How to Use Voice-to-Text on Mac
Every Mac has voice-to-text built in, but most people don't know how to use it — or that there are much faster alternatives. Whether you want to dictate emails, write documents hands-free, or just type faster, voice-to-text can save you a surprising amount of time.
This guide covers everything from Apple's built-in Dictation feature to third-party apps that can transcribe your speech in under a second. By the end, you'll know exactly which option fits your workflow.
Option 1 — Apple's Built-in Dictation
macOS has had dictation built in for years. As of macOS Sonoma and Sequoia, it uses on-device processing on Apple Silicon Macs, which means your audio stays on your machine. Here's how to set it up:
Open System Settings > Keyboard
Click the Apple menu in the top-left corner, select System Settings, then navigate to Keyboard.
Scroll down and turn on Dictation
You'll find the Dictation toggle near the bottom of the Keyboard settings pane. Flip it on.
Choose your language and shortcut
The default shortcut is double-press Fn. You can change this to a different key combination if you prefer.
Click into any text field and press your shortcut to start dictating
A microphone icon will appear near your cursor. Start speaking, and your words will appear as text. Press the shortcut again to stop.
Tip: Apple Dictation works best for short bursts. For longer dictation or faster results, a dedicated app is significantly better.
Pros
- Free, built into every Mac
- On-device processing (Apple Silicon) — no data leaves your machine
- No installation needed
Cons
- Noticeably slower than dedicated dictation apps
- Sometimes drops words or misses context
- No custom vocabulary for technical jargon or names
- Toggle activation (press to start, press to stop) can be awkward
Option 2 — Third-Party Dictation Apps
If you dictate frequently or need speed and accuracy, a dedicated third-party dictation app is worth it. They're faster, more accurate, and designed specifically for the voice-to-text workflow.
Hold to Talk
The simplest approach. Hold a key (default: Fn), speak, release. Your speech is transcribed in about 300 milliseconds and pasted where your cursor is. No AI editing, no settings to configure, no account needed for the free tier. It does one thing and does it extremely well. Works in any text field — Slack, VS Code, your browser, email, terminals, anywhere.
Tips for Better Dictation
- Speak naturally — don't over-enunciate
- Use a quiet environment when possible
- Say punctuation out loud ("period", "comma", "new line") with Apple Dictation — third-party apps usually handle this automatically
- Try a hold-to-talk model instead of toggle — it's more natural and avoids accidental recording
- Custom vocabulary features (available in apps like Hold to Talk) help with names, technical terms, and acronyms
Which Method Should You Use?
- Short, occasional dictation — Apple's built-in Dictation is fine
- Regular dictation where speed matters — a dedicated app like Hold to Talk
Voice-to-text on Mac has gotten really good. The built-in option works for casual use, but if you dictate regularly, a dedicated app will save you hours. Hold to Talk's free tier gives you about 2,000 words per week — enough to try it out and see the difference.
Try Hold to Talk Free