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Saypane vs Spokenly: local dictation apps for Windows

Spokenly is a dictation app that started on the Mac and arrived in the Microsoft Store in September 2026. Like Saypane, it can recognize speech on your own computer, and its local models are free. The differences are in the cloud and AI extras, how each app charges, and how far along each Windows version is. This page uses Spokenly's own website and store listing.

SaypaneSpokenly
Free versionUnlimited local dictation; first 15 minutes of each fileUnlimited with local Whisper and Parakeet models, or with your own API keys
PaidSaypane Pro, one-time in-app purchaseLocal+ $29 once (styles, settings sync, priority support); Pro $9.99 a month or $99.99 a year (cloud models, AI cleanup)
Cloud modelsNoneOptional: Deepgram, OpenAI, Soniox, ElevenLabs and others
AI text processingNoModes and AI Instructions, with your own keys or Pro
File transcriptionYes; speaker labels in Pro; TXT free, SRT, VTT, DOCX and JSON in ProYes, with speaker labels and SRT, VTT or Markdown export, according to its store listing
Meeting recording on WindowsIn Pro, microphone plus PC soundNot described for Windows
PlatformsWindowsMac, Windows, Linux, iPhone
Windows versionBuilt for Windows onlyIn the Microsoft Store since 29 September 2026; its FAQ says the Mac and iOS versions are the most mature

What is free

Both apps give you unlimited local dictation for free, and neither needs an account for that. Spokenly also lets you plug in your own API keys for cloud speech and AI services at no extra charge. Saypane has no cloud option at all: the free version is local dictation plus the first 15 minutes of every file.

Local only, or local first

Spokenly offers a local-only mode that blocks every network request, alongside cloud engines and AI features. Saypane has only the local path, so there is nothing to switch off and no API key to manage. Which is better depends on whether you want the cloud extras.

What Spokenly does better

  • AI cleanup. It can fix grammar, remove filler words and format text for the app you dictate into. Saypane writes down what you said.
  • More platforms. Mac, Linux and iPhone as well as Windows.
  • Speaker labels for free on transcribed files, according to its store listing.
  • Choice of engines, local and cloud, including real-time streaming.

What Saypane adds

  • Windows first. Saypane is made only for Windows, including typing into terminals and a clear message when an administrator window blocks input.
  • Meeting recording of your microphone and PC sound together on Windows (Pro).
  • Word export (DOCX) for transcripts, and long files split at pauses and checked for loops.
  • Nothing to configure. No API keys, no cloud settings, and one price for Pro with no subscription.

Which one to choose

  • Choose Spokenly if you want AI cleanup or cloud engines, use a Mac or iPhone as well, or want free speaker labels on files.
  • Choose Saypane if you want a Windows app that only ever works locally, records meetings on Windows, exports to Word, and has a single one-time price.

Sources: spokenly.app, Spokenly for Windows, its Microsoft Store listing.

Prices and plans of other apps were checked on their websites on October 27, 2026. They change often, so confirm them with the vendor before you buy.

Questions

Is Spokenly free on Windows?

Yes. Its website says local models and your own API keys are free with no account. Cloud transcription and AI cleanup from Spokenly itself need the Pro subscription.

Does Spokenly work offline?

Yes, with its local Whisper and Parakeet models. It also has a local-only mode that blocks network requests. Saypane always works offline once its models are downloaded.

Last updated October 27, 2026.

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