The following Free or Low-Cost Assistive Technology programs, software, websites, and apps focus on different forms of Dictation/Speech-to-Text/Speech Recognition Support. The information about the following applications has been summarized from the applications’ websites and/or from experience testing the applications. We update this page approximately once a year. Please refer to the applications’ websites for the most up to date information.
This page was created by the Augsburg University CLASS Office. To reference our resource pages, please correctly cite Augsburg University CLASS Office.
Dictation/Speech-to-Text/Speech Recognition
Dictation for Gmail
Features:
- Speech-to-text Chrome extension to assist with dictating emails
- Supports 60 languages
- More Information: Dictation for Gmail Chrome Extension
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Chrome extension
Dragon Anywhere
Features:
- Speech recognition software that recognizes your works and transcribes them
- Dictate words for text messages, emails, social media, or paste into other apps and programs
- Dictation for anyone on the go
- More Information: Dragon Anywhere Website
Cost: Free trial for seven days, $15/month after seven days
Compatibility: iOS and Android
GBoard
Features:
- Voice typing to dictate text on the go
- Includes other features as well: emoji search, handwriting, multilingual typing, glide typing and google translate
- More Information: GBoard Support Website
Cost: Free
Compatibility: iOS and Android
LipSurf
Features:
- Voice Control for the Web
- Works within the web browser for Google Docs, webpages, Gmail, and more
- Customizable shortcuts
- More Information: LipSurf Website
Cost: Free, Plus ($3/month), and Premium ($6/month) options
Compatibility: Chrome Extension
Microsoft Dictate
Features:
- Dictate while using Office 365 products, including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote
- Adds punctuation in as users talk
- More Information: Dictate in Office 365
Cost: Free with the purchase of Office 365 or if users have free Office 365 access through their school
Compatibility: Windows and through Office 365 Applications
Otter.ai
Features:
- AI live transcription/recording/speech-to-text application that can be used in meetings, to write, in class, or on the go
- The mobile and online platforms allow users to record, create notes from live transcripts, and share notes with others
- Works with Zoom
- More Information: Otter.ai Website
Cost: Free and $8.33/month for Pro (billed annually)
Compatibility: iOS; Android; Online Resource
Speechnotes
Features:
- Speech to text tool only for dictation
- Offers a distraction-free environment
- Allows for the ability to create new sessions, save to Google Drive, email, save to computer, and print
- Zoom options available
- More Information: Speechnotes Website
Cost: Free and paid options
Compatibility: Online Resource; Chrome Extension; Android
Speechtexter
Features:
- Speech to text online tool for Chrome
- Customizable commands
- Copy/paste dictated text and/or download the file
- Includes dark mode, light mode, and a word counter
- More Information: Speechtexter Website
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Online Resource for Chrome Browser
Voice Control for Mac, iPad, iPhone
Features:
- Control a Mac, iPad, iPhone by voice
- Used with Siri speech-recognition engine
- Customizable vocabulary for commands
- More Information: Voice Control Apple Support Website
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Mac, iOS: iPad, iPhone
Voice Recognition in Windows
Features:
- Control a computer by voice
- Trains to the user’s voice
- Uses commands to navigate a computer
- More Information: Voice Recognition Support Website
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Built-In to Windows Operating System
Voice Typing in Google Docs
Features:
- Go into your Tools menu in Google Docs and select Voice Typing
- Click on the microphone that pops up and start talking
- Your text will be entered into the typing field
- Correct mistakes without moving your cursor
- No training needed
- More Information: Google Voice Typing Support Website
Cost: Free
Compatibility: Built-In Chrome Browser Option
Download a printable copy with live links of the list of Free and Low-Cost Assistive Technology for Notetaking AT Support, please click on the following link: Dictation AT
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