Hold-to-dictate workflow
Hold a hotkey, speak naturally, and release the key to place text at the cursor. The app is designed to minimize mode switching and works directly inside whatever app you are using.
TongueType
TongueType is a macOS voice dictation app that turns speech into text with a hold-to-record hotkey and local Whisper AI processing. It supports live dictation, file transcription, and privacy-focused workflows for users who want on-device speech input.
What TongueType is
TongueType is a macOS voice dictation app built around a simple hold-to-record workflow. Press a hotkey, speak, release, and the app inserts text at the cursor without switching to a separate window. It is positioned as a private dictation tool for people who want fast speech-to-text input directly on their Mac.
The app runs Whisper AI locally on Apple Silicon, which means audio is processed on-device instead of being sent to a cloud service. TongueType supports live dictation and file transcription, with docs covering common audio and video formats, configurable postprocessing, and settings for hotkeys, overlay behavior, and iCloud-synced preferences.
Key features
On-device processing
Transcribes speech locally on Apple Silicon with Whisper AI. Audio stays on the Mac, and the product states that it has no cloud service, servers, or analytics.
File transcription
Transcribes both live dictation and files. Supported file inputs include common audio and video formats such as WAV, MP3, M4A, FLAC, MOV, and MP4.
Multi-language support
Recognizes 12 languages and can auto-detect the spoken language. The language setting is shared between dictation and file transcription.
Postprocessing rules
Includes postprocessing rules for spoken punctuation, cancel phrases, and Whisper’s non-speech annotations. Users can also add custom replacements such as symbols, line breaks, or signature snippets.
Configurable workflow
Lets users tune the hotkey, recording overlay, accent colors, indicator position, and iCloud-synced preferences. The interface also supports a latched recording mode for longer takes.
Where TongueType fits
Fast everyday dictation
Dictate emails, chat replies, notes, and prompts without leaving the app you are already using. The hold-to-record flow keeps the interaction short and direct.
File-based transcription
Capture audio from meetings, interviews, and voice memos by dropping a file into the transcription dialog. This is useful when you want a local transcript instead of uploading the recording elsewhere.
Structured writing and punctuation
Use spoken commands and replacement rules to write punctuation, code symbols, and formatting cues more naturally. Postprocessing can convert phrases like “new line” or “question mark” into the characters you intended.
Accessibility and hands-free input
Use the app as an alternate input method when typing is difficult or impractical. The docs explicitly position it as an option for accessibility and hands-free input.
Coding and prompt entry
Dictate in development tools and AI chat apps where built-in dictation can be unreliable. The site specifically mentions use in VS Code, Cursor, terminals, and AI prompt workflows.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Processes speech locally, with no cloud upload required.
- Supports both real-time dictation and transcription of audio or video files.
- Offers useful workflow controls such as a configurable hotkey, a grace period, latched recording, and iCloud sync for settings.
- Includes postprocessing for spoken punctuation, cancel phrases, and Whisper annotation filtering.
- Works across 12 languages with auto-detection.
Cons
- Requires macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon, so Intel Macs are not supported.
- The free tier limits live dictation to 30 minutes per calendar month and trims file transcription to the first 10 seconds.
- Some capabilities such as Pro removal of limits are described, but the pricing page itself is not available.
FAQ
Is TongueType really free?
Yes. TongueType is described as free, with every feature included. The free tier includes 30 minutes of live dictation per calendar month, and file transcription is limited to the first 10 seconds of each file.
Where do I find TongueType after installing it?
TongueType is a menu bar app, so it does not use a Dock icon or a main app window. Its icon appears in the macOS menu bar, and the dictation hotkey can still be used to confirm that it is running.
How do I unlock Pro?
Open Unlock Pro from the menu bar, buy a license through Polar, then paste the emailed key back into the app. The license removes the free-tier limits immediately and does not require a relaunch.
Does my audio leave my Mac?
No. TongueType processes speech locally on Apple Silicon using Whisper AI and does not send audio to a cloud service.
What does TongueType support?
TongueType requires macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon. Intel Macs are not supported because the model runs on Apple’s Neural Engine via CoreML.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Voice dictation
- Platform
- macOS 14+ on Apple Silicon
- Primary workflow
- Hold a key, speak, release
- Processing model
- Whisper AI running locally
- Source domain
- tonguetype.app
- Pricing
- Free tier available; Pro is a one-time purchase
Alternatives à TongueType
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Carbon Voice
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Realtime and audio
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