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Top 5 MacOS Voice-To-Text Software You Should Try

Liza Brown
Liza Brown Originally published Jul 12, 24, updated Aug 29, 24

Doubtlessly, you can do a lot of things with your Mac. That’s a given. From menial tasks to complex procedures, this Apple device surely has a lot to offer to you. One of the many procedures you can try to facilitate on your Mac is the conversion of speech to text. Yes. It is indeed capable of executing such operations with the aid of a MacOS voice-to-text software. Don’t worry. It’s a piece of cake. All you have to do on your end is prepare the voice input and run it into the platform. In a minute or two, transcription will be immediately generated and become available for export. Yes. It’s just as simple as that.

It is true that there are many voice-to-text software for Mac. You can easily find them as you go online and browse the internet. However, keep in mind that these tools are different in terms of function and features. Each of them has something special to offer to users. That’s why you should thoroughly assess the tools at your disposal. Choose the best MacOS voice-to-text software that works best in your current situation.

In this article, we will provide some useful tips on how to use the MacOS voice-to-text software properly. We will also list down the five best voice-to-text software for Mac. Continue reading below to learn more.

In this article
    1. Use your natural accent when dictating inputs.
    2. Pronounce the world clearly.
    3. Check out the available voice commands and take advantage of them.
    4. Monitor the transcription and spot potential errors.
    5. Make sure that your microphone is working properly.
    1. MacOS Dictation
    2. Whisper Transcription
    3. Transcribe
    4. Dictation
    5. Voice Pen

Important Tips to Remember When Using MacOS Voice-To-Text Software

There is no denying that the voice-to-text software for Mac is powerful. They are equipped with high-performing AI features that allow you to convert speech to text quickly and accurately. However, it’s still important to point out that the effectiveness of these tools doesn’t rely solely on their respective capabilities. The users also have a fair share of responsibility in this regard. To get promising results, you must be able to provide high-quality voice inputs. Otherwise, the MacOS voice-to-text software will find it hard to process your voice and produce transcription out of it. Don’t worry. There are some tips you can take into account when using this kind of tool. Check them out from the list below. Read each item very carefully and keep them in your mind.

laptop voice to text

Use your natural accent when dictating inputs.

The majority of MacOS voice-to-text tools allow users to specify their spoken language and accent. Once enabled, you don’t need to speak the language you are not comfortable to use. You can talk freely in your native language, so that unnecessary complications will be avoided on your end. Just make sure that the required configurations related to this matter have been made before you initiate the actual conversion.

Pronounce the world clearly.

Take note that the MacOS voice-to-text tool relies heavily on your spoken inputs. It converts the exact words you provide to the platform. That’s why you must pronounce every word clearly. Enunciate the terms very well. If you’re not sure how to say a particular word, research it first before you proceed. This way, you can ensure not only the quality but also the accuracy of the transcription you’re about to generate.

Check out the available voice commands and take advantage of them.

Some voice-to-text software for Mac is capable of recognizing and executing voice commands. Yes. You can make changes to the transcription by simply commanding the tool what to do. For instance, you may ask it to insert period, comma, and other punctuation marks. Another thing, the voice command may also allow you to delete certain parts from the document hands-free. That’s why you should not forget to check out this aspect when choosing the best voice-to-text software for Mac. One way or another, it can really help you make your conversion tasks more convenient and efficient.

convert speech to text

Monitor the transcription and spot potential errors.

Of course, it’s fair to say that the MacOS voice-to-text tools are still far from perfect. They can make mistakes in the process and degrade the quality of their outputs. That’s inevitable. Therefore, you must monitor the generated transcription while you dictate the input. Check it for potential errors or discrepancies. If you spot one, don’t hesitate to revise it immediately. Big or small, such an oversight might become a problem later on if left uncorrected. So it’s best to save yourself the hassle. Get rid of them as soon as possible.

Make sure that your microphone is working properly.

It probably needs no further explanation as to why a perfectly working microphone is important in this regard. Of course, it’s absolutely required if you want to capture voice inputs very well. Your flawless enunciation will be deemed useless if you’re using a faulty microphone. That’s why you should not forget to take it into consideration. Don’t worry. You will not have a hard time finding the perfect microphone for you. Just make sure that it is compatible with your Mac in order to use it on the MacOS voice-to-text tool.

