Ottex
Mac, iOSBest when: You want one tool for system-wide dictation, meeting recording, and finished written outcomes like follow-up emails, Linear tickets, CRM updates, PRDs, and docs
CHOOSE BY THE REASON AQUA VOICE NO LONGER FITS.Every claim sourced · verified Aug 2026
Find the Aqua Voice alternative that fixes your actual constraint.
Aqua Voice is strong at polished system-wide dictation, but it stops at meetings, file transcription, and offline processing. Compare replacements by the constraint that matters to you.
What's pushing you to look? Pick one — the page reorders around it.
What actually differs, claim by claim.
Each section opens with the takeaway. The table underneath is the receipt — every cell carries its source and the date we checked it.
Pricing
FluidVoice wins on pure cost with free, unlimited local dictation. VoiceInk offers the cleanest low-cost ownership model at $25 once, while Ottex gives heavier users a choice between free local or BYOK use, $0.20-per-hour provider processing, and a $14 monthly plan.
See the evidence — 26 claims across 6 toolsverified Aug 2026Show tableHide table
| Ottex |  Aqua Voice |  VoiceInk | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free tier | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Forever free with local models and BYOK providers. | PartialSource: aquavoice.com/info — checked Jun 20261,000 free words, no card required | NoNo free plan | YesSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026The core app and local inference are free; optional cloud enhancement uses the user's provider key. | YesSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Free trial/download is advertised, but no public free allowance number was found. | PartialSource: granola.ai/pricing — checked Jun 202625 meetings/month |
| Subscription | $14/moSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026$14/mo — unlimited dictation and meeting intelligence, all hosted models included. | $8/moSource: aquavoice.com/info — checked Jun 2026FAQ says Pro is $8/month billed annually after the free words. | NoNo subscription plan | NoNo subscription plan | $5/moSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Prior notes list $60/year; public page states under $100 per year but no detailed pricing card was visible in fetched HTML. | $18/moSource: granola.ai/pricing — checked Jun 2026Business is $18 per member/month or $14 per member/month billed annually. |
| Pay-as-you-go / one-timeEscape the flat subscription | $0.2/hourSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Hosted models at cost: dictation ~$0.2/h, meetings ~$0.5/h (~$3/mo average). | NoSubscription only | $25 one-timeSource: tryvoiceink.com/buy — checked Jun 2026Lifetime of updates | NoSubscription only | NoSubscription only | NoSubscription only |
| Bring your own keyPay the model provider, not the middleman | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026OpenRouter, Google AI, OpenAI, Anthropic, Mistral, and compatible providers. | No public claim | YesSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Cloud and custom models may require adding the provider API key. | YesSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Users can supply OpenAI, Groq, or custom provider API credentials for optional enhancement. | YesSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026BYOK lets users use their own API key from providers like Groq for transcription. | No public claim |
| Education discount | NoSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Same pricing for everyone. | YesSource: aquavoice.com/info — checked Jun 2026Students with a .edu email get 70% off annual plans. | PartialSource: tryvoiceink.com/faq — checked Jun 2026Student discount is available by contacting the vendor with student ID; no public percentage is listed. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026No separate education discount is published because the product is free. | No public claim | No public claim |
Platforms
Dictation Daddy has the broadest practical dictation coverage across Mac, Windows, Android, and Chrome, although Chrome is an extension rather than a standalone web app. Wispr Flow also spans Mac, Windows, iOS, and a shipped Android beta, while VoiceInk is explicitly a native Apple-focused option. Implementation details are not established for most desktop products, so a download should not be assumed to be either native or Electron-based.
See the evidence — 10 claims across 6 toolsverified Aug 2026Show tableHide table
| Ottex | Aqua Voice | VoiceInk | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Mac, iOSSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026 | Mac, Windows, iOSSource: aquavoice.com/download — checked Jun 2026 | Mac, iOSSource: tryvoiceink.com/faq — checked Jun 2026 | MacSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Some platforms in beta/waitlist | Mac, Windows, AndroidSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026 | Mac, Windows, iOS, AndroidSource: granola.ai/download — checked Jun 2026 |
| Native app footprintLight on memory, instant to invoke | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Native Swift app, ~50MB RAM. | No public claim | YesSource: github.com/Beingpax — checked Jun 2026The GitHub README describes VoiceInk as a native macOS application. | PartialSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026The macOS app is native Swift while the Windows beta uses Flutter with native speech and input components. | YesSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026The site describes native Mac and Windows apps plus Android app and Chrome extension. | No public claim |
Meetings & team memory
Granola is the polished bot-free choice for team meeting memory, with 25 meetings per month on its free plan and recording through its apps rather than the web. Hyprnote is the privacy surprise: it captures mic and system audio without a bot, identifies speakers, and keeps recordings, transcripts, and notes on the Mac by default. Vowen covers both Mac and Windows with bot-free capture, five free meeting hours, and unlimited meeting notes under its $49 one-time Pro license.
