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Spokenly vs Aqua Voice
Free offline-first dictation with BYOK vs YC-backed cloud-only service with context-aware formatting.
Updated March 2026
Download SpokenlyQuick Answer
Spokenly is completely free with local models and bring-your-own API keys for cloud transcription. No subscription required. Aqua Voice costs $8/mo and is cloud-only with no offline mode. Aqua Voice has strong technical jargon accuracy and per-app context formatting. Spokenly wins on free BYOK, offline mode, privacy, MCP integration, Agent mode, iOS app, and file transcription.
Spokenly
- Free local transcription + BYOK cloud at no cost
- macOS + iOS with one Pro subscription ($9.99/mo)
- MCP server for AI coding agents (Claude Code, Cursor)
- Full offline mode, audio never leaves device
- Agent mode: voice-controlled macOS automation
- 100,000+ users, 4.9 App Store rating
Aqua Voice
- -Cloud-only: $8/mo
- -macOS and Windows, no iOS
- -Context-aware formatting per app
- -Custom dictionary (800 entries on Pro)
- -Sub-second latency (450ms-1s)
- -YC-backed, 1,000 free words (one-time)
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side breakdown of key features and capabilities.
| Feature | Spokenly | Aqua Voice |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free with BYOK, Pro $9.99/mo | $8/mo |
| Free tier | Unlimited local + BYOK cloud | 1,000 words (one-time) |
| Platforms | macOS, iOS | macOS, Windows |
| iOS app | Yes, with custom keyboard | No |
| Offline mode | Full offline with local models | No |
| BYOK (own API keys) | Yes, free | No |
| Privacy (local mode) | Audio stays on device | Cloud processing required |
| Languages | 100+ | 49 |
| AI text processing | GPT-4, Claude, custom prompts | Built-in Avalon model |
| Context-aware formatting | No | Yes, per-app tone |
| Custom dictionary | No | Yes (800 entries) |
| Coding agent integration | MCP server for AI agents | No |
| Agent mode | Voice-controlled macOS automation | No |
| Bash script hooks | Pre/post AI processing scripts | No |
| File transcription | Yes | No |
| Speaker diarization | Yes | No |
| Team features | No | Yes ($12/mo per user) |
| Custom keyboard (iOS) | Yes | No |
Pricing: Spokenly vs Aqua Voice
Spokenly is completely free with local models and bring-your-own API keys. You get unlimited offline speech-to-text and cloud transcription via BYOK without paying anything.
Aqua Voice costs $8/mo with monthly and annual billing options. The free Starter tier gives just 1,000 words total (one-time, not recurring). There is no BYOK option and no way to use your own API keys.
If you already have API keys from OpenAI, Deepgram, or Groq, Spokenly gives you cloud-quality dictation at zero cost. Aqua Voice requires the $96/year subscription for unlimited use.
The Core Difference: Privacy-First vs Cloud-First
Aqua Voice is a cloud-only service. Every word you dictate is sent to their servers for processing via their proprietary Avalon model. There is no offline mode. Their co-founders explicitly stated they 'can't run ASR and an LLM locally at the speed required.' The trade-off is sub-second latency and strong technical jargon accuracy.
Spokenly gives you both options. Run local models entirely offline for free, or use cloud transcription via BYOK. Your audio can stay 100% on-device. For sensitive work, this architecture difference is significant.
For developers, Spokenly's MCP server lets AI coding agents like Claude Code receive voice input directly. Bash script hooks and Agent mode add programmable voice automation. Aqua Voice has good jargon handling but no agent integration.
The mobile story also differs. Spokenly has a native iOS app with custom keyboard. Aqua Voice has no mobile app at all, which limits its usefulness for users who dictate on both desktop and phone.
Real-World Use Cases
How Spokenly and Aqua Voice fit into different workflows.
Developers Using AI Coding Agents
Spokenly's MCP server lets AI coding agents like Claude Code and Cursor receive voice input directly. Aqua Voice handles code jargon well but has no agent protocol integration.
Privacy-Conscious Professionals
Spokenly's Local Only Mode keeps all audio on-device. Aqua Voice sends everything to the cloud, including to OpenAI. For lawyers, doctors, and anyone under NDA, Spokenly's architecture is safer.
Mobile Dictation Users
Spokenly has a native iOS app with custom dictation keyboard. Aqua Voice has no mobile app. If you dictate on iPhone, Spokenly is the only choice between the two.
An Honest Comparison
We believe in transparency. Here are the real strengths and weaknesses of both products.
Spokenly
- +Completely free with local models and BYOK
- +Full offline mode, audio never leaves device
- +MCP server for AI coding agent integration
- +Native iOS app with custom keyboard
- +File transcription with subtitle export
- +Speaker diarization
- +100+ languages
- -No context-aware per-app formatting
- -No custom dictionary
- -No Windows support
- -No team features
Aqua Voice
- +Context-aware formatting per app
- +Strong technical jargon accuracy
- +Custom dictionary (800 entries)
- +Sub-second latency
- +Windows support
- +Team plan available
- +YC-backed with active development
- -No offline mode, cloud-only
- -No iOS or mobile app
- -No BYOK, locked to their model
- -Audio sent to cloud for processing
- -No permanent free tier (1,000 words one-time only)
- -Only 49 languages (vs 100+)
- -No file transcription
- -No MCP coding agent integration
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose Spokenly if you...
- You want free BYOK cloud transcription with your own API keys
- Privacy matters and you want audio to stay on your device
- You use AI coding agents (Claude Code, Cursor, Amp)
- You need an iOS app with custom dictation keyboard
- You need file transcription with subtitle export
- You want unlimited free local speech-to-text
Choose Aqua Voice if you...
- -You want context-aware formatting that adapts per app
- -You need strong technical jargon accuracy
- -You need Windows support
- -You want team features with centralized billing
Switching from Aqua Voice
Getting started takes a few minutes.
- 1Download Spokenly from spokenly.app/download and install it on your Mac.
- 2Start dictating immediately with free local models. No account or word limit.
- 3Optionally, add your own API keys in Settings for free cloud transcription.
- 4Set your preferred keyboard shortcut. Spokenly works system-wide, just like Aqua Voice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Spokenly work offline?
Yes. Spokenly includes free local models that run entirely on your Mac. Aqua Voice requires an internet connection for all features.
Is Spokenly really free?
Yes. Local transcription and BYOK cloud transcription are completely free. No word limits. Aqua Voice gives 1,000 free words (one-time), then $8/mo.
Does Aqua Voice have an iOS app?
No. Aqua Voice is desktop-only (macOS and Windows). Spokenly has a native iOS app with custom dictation keyboard.
Which has better privacy?
Spokenly. In offline mode, audio never leaves your device. Aqua Voice sends all audio to the cloud for processing via their Avalon model.
Which is better for developers?
Spokenly's MCP server lets AI coding agents receive voice input directly. Aqua Voice handles technical jargon well but has no agent integration.
Can I switch from Aqua Voice to Spokenly?
Yes. Download Spokenly from spokenly.app/download and start dictating with free local models immediately.
Which is the best Mac dictation app in 2026?
Spokenly is best for privacy, BYOK, and developer workflows. Aqua Voice is best for context-aware formatting and jargon accuracy. Both beat Apple's built-in dictation.
Ready to try Spokenly?
Free to use with local models. No account required.
Download for macOSOther comparisons
This comparison is published by the Spokenly team. We aim for accuracy and transparency and will update this page as both products evolve. Learn more about Aqua Voice on their official website.