Dictation software for arthritis
Arthritis makes typing harder. Say the reply. Get text to review.
When you are comparing dictation apps for arthritis, check how much keyboard work the app leaves you. OpenWhispr offers free local dictation for offline work, or Cloud transcription for top accuracy and speed without a model download.
Open source · 80,000+ downloads
When the keyboard hurts
When an email takes more out of you than it should.
An email, a form, a document, a message. Arthritis can make every keystroke a decision. Dictation lets your voice do the typing.
A short email takes too long.
When typing hurts, even a few sentences can turn into a stop-start job. Speak the reply, then paste the transcription into the app you already use.
Holding a key is uncomfortable.
Use toggle mode: press once to start dictating and once to stop. You do not need to keep a key held down while you speak.
Corrections mean more typing.
A custom dictionary lets you add names, places and terms you use often, so there is less to fix after you dictate.
A bad connection should not end the sentence.
Local models run on your device without internet. Dictate at home, in a waiting room or wherever the connection drops out.
What changes
Speak the words. Keep your hands for the rest.
Choose the route that fits the moment: Cloud for fast, accurate transcription without a model download, or local processing when you need to work offline.
Start and stop without holding a key
Set dictation to toggle mode when press-and-hold is not comfortable. One press starts listening. The next press stops it.
Put words where you already work
Dictate into a document, email, chat or web form. OpenWhispr copies the transcription so you can paste it where you are already working.
Choose speed or offline work
Cloud gives you top accuracy and speed with no local model to download. Local models keep working on your device when internet is not available.
Words you need to type to dictate
None
speak into the app and review the text when you are ready
Cost for local dictation
$0
unlimited local AI models on every plan
Languages supported
100+
available on every plan
How it works
Download it. Speak the email. Send it.
Start with the free desktop app. Choose a local model for offline work, or use Cloud when you want accuracy and speed without downloading a model.
Download for free.
Install OpenWhispr on Mac, Windows or Linux. Pick a local model during setup, or begin with the included Cloud allowance.
Dictate instead of typing.
Choose push-to-talk or toggle mode, then speak into the document, email or message you already have open.
Review and send.
Make any edits you want, then send the text as usual. Your keyboard is there when you need it, not for every word.
The practical reasons
10 practical reasons to try OpenWhispr for arthritis
The point is not another place to write. It is fewer keystrokes in the apps you already use.
Toggle mode does not ask you to hold a key
Press once to start dictating and once to stop. Use it when push-to-talk is not comfortable.
It works in the apps you already have open
Dictate into documents, email, chat and web forms without moving your work into a separate editor.
Local dictation is free
Every plan includes unlimited local AI models. There is no subscription required to keep using local dictation.
Cloud is ready when setup needs to be simple
Cloud transcription is built for top accuracy and speed, with no local model download. Free includes 2,000 words each week.
Local models work without internet
Run transcription on your device when Wi-Fi is unreliable or unavailable.
A custom dictionary cuts repeat corrections
Add names, places, acronyms and terms you use often to help produce sharper transcripts.
100+ languages supported
Dictate in the language you use at home or at work.
Cloud audio is discarded after transcription
Audio sent to OpenWhispr Cloud is used to transcribe, then immediately discarded.
The app is open source
The code is available under the MIT licence for anyone to inspect.
Paid plans remove Cloud limits and add workflow tools
Pro adds unlimited Cloud transcription, sync, the iPhone and iPad app, and API/MCP access. Business adds unlimited meeting recordings, Agent mode and chat over your data.
Before you download
Questions people with arthritis ask first.
Straight answers about typing less, setup, cost and privacy.
Will I need to hold down a key while I dictate?
Can I dictate into the apps I already use?
Should I choose Cloud transcription or a local model?
Does audio leave my device?
Can it recognise names and words I use often?
Is it free, or do I need a paid plan?
What users say
Built for people who would rather speak than keep typing.
Existing quotes carried forward from the reference page.
$0
Cost to try local dictation
Every plan includes unlimited local AI models. You can see whether voice input suits your routine before paying for more Cloud transcription or workflow features.
Started using OpenWhispr with my local models and hardware. I have to say, this is better than typing.
I switched to voice input for my Claude Code chats. Even when I stumble and rephrase mid-sentence, the transcription comes out clean and polished.
I needed a local model for when I'm travelling or have no WiFi, and this perfectly solves it. The UI and performance are great.
Pricing
Free forever.
Upgrade when you want more.
FreePopular $0No card details needed | Pro $6.67/user/mo$80/user billed annually Start with Pro | Business $13.33/user/mo$160/user billed annually Start with Business | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | People who want free local dictation and a limited Cloud allowance | People who want unlimited Cloud transcription, plus sync, the iPhone and iPad app, and API/MCP access | People and teams who want unlimited meeting recordings, Agent mode and chat over data |
| Main reason to choose | Unlimited local dictation, plus 2,000 Cloud words each week | Unlimited Cloud transcription without managing local models or your own API keys | Unlimited meeting recordings plus advanced workflow features |
| Offline speech-to-textOffline speech-to-text runs entirely on your own device, it works without internet connection, and it's unlimited and free. | Included | Included | Included |
| Cloud speech-to-textCloud speech-to-text sends audio to OpenWhispr Cloud for the highest accuracy and speed, with no local models to download. | 2,000 words/week via OpenWhispr Cloud, or unlimited using your own API keys | Unlimited OpenWhispr Cloud speech-to-text | Unlimited OpenWhispr Cloud speech-to-text |
| Meeting recordings | 5 hours/month | 20 hours/month | Unlimited |
| Privacy & data handling | Offline audio stays on your device. Cloud audio is sent only to transcribe it, then never stored. | Offline audio stays on your device. Cloud audio is sent only to transcribe it, then never stored. | Offline audio stays on your device. Cloud audio is sent only to transcribe it, then never stored. |
| Setup experience | Hands-on: install app, choose local models, optionally add API keys | Easy: install app, upgrade, use unlimited cloud speech-to-text | Moderate: configure users, Agent mode, and data workflows |
| Advanced features |
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| Team management | None | None | Basic team / workflow use |
| Support | Community support | Email support | Priority support |
Need SSO, compliance features, admin controls, or dedicated support for a larger team?
We also offer a custom Enterprise plan with managed onboarding and tailored features.
Talk to us
Built in the open
Typing should not be the price of getting words out.
OpenWhispr started with a simple objection: people who need to type less should not have to give up the apps and documents they already rely on.
OpenWhispr is open source, so you can inspect the code before you install it. Local models run on your device. Cloud audio is transcribed, then immediately discarded.
Free includes community support. Pro adds email support, and Business adds priority support.
Free · open source · local-first
Let your voice carry more of the typing.
Download OpenWhispr, choose Cloud transcription or a local model, and dictate the next email or document.
Loading...Free on macOS, Windows and Linux. Paid plans add unlimited Cloud transcription, the iPhone and iPad app, sync and workflow tools.