See the evidence — 35 claims across 6 toolsverified Aug 2026Show tableHide table
| Ottex | Aqua Voice | VoiceInk | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meeting recordingThe call is captured at all | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026With speaker separation. | NoSource: aquavoice.com/info — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported | YesSource: help.granola.ai/article — checked Jun 2026Granola records and transcribes meetings without joining as a bot. |
| Bot-free captureNo "recording bot" joins your call | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026System-audio capture, no bot joins the call. | NoSource: aquavoice.com/info — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported | YesSource: granola.ai — checked Jun 2026Granola does not send a bot to meetings. |
| Speaker separation | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026 | NoSource: aquavoice.com/info — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported | No public claim |
| Calendar detection | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Calendar-based meeting detection. | NoSource: aquavoice.com/info — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported | YesSource: help.granola.ai/article — checked Jun 2026Granola surfaces calendar events and can start notes from upcoming meetings. |
| Cross-meeting search | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026 | NoSource: aquavoice.com/info — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported | YesSource: help.granola.ai/article — checked Jun 2026Ask Granola can answer across past meetings. |
| Shared team memory | PartialSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Public share links, not a full team workspace. | NoSource: aquavoice.com/info — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported | YesSource: granola.ai/pricing — checked Jun 2026Business workspaces include shared notes and folders for teams. |
From meeting to finished work
Ottex goes furthest beyond notes by turning meetings into follow-up emails, CRM updates, tickets, PRDs, and docs, with Pro at $14 per month. Granola is stronger for shared team memory, reusable prompts, decisions, action items, and polished follow-ups at $18 per seat monthly. Hedy is the specialist for live coaching and blind-spot alerts, with five free hours monthly or Pro at $12.99 per month.
See the evidence — 24 claims across 6 toolsverified Aug 2026Show tableHide table
| Ottex | Aqua Voice | VoiceInk | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decisions, owners, action itemsLeave the meeting with next steps clear | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Decisions with owners extracted. | NoSource: aquavoice.com/info — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported | YesSource: help.granola.ai/article — checked Jun 2026Granola can extract decisions from meetings through templates and AI notes. |
| Follow-up email draftedThe outcome is sent, not summarized | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Drafted from templates or your own. | NoSource: aquavoice.com/info — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported | YesSource: help.granola.ai/article — checked Jun 2026Recipes can generate follow-up emails from meetings. |
| CRM update / ticket draft | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Structured for the target app. | NoSource: aquavoice.com/info — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported | YesSource: help.granola.ai/article — checked Jun 2026Granola lists Attio as an integration for sending meeting notes to CRM records. |
| Your rough notes steer the result | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Rough notes and instructions steer the result. | NoSource: aquavoice.com/info — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported | YesSource: help.granola.ai/article — checked Jun 2026User notes are used to guide the generated meeting notes. |
Dictation & transcription AI
Aqua Voice uses its proprietary Avalon model server-side, supports 49 languages, and does not expose model selection. FluidVoice offers free local models with 99-language support, custom vocabulary, voice commands, and per-app prompts. Ottex is broader for Apple users, combining selectable local or BYOK paths with 100 languages, automatic detection, mixed-language speech, and per-app output rules.
