Compare Retext and macOS Dictation side-by-side. See which dictation app is the best fit for your workflow.
Choose Retext if you want on-device transcription by default, push-to-talk on one key, and snippets and dictation in one app.
Choose macOS Dictation if you need occasional dictation with nothing to install.
macOS Dictation is free, already on your Mac, and fine for short messages. Retext uses Apple's on-device speech engine too, and adds push-to-talk on right Option, plus, in beta, a hands-free mode that pauses in password fields, polish modes per app, and "insert snippet" by voice.
Native Mac text expander with built-in voice dictation. Hold right Option, speak, and your words land at the cursor, polished on your Mac (beta) if you like.
Pricing:
Dictation and polish on your Mac come with every plan. See the pricing page.
Free tier: Dictation and polish on your Mac, plus 5 snippets
Runs on: Mac
Best for:
The dictation built into every Mac. Turn it on in Keyboard settings and speak into any text field.
Pricing:
Free, built into macOS
Free tier: Included with macOS
Runs on: Mac
Best for:
| Feature | Retext | macOS Dictation |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Dictation | ||
| AI Cleanup & Rewriting | Beta | |
| Audio File Transcription | Not available | Not available |
| Privacy & Local Storage | ||
| Snippet Expansion | Not available | |
| Team Sharing | Not available | |
| Cross-Platform |
| Product | Pricing Model | Price | Free Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retext | Freemium | Dictation and polish on your Mac come with every plan. See the pricing page. | Dictation and polish on your Mac, plus 5 snippets |
| macOS Dictation | Free | Free, built into macOS | Included with macOS |
There's nothing to move. If you use macOS text replacements, add them to Retext as snippets so they work as typed triggers and by voice (voice commands are in beta).
macOS Dictation is free, already on your Mac, and fine for short messages. Retext uses Apple's on-device speech engine too, and adds push-to-talk on right Option, plus, in beta, a hands-free mode that pauses in password fields, polish modes per app, and "insert snippet" by voice.
Yes. macOS Dictation's free option: included with macOS. Paid: Free, built into macOS.
Yes. Retext's free plan includes dictation and polish on your Mac, plus 5 snippets. Dictation and polish on your Mac come with every plan. See the pricing page.
macOS Dictation runs on Mac. Retext runs on Mac.
macOS Dictation is the better fit for occasional dictation with nothing to install, short messages and notes and trying dictation before choosing an app. Choose Retext if you want transcription on your Mac by default.
There's nothing to move. If you use macOS text replacements, add them to Retext as snippets so they work as typed triggers and by voice (voice commands are in beta).
Download Retext, turn on Voice Dictation in Settings, and hold right Option to talk.
Sources
macOS Dictation, checked October 28, 2026: Apple: Use Dictation on Mac · Apple: Commands for dictating text · Apple: Siri and Dictation privacy
Prices and features change. Check each vendor's site before you buy.