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 YOU ARE SWITCHING.Every claim sourced · verified Aug 2026
Find the right FluidVoice replacement.
FluidVoice remains a strong free choice for private desktop dictation. Switch only when you need meetings, broader device support, mixed-language speech, or a simpler workflow.
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 remains the price winner at $0 with unlimited local use. Spokenly matches that model with unlimited free local dictation and free BYOK processing, while Ottex adds free local use plus optional processing at $0.20 per hour. VoiceInk offers the cleanest paid escape from subscriptions, starting at $25 once for one Mac.
See the evidence — 27 claims across 6 toolsverified Aug 2026Show tableHide table
| Ottex |  Spokenly |  VoiceInk | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Free tier | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Forever free with local models and BYOK providers. | YesSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026The core app and local inference are free; optional cloud enhancement uses the user's provider key. | PartialSource: spokenly.app/pricing — checked Jun 2026Unlimited use; no usage limits | NoNo free plan | PartialSource: granola.ai/pricing — checked Jun 202625 meetings/month | YesSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Free trial/download is advertised, but no public free allowance number was found. |
| Subscription | $14/moSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026$14/mo — unlimited dictation and meeting intelligence, all hosted models included. | NoNo subscription plan | $9.99/moSource: spokenly.app/pricing — checked Jun 2026The pricing page shows annual billing at $99.99 per year and references Pro cloud features. | NoNo subscription plan | $18/moSource: granola.ai/pricing — checked Jun 2026Business is $18 per member/month or $14 per member/month billed annually. | $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. |
| 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 | NoSubscription only | $25 one-timeSource: tryvoiceink.com/buy — checked Jun 2026Lifetime of updates | 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. | YesSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Users can supply OpenAI, Groq, or custom provider API credentials for optional enhancement. | YesSource: spokenly.app/pricing — checked Jun 2026Users can connect their own API keys from OpenAI, Deepgram, Groq, ElevenLabs, Mistral, and other providers. | YesSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Cloud and custom models may require adding the provider API key. | No public claim | YesSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026BYOK lets users use their own API key from providers like Groq for transcription. |
| Education discount | NoSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Same pricing for everyone. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026No separate education discount is published because the product is free. | YesSource: spokenly.app/pricing — checked Jun 2026Verified students get 50% off Pro after contacting support with an academic email. | PartialSource: tryvoiceink.com/faq — checked Jun 2026Student discount is available by contacting the vendor with student ID; no public percentage is listed. | No public claim | No public claim |
Platforms
Dictation Daddy has the broadest practical dictation coverage here, spanning Mac, Windows, Android, and Chrome. Wispr Flow ships on Mac, Windows, and iOS, while its Android app is available as a beta with no Notetaker support. FluidVoice ships natively on macOS and as a Windows beta, but its announced iOS app has not shipped and Android is unsupported.
See the evidence — 10 claims across 6 toolsverified Aug 2026Show tableHide table
| Ottex | Spokenly | VoiceInk | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Platforms | Mac, iOSSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026 | MacSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Some platforms in beta/waitlist | Mac, Windows, iOSSource: spokenly.app/download — checked Jun 2026 | Mac, iOSSource: tryvoiceink.com/faq — checked Jun 2026 | Mac, Windows, iOS, AndroidSource: granola.ai/download — checked Jun 2026 | Mac, Windows, AndroidSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026 |
| Native app footprintLight on memory, instant to invoke | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Native Swift app, ~50MB RAM. | 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. | No public claim | YesSource: github.com/Beingpax — checked Jun 2026The GitHub README describes VoiceInk as a native macOS application. | No public claim | YesSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026The site describes native Mac and Windows apps plus Android app and Chrome extension. |
Meetings & team memory
FluidVoice does not record meetings, so specialists and broader replacements pull ahead immediately. Granola provides bot-free capture across desktop and mobile apps plus shared team memory, while Vowen records bot-free meetings on Mac and Windows and includes five total free recording hours. Ottex combines meeting recording with the system-wide dictation needed to replace FluidVoice’s core job.
