> This is the full-text version. For the index, see /llms.txt > Canonical: https://kensi.ai/ # Kensi — Work at the speed of thought *Work at the speed of thought* For people who think faster than their tools. Kensi connects your voice to everything you’re working on. You can now dictate, ask, rewrite, and capture meetings with AI that understands your screen, your tools, and your workflow. - macOS - iPhone - Free to start > **Voice-to-text dictation:** Software that converts spoken words into written text using speech recognition, optionally enhanced by AI correction for grammar, formatting, and domain-specific vocabulary. ## How It Works 1. **Hold a key and speak** — On Mac, hold a key - speak, and Kensi writes into whatever app you’re using. On iPhone, tap the mic. 2. **Kensi understands the context** — Your screen. Your files. Your connected tools. Your role’s vocabulary. Kensi uses all of it. 3. **Clean text appears** — Grammar corrected. Filler words removed. Technical terms spelled right. Pasted where your cursor is. ## Four Modes ### Dictate Hold a key and talk. Kensi turns your speech into clean text - grammar fixed, filler words gone, technical terms right. **Trigger:** Hold + speak + release ### Rewrite Highlight any text, hold Fn, and tell Kensi what to do. The text is replaced right where it is. **Trigger:** + hold + speak command ### Ask Ask a question by voice. Kensi already has the context - your screen, your files, your Slack. **Trigger:** + hold + speak request ### Live Notes Kensi listens in the background. Get summaries, action items, and key decisions. **Trigger:** Toggle on · runs in background ## Pricing **3,000 words/week free** — Full product, all features, no card required. Resets every Monday. NO TRIAL - PERMANENT | Plan | Price | Lifetime | Key Feature | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Voice | $2/month | — | Clean, corrected dictation | | Cloud | $12/month ($108/yr ($9/mo)) | — | AI correction powered by cloud | | Privacy | $18/month ($156/yr ($13/mo)) | — | On-device AI correction (Mac) | | Everything | $22/month ($192/yr ($16/mo)) | — | Cloud + Privacy combined | ### Voice — $2/month - ✓ Clean, corrected dictation - ✓ 850+ technical terms, 32 packs - ✓ Shaped to your role - ✓ Voice snippets - ✓ Mac + iPhone - ✓ Unlimited words - ✗ No AI rewrite or ask - ✗ No on-device processing ### Cloud — $12/month - ✓ Everything in Voice - ✓ AI correction powered by cloud - ✓ Dictate, Rewrite, and Ask modes - ✓ Personas shaped to your role - ✓ Aware of your screen and files - ✓ Ask mode with screen context - ✓ Live Notes for live meetings - ✓ Audio history - ✓ Unlimited words ### Privacy — $18/month - ✓ Everything in Voice - ✓ On-device AI correction (Mac) - ✓ Rewrite & Ask modes - ✓ Screen context + workspace awareness - ✓ Live Notes for any meeting (online & in-person) - ✓ Works without internet - ✓ Nothing leaves your machine - ✓ Unlimited words ### Everything — $22/month - ✓ Cloud + Privacy combined - ✓ Switch cloud/on-device per mode - ✓ All intelligence modes - ✓ Connected to Slack - ✓ GitHub, Linear, Notion - coming soon - ✓ Google Workspace - coming soon - ✓ Priority support - ✓ Unlimited words ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How is this different from Apple Dictation? Apple Dictation gives you a raw transcript. Kensi gives you corrected, formatted text - with vocabulary that knows your field, filler words removed, and self-corrections handled. It also does a lot more: rewrite text by voice, ask questions with full context from your screen and tools, and capture meetings with summaries. Different thing entirely. ### Does it work offline? Yes. The Privacy plan runs everything on your Mac - speech recognition and AI correction both happen locally on Apple Silicon. Nothing leaves your machine. The Voice plan also works without cloud AI because the vocabulary is built into how Kensi hears. Only the Everything plan’s cloud features need internet. ### Which apps does it work with? All of them. On Mac, Kensi lives in your menu bar and pastes into whatever app has focus - Slack, Gmail, VS Code, Cursor, Notion, Google Docs, Terminal, anything with a text field. On iPhone, the Kensi keyboard works everywhere on your device. ### How does Kensi understand what’s on my screen? Kensi is aware of the text and content on your screen - which app you’re in, what file you’re editing, what’s visible. In Ask mode, it also understands what’s in your active window visually. So you can say "what does this error mean?" or "summarize what’s on screen" and Kensi has the context without you explaining anything. Works with VS Code, Cursor, Xcode, Zed, Terminal, iTerm, Warp, and most other apps. ### Is there a meeting bot that joins my calls? No. Live Notes captures audio from your mic and system audio directly - no bot joins the Zoom or Meet call. Nothing shows up for other participants. It’s just Kensi running quietly on your Mac. ### Can I choose how the AI works? Yes. Three paths: cloud models on Kensi’s servers (fast and full-featured), a model that runs locally on your Mac’s Apple Silicon (fully private - nothing leaves your machine), or Apple Intelligence as a free fallback on macOS 26+ and iOS 26+. You pick the balance between speed, capability, and privacy. --- ## Download Kensi Free during alpha. No account required. No credit card. [Download Kensi](https://github.com/ulpi-io/kensi/releases) --- > Canonical: https://kensi.ai/compare # The honest guide to choosing a voice-to-text app *6 apps. 12 features. Side-by-side data so you can decide with confidence.