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Head-to-head · AI Voice Dictation Software

Spokenly vs Handy

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 5 checks side by side
Higher score Spokenly #6 in AI Voice Dictation Software 7.8/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit Spokenly
Handy #8 in AI Voice Dictation Software 7.6/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 3 of 4 features Visit 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

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

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
  • 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
  • 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.
Cons
  • Managed cloud models and text polishing require Pro
  • Custom dictionaries depend on supported models
  • Meeting recording and transcription are limited to Mac
  • Desktop-only; there is no mobile deployment.
  • Does not import audio files for transcription.
  • Optional AI post-processing may involve a cloud provider.
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 →
  1. SpokenlyAI Voice Dictation Software 7.8Free plan
  2. HandyAI Voice Dictation Software 7.6Free plan

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 →

More comparisons

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update