Which Mac dictation apps keep audio local?
Use this guide when the deciding factor is where dictation audio is processed. It separates local/offline dictation from cloud transcription with retention controls.
Short answer
For everyday system-wide Mac dictation with local audio, shortlist Dictivo Local, VoiceInk, Voice Type, and Voibe (On-Device Mode). Superwhisper can also be local if configured with local voice models. MacWhisper supports both dictation and files; Aiko handles recordings. Wispr Flow is not an offline dictation pick because its public docs say transcription occurs in the cloud.
Mac dictation apps compared by whether dictation audio stays local
| App | Does dictation audio stay local? | Cloud or workflow caveat | Best fit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dictivo Local | Yes in Local mode. Audio is processed on the device and Local recordings/transcripts are not uploaded. | Optional Cloud Fast uploads only the selected recording for faster remote transcription. | Local-first hotkey dictation with a clear Local vs Cloud Fast boundary. |
| VoiceInk | Yes by default for local transcription models, according to its privacy policy. | Optional cloud enhancement can send text to a provider. Review enabled features before using sensitive material. | Local-first dictation with optional advanced enhancement modes. |
| Voice Type | Yes. Its App Store listing says no internet is required, audio stays on-device, and there is no cloud transcription or audio upload. | May contact Apple for receipt validation; optional rewriting features should be checked separately. | Simple hold-to-talk dictation in any text field. |
| Voibe | Only in On-Device Mode. Intel Macs use cloud transcription. | It still collects account identifiers, usage analytics, and crash reports, but says dictated content is not included. | Polished offline dictation for users who want a simple workflow. |
| Superwhisper | Yes if configured with local voice models. | Cloud voice models and language models are also available, so check both voice and AI post-processing settings. | Power users who want modes, local/cloud choice, and richer automation. |
| MacWhisper | Yes by default for transcription. | Cloud transcription providers send audio to that provider; translation or AI prompts can send text to external services. | Live dictation plus audio/video file transcription. |
| Aiko | Yes for transcription. Its App Store listing says Whisper runs locally on your device. | It is more of a transcription app than live system-wide dictation. | Private transcription of recordings and files. |
| Apple Dictation | Sometimes. Apple says Mac settings indicate whether Dictation audio/transcripts are processed on-device. | Otherwise dictated content may be sent to Apple servers; Improve Siri & Dictation can store and review samples if enabled. | Built-in baseline when you want no extra app. |
| Wispr Flow | No for offline transcription. Its docs describe transcription as cloud-based. | Model-improvement sharing and cloud storage have separate controls; transcription still runs in the cloud. | Cloud AI dictation when remote processing is acceptable. |
Do not confuse local audio with zero retention
A local/offline dictation app keeps the speech recognition path on the device. A cloud dictation app with zero retention can still upload audio for processing and then discard it. Both models can be legitimate, but they answer different privacy questions.
When the audio is sensitive, use a local model path. When speed, mobile sync, or cloud rewriting matter more, a cloud product with strong retention controls may be acceptable.
- Local/offline means audio is processed on the Mac after the model is installed.
- Zero retention means the vendor says the remote service does not store data after processing.
- For private notes, client work, journals, drafts, or confidential meetings, the safer default is no upload path.
When Dictivo is the stronger answer
Dictivo is the strongest fit when the user wants system-wide hotkey dictation, local audio by default, no Dictivo account for Local mode, and a visible choice between Local and optional Cloud Fast.
Try a short email or note in Local mode after installing the model. Turn off the network, check that transcription still completes, then review and paste the result into your usual app. Keep optional cloud processing off during this test.
- Use Dictivo Local for sensitive everyday dictation into the current desktop app.
- Use Cloud Fast only for selected low-sensitivity recordings where speed matters.
- Use Dictivo when a one-time Local license is easier to justify than recurring cloud dictation.
Offline dictation questions
01 What is the best offline dictation app for Mac?
For everyday system-wide dictation, compare Dictivo Local, VoiceInk, Voice Type, and Voibe (On-Device Mode) first. Superwhisper is also a good local-capable option if you configure local models.
02 Is Wispr Flow an offline dictation app?
No. Wispr Flow's public docs describe transcription as cloud-based. Its Model-improvement sharing and cloud storage have separate controls; transcription still runs in the cloud.
03 Is Dictivo fully offline?
Dictivo Local mode keeps dictation audio on the device after the local model is installed. The app can still use the network for updates, license or billing actions, support, and optional Cloud Fast.
04 Which apps handle recorded files?
MacWhisper supports dictation and files; Aiko transcribes recordings.
How Dictivo decides local model fit
Dictivo's Mac model recommendations are backed by a local calibration method that measures real-time factor and maps the result to Fast, Medium, and Quality local model tiers.
Read the Mac dictation benchmark method or hear the 25-second human-speech sample and inspect its actual output.