TongueType

Freemium#21 of 23 in Ai Dictation Apps

TongueType: A focused Mac dictation app with local Whisper transcription and a one-time Pro option. Ranked #21 of 23 in Ai Dictation Apps by our editors (6.7/10); pricing: Free plan; best for mac users wanting inexpensive offline Whisper dictation.

6.7/10Editor score

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TongueType6.7 Visit TongueType

At a glance

Editor score
6.7 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Mac users wanting inexpensive offline Whisper dictation
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
$19.99 one-time
Offline dictation
Yes
Facts checked
24 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Runs Whisper transcription on-device after model download, without internet
- Pro adds unlimited dictation and full-length file transcription for $19.99 once
- Hotkeys, hands-free latching, and custom postprocessing rules support flexible dictation
Where it doesn't
- Works only on macOS 14 or later and Apple Silicon
- Supports 12 transcription languages
- Free use has monthly dictation and file-transcription limits

Our verdict on TongueType

TongueType turns speech into text on macOS, inserting the result at the cursor or copying it to the clipboard. It is aimed at Mac users who want local Whisper dictation, including solo users and small teams that do not need a shared service. The app requires macOS 14 or later and Apple Silicon. Its focus is desktop dictation and file transcription rather than live meeting recording; imported meeting recordings can be transcribed, but live meeting capture is not described.

Dictation can start with a configurable hold-to-record hotkey, while double-tap-to-latch supports longer hands-free recordings. TongueType detects the language automatically across its supported transcription languages and can transcribe audio and video files, including WAV, MP3, MP4, and MOV. After the Whisper model is downloaded, transcription runs on-device without an internet connection. Postprocessing rules can replace spoken phrases, handle cancellations, and manage symbols. Text can be delivered to the cursor or clipboard, and preferences sync through iCloud. That makes the app a fit for people who want control over a personal dictation workflow, but it is not presented as a meeting-recording or AI rewriting tool.

The Free plan includes all features with monthly limits on dictation and file transcription. According to the vendor's plan details, Pro costs $19.99 as a one-time purchase and removes those limits; it also includes unlimited dictation, full-length file transcription, and a license for up to 5 Macs. This is a straightforward price structure for an individual choosing between limited use and unrestricted transcription. The trade-off is narrow platform coverage: Windows users and people who need a broader language selection should look elsewhere. For Mac users seeking offline dictation and occasional or ongoing file transcription without a subscription, TongueType is a focused option.

Questions about TongueType

Does TongueType have a free plan? Yes, there is a free plan.

What does TongueType run on? macOS. It runs as a desktop app.

Who is TongueType built for? Solo users and small businesses (our editorial estimate).

Your product? Our editors can test TongueType in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

TongueType pricing

Plans Free planFreemium A usable free plan; paid tiers unlock the limits above. Prices checked 24 Sep 2026.

See plans on tonguetype.app

All 2 TongueType plans and prices →

TongueType fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	$19.99 one-time
Supported platforms	macOS
Transcription languages	12 languages
Offline dictation	Yes
Custom vocabulary	Not verified
AI rewrite tools	No
Voice commands	Yes
Meeting recording	No
Deployment	Desktop
Platforms	macOS
Support	Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan (source)
Website	tonguetype.app
Facts checked	24 Sep 2026

Alternatives to TongueType

See all TongueType alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

TongueType is listed in our Ai Dictation Apps directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Nov 2026

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Last updated 14 Nov 2026 · How we research and update