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Spokenly vs Voicy
Free offline-first dictation with BYOK vs cross-platform cloud-only service with AI rephrasing.
Updated July 2026
Download SpokenlyQuick Answer
Spokenly is completely free with local models and BYOK cloud transcription. Voicy costs $8.49/mo and is cloud-only (powered by Groq/Whisper V3) with no offline mode. Both offer Chrome extensions. Spokenly also ships macOS, Windows, Linux, and iOS apps, plus offline models, MCP integration, file transcription, and support for 100+ languages.
Spokenly
- Free local transcription + BYOK cloud at no cost
- macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and a free Chrome extension
- 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, 4.8 App Store rating
Voicy
- -Cloud-only: $8.49/mo, $220 lifetime
- -macOS, Windows, Chrome extension
- -AI rephrase commands (formal, professional, custom)
- -Powered by Groq/Whisper V3
- -50+ languages
- -40-minute free trial
Feature Comparison
Side-by-side breakdown of key features and capabilities.
| Feature | Spokenly | Voicy |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free with BYOK, Pro $9.99/mo | $8.49/mo |
| Free tier | Unlimited local + BYOK cloud | 40-minute trial |
| Platforms | macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux | macOS, Windows, Chrome |
| 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 (Groq) |
| Languages | 100+ | 50+ |
| AI text processing | GPT-4, Claude, AI Instructions | AI rephrase commands |
| 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 | Yes |
| Speaker diarization | Yes | No |
| Chrome extension | Yes, free | Yes |
| Lifetime option | No | $220 |
| Custom keyboard (iOS) | Yes | No |
Pricing: Spokenly vs Voicy
Spokenly is completely free with local models and BYOK cloud transcription. Unlimited usage at zero cost.
Voicy costs $8.49/mo, $220 lifetime. The free trial gives 40 minutes only. No BYOK option.
If you already have API keys from OpenAI, Deepgram, or Groq, Spokenly gives you cloud transcription at zero cost. Voicy requires the subscription regardless.
The Core Difference: Privacy-First vs Cloud Convenience
Voicy is a cloud-only service powered by Groq's hosted Whisper V3. Audio is sent to their servers, processed, and deleted. There is no offline mode. The convenience is cross-platform access (Mac, Windows, Chrome extension) and AI rephrasing that converts casual dictation to formal text.
Spokenly gives you both local and cloud options. Run Whisper and Parakeet models entirely offline, or use BYOK for cloud transcription. Audio can stay 100% on your device.
For developers, Spokenly's MCP server lets AI coding agents receive voice input directly. Bash script hooks and Agent mode add programmable automation. Voicy has no developer-specific features.
Both products offer Chrome extensions for browser dictation. Spokenly's extension is free and works independently from its desktop app; Spokenly's desktop apps add local processing and system-wide input. Compare the two extensions in the specific browser editors you use because site compatibility and command behavior vary.
Real-World Use Cases
How Spokenly and Voicy fit into different workflows.
Developers Using AI Coding Agents
Spokenly's MCP server lets AI coding agents like Claude Code receive voice input. Voicy has no agent integration or developer features.
Browser Dictation Users
Both products offer Chrome extensions. Spokenly's free Typing Through Voice extension handles compatible web text fields, while its desktop apps continue dictation across Chrome and native applications.
Privacy-Conscious Users
Spokenly's offline mode keeps audio on-device. Voicy sends all audio to Groq's cloud. For sensitive work, Spokenly provides stronger privacy.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Where each app is strong, and where it falls short.
Spokenly
- +Completely free with local models and BYOK
- +Full offline mode, audio never leaves device
- +MCP server for AI coding agents
- +iOS app with custom keyboard
- +File transcription with subtitle export
- +100+ languages
- +Speaker diarization
- -No lifetime purchase option
Voicy
- +Cross-platform: Mac, Windows, Chrome
- +AI rephrase commands
- +Lifetime purchase option ($220)
- +File transcription with batch processing
- +System-wide desktop dictation
- -No offline mode, cloud-only
- -No BYOK
- -Audio sent to third-party cloud (Groq)
- -No iOS app
- -50+ languages (vs 100+)
- -No MCP agent integration
- -No macOS automation
- -40-minute trial only
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose Spokenly if you...
- You want free BYOK cloud transcription
- Privacy matters and you want audio on your device
- You use AI coding agents (Claude Code, Cursor, Amp)
- You need an iOS app with custom keyboard
- You need file transcription
- You want 100+ languages
Choose Voicy if you...
- -You prefer its Chrome extension workflow
- -You prefer a lifetime purchase option
- -AI rephrasing commands are important
Switching from Voicy
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 trial limits.
- 3Optionally, add API keys in Settings for free cloud transcription.
- 4Set your preferred keyboard shortcut. Spokenly works system-wide, just like Voicy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Spokenly work offline?
Yes. Spokenly includes free local models. Voicy requires an internet connection for all features.
Is Spokenly really free?
Yes. Local and BYOK cloud are free. Voicy costs $8.49/mo, $220 lifetime, with a 40-minute trial.
Does Voicy work on Windows?
Yes. Voicy has a Windows app and a Chrome extension. Spokenly also runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and iOS, and offers a free Chrome extension for browser text fields.
Can I switch from Voicy to Spokenly?
Yes. Download Spokenly from spokenly.app/download and start dictating for free immediately.
Which is the best Mac dictation app in 2026?
Spokenly is the stronger fit for local processing, BYOK, and developer workflows. Voicy may fit users who prefer its AI rephrasing workflow or lifetime option. Both offer Chrome extensions, so test browser compatibility separately from the Mac app.
Ready to try Spokenly?
Free to use with local models. No account required.
Download SpokenlyOther comparisons
This comparison is published by Spokenly. We aim for accuracy and transparency and will update this page as both products evolve. Learn more about Voicy on their official website.