Claude Speech to Text: voice dictation for claude.ai and Claude Code

How do I dictate to Claude?

Install Spokenly, place your cursor in any Claude prompt box (claude.ai in your browser, the Claude macOS desktop app, or the Claude iOS app), press your shortcut (Right Option is the default), and speak. Spokenly transcribes your voice into the prompt box in real time so you can review and edit before sending.

Does Spokenly do Claude text to speech (TTS)?

No, Spokenly is speech to text. You speak, Spokenly types your words into Claude's prompt box. For text to speech, where Claude reads its answers aloud, use Anthropic's built-in voice mode in the Claude mobile and desktop apps. Spokenly handles the input side, Claude's own voice mode handles the output side.

What is MCP and why does Claude Code need it?

MCP (Model Context Protocol) is Anthropic's standard for connecting Claude to external tools. Spokenly runs a local MCP server that exposes voice dictation. Claude Code can call this server when it needs your input, instead of pausing for typed text.

Does Spokenly work with the Claude desktop app?

Yes. The Claude macOS app accepts standard text input, so Spokenly's dictation works in it the same way it works in any other Mac app.

Is Spokenly more accurate than Claude's built-in voice mode?

On technical content, yes. Spokenly's transcription stack handles code, jargon, and proper nouns better than most built-in voice modes. For casual conversation the difference is smaller.

Does this work on iPhone?

Yes. Spokenly's iOS app includes a custom keyboard that works in the Claude iOS app and Safari. Same accuracy on mobile.

Is voice input through Spokenly private?

Yes if you use local mode. Audio never leaves your Mac. Only the final transcribed text reaches Claude, the same as if you'd typed it.

Does Spokenly work with Claude Cowork?

Yes. Claude Cowork's macOS desktop app accepts standard text input, so Spokenly's voice dictation works in it. For agent-initiated voice loops, Claude Cowork supports stdio MCP, see the developer guide for setup.

Can I use Spokenly with Claude API or SDK projects?

Spokenly is a desktop dictation app, not a transcription API. If you're building Claude API apps, use Spokenly to dictate the code itself in Cursor or Claude Code, not to wire transcription into your runtime.

What's the difference between Claude's voice mode and Spokenly?

Claude's built-in voice mode is conversation-style: you speak, Claude speaks back. Spokenly is voice dictation that types into the prompt box. Better for power users who want to review and edit prompts before sending. The two can be used together.

Is Spokenly free for Claude users?

Yes. Local models are completely free with no usage limits. Pro is optional and BYOK is also free. See spokenly.app/pricing for the breakdown. Students get 50% off at spokenly.app/students.

Does Spokenly work with Claude Free, Pro, Max, Team, or Enterprise plans?

Yes. Spokenly is plan-agnostic, it dictates into the prompt box like a keyboard, so it works in any Claude account regardless of subscription tier.