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VoiceInk Alternative: Free Dictation for Mac, Windows, Linux, and iPhone
Spokenly is completely free with local models and BYOK. Compared with VoiceInk, sometimes searched as Voice Ink or ink voice, Spokenly adds free cloud transcription, file transcription, an iOS keyboard, and MCP for AI coding agents.
Updated
Cost comparison
Spokenly
Free forever
VoiceInk
$25 to $49 one-time
You save
$25 to $49 upfront
Why switch from VoiceInk to Spokenly
Free, no upfront fee
VoiceInk charges a single upfront fee of $25 to $49. Spokenly is free with local models and BYOK cloud, with no time, word, or session limits. Pro at $9.99/mo is optional and only adds managed cloud.
Cloud models when you want them
Spokenly adds cloud transcription for top accuracy, free with your own OpenAI, Deepgram, or Groq key, or fully managed on Pro. VoiceInk transcribes on device only, with no cloud models.
MCP for AI coding agents
Claude Code, Codex, and Cursor can call Spokenly directly when they need voice input. VoiceInk has no MCP integration.
Agent mode and bash hooks
Trigger macOS actions by voice with agent mode, and run pre or post scripts on transcribed text. VoiceInk has neither.
File transcription built in
Drop in an audio or video file and get text, with SRT and VTT export. VoiceInk does not transcribe files.
Works on Intel Macs
Spokenly runs on Intel Macs with cloud models. VoiceInk is Apple Silicon only.
Clear upgrade path from Voice Ink
If you found VoiceInk by searching for Voice Ink or ink voice, the decision is the same: Spokenly is the free official download with local models, BYOK cloud, file transcription, and developer integrations.
Side-by-side: where Spokenly differs
| Feature | Spokenly | VoiceInk |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free, Pro $9.99/mo | $25 to $49 one-time |
| Free tier | Unlimited local + BYOK | 7-day trial, then paid |
| Cloud transcription | Yes, BYOK or Pro | No, on-device only |
| MCP for AI agents | Yes | No |
| Agent mode | Yes | No |
| File transcription | Yes | No |
| Speaker diarization | Yes | No |
| Custom vocabulary | Yes, Dictionary | Yes |
| App detection | Yes, App Focus | Yes, Power Mode |
| Open source | No | Yes, GPLv3 |
How to switch from VoiceInk in 5 minutes
- 1Download Spokenly from spokenly.app/download. It is free, with no trial clock.
- 2Open Settings and pick a model. Local Parakeet or Whisper are free and run offline, or add your own API key for free cloud transcription.
- 3Set your dictation shortcut. Most users pick Right Option or Fn.
- 4Recreate your VoiceInk modes as Spokenly modes with AI Instructions. Each takes about a minute.
- 5Optional: paste your OpenAI, Deepgram, or Groq key in BYOK Settings, and enable the MCP server for Claude Code or Cursor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best VoiceInk alternative?
Spokenly is the best VoiceInk alternative if you want an official app for Mac, Windows, Linux, and iPhone with local models, BYOK cloud transcription, file transcription, MCP for AI coding agents, and Agent mode.
Are Voice Ink and ink voice the same as VoiceInk?
Yes. VoiceInk is the app name. People sometimes type it as Voice Ink or ink voice, but the Mac and iPhone dictation app is VoiceInk.
Is Spokenly really free if VoiceInk is a one-time purchase?
Yes. Spokenly is free with local models and bring-your-own API keys, with no purchase and no limits. The official VoiceInk build costs $25 to $49. It is open source, so a technical user can compile it for free, but that takes setup Spokenly does not require.
I already paid for VoiceInk. Is it worth switching?
Keep VoiceInk if you like it. Spokenly adds what it cannot do: MCP for AI coding agents, agent mode, file transcription with SRT and VTT, an iOS keyboard, and Intel Mac support, all free to run. Many people use both, then settle on Spokenly.
Does Spokenly work offline like VoiceInk?
Yes. With local Parakeet or Whisper models, transcription happens on Mac, Windows, Linux, and iPhone, and no audio leaves the device.
Is VoiceInk still a good choice?
For the right person, yes. VoiceInk is open source under GPLv3, has Power Mode that also keys off the browser URL, and a one-time price. If those matter most to you, it is a strong pick.
Does Spokenly run on Intel Macs?
Yes, with cloud models. VoiceInk requires Apple Silicon. Local models on Spokenly also need Apple Silicon, but Intel users can use BYOK or Pro cloud transcription.
Which is better for developers?
Spokenly is better for developers. Its MCP server lets AI coding agents like Claude Code and Cursor receive voice input directly, and bash hooks automate pre and post processing. VoiceInk has a Code mode but no MCP integration.
Ready to try Spokenly?
Free to use with local models. No account required.
Download SpokenlyOther alternatives
This page is published by Spokenly. Pricing reflects publicly available information at the time of writing. Learn more about VoiceInk on their official site.