5 Best Voice-To-Text Software For Mac

Let’s say you finally decide to use the MacOS voice-to-text software to convert speech to text. That’s really great. Now, what is the best voice-to-text software for Mac that you should use? Well, there is no definite answer to that particular question because the needs of the users differ from one another. It’s totally up to you. To get you started, listed below are the top five best voice-to-text software for Mac. Read the descriptions very well and evaluate the indicated tools based on your preferences.

MacOS Dictation

macos dictation

The first MacOS voice-to-text tool on the list is MacOS Dictation. It is generally a built-in feature on Mac computers that allows users to use voice for typing. If you don’t need advanced speech-to-text features, MacOS Dictation can already do a lot for you. Just set it up on your device and take advantage of the benefits it has to offer. Do you want to know more about its special features? If so, check out the list below. Find out if MacOS Dictation is the best MacOS voice-to-text tool that fits your needs and preferences.

Key Features

  • MacOS Dictation is a default computer feature. That means you don’t need any other external app to install and use it on your end. Once enabled, you can easily access this tool on your Mac and start typing using your voice. Another thing, you can also be sure that MacOS Dictation is reliable as it’s an original program designed by Apple. As you know, Apple’s software and system are among the best in the whole world.
  • MacOS Dictation is free of charge. It’s a built-in feature on Mac computers. You don’t have to pay for anything just to access and make use of this specific feature. However, take note that this MacOS voice-to-text tool is not as advanced as other options out there. If you’re going to use such features for highly complex purposes, it’s best to consider other voice-to-text software for Mac. One of them can be a great fit not only to your personal preferences but also to your needs.
  • MacOS Dictation offers a few customization settings you can configure for your own convenience. Among them is the language menu. From here, you can recalibrate the default spoken language and replace it with another option you prefer. If you want to activate this MacOS voice-to-text tool more conveniently, you can assign a specific keyboard shortcut. Just find the shortcut setting from the same menu and nominate your preferred combination. Make sure that the shortcut keys you’re about to register are unique and have not been used for other functions.

Whisper Transcription

whisper transcription

The next MacOS voice-to-text software is Whisper Transcription. It’s basically an AI tool that can help you convert speech to text and generate transcriptions from audio files. Like the other similar software, the procedure is very simple. All you have to do is run the voice recordings into the platform and wait for the result. In a minute or two, it will become available on your end for export and download. Do you want to know more about this voice-to-text software for Mac? If so, here’s the list of its outstanding conversion features. Check the indicated items and see if Whisper Transcription is the best MacOS voice-to-text tool for you.

Key Features

  • Aside from English, Whisper Transcription also supports other languages from different parts of the world. So long as your preferred language is listed as an option, you can easily change it on the platform. Just make sure to calibrate this setting beforehand to avoid complications in the process.
  • Whisper Transcription allows users to edit and finalize the transcriptions generated from the platform. For instance, you may delete certain parts of the text if you think it is not needed. On the same note, you may also revise them if the conversion yields different results than expected. You can do this procedure within this MacOS voice-to-text platform. No need to open another software on your computer for it.
  • Whisper Transcription is among the fastest voice-to-text software for Mac computers out there. Depending on the length of the voice recording, it can complete the conversion process within a few seconds. Don’t worry. The speed of the speech-to-text conversion on this platform doesn’t affect the quality of the output. You can be sure that the transcription is accurate and precise regardless of how fast it completes the generation of the output.
  • As for compatible file types, Whisper Transcription supports a variety of them. You may upload and run voice recordings in MP3, WAV, M4A, MOVV, OGG, and OPUS. No need for audio format conversion as this MacOS voice-to-text tool is compatible with almost all of them.
  • Whisper Transcriptions provides a handful of options for file export. If you want to use the transcription as subtitles, you can download it as SRT or VTT. On the one hand, you may also export the transcription to a Word, PDF, or HTML file.

Transcribe

transcribe app

The third voice-to-text software for Mac is Transcribe. Generally, it works like the other MacOS voice-to-text transcription tools out there. You can use Transcribe to run various media files and transform them into text. No need to listen to long voice memos or extensive video recordings and type in the transcription manually. This tool can absolutely help you accomplish such tasks within seconds or minutes. Amazing, right? Do you want to know more about Transcribe? If so, check out the discussion below for additional information.

