Andak Logo
Honest comparison

Andak vs macOS Dictation

Apple's built-in dictation is good. Andak is built for developers and power users who need context-aware, technical dictation.

Built-in dictation is a starting point

macOS Dictation works well for basic text input. It's free, built-in, and handles everyday dictation reasonably well. If you only dictate occasionally and don't need technical vocabulary support, it may be enough.

Andak is for users who dictate frequently and need more: context-aware formatting that adapts to your active app, automatic filler word removal, code dictation that understands programming terminology, and 100+ languages with high accuracy.

If you've tried macOS Dictation and found it limiting — especially for code, technical writing, or multilingual workflows — Andak addresses those gaps.

Feature-by-feature comparison

macOS Dictation covers the basics. Andak is built for professionals and developers.

FeatureAndakmacOS Dictation
Context-aware formatting
Filler word removal
Code dictation mode
Runs locallyDepends on Mac model
Works offlineDepends on Mac model
Languages100+~60
Custom hotkeyLimited
App-specific formatting
Unlimited retranscription
Price$20 one-timeFree (built-in)
Technical vocabularyExcellentBasic
Punctuation accuracyExcellentGood
macOS integrationSystem-wideSystem-wide

What Andak adds over built-in dictation

Context-aware

Andak detects which app you're in and formats output accordingly. Code editors get code-formatted text. Email gets professional prose. Slack gets casual tone.

Code dictation

Dictate variable names, function signatures, and technical terms. macOS Dictation doesn't understand programming vocabulary — Andak does.

100+ languages

Andak supports over 100 languages with automatic detection. Switch languages mid-sentence without changing settings.

When to upgrade from macOS Dictation

If any of these resonate, Andak is built for your workflow.

You dictate code

macOS Dictation mangles variable names and technical terms. Andak understands programming vocabulary natively.

You write a lot of emails

Andak auto-formats for email context — proper capitalization, punctuation, and professional tone.

You take meeting notes

Capture thoughts in real-time with automatic filler word removal. No more cleaning up 'um' and 'uh' afterwards.

You write in multiple languages

Andak supports 100+ languages with auto-detection. macOS Dictation requires manually switching languages.

Frequently asked questions

Why should I pay for Andak when macOS Dictation is free?
macOS Dictation is a basic speech-to-text tool. Andak adds context-aware formatting, automatic filler word removal, support for 100+ languages, developer-focused features like code dictation, and unlimited retranscription. If you dictate regularly, the productivity gain pays for itself quickly.
Does Andak work offline like macOS Dictation?
Yes. Andak runs entirely on your Mac using local Whisper models. On newer Macs, Apple Dictation also processes locally, but older Macs send audio to Apple servers. Andak is always local, regardless of your Mac model.
Is Andak more accurate than macOS Dictation?
For general dictation, both are highly accurate. Andak excels with technical vocabulary, programming terminology, and context-specific formatting. It also removes filler words automatically and adapts output style based on which application you're using.
Can I use Andak for coding?
Yes. Andak detects when you're in a code editor and adapts its output for programming — formatting variable names, understanding technical terminology, and structuring code. macOS Dictation has no code-awareness.
Does Andak replace macOS Dictation or work alongside it?
Andak works alongside macOS Dictation. You can use both, but most users find Andak's global hotkey, context-awareness, and formatting features make it their primary dictation tool.

Related reading

Upgrade your dictation

Go beyond built-in dictation. Andak gives you context-aware, developer-friendly voice-to-text for $20.

Download for Mac — $20