Speechnotes Alternative
Speechnotes is a free, simple voice-to-text tool that runs in your browser or on Android. But the ads get annoying, the accuracy is hit-or-miss, and there's no desktop app. If you want a native macOS app with AI-powered text cleanup and better transcription accuracy, Blurt delivers. $10/month with a free tier to try it out.
The Typing Problem
Ads interrupt your flow
You're dictating something important, and an ad pops up. The free version of Speechnotes constantly reminds you it's free. Even $2/month doesn't feel worth it when the tool itself is so basic. You want a clean experience without interruptions or upsells.
Browser-based means browser problems
Speechnotes runs in Chrome, which means it fights for memory with your other tabs. Sometimes it loses focus. Sometimes the tab crashes. A dedicated app stays out of your way and just works when you need it.
Accuracy leaves words behind
Speechnotes uses Google's speech recognition, which is decent but not great. Technical terms get mangled. Proper nouns become mysteries. You spend time fixing what should have been right the first time.
No desktop app for serious work
Android and Chrome only. If you work on a Mac, you're stuck with the browser version. No system-wide hotkey, no menu bar access, no native integration. It feels like using a tool that wasn't built for how you actually work.
How It Works
Blurt is a native macOS app that lives in your menu bar. Hold a hotkey, speak, release. Your text appears with AI cleanup already applied.
Hold your hotkey
Press your chosen key combo. A small indicator appears showing Blurt is listening.
Speak naturally
Talk at your normal pace. Blurt uses advanced AI transcription for better accuracy.
Release and it's done
Text appears at your cursor, cleaned up with proper punctuation and formatting.
Real Scenarios
Finally getting a real desktop app
No more Chrome tabs, no more browser focus issues. Blurt runs natively on macOS, accessible from anywhere with a hotkey. It's always ready, never fighting with your other work. This is how voice typing should feel on a desktop.
Writing emails without corrections afterward
With Speechnotes, you'd dictate an email and then spend time fixing the mistakes. Blurt's AI transcription is more accurate out of the box, and the automatic cleanup handles punctuation and capitalization. Less time editing, more time moving on.
Dictating code comments and documentation
Technical terms that Speechnotes mangles come through cleaner with Blurt. Variable names, function names, technical jargon — the AI handles them better. Your documentation sounds like you wrote it, not like you fought with speech recognition.
Quick messages and chat replies
Hold the hotkey, say your reply, release. Text appears in Slack, Discord, or wherever your cursor is. No switching to a browser tab, no waiting for Speechnotes to load. Just instant voice-to-text exactly where you need it.
Long-form writing without ads
Writing a blog post or report with Speechnotes means dealing with ads unless you pay for Premium. Blurt's free tier gives you first 1,000 words free — no ads, no interruptions. When you upgrade, it's $10/month for unlimited, ad-free dictation.
Working offline or with spotty connection
Speechnotes requires a stable browser connection. Blurt is a native app that handles network hiccups more gracefully. Your audio is captured locally and transcribed efficiently, even when your connection isn't perfect.
Blurt and Speechnotes serve different users. Here's an honest look at how they compare.
| Blurt | Speechnotes | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Native macOS app | Chrome browser, Android app |
| Ads | None | Yes, unless you pay $2/month |
| AI cleanup | Yes, automatic punctuation and formatting | Basic punctuation only |
| Accuracy | Advanced AI transcription | Google speech recognition (basic) |
| Price | $10/month or $99/year | Free with ads, $2/month Premium |
| Free tier | First 1,000 words free | Unlimited (with ads) |
| System integration | Menu bar app with global hotkey | Browser tab only |
When Speechnotes Is the Better Choice
Blurt isn't right for everyone. Here's when Speechnotes makes more sense:
You need Android or Windows support
Blurt is macOS only. If you work on Android or Windows, Speechnotes is available where Blurt isn't. The Chrome version runs on any desktop OS.
Free unlimited dictation matters most
Speechnotes' free tier is unlimited (with ads). Blurt's free tier is first 1,000 words free. If you need high volume and don't want to pay anything, Speechnotes' ad-supported model wins.
You're okay with browser-based tools
Some people prefer keeping everything in the browser. If Chrome is your home and you don't mind tabs, Speechnotes fits that workflow. Not everyone needs a native app.
Budget is extremely tight
Speechnotes Premium is $2/month — significantly cheaper than Blurt's $10/month. If every dollar counts and you just need basic voice typing, Speechnotes is more affordable.
You already use it and it works fine
If Speechnotes meets your needs and the accuracy is good enough, there's no reason to switch. It's a capable tool for basic voice-to-text.
Frequently Asked Questions
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