12 Best Dictation Software for Microsoft Windows Users

1. Transkriptor

Transkriptor is an online transcription software. It leverages artificial intelligence to ensure fast and accurate transcription. Users are able to  translate their transcripts with a single click right from the Transkriptor dashboard.

This technology is available in the form of a smartphone app, a Google Chrome extension, and even a virtual meeting bot. Transkriptor is fully compatible with popular platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet.

There are 2 subscription plans available: monthly and annual. The Lite Plan is $9.99 a month and includes 5 hours of transcription. The Premium Plan is $24.99 per month and includes 40 hours of transcription. Annual subscriptions are discounted by 50%.

There are 3 main advantages Transcriptor offers. Transkriptor offers rapid and automatic transcription with up to 99% accuracy. It has affordable pricing options. Users streamline transcription and translation by centralizing all transcripts in one location. There is no free option available after the trial period.

2. Windows Voice Recognition

Windows Voice Recognition is a built-in feature available in Microsoft Windows operating systems. It helps users by controlling their computers with voice commands. WVR allows users to open applications, navigate the web, and perform other computer tasks vocally. It comes at no additional cost to the users since it is a feature integrated into Windows.

The most significant advantage is its integration with the Windows operating system. It negates the need for third-party software installation. It provides an optimal performance tailored for Windows applications and tools.

It needs initial training and setup to understand different users’ voices and accents better. Press Windows logo key+Ctrl+S. The Set up Speech Recognition wizard window opens with an introduction on the Welcome to Speech Recognition page.

3. Microsoft Word Dictate

Microsoft Word Dictate is an integrated voice recognition feature within Microsoft Word. It is a part of the Microsoft 365 suite. Users effortlessly dictate text directly into their documents, streamlining the document creation process. The tool recognizes a variety of languages, making it versatile for a global audience. The real-time transcription ensures users see the results of the dictation instantly.

The dictate feature comes as a part of the Microsoft 365 subscription, which starts at $69.99/year for the Personal plan. Its seamless integration with Microsoft Word eliminates the need for additional software or tools. Microsoft Word Dictate supports multi-language.

It requires a continuous Microsoft 365 subscription.

4. Windows Voice Typing

Windows Voice Typing, known as Windows Speech Recognition, is Microsoft's built-in voice recognition feature. It offers users the capability to dictate text across applications and control certain functionalities of the system by using voice commands.

Windows Voice Typing supports various languages. It's available to users at no additional cost.

Windows Voice Typing is compatible with the Windows operating system. So there is no need for third-party software. It has a simple user interface and supports different languages.

Some users find its feature set to be lacking when compared to specialized transcription tools.

5. Microsoft Azure Speech to Text

Microsoft Azure Speech to Text is a cloud-based service available through Azure Cognitive Services. This technology uses Microsoft's cutting-edge neural speech recognition to convert spoken words into written text. It is suitable for a variety of applications such as transcription services and voice commands. It supports a wide range of languages.

Azure Speech to Text operates on a pay-as-you-go basis, with fees dependent on the amount of audio hours processed.

Microsoft Azure Speech to Text boasts a high degree of accuracy, especially when configured for domain-specific tasks. Its cloud-based architecture ensures scalability and robustness. A reliable internet connection is necessary for optimal performance.

6. Otter.ai

Otter.ai is a voice-to-text transcription platform that uses machine learning. Otter.ai allows users to import audio and video files from their device or record directly within the app. Otter.ai subscriptions include a mobile version of the software unlike Dragon.

The Premium Plan costs $10 USD per month per user. The Team Plan costs $20 USD per user each month.

Otter.ai provides a competitive free-forever plan. It eliminates the need for manual note-taking. Customer service is inadequate.

7. Verbit

Verbit is a cutting-edge transcription and captioning service. It combines machine learning and human expertise.. Verbit assures speedy transcribing by utilizing modern AI technology. It uses a network of professional transcribers who evaluate and refine the automated transcriptions.

Verbit uses a quote-based pricing approach. Verbit's hybrid model provides a high level of accuracy. The platform is adaptable to industry-specific needs and terminologies.

The quote-based pricing system might not offer immediate transparency in costs for potential users.

8. Google Docs Voice Typing

Google Docs Voice Typing allows users to talk and have their words typed into Google Docs. It provides real-time transcription, voice commands for formatting and editing, and improves accessibility for impaired users. The tool offers many languages. It is free for Google account owners. This makes it a choice for converting speech to text and creating documents.

Google Docs Voice Typing syncs with Google Docs. It  allows for online editing. The simple UI promotes ease of use. There is limited offline use.

