Retext

Retext vs VoiceInk: A Complete Comparison

Compare Retext and VoiceInk side-by-side. See which dictation app is the best fit for your workflow.

TL;DR

Choose Retext if you want on-device transcription by default, push-to-talk on one key, and snippets and dictation in one app.

Choose VoiceInk if you need local, private dictation with a one-time price.

The Short Version

VoiceInk is open source, sold once, and transcribes files as well as live speech, all on your Mac. Retext also transcribes on-device and adds Teams, plus, in beta, on-device polish in five modes, a hands-free mode that pauses in password fields, and "insert snippet" by voice.

Quick Comparison

Retext

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:

  • • Dictation that stays on your Mac
  • • People who already use snippets
  • • Quick replies and notes in any app

VoiceInk

Open-source, local-first dictation app for Mac that you buy once

Pricing:

One-time $25 (1 Mac), $39 (2 Macs) or $49 (3 Macs), with lifetime updates

Free tier: Free trial; source code is free to build yourself

Runs on: Mac and iPhone

Best for:

  • • Local, private dictation with a one-time price
  • • Source code you can read or build
  • • A simple dictation app for one Mac
  • • Transcribing audio files locally

Feature Comparison

FeatureRetextVoiceInk
Voice Dictation
AI Cleanup & Rewriting
Beta
Audio File TranscriptionNot available
Privacy & Local Storage
Snippet Expansion
Team Sharing
Not available
Cross-Platform

Pricing Comparison

ProductPricing ModelPriceFree Tier
RetextFreemiumDictation and polish on your Mac come with every plan. See the pricing page.
Dictation and polish on your Mac, plus 5 snippets
VoiceInkOne-TimeOne-time $25 (1 Mac), $39 (2 Macs) or $49 (3 Macs), with lifetime updates
Free trial; source code is free to build yourself

Pros and Cons

Retext

Strengths

  • Transcribes on your Mac with Apple's speech engine (macOS 26, Apple silicon)
  • Hold right Option to talk, or double-tap it (or right Shift, set in Settings) to go hands-free (beta)
  • Optional on-device polish in five modes, set per app (beta)
  • Voice commands (beta), including "insert snippet" by name
  • Snippets and dictation in one native Mac app

Weaknesses

  • Local engine needs macOS 26 and Apple silicon
  • Polish tidies up what you said; it won't rewrite or add to it
  • Polish needs Apple Intelligence
  • Dictation is on the Mac only

VoiceInk

Strengths

  • Transcribes on your Mac; voice data never leaves it
  • Open source under GPL-3.0
  • One-time purchase, no subscription
  • Custom words and Smart Replace
  • Rewrite selected text with a spoken instruction

Weaknesses

  • Apple silicon Macs only, macOS 14.4 or later
  • No team plan
  • Paid license is per Mac
  • AI enhancement needs a cloud provider

When to Choose Each

Choose Retext if you:

  • ✓Want transcription on your Mac by default
  • ✓Want push-to-talk on right Option
  • ✓Want hands-free dictation (beta) that pauses for passwords and calls
  • ✓Already rely on snippets

Choose VoiceInk if you:

  • •Need local, private dictation with a one-time price
  • •Need source code you can read or build
  • •Need a simple dictation app for one Mac
  • •Need transcribing audio files locally

Switching from VoiceInk to Retext

Migration difficulty:easy

VoiceInk's Smart Replace entries are short phrase swaps. Recreate the ones you use as Retext snippets.

How It Works in Retext

Voice Dictation →

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Retext and VoiceInk?

VoiceInk is open source, sold once, and transcribes files as well as live speech, all on your Mac. Retext also transcribes on-device and adds Teams, plus, in beta, on-device polish in five modes, a hands-free mode that pauses in password fields, and "insert snippet" by voice.

Is VoiceInk free?

Yes. VoiceInk's free option: free trial; source code is free to build yourself. Paid: One-time $25 (1 Mac), $39 (2 Macs) or $49 (3 Macs), with lifetime updates.

Is Retext free?

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.

What does VoiceInk run on?

VoiceInk runs on Mac and iPhone. Retext runs on Mac.

Should I choose VoiceInk instead of Retext?

VoiceInk is the better fit for local, private dictation with a one-time price, source code you can read or build and a simple dictation app for one Mac. Choose Retext if you want transcription on your Mac by default.

Can I switch from VoiceInk to Retext?

VoiceInk's Smart Replace entries are short phrase swaps. Recreate the ones you use as Retext snippets.

Ready to switch from VoiceInk?

Download Retext, turn on Voice Dictation in Settings, and hold right Option to talk.

Download for MacView Pricing

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Sources

VoiceInk, checked October 28, 2026: VoiceInk · VoiceInk file transcription · VoiceInk source code

Prices and features change. Check each vendor's site before you buy.