See the evidence — 21 claims across 6 toolsverified Aug 2026Show tableHide table
| Ottex | Aqua Voice | VoiceInk | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engines | Cloud: Whisper, Gemini 3 Flash, Voxtral. Local: Whisper, Parakeet v3.Source: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Hosted routing, BYOK, or fully local. | Avalon proprietary speech modelSource: aquavoice.com/info — checked Jun 2026Aqua says it runs on its own Avalon speech model. | Local models, Groq, ElevenLabs, Deepgram, Parakeet, Gemini, Mistral, Soniox, custom OpenAI-compatible modelsSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026VoiceInk lists local, cloud, and custom transcription model options. | Nemotron Speech 3.5, Parakeet Flash, Parakeet TDT v3 and v2, Cohere Transcribe, Apple Speech, WhisperSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026The app publishes seven recognition-engine families with multiple variants. | Whisper, Soniox; BYOK providers like GroqSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026The FAQ names Whisper and Soniox and describes BYOK for providers like Groq. | No public claim |
| Local / on-device optionAudio never leaves the machine | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Whisper and Parakeet v3 run fully on-device. | NoSource: aquavoice.com/vs — checked Jun 2026Aqua requires an internet connection and processes audio server-side. | YesSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Local models run directly on the Mac without an internet connection. | YesSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Supported speech models run on the device after any required download. | No public claim | NoSource: help.granola.ai/article — checked Jun 2026Granola states it requires an internet connection to transcribe and generate notes. |
| Model selection per task | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Choose the model per task and per provider. | No public claim | YesSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Users can choose and set a default transcription model. | YesSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Users select among the supported recognition models during onboarding or in settings. | PartialSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026BYOK lets users choose an external provider, but no public per-model selector is documented. | No public claim |
| Languages & mixed speechWork that crosses languages mid-sentence | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026100+ languages · Mid-sentence language switching. | YesSource: aquavoice.com/guide — checked Jun 202649+ languages · Language guide says Aqua supports multilingual speakers. | No public claim | No public claim | No public claim | No public claim |
| Per-app output rules | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Per-app output rules: exact in AI chats, polished in email. | PartialSource: aquavoice.com/info — checked Jun 2026Aqua formats for the destination app, but no per-app rule editor is documented. | YesSource: tryvoiceink.com/features — checked Jun 2026Power Mode can automatically apply app or website-specific transcription and enhancement settings. | YesSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Different prompt sets can be assigned to different applications. | No public claim | NoSource: granola.ai — checked Jun 2026Not supported |
The short answerTry Ottex for free
OttexMac, iOS · Free tier · $14/mo · PAYG
Ottex is unusually broad for a young Mac/iOS-first tool: it turns dictation and meetings into emails, tickets, CRM updates, notes, and docs, but it is not the pick if you need Windows, Android, web, browser extension, or compliance paperwork.
Choose Ottex if
- You want one tool for system-wide dictation, meeting recording, and finished written outcomes like follow-up emails, Linear tickets, CRM updates, PRDs, and docs
- You want a real free path: unlimited local dictation, file transcription, and meetings on Mac with Whisper/Parakeet, or BYOK instead of a forced subscription
- You need multilingual dictation with 100+ languages, auto-detection, mixed-language speech, personal vocabulary, and per-app output rules
Look elsewhere if
- You need Windows, Android, Linux, web access, or a browser extension
- You need mature team infrastructure such as a shared workspace, API/webhooks, third-party note destinations, or assistant chat over transcripts today.
What a year actually costs at your volume.
Personal or team — switch tabs. Subscriptions are flat; usage-based pricing depends on how much you speak and meet.
0 h5 h10 h
0 h7.5 h15 h
Fill the gaps with:
Wispr FlowStudent$72/yrThis is discounted Flow Pro pricing for eligible students. · Unlimited dictations; paid-plan meeting allowance not numerically publishedOttexOttex Provider — PAYG$135/yrHosted models at cost: dictation ~$0.2/h, meetings ~$0.5/h (~$3/mo average).Wispr FlowFlow Pro$144/yrNotetaker is included at no extra cost but is being rolled out gradually. · Unlimited dictations; higher weekly meeting limit, exact number not publishedOttexSubscription - Pro$168/yr$14/mo — unlimited dictation and meeting intelligence, all hosted models included.Aqua VoicePro Annual+ Granola for meetings — $168/yr$264/yr$96 + $168FAQ says Pro is $8/month billed annually after the free words. · Unlimited use
SpokenlyPro+ Granola for meetings — $168/yr$268/yr$100 + $168The pricing page shows annual billing at $99.99 per year and references Pro cloud features. · High-accuracy cloud models; AI text processing; works out of the box; priority supportAqua VoicePro Monthly+ Granola for meetings — $168/yr$288/yr$120 + $168A vendor comparison page lists Pro at $10/month. · Unlimited useWispr FlowBusiness+ Granola for meetings — $168/yr$456/yr$288 + $168The published price is per seat, and some business-plan accounts may not have Notetaker access. · Unlimited dictations; Notetaker availability varies by business accountEstimates, not quotes. Striped bar segments are the cost of the second app you picked above to cover the gap — rankings use that combined total. PAYG uses hosted at-cost estimates ($0.2/h dictation, $0.5/h meetings); BYOK is estimated at about a third of that because you pay the model provider directly. Bring-your-own-key plans still pay the model provider per use. One-time licenses are amortized over 2 years. Subscriptions use published pricing, checked Aug 2026.