* 2026 Comparison · Updated March 2026 ## By the Numbers - **12** Features Compared - **6** Apps Analyzed - **100%** On-Device Speech - **0** Audio Uploaded ## Why Voice Dictation Matters > **3x** — Faster than typing for most people when dictating natural prose (Stanford Research) > **25%** — Of developers report RSI or repetitive strain from typing (Stack Overflow Survey) > **92%** — On-device transcription accuracy with Apple's Speech framework (Apple WWDC) ## Competitor Ranking | App | Score (/12) | Category | Starting Price | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Kensi | 12 | — | From $2/mo | | Superwhisper | 8.5 | Mac Dictation | $8.49/mo | | Willow | 6.5 | Mac Dictation | $15/mo | | Talon Voice | 5.5 | Voice Coding | Free (beta) / Patreon | | Wispr Flow | 5 | Mac Dictation | $10/mo | | Dragon NaturallySpeaking | 5 | Traditional | $200+ | | VoiceOS | 4.5 | Mac Dictation | $15/mo | ## Pricing Overview ### Kensi Pricing | Plan | Price | Note | | --- | --- | --- | | Voice | $2/mo | On-device STT | | Cloud | $12/mo | AI correction | | Privacy | $18/mo | Fully offline | | Everything | $22/mo | Cloud + Privacy | ### Competitor Pricing | App | Model | Starting Price | Free Offering | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Wispr Flow | Subscription | $10/mo | — | | Willow | Subscription | $15/mo | 2,000 free words (no credit card) | | VoiceOS | Subscription | $15/mo | — | | Superwhisper | Subscription | $8.49/mo | — | | Talon Voice | Free (beta) / Patreon | — | Free beta with optional Patreon support | | Dragon NaturallySpeaking | One-time purchase | $200+ | — | ## What Sets Kensi Apart - **On-device speech recognition:** Audio never leaves your Mac or iPhone. Zero network dependency for transcription. - **AI-powered correction:** Grammar, filler words, formatting, and domain terms fixed automatically by an LLM. - **Screen context awareness:** Reads your frontmost app to resolve references like "this error" or "that function". - **Works in any app:** Global hotkey inserts text at cursor. IDEs, browsers, terminals, Slack, email. - **Fully offline AI tier:** Privacy tier runs on-device LLM correction via MLX. Not a single byte leaves your machine. - **80+ technical mappings:** "react hook" becomes useState. "pull request" becomes PR. Code-aware out of the box. - **Four input modes:** Dictate, Rewrite, Ask, and Ambient. Voice-to-text for every context. - **No account required:** No sign-up, no login, no user database. Download and start dictating. - **macOS + iOS:** Native apps for both platforms. Keyboard extension works in any text field on iPhone. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What makes Kensi different from other dictation apps? Kensi combines on-device speech recognition with AI-powered text correction. Unlike most alternatives, it works in any app via a global hotkey, supports multiple modes (Dictate, Rewrite, Ask, Ambient), and never sends your audio to the cloud. ### Is Kensi really private? Yes. Speech recognition runs entirely on-device. Audio never leaves your Mac or iPhone. If you use Cloud correction, only transcribed text is sent — never audio. The Privacy tier uses a fully on-device LLM so nothing leaves your machine at all. ### Does Kensi work offline? The Voice tier and Privacy tier work completely offline. Speech recognition is always on-device. The Privacy tier adds on-device LLM correction via MLX, so you get full AI-powered correction with zero network dependency. ### How accurate is Kensi compared to alternatives? Kensi uses Apple's on-device Speech framework for transcription, then applies AI correction to fix grammar, remove filler words, and format technical terms. The two-stage approach (transcribe then correct) produces cleaner output than raw transcription alone. ### Can I use Kensi for coding? Absolutely. The Software Engineer persona includes 80+ technical term mappings. It resolves references like "at header component" to actual files in your workspace, formats code references correctly, and handles case conversions. It works in any IDE via the global hotkey. ### What platforms does Kensi support? Kensi is available on macOS 14+ (Sonoma) with Apple Silicon and iOS 18+. The Mac app runs as a menu bar app with a global hotkey. The iOS app includes a keyboard extension that works in any text field. ## Detailed Comparisons - [Kensi vs Wispr Flow](/compare/wispr-flow.md): AI dictation app for Mac that writes in your style. - [Kensi vs Willow](/compare/willow.md): AI-powered voice dictation for Mac, Windows, and iPhone with smart formatting. - [Kensi vs VoiceOS](/compare/voiceos.md): Voice-first operating layer for Mac with AI transcription and formatting. - [Kensi vs Superwhisper](/compare/superwhisper.md): AI-powered voice-to-text app for Mac, Windows, and iOS with local Whisper models. - [Kensi vs Talon Voice](/compare/talon-voice.md): Hands-free computing and voice coding for power users. - [Kensi vs Dragon NaturallySpeaking](/compare/dragon.md): Enterprise speech recognition by Nuance (Microsoft). --- ## Download Kensi Free during alpha. No account required. Download and start dictating. [Download Kensi](https://github.com/ulpi-io/kensi/releases) --- > Canonical: https://kensi.ai/compare/wispr-flow # Kensi vs Wispr Flow *AI dictation app for Mac that writes in your style.* > **Kensi vs Wispr Flow:** A side-by-side comparison of Kensi and Wispr Flow for voice-to-text dictation — covering features, pricing, privacy, and platform support. ## Feature Score - **Kensi:** 12/12 - **Wispr Flow:** 5/12 ## The Bottom Line Wispr Flow is a polished Mac dictation app that learns your writing style. Its cloud-first approach delivers strong AI correction but means audio leaves your device. Kensi offers on-device speech recognition, a fully offline AI tier, Ambient mode, iOS support, and technical vocabulary — all with audio that never touches a network. ## Feature Comparison | Feature | Kensi | Wispr Flow