Built into macOS
DeepType
vs Apple Dictation
Apple Dictation is a fine start for occasional voice typing. DeepType adds selectable speech models, vocabulary replacements and local transcript history.
Reviewed October 8, 2026 · By the DeepType team
Side by side
| What matters | DeepType | Apple Dictation |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | macOS 14 or later; Apple Silicon recommended | Built into macOS |
| Speech processing | On your Mac, with no cloud transcription fallback | On device or server dependent; check Keyboard settings |
| Offline use | After explicitly installing a compatible local model | Depends on your Mac, language and settings |
| Account | No account or API key required in the app | No separate dictation subscription |
| Price model | Free; no dictation subscription | Included with macOS |
| Text cleanup | Local cleanup levels, per app styles, vocabulary and learned corrections | Punctuation and formatting commands; features vary by language |
Swipe the table to see both apps.
Pick DeepType if
You want your voice to stay on your Mac.
You want to choose between Apple speech, Parakeet and Whisper, keep raw and corrected transcripts, or set phrase replacements you can repeat.
Pick Apple Dictation if
Its workflow fits you better.
You dictate now and then and the built in option works for your language. Start in System Settings → Keyboard → Dictation.
Sources and scope
Based on the official pages below, reviewed October 8, 2026. DeepType publishes this comparison, so it is not an independent benchmark. We have not measured relative accuracy or speed. Check each provider for current plans and availability.