See the evidence — 35 claims across 6 toolsverified Aug 2026Show tableHide table
| Ottex | Spokenly | VoiceInk | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meeting recordingThe call is captured at all | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026With speaker separation. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: spokenly.app/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | YesSource: help.granola.ai/article — checked Jun 2026Granola records and transcribes meetings without joining as a bot. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported |
| Bot-free captureNo "recording bot" joins your call | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026System-audio capture, no bot joins the call. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: spokenly.app/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | YesSource: granola.ai — checked Jun 2026Granola does not send a bot to meetings. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported |
| Speaker separation | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026 | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: spokenly.app/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported for live meetings. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | No public claim | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported |
| Calendar detection | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Calendar-based meeting detection. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: spokenly.app/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | YesSource: help.granola.ai/article — checked Jun 2026Granola surfaces calendar events and can start notes from upcoming meetings. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported |
| Cross-meeting search | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026 | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: spokenly.app/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | YesSource: help.granola.ai/article — checked Jun 2026Ask Granola can answer across past meetings. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported |
| Shared team memory | PartialSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Public share links, not a full team workspace. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: spokenly.app/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | YesSource: granola.ai/pricing — checked Jun 2026Business workspaces include shared notes and folders for teams. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported |
From meeting to finished work
Ottex goes furthest from conversation to finished work by drafting follow-up emails, CRM updates, tickets, notes, and documents. Granola emphasizes polished summaries, decisions, action items, reusable prompts, and searchable team memory. Hedy is the more distinctive live option, adding questions, blind-spot alerts, and talking points before producing summaries, to-dos, and recaps.
See the evidence — 24 claims across 6 toolsverified Aug 2026Show tableHide table
| Ottex | Spokenly | VoiceInk | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decisions, owners, action itemsLeave the meeting with next steps clear | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Decisions with owners extracted. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: spokenly.app/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | YesSource: help.granola.ai/article — checked Jun 2026Granola can extract decisions from meetings through templates and AI notes. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported |
| Follow-up email draftedThe outcome is sent, not summarized | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Drafted from templates or your own. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: spokenly.app/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | YesSource: help.granola.ai/article — checked Jun 2026Recipes can generate follow-up emails from meetings. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported |
| CRM update / ticket draft | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Structured for the target app. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: spokenly.app/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | YesSource: help.granola.ai/article — checked Jun 2026Granola lists Attio as an integration for sending meeting notes to CRM records. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported |
| Your rough notes steer the result | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Rough notes and instructions steer the result. | NoSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Not supported. | NoSource: spokenly.app/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | NoSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Not supported. | YesSource: help.granola.ai/article — checked Jun 2026User notes are used to guide the generated meeting notes. | NoSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026Not supported |
Dictation & transcription AI
FluidVoice is unusually flexible for a free tool, offering seven recognition-engine families, selectable local models, up to 99 languages, and per-app prompts. Ottex reaches 100+ languages and adds automatic detection, mixed-language speech, personal vocabulary, and per-app output rules. Spokenly also supports 100+ languages with unlimited local or BYOK dictation and inserts text directly into the active app.
