Claude Speech to Text: voice dictation for claude.ai and Claude Code
Free voice dictation in claude.ai and Claude apps on macOS, Windows, Linux, and iPhone. Claude Code voice loops through MCP are available only in Spokenly's macOS sideload build.
Updated
Download SpokenlyHow Spokenly works with Claude
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Download Spokenly free
Install from spokenly.app/download to get Claude voice to text on your Mac, Windows PC, Linux PC, or iPhone. No account needed for local mode.
- 2
Open Claude
On macOS, Windows, or Linux, open claude.ai in a browser or use an available Claude desktop app. On iPhone, open the Claude app or Safari and select the Spokenly keyboard.
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Click into Claude's prompt box
Place your cursor in the chat input where you want to dictate.
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Start dictating
Press Right Command on macOS or Ctrl+Space on Windows and Linux. On iPhone, tap the microphone in the Spokenly keyboard. Spokenly inserts editable text into Claude's prompt box.
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Optional on macOS: enable MCP for Claude Code
The MCP server is available only in Spokenly's macOS sideload build. It lets Claude Code request voice input directly. See the developer guide for setup.
Why Spokenly for Claude
State-of-the-art accuracy
Anthropic's Claude apps include voice input, but Spokenly's Claude dictation uses GPT-4o Transcribe, which handles code, names, and accents better.
MCP-aware for Claude Code on macOS
With Spokenly's macOS sideload build, Claude Code can call Spokenly directly when it needs your input.
Local-first privacy
With local mode, audio stays on your device. Only your typed prompt reaches Anthropic, just like keyboard input.
Common use cases
Claude Code dictation: voice loops via MCP
In Spokenly's macOS sideload build, Claude Code can call Spokenly when it needs information. Speak your answer and the agent continues. See spokenly.app/blog/voice-dictation-for-developers/claude-code for the full setup.
Long context prompts in claude.ai
Speaking out a 500-word prompt is much faster than typing. Spokenly drops the text into the prompt box for editing before sending.
Claude desktop app dictation
The macOS desktop app accepts standard text input. Spokenly works in it the same way it works in any other text field.
Mobile dictation in the Claude iOS app
Spokenly's iOS keyboard puts state-of-the-art accuracy into Claude's iPhone app and any other app.
Multi-turn coding sessions
On macOS with the sideload build and MCP enabled, Claude Code asks, you speak, and it continues. See spokenly.app/blog/voice-dictation-for-developers for setup.
Multilingual conversations with Claude
Spokenly supports 100+ languages. Speak Spanish, German, Japanese, or Arabic into claude.ai without changing keyboard layouts. Works across all Claude models including Sonnet, Opus, and Haiku.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I dictate to Claude?
Install Spokenly and place the cursor in a Claude prompt box. Press Right Command on macOS or Ctrl+Space on Windows and Linux. On iPhone, select the Spokenly keyboard and tap its microphone. Spokenly inserts editable text before you send it.
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) connects Claude to external tools. Spokenly's macOS sideload build includes a local MCP server for voice input. Cross-platform dictation does not require MCP.
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 stays on your device. 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 dictation works in it. Agent-initiated voice loops require MCP from Spokenly's macOS sideload build.
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.
How do I configure Spokenly's MCP server in Claude Code?
First install Spokenly's macOS sideload build. Then run `claude mcp add spokenly --transport stdio --command spokenly-mcp` in Terminal. See spokenly.app/blog/voice-dictation-for-developers/claude-code for the full setup guide.
Ready to try Spokenly?
Free to use with local models. No account required.
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