The Spokenly Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about Spokenly in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
Spokenly
The Insider’s Guide
Dictation app with free local models and optional cloud accuracy
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among voice dictation apps, read from Spokenly’s own pages.
Made by Vadim Ahmerov · checked Oct 5, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from Spokenly’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on Spokenly’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Oct 5, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
3.0
GPA, above 20 of the 27 other voice dictation apps we grade
Spokenly is a dictation app for Mac, Windows, Linux and iPhone: hold a shortcut, speak, and the text appears at the cursor in any app. On-device Whisper and Parakeet models are free with no limits or account, and cloud transcription can be added either with your own provider API keys or through the Pro subscription. On Mac it also records meetings without a bot and can run voice-controlled automations.
To get you started, here are 9 things to know about Spokenly, taken from its own pages and our grades.
No App Store rating on record for it, but the local route needs no account at all: install, hold the shortcut, talk.
- 1
Best for free offline dictation, with cloud if you want it
Spokenly gives you unlimited dictation with models that run on your device and no account to make, and you can bring your own API keys for cloud models.
- 2
Paid plans start at $8.33 a month
As its pricing page puts it: $8.33 per month, billed yearly at $99.99 ($9.99 billed monthly).
- 3
There is a free plan
On-device Whisper and Parakeet models are free with no word caps, time limit or account. Connecting your own provider API keys is also free of Spokenly charges.
- 4
It runs on 4 platforms
macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS.
- 5
Dictation in any app
Hold a shortcut, speak and release, and the text is typed wherever the cursor is, in 100+ languages with automatic detection. On iPhone it works through a custom keyboard.
- 6
Free local models
Whisper and Parakeet models run on the device at no cost and with no usage limits. Local Only Mode blocks network requests so audio stays on the machine.
- 7
Cloud models, your keys or Pro
Use cloud engines by connecting your own keys from providers such as OpenAI, Deepgram and Groq, or subscribe to Pro for managed models like GPT-4o Transcribe, Deepgram Nova 3 and Soniox.
- 8
A 3.0 GPA, above 20 of 27
That is against the other voice dictation apps we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 9
Keep it
To replace Spokenly you would be making dictation that types into any app on your computer. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
Spokenly at a glance
- Pricing
- Free plan, from $8.33 per month, billed yearly at $99.99 ($9.99 billed monthly)
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS
- Made by
- Vadim Ahmerov
- Category
- Voice Dictation
- Our grade
- 3.0 GPA, very good
The report card
Best for free offline dictation, with cloud if you want it
Spokenly gives you unlimited dictation with models that run on your device and no account to make, and you can bring your own API keys for cloud models. But without Pro at $8.33 a month you set up and pay for those keys yourself, there's no Android app, only a waitlist, and the meeting recorder, voice automations and MCP server are Mac only.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | C | Pro is $8.33 a month billed yearly, so $99.99, or $9.99 month to month. That $8.33 is exactly the middle price in this category, and what it buys is mostly the convenience of not wiring up API keys. |
| Free plan and trial | A | The on-device Whisper and Parakeet models are free with no word caps, no time limit and no account. Plugging in your own provider keys costs nothing from Spokenly either. You could stay free for good. |
| Features | B | Hold a shortcut and it types at the cursor in 100+ languages, with Modes and AI Instructions fixing grammar and dropping filler to suit the app. The dictation job is covered end to end; the meeting recorder, Agentic Actions and MCP server are Mac-only extras. |
| Ease of use | B | No App Store rating on record for it, but the local route needs no account at all: install, hold the shortcut, talk. Cloud without Pro means sorting out your own API keys first. |
| Platforms and integrations | B | Mac, Windows, Linux and iPhone, where it works through a custom keyboard, plus keys for OpenAI, Deepgram, Groq and Ollama. Computer and phone, but no web app and no Android, only a waitlist. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
Who Spokenly is for
- Fits if you want unlimited dictation that works with no connection
- Works for people who already pay for OpenAI, Deepgram or Groq keys and want to use them for dictation
Who it is not for
- Skip it if you're on Android, because there's only a waitlist
- Not for you if you want meeting recording on Windows or Linux, as that's a Mac feature
- Pricey if you pay month to month just for clean-up, at $9.99 when your own LLM key would do it
- Watch out: without Pro, cloud models need your own API keys and the provider bills you for usage
- Watch out: the MCP server ships only in the macOS sideload build, and Team pricing needs at least 2 seats
Good to know
Good for
- People who want unlimited free dictation that runs offline
- Users who already pay for speech or LLM API keys
- Developers who talk to coding agents on a Mac
Worth knowing
- Without Pro, cloud models need your own provider API keys, and the provider bills you for usage.
- Meeting recording, Agentic Actions and the MCP server are Mac features; the MCP server ships only in the macOS sideload build.
- There is no Android app; the site offers a waitlist.