Key Features

  • Transcribe is capable of reading at least 120 languages and dialects from different parts of the world. You just need to set it up on the platform before you initiate the actual conversion process. Don’t worry. All it takes is just a few clicks.
  • Aside from directly uploading the audio file from your computer, you may also get it from other sources like DropBox. You just need to log in to your account and then grant the necessary permission. Once done, you can now access your Cloud storage and copy the audio file from there.
  • Transcribe does not feed intrusive advertisements on the platform. Does it make a difference if a certain tool is ads-free? Of course, it does. Intrusive ads around the platform often cause distractions and confusion. That’s why Transcibe is deemed a great option if you don’t want to deal with this kind of scenario.
  • Transcribe provides various methods of file export. You may copy the text directly from the platform and paste it somewhere else. Meanwhile, you may get a paid subscription if you want to download the file directly as TXT, PDF, DOCX, etc.

Dictation

dictation app

Another MacOS voice-to-text tool you can try is Dictation. In a nutshell, we can say that Dictation is a more advanced counterpart of MacOS Dictation. If you’re in need of more professional dictation and transcribing features, then you can try Dictation. It can help you a lot, for sure. To know more about this voice-to-text software for Mac, read the discussion provided below.

Key Features

  • Dictation supports at least 40 languages for dictation and translation. Yes. Aside from converting your speech to text, you can also translate the converted text afterward to another language. No need to use an external application to do the translation. Just set it up on the Dictation platform and configure the necessary adjustments on your end.
  • The transcriptions and other files you use on the Dictation software are accessible via the Files app. If you cannot find a particular item on the platform, you may try to explore its Files app folder. It’s a lot easier to locate the missing file from there because the resources are consolidated in specifically labeled folders.
  • Dictation has a Share button feature. That means you can easily export the dictated text to another application on your Mac computer. For instance, you may share the transcription on Facebook, WhatsApp, Email, and many others. All you have to do on your end is select the target app and configure the necessary permission settings. Once done, you can now transfer files with ease and convenience.

Voice Pen

voice pen

The last MacOS voice-to-text tool on the list is Voice Pen. It is capable of recording and transforming your voice into various forms of text, such as notes, emails, summaries, etc. If you have the voice recording ready, you may also upload it to the platform for conversion. Yes. It’s just as simple as that to use Voice Pen for your conversion needs. That’s why it’s indeed a great choice if you want to save yourself the hassle of speech-to-text conversion. Do you want to know more about this voice-to-text software for Mac? If so, check out the list of key features below and read the indicated items very carefully.

Key Features

  • Voice Pen has a special AI tool that helps users improve the quality of the generated text. You may use the Rewrite With AI feature to correct technical slip-ups and make the transcription sound more fluent.
  • Voice Pen has an allocated space within the platform in case you wish to store the files there. You can use it for as long as you want until you decide to share it with other platforms. Speaking of which, you’re also given the option to share the transcriptions and other files outside the Voice Pen app. Just use the Share feature and select the specific app where you want to transfer the files.
  • Voice Pen supports over 50 languages from different parts of the world. Among them are Afrikaans, Czech, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, and many others. Just choose your preferred option and set it up on the platform beforehand.

BONUS TIP: Use Speech-To-Text on Your Video Projects With Wondershare Filmora

The speech-to-text technology can also be so helpful for video editing. How so? Well, content creators can use it to generate subtitles and captions more conveniently. Yes. Video editing software like Wondershare Filmora is now equipped with this kind of feature. No need to use a separate MacOS voice-to-text tool because you can facilitate the conversion within Wondershare Filmora. Do you want to know how to use it? Here’s a short guide for you.

Step 1: Download and install Wondershare Filmora on your computer. Launch it on your desktop afterward.

Step 2: Once it fully loads up, click on New Project to start editing or open an existing session from the Recent Projects section.

Step 3: Navigate to the timeline panel and then select the audio file you want to convert into text. After that, click Tools on the top menu bar and then tap on Audio. From there, select Speech-To-Text among the given options.

filmora speech to text

Step 4: The parameter settings will be displayed on your computer screen afterward. Check them out and adjust certain items according to your liking. Once done, click OK. The conversion will be facilitated immediately. Regarding the output, it will be automatically placed above or below the selected audio file after the process is completed.

parameter settings
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Conclusion

Mac computers can definitely help you if you need to convert speech to text. All you have to do is select and use your preferred voice-to-text software for Mac. For sure, it can assist you all the way. If you need such functions for your video editing projects, Wondershare Filmora has a lot to offer to you. It has a built-in speech-to-text technology that lets you convert audio files into text-based assets. Download it on your computer and take advantage of its useful benefits.

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Liza Brown
Liza Brown Aug 29, 24
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