One-key activation
Hold the Right Option key, speak, and release. The app is designed around a single gesture so you can start dictating without opening a window or switching modes.
Wave
Wave is a native macOS dictation app with hold-to-talk, local Whisper support, and optional Groq transcription. Free, open source, no account needed.
Overview
Wave is a native macOS dictation app that turns speech into text from anywhere you can type. It is built around a simple hold-and-speak interaction using the Right Option key, then inserts the result at the cursor in the active app.
The product offers two transcription paths: local Whisper processing for offline, privacy-focused dictation, or Groq-backed transcription for faster results. It also includes an AI mode for turning spoken intent into polished text and a selection mode for rewriting highlighted text in place.
Features built around fast dictation
Local Whisper transcription
Wave can run Whisper locally on your Mac, keeping audio processing on-device for private dictation that does not depend on a cloud service.
Groq transcription option
If lower latency matters more than local processing, Wave can use Groq for near-instant transcription with your own API key.
Cursor-based insertion
Wave inserts text directly at the cursor, so dictated text appears in the app you are already using instead of a separate editor or clipboard step.
AI Mode for intent-based writing
The app supports dictating the intent of a message or request, then turning that into polished text rather than a literal transcript.
Selection rewrite mode
You can highlight existing text, hold the shortcut, and speak an instruction to rewrite the selection in place.
Practical ways to use Wave
Fast text entry across apps
Use the Right Option shortcut to dictate emails, notes, or messages directly into the app you are already working in, without opening a separate window.
Offline dictation on a Mac
Choose local Whisper when you need dictation that continues to work without Wi-Fi or cloud processing.
Speed-first transcription
Switch to Groq when you want lower-latency transcription and are comfortable supplying your own API key.
Drafting from spoken intent
Use AI Mode to speak a request or rough idea and have Wave turn it into polished text, such as a drafted email or request.
Rewriting text you already wrote
Select existing text and issue a spoken edit command to fix grammar, shorten copy, or change tone in place.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Runs locally with Whisper for offline use and on-device audio processing.
- Does not require an account for the app itself.
- Supports a simple one-key workflow that works in any text field or app.
- Can switch to Groq when you want faster transcription.
- Includes in-place rewriting for selected text, not just dictation.
Cons
- The app is limited to macOS 14 Sonoma or later.
- Groq-hosted features require your own API key and internet access.
- The source does not show pricing plans because the pricing page returns a 404.
FAQ
Is Wave free to use?
Yes. The site says Wave is 100% free and open source, and the app itself does not require an account.
Can Wave be used offline?
Wave’s local Whisper mode works offline. Internet is only needed if you switch to Groq-hosted speech or AI rewrite features.
What platforms does Wave support?
Wave is a native macOS app and the site says it works on macOS 14 Sonoma or later, on Apple Silicon and Intel Macs.
Do I need an account or API key?
For Groq-hosted transcription or AI rewrite features, you use your own Groq API key. The site says no account is required for the app itself.
Quick Facts
- Category
- Productivity / Dictation
- Platform
- macOS 14 Sonoma or later
- Architecture
- Native macOS app
- Model options
- Local Whisper or Groq-hosted transcription
- Availability
- Free and open source
- Source domain
- wave.mxv.sh
Wave Alternatives
QuickQuill
QuickQuill is a local-first macOS dictation and transcription app to record meetings, summarize audio, and export notes without the cloud.
Speech to Text Converter
Speech to Text Converter is a browser-based transcription tool for live dictation and uploaded audio or video files. Free for short tasks, Pro offers unlimited transcription, AI summaries, translation, speaker ID, and advanced exports.
Dictato
Dictato is a Mac dictation app that transcribes speech to text in any app with an offline, on-device workflow. Includes cleanup, translation, and one-time purchase.
Sanota
Sanota turns spoken memories and interviews into clear written stories for personal storytelling, family history and shared memories, with guided prompts and subscriptions.
Carbon Voice
Carbon Voice is an async voice messaging app for teams and individuals, with transcripts, AI catch-up, and cross-device access.
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