- The Team price needs at least 2 seats.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
$8.33
A month to start. There is a free plan too
Spokenly has a free plan. Paid plans start at $8.33 per month, billed yearly at $99.99 ($9.99 billed monthly).
The on-device Whisper and Parakeet models are free with no word caps, no time limit and no account.
Local Models
$0
Unlimited offline dictation with on-device Whisper and Parakeet models. No account needed.
Your API Keys
$0
All local features plus cloud and real-time transcription through your own OpenAI, Deepgram, Groq or other keys. The provider bills usage.
Pro
$8.33
per month, billed yearly ($99.99), or $9.99 billed monthly
Managed high-accuracy cloud models, hosted AI text cleanup, settings sync across devices and priority support, with no API keys to set up.
Team
$6.99
per seat / month, or $69.99 per seat / year
Full Pro for each member on one subscription, 2-seat minimum. Shown as a permanent 30% off the $9.99 and $99.99 Pro prices.
The free plan
On-device Whisper and Parakeet models are free with no word caps, time limit or account. Connecting your own provider API keys is also free of Spokenly charges.
Read from spokenly.app on Oct 5, 2026.
Ways to pay less
Annual discount
2 months free with yearly billing
Pro costs $99.99 a year against $9.99 a month, which the pricing page describes as 2 months free.
Stated on spokenly.appEducation
50% off Pro for students
Verified students get 50% off Pro by signing in with an academic email address and contacting support to claim it.
Stated on spokenly.appOther savings
30% off Pro for teams of 2 or more
Team seats cost $6.99 a month or $69.99 a year each, 30% below the individual Pro price for the life of the subscription. The minimum is 2 seats.
Stated on spokenly.app
What the app costs elsewhere
Each country’s App Store price for “Pro Monthly”, against $9.99 in the United States, in dollars at the day’s rate. The four cheapest and the four dearest of 11.
| Country | Price there | In dollars | Against the US |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $12.99 | $9.13 | 9% less |
| Indonesia | Rp 169ribu | $9.45 | 5% less |
| Philippines | ₱ 599.00 | $9.54 | about the same |
| Turkey | ₺499,99 | $10.17 | about the same |
| Brazil | R$ 59,90 | $11.97 | 20% more |
| South Africa | R199.99 | $12.10 | 21% more |
| United Kingdom | £9.99 | $13.21 | 32% more |
| Mexico | $245.00 | $13.46 | 35% more |
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
4
Places it runs: macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS
Dictation app with free local models and optional cloud accuracy. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: works offline, AI features, transcription, dictation.
The dictation job is covered end to end; the meeting recorder, Agentic Actions and MCP server are Mac-only extras.
- Dictation in any app
- Hold a shortcut, speak and release, and the text is typed wherever the cursor is, in 100+ languages with automatic detection. On iPhone it works through a custom keyboard.
- Free local models
- Whisper and Parakeet models run on the device at no cost and with no usage limits. Local Only Mode blocks network requests so audio stays on the machine.
- Cloud models, your keys or Pro
- Use cloud engines by connecting your own keys from providers such as OpenAI, Deepgram and Groq, or subscribe to Pro for managed models like GPT-4o Transcribe, Deepgram Nova 3 and Soniox.
- AI Instructions and modes
- Modes with AI Instructions fix grammar, remove filler words and format text for the app in use. Pro hosts this processing; otherwise it runs on your own LLM key or Apple Intelligence.
- Meeting recording on Mac
- Records the microphone and system audio without a bot joining the call, saves the recording to History, and transcribes it afterward with a local or cloud model.
- Voice input for coding agents
- The macOS sideload build includes an MCP server so Claude Code, Codex and Cursor can ask for spoken answers, plus Agentic Actions for voice-controlled Mac automation.
Where it runs
- macOS
- Windows
- Linux
- iOS
What it works with
- Claude Code
- Codex
- Cursor
- OpenAI
- Deepgram
- Groq
- ElevenLabs
- Ollama
Spokenly is made by Vadim Ahmerov.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
20/27
Other voice dictation apps it is graded above
Spokenly's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 20 of the 27 other voice dictation apps we grade, and level with 5.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 16 of 27) and worst on value for money (C, above 6).
Its paid plans start at $8.33 a month, against a middle price of $8 for the category: 10 of the 16 others that charge start lower.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 3.0 out of 4. 1 tool scores higher and costs less.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 28 voice dictation apps we grade, cut by the letter each got. Spokenly’s own letter is outlined.
- CValue for moneyAbove 6 of 27
- AFree plan and trialAbove 16 of 27
- BFeaturesAbove 11 of 27
- BEase of useAbove 7 of 27
- BPlatforms and integrationsAbove 18 of 27
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 22 voice dictation apps. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Spokenly is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
Keep it
To replace Spokenly you would be making dictation that types into any app on your computer. That is not a weekend's work, with an AI app builder or without one.