9. Amazon Transcribe

Amazon Transcribe is an Amazon Web Services (AWS) automatic speech recognition (ASR) service. It is useful for a variety of applications such as meeting transcription, customer support interactions, and media content.  Amazon Transcribe covers a wide range of languages.

Amazon Transcribe has a pay-as-you-go payment approach. Amazon Transcribe provides exceptional accuracy and detail. It includes speaker separation and time stamping. The service enables for customized vocabulary. Real-time transcription requires an internet connection.

10. Speechmatics

Speechmatics is a dictation software firm based in Cambridge, England. They use neural networks and language modeling to create speech recognition software. ASR models are trained by users to recognize specialized vocabularies, industry-specific phrases, and accents.

Speechmatics has three pricing options. Users contact Speechmatics directly for more information about pricing.

Speechmatics enables users to customize ASR models to their individual needs. It is capable of processing massive amounts of audio data.

There is no detailed pricing information available.

11. Braina Pro

Braina Pro (Brain Artificial) is a transcription software. It's a multi-faceted digital assistant for Windows. Braina Pro supports robust speech dictation while allowing voice commands to operate many computer operations. Its speech recognition capabilities have been fine-tuned to operate well even in noisy backgrounds.

Braina Pro has a multi-tiered subscription plan. A one-year license costs $49, and a lifetime license costs $139, with special offers and discounts available on their official website.

Braina Pro distinguishes itself by acting as both a dictation tool and a virtual assistant. It is suitable for a global user base because it supports many languages.

Some advanced features require an online connection.

12. Nuance Dragon Home 15

Nuance Dragon Home 15 is a version of the well-known Dragon speech recognition software group. This version focuses on delivering an accurate and quick dictation option for routine work. Dragon Home 15 uses voice commands to simplify the process of generating documents, sending emails, and exploring the web.

Nuance Dragon Home 15 is available for a one-time fee of $200, though costs depend on region and incentives.

The user interface of Nuance Dragon Home 15 is simple. It has a guided setup process to optimize recognition based on the user's voice and accent. The software integrates with a wide range of apps.

The software requires periodic training sessions to maintain optimal recognition accuracy.

What is Dictation Software?

Dictation software is a specialized tool to convert spoken words into written text. It stems from advances in speech recognition technology. The act of verbalizing words aloud to be written down or recorded by another person is dictation. This "other person" is, however, technologically replaced in the context of dictation software by an automated system that records and transcribes the uttered words.

How to Choose a Dictation Software for Microsoft?

To choose a dictation software for Microsoft, users consider compatibility and integration when selecting a dictation software for Microsoft. Ensure that the software seamlessly integrates with Microsoft applications, especially if needed.

Microsoft Word dictation, for instance, is an inbuilt voice recognition feature within Microsoft Word that allows users to dictate text directly into documents.  Always prioritize software that aligns with the specific needs like transcription accuracy, multilingual support, or customization options.

What is the Most Popular Dictation Software for Windows?

The most popular dictation software for Windows is "Dragon NaturallySpeaking" by Nuance. Dragon has advanced speech recognition technology and consistent performance.

Its accuracy is outstanding, with the software able to distinguish nuances in speech and adapt to individual voices over time. Secondly, Dragon offers a range of products tailored for specific uses, from medical transcription to legal documentation. Its integration capabilities as a most popular dictation software are important. It means that it works with most Windows applications.

What is the Best Free Dictation Software for Microsoft Users?

The best free dictation software for Microsoft users is Windows Voice Typing. Its interaction with essential Microsoft apps such as Word and Outlook offers a dictation experience for users. Constant upgrades and adjustments improve its accuracy and speed, and ranks it as the best free dictation software .

Who Uses Dictation Software for Windows?

A wide range of individuals and professionals use dictation software for Windows. This range includes writers, journalists, medical professionals, lawyers, students, and individuals with physical disabilities.

For example, many authors and journalists use dictation software to speed up the content creation process. Medical professionals, particularly those in specialties such as radiology and pathology,  use dictation software to rapidly record their notes. Lawyers and paralegals utilize such software to transcribe depositions, meetings, and even court hearings.

Can Lawyers Use Dictation Software for Windows?

Yes, lawyers use dictation software for Windows. The common tasks are writing long documents, taking thorough notes during meetings, and transcribing depositions of witness statements. Dictation software for Windows accelerates these processes.

Can Mac users use Dictation Software for Windows?

Yes, Mac users can use dictation software for Windows, but with certain restrictions.

It is important to note that running Windows on a Mac necessitates the purchase of a valid Windows license. Furthermore, performance depends on the Mac's capabilities, and not all dictation software functions  work as smoothly as they would on a native Windows PC.