> Canonical: https://kensi.ai/compare/voiceos

# Kensi vs VoiceOS

*Voice-first operating layer for Mac with AI transcription and formatting.*

> **Kensi vs VoiceOS:** A side-by-side comparison of Kensi and VoiceOS for voice-to-text dictation — covering features, pricing, privacy, and platform support.


## Feature Score


- **Kensi:** 12/12
- **VoiceOS:** 4.5/12

## The Bottom Line


VoiceOS is a YC-backed AI dictation tool for Mac with solid formatting and app integration. It processes audio in the cloud but stores transcripts locally. Kensi differentiates with fully on-device speech recognition, a Privacy tier that’s completely offline, iOS support, Ambient mode, and deep technical vocabulary with 80+ mappings and per-app entries.

## Feature Comparison


| Feature | Kensi | VoiceOS |
| --- | --- | --- |
| On-device speech recognition | Yes | No |
| AI/LLM text correction | Yes | Yes |
| Screen context awareness | Yes | Partial |
| Works in any app | Yes | Yes |
| Ambient/background mode | Yes | No |
| Custom personas | Yes | No |
| Privacy-first (no cloud required) | Yes | Partial |
| Works fully offline | Yes | No |
| Rewrite/edit mode | Yes | Partial |
| Ask/generate mode | Yes | Yes |
| Technical vocabulary | Yes | No |
| iOS support | Yes | No |

## Pricing Comparison


### VoiceOS

- **Model:** Subscription
- **Starting price:** $15/mo
- **Notes:** Pro plan for advanced features. YC-backed startup.

### Kensi

- Voice: $2/mo · On-device STT
- Cloud: $12/mo · AI correction + all modes
- Privacy: $18/mo · Fully offline AI
- Everything: $22/mo · Cloud + Privacy

### Cost Comparison

- VoiceOS: **$15/mo**
- Kensi Cloud: **$12/mo**
- $3/mo less with on-device privacy, Ambient mode, iOS support, and technical vocabulary

## Strengths


### VoiceOS Strengths

- AI-powered transcription with automatic filler word removal and formatting
- Works across Mac apps (Gmail, Slack, Notion, Cursor, etc.)
- Audio processed in real time and never stored without permission
- Transcripts saved locally on device

### Kensi Strengths

- On-device speech recognition — audio never leaves your device
- Screen context awareness with @-mention resolution
- 80+ technical term mappings with per-app vocabulary
- Fully offline AI tier (Privacy plan)
- Ambient mode for always-on meeting transcription

## Which Tool Fits You?


### Choose VoiceOS if you...

- Want a voice-first workflow on Mac with AI formatting
- Are comfortable with cloud-based speech processing
- Need dictation across many Mac apps

### Choose Kensi if you...

- Need on-device speech recognition for privacy
- Want technical vocabulary with 80+ mappings
- Need iOS support or always-on meeting transcription
- Want to work fully offline

## Frequently Asked Questions

### How does Kensi compare to VoiceOS?

Both are Mac voice-to-text apps with AI features. VoiceOS processes audio in the cloud while saving transcripts locally. Kensi processes speech entirely on-device, offers a fully offline AI tier, includes Ambient mode, iOS support, and 80+ technical term mappings with per-app vocabulary.

### Is VoiceOS private?

VoiceOS processes audio in real time and doesn’t store it without permission, with transcripts saved locally. Kensi goes further — speech recognition is always on-device, audio never leaves your machine. The Privacy tier adds fully offline AI correction.

### Does VoiceOS support iOS?

No. VoiceOS is Mac-only. Kensi is available on macOS 14+ and iOS 18+ with a keyboard extension that works in any text field.


---

## Try Kensi Free

Free during alpha. No account required. Download and start dictating in under a minute.

[Try Kensi Free](https://github.com/ulpi-io/kensi/releases)


## More Comparisons

See how Kensi stacks up against every alternative.

- [Kensi vs Wispr Flow](/compare/wispr-flow.md)
- [Kensi vs Willow](/compare/willow.md)
- [Kensi vs Superwhisper](/compare/superwhisper.md)
- [Kensi vs Talon Voice](/compare/talon-voice.md)
- [Kensi vs Dragon NaturallySpeaking](/compare/dragon.md)