It is one of the better ones too: its GPA of 3.0 is higher than 20 of the 27 other voice dictation apps we grade. It costs $99.96 a year.
What you could not
- Dictation that types into any app on your computer.
- Speech turned into text you can trust.
- Apps for macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS that stay in step with each other.
- It plugs into other products, Claude Code, Codex and Cursor among them.
- AI features, unless you pay a model provider for each request yourself.
- The depth: we grade its features B, which means it covers the whole job.
What this rests on. Spokenly’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
Superwhisper, VoiceInk, Wispr Flow, Handy and MacWhisper
The 5 tools Spokenly is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.8GPA
Superwhisper
Free plan · from $8.49/mo
Voice-to-text app with offline models and custom AI modes.
- Only Spokenly lists a Linux app.
- Only Superwhisper lists an Android app.
- Superwhisper can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 2.8GPA
VoiceInk
Free trial · from $25 one-time
Open-source Mac dictation with local models and a one-time price.
- Spokenly has a free plan. VoiceInk does not, though it has a free trial.
- Only Spokenly lists Windows and Linux apps.
- VoiceInk is open source, according to its own site.
- 2.8GPA
Wispr Flow
Free plan · from $12/mo
Voice dictation that cleans up your speech in any app.
- Only Spokenly lists a Linux app.
- Only Wispr Flow lists an Android app.
- Wispr Flow also covers meeting notes and text expansion.
- 3.0GPA
Handy
Free
Free, open-source offline speech-to-text for desktop.
- Only Spokenly lists an iOS app.
- Handy is open source, according to its own site.
- Spokenly also covers transcription.
- 3.0GPA
MacWhisper
Free plan · from €65 one-time
Mac transcription and dictation app that runs models locally.
- Only Spokenly lists Windows, Linux and iOS apps.
- MacWhisper can be bought with a one-time purchase.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
14
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is Spokenly free?
Spokenly has a free plan. On-device Whisper and Parakeet models are free with no word caps, time limit or account.
How much does Spokenly cost?
Spokenly lists 4 plans. Local Models: $0.
What platforms does Spokenly work on?
Spokenly is available on macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS.
Does Spokenly offer any discounts?
Spokenly publicly lists the following: 2 months free with yearly billing; 50% off Pro for students; 30% off Pro for teams of 2 or more.
Does Spokenly have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Oct 5, 2026. Spokenly is listed for macOS, Windows, Linux and iOS.
Is Spokenly open source?
Spokenly is not described as open source on its own site, as read on Oct 5, 2026.
Does Spokenly work offline?
Yes, according to its own site. What works without a connection differs by plan and platform, so check the vendor's page for the detail.
What does Spokenly integrate with?
Spokenly's listing names Claude Code, Codex, Cursor, OpenAI, Deepgram, Groq, ElevenLabs and Ollama.
Does Spokenly have a student discount?
50% off Pro for students. Verified students get 50% off Pro by signing in with an academic email address and contacting support to claim it.
Who makes Spokenly?
Spokenly is made by Vadim Ahmerov.
What are the alternatives to Spokenly?
The closest alternatives to Spokenly in our directory are Superwhisper, VoiceInk, Wispr Flow, Handy and MacWhisper.
How does Spokenly compare with other voice dictation apps?
Spokenly's GPA of 3.0 is higher than 20 of the 27 other voice dictation apps we grade, and level with 5.
Is Spokenly good value for money?
ToolGPA grades Spokenly C for value for money. Its paid plans start at $8.33 a month, against a middle price of $8 for the category: 10 of the 16 others that charge start lower.
Could I make my own version of Spokenly?
To replace Spokenly you would be making dictation that types into any app on your computer.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from Spokenly’s own pages on Oct 5, 2026, and the grades were given on Oct 10, 2026. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from Spokenly's own pages on 5 October 2026. Also tested with a demo account on 2026-09-13.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by Vadim Ahmerov. Prices change, so check spokenly.app before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
3,189
Tools graded, in 94 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
3,189
tools graded
94
categories
426
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- Spokenly, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/spokenly
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "Spokenly: The Insider's Guide", checked Oct 5, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/spokenly
Know someone choosing between voice dictation apps?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/spokenly/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded voice dictation apps after Spokenly, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Voice Dictation Insider's GuideEvery one of the 28 voice dictation apps we grade, compared
- OpenWhispr Insider's GuideOpen-source dictation with free local models and meeting notes3.2 GPA
- TypeWhisper Insider's GuideOpen-source dictation with local engines for Mac, Windows and iOS3.2 GPA
- FluidVoice Insider's GuideFree, open-source on-device dictation for macOS3.0 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what Spokenly’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Spokenly is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by Vadim Ahmerov. Prices and plans change: check spokenly.app before you buy.