibility permission. Some applications or fields do not support automatic insertion; use the clipboard to paste the reviewed text instead.
- Can I use Paraspeech without an internet connection?
- Local transcription can run offline on supported Apple Silicon Macs after the model is downloaded. Choose local transcription and check the separate rewrite setting. Initial model downloads, cloud features and account or purchase services need internet.
- Can Paraspeech rewrite dictated text?
- Text rewriting is separate from speech recognition. An on-device rewrite option is available where the direct Mac app and your access support it; eligible cloud rewriting sends the required text to its provider. You can also leave rewriting off and edit the transcript yourself.
- Is Paraspeech free to try?
- Direct Monthly and Yearly checkout includes a seven-day trial with unlimited transcriptions. Eligible referral and App Store offers may differ. Monthly and yearly subscriptions include eligible local and cloud features. Lifetime covers local features, includes twelve months of updates, and lets you keep using the last version covered afterward. See pricing for current charges and purchase terms.
Review current plans, or compare your options in our Mac dictation buyer guide. For individual app tradeoffs, browse our dictation app comparisons.