See the evidence — 20 claims across 6 toolsverified Aug 2026Show tableHide table
| Ottex | Spokenly | VoiceInk | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engines | Cloud: Whisper, Gemini 3 Flash, Voxtral. Local: Whisper, Parakeet v3.Source: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Hosted routing, BYOK, or fully local. | 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, Parakeet, Apple Speech Analyzer, GPT-4o Transcribe, Deepgram Nova 3, Soniox, Groq, ElevenLabs, Mistral, Fireworks, CerebrasSource: spokenly.app/pricing — checked Jun 2026Published pages name local, BYOK, managed cloud, and third-party providers across pricing and privacy materials. | 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. | No public claim | Whisper, Soniox; BYOK providers like GroqSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026The FAQ names Whisper and Soniox and describes BYOK for providers like Groq. |
| Local / on-device optionAudio never leaves the machine | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Whisper and Parakeet v3 run fully on-device. | YesSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Supported speech models run on the device after any required download. | YesSource: spokenly.app/docs — checked Jun 2026Local Only Mode keeps transcription on-device and blocks network access. | YesSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Local models run directly on the Mac without an internet connection. | NoSource: help.granola.ai/article — checked Jun 2026Granola states it requires an internet connection to transcribe and generate notes. | No public claim |
| Model selection per task | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026Choose the model per task and per provider. | YesSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Users select among the supported recognition models during onboarding or in settings. | YesSource: spokenly.app/docs — checked Jun 2026Docs say users choose between fast and high-accuracy dictation models. | YesSource: tryvoiceink.com/docs — checked Jun 2026Users can choose and set a default transcription model. | No public claim | PartialSource: dictationdaddy.com — checked Jun 2026BYOK lets users choose an external provider, but no public per-model selector is documented. |
| Languages & mixed speechWork that crosses languages mid-sentence | YesSource: ottex.ai — checked Jun 2026100+ languages · Mid-sentence language switching. | No public claim | 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. | YesSource: github.com/altic-dev — checked Aug 2026Different prompt sets can be assigned to different applications. | No public claim | YesSource: tryvoiceink.com/features — checked Jun 2026Power Mode can automatically apply app or website-specific transcription and enhancement settings. | NoSource: granola.ai — checked Jun 2026Not supported | No public claim |
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.
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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 useSpokenlyPro+ 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
FluidVoice
MacBest when: You want free, unlimited local dictation without sending voice or transcripts to the vendor.
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.
VoiceInk
Mac, iOSBest when: You want native macOS dictation on Apple Silicon with local models that can run offline.
Granola
Mac, Windows, iOS, AndroidBest when: You want bot-free meeting capture that records from your mic and computer audio without joining calls.
Dictation Daddy
Mac, Windows, AndroidBest when: You want one-key dictation into whatever app already has your cursor.
Wispr Flow
Mac, Windows, iOSBest when: You want polished system-wide dictation across macOS, Windows, iPhone, and beta Android.
Aqua Voice
Mac, Windows, iOSBest when: You want fast, system-wide voice dictation across Mac, Windows, or iOS for everyday writing.
Pick 2–4 tools, then compare.
Move from FluidVoice 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 FluidVoice. Keep FluidVoice 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 FluidVoice 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 FluidVoice?
FluidVoice is a free, open-source desktop dictation and file-transcription app that can run supported speech models locally. It fits people who want system-wide writing, voice commands, custom vocabulary, and per-app prompts without a subscription.
Is FluidVoice free?
Yes. FluidVoice provides unlimited core dictation and local inference for free, with no trial or word allowance. Optional cloud enhancement requires your own provider key, so any provider usage charges remain separate.
How much does FluidVoice cost?
FluidVoice costs $0 per month and $0 per year. If you want a commercial alternative without recurring billing, VoiceInk starts at $25 once and Vowen Pro costs $49 once; Ottex also offers optional processing at $0.20 per hour.
What is the best free alternative to FluidVoice?
Spokenly is the strongest free like-for-like alternative, with unlimited local dictation and free BYOK processing across Mac, Windows, and iOS. Ottex is stronger on Mac when you also need free local meetings and file transcription, while QuickWhisper offers unlimited free file transcription with its Tiny and Base models.
Does FluidVoice work on Windows or Android?
FluidVoice publishes Windows installers as beta prereleases, but it does not support Android. Dictation Daddy supports both Windows and Android, while Wispr Flow supports Windows and has a shipped Android beta with no Notetaker.
Is FluidVoice private and safe?
FluidVoice keeps voice, audio, and transcript text on the device unless you enable an external AI provider, and the vendor says it does not collect those materials. It does not publish GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2, encryption-at-rest, or zero-data-retention assurances, so regulated buyers should not infer compliance from local processing alone.