macOS Dictation is free and built in, but it only works in certain text fields, has no transcription history, and the standard version sends your audio to Apple's servers. Chirp works in any app via auto-paste, stores searchable local history, and is always 100% offline. At $9.99/year, it fills the gaps Apple's dictation leaves open.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Chirp | macOS Dictation |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | $9.99/yr (28 free transcriptions) | Free (included with macOS) |
| Platforms | macOS, Windows, Linux | macOS only |
| Privacy | 100% local, always | Standard: cloud. Enhanced: local (Apple Silicon) |
| Internet required | No | Standard: Yes. Enhanced: No |
| Auto-paste | Yes, into any app (Fn / Alt+M) | Only in supported text fields |
| Transcription history | Searchable local history, CSV export | None |
| App size | ~95MB | Built into macOS |
| Setup | Download, install, start speaking | Enable in System Settings > Keyboard |
| Languages | English (optimized) | Multiple languages |
| Apple ID required | No | Required for standard dictation |
Works in Any App
macOS Dictation inserts text directly into active text fields using Apple's input system. This works well in native macOS apps like TextEdit, Pages, and Mail, but breaks down in many third-party applications. Electron-based apps, some code editors, and terminal emulators often do not support it properly. Chirp takes a different approach: it transcribes your speech and pastes the result via the system clipboard, which works in any application that accepts pasted text. Press Fn, speak, and the text appears wherever your cursor is.
Privacy
Standard macOS Dictation sends your audio to Apple's servers for processing. Apple introduced Enhanced Dictation (on-device) for Macs with Apple Silicon, which processes audio locally. However, Enhanced Dictation uses a smaller, less accurate model compared to the server-based version. Chirp is always 100% local -- there is no cloud mode, no server communication, and no Apple ID requirement. Your audio stays on your device, period.
Transcription History
macOS Dictation does not keep any record of what you've dictated. Once the text is inserted, there's no way to search or retrieve past transcriptions from the dictation system itself. Chirp stores every transcription in a local SQLite database. You can search through your history, review past transcriptions, and export everything to CSV for use in spreadsheets or other tools.
Cross-Platform Use
If you only use a Mac, macOS Dictation is always available at no cost. But if you also use Windows or Linux, that dictation experience does not carry over. Chirp runs on macOS (Intel and Apple Silicon), Windows 10+, and Linux, giving you a consistent voice-to-text workflow across all your machines.
When macOS Dictation Is Enough
If you only need occasional dictation in standard macOS apps, don't need transcription history, and are comfortable with Apple processing your audio (or have a Mac with Enhanced Dictation), the built-in solution works fine and costs nothing. It's already on your Mac and requires no installation.
Verdict
macOS Dictation is a reasonable starting point, but its limitations become apparent with regular use. It does not work in every app, keeps no history, and the fully offline mode is only available on newer Apple Silicon Macs. Chirp fills every one of these gaps: universal auto-paste, searchable history with CSV export, guaranteed offline processing, and cross-platform support. At $9.99 per year with 28 free transcriptions to start, it is a small investment for a significantly better voice-to-text experience.
Last updated: February 2026. Features may change with macOS updates. Check Apple's documentation for the latest dictation capabilities.