Head-to-head · AI Voice Dictation Software
Spokenly vs Handy
Spokenly leads on 0 checks, Handy on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreSpokenly · 7.8/10
- Free planboth
Spokenly scores higher on our rubric for ai voice dictation software: 7.8 against 7.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #8.
Spokenly is the better fit for offline dictation across desktop platforms. Handy is the better fit for free open-source offline desktop dictation.
- Spokenly fits best
Offline dictation across desktop platforms
- Handy fits best
Free open-source offline desktop dictation
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Side by side
| Feature | Spokenly 7.8/10 Visit ↗ | Handy 7.6/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 7.8 | 7.6 |
| Ranking | #6 in AI Voice Dictation Software | #8 in AI Voice Dictation Software |
| Best for | Offline dictation across desktop platforms | Free open-source offline desktop dictation |
| Pricing model | Free plan + paid | Free |
| Starting price | $8.33/user/mo | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop, Mobile | Desktop |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| Support | Email, Community, Docs | Email, Community |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Solo, Small business |
| Features Spokenly 3/4 · Handy 3/4 | ||
| Offline dictation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Custom vocabulary | ✓ | ✓ |
| Audio file import | Not checked yet | — |
| System-wide dictation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Included minutes | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Supported languages | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Spokenly converts speech into text directly in the active application on macOS, iPhone, Windows, and Linux. It suits individuals and small teams that want system-wide dictation, especially when offline operation or control over… Read the review → |
Handy is a free, open-source desktop dictation application for people who want to speak text into Windows, macOS, or Linux apps. A keyboard shortcut or push-to-talk recording starts dictation, and Handy pastes the resulting transcription… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Spokenly — where it wins
- Unlimited offline Whisper and Parakeet transcription
- System-wide input works in the active app across four platforms
- Custom vocabulary, AI instructions, and Mac meeting transcription
Where it doesn't
- Managed cloud models and text polishing require Pro
- Custom dictionaries depend on supported models
- Meeting recording and transcription are limited to Mac
Handy — where it wins
- Transcribes speech on-device and works offline.
- Push-to-talk and keyboard shortcuts send text to the active app.
- Custom-word corrections and selectable speech models support tailored dictation.
Where it doesn't
- Desktop-only; there is no mobile deployment.
- Does not import audio files for transcription.
- Optional AI post-processing may involve a cloud provider.
- Spokenly7.8/10 · Free plan
A flexible dictation app with unlimited offline models and optional managed cloud features.
Visit SpokenlyFull verdict → - Handy7.6/10 · Free plan
Handy brings offline dictation and active-app text insertion to Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Visit HandyFull verdict →
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All AI voice dictation software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update