All 8 tools, one line each.
The honest one-liner we'd give a friend for each. Select 2–4 and compare them side by side.
Free tier · $14/mo · PAYG
Aqua Voice
Mac, Windows, iOSBest when: You want fast, system-wide voice dictation across Mac, Windows, or iOS for everyday writing.
VoiceInk
Mac, iOSBest when: You want native macOS dictation on Apple Silicon with local models that can run offline.
FluidVoice
MacBest when: You want free, unlimited local dictation without sending voice or transcripts to the vendor.
Dictation Daddy
Mac, Windows, AndroidBest when: You want one-key dictation into whatever app already has your cursor.
Granola
Mac, Windows, iOS, AndroidBest when: You want bot-free meeting capture that records from your mic and computer audio without joining calls.
Wispr Flow
Mac, Windows, iOSBest when: You want polished system-wide dictation across macOS, Windows, iPhone, and beta Android.
Spokenly
Mac, Windows, iOSBest when: You want system-wide push-to-talk dictation on macOS, iOS, or Windows, with text inserted directly into the active app.
Pick 2–4 tools, then compare.
Move from Aqua Voice in about 10 minutes.
Nothing breaks: both apps can run side by side while you decide.
- 1
Download Ottex and dictate right away2 min
Free out of the box: local models or the included starter credits, no card. Press the hotkey and speak — the default experience is deliberately close to Aqua Voice. Keep Aqua Voice installed; they coexist fine.
- 2
Move your hotkey — or run both1 min
Set Ottex to the key you already press by muscle memory, or give it its own shortcut while you compare output side by side.
- 3
Bring your dictionary3 min
If Aqua Voice keeps a custom dictionary or replacement rules, copy those words into Ottex's personal dictionary and glossaries — names and jargon survive the move.
- 4
Pick where AI runs2 min
Defaults just work on starter credits. When you care, switch per task: local Whisper or Parakeet v3 for on-device privacy, your own key for control, or hosted routing at cost.
- 5
Add per-app rules and meetings when ready5 min
Set exact text for AI chats, polished email, structured tickets. Then record one low-stakes call and check the follow-up, CRM update, and ticket drafts.
Questions people actually ask.
What is Aqua Voice?
Aqua Voice is a system-wide AI dictation app for Mac, Windows, and iOS that inserts cleaned, formatted speech wherever there is a text cursor. It fits everyday writing, but it does not record meetings or publicly support audio and video file transcription.
Is Aqua Voice free?
Aqua Voice provides 1,000 free words once, with no card required. At roughly 130 spoken words per minute, that is only about eight minutes of dictation, so it is a trial rather than an ongoing free plan.
How much does Aqua Voice cost?
Aqua Voice costs $10 per month or $96 per year for unlimited use. Cheaper paths include VoiceInk at $25 once, Ottex at $0.20 per processing hour, and free local dictation from FluidVoice.
Does Aqua Voice work on Windows or Android?
Aqua Voice publishes a Windows 10 and 11 download, but it has no public Android app claim. Dictation Daddy supports both Windows and Android, while Wispr Flow offers Android as a shipped beta with no Notetaker support there.
Is Aqua Voice private, and does it work offline?
Aqua Voice requires internet access and processes audio server-side, although session history stays on the device and Privacy Mode limits transcript collection. It states SOC 2 Type II certification, but FluidVoice is the stronger choice when voice and transcripts must remain local by default.
What languages does Aqua Voice support?
Aqua Voice supports 49 languages, automatic language detection, and multilingual speakers. Spokenly supports more than 100 languages with local or BYOK dictation, while Ottex supports 100 languages with mixed-language speech and per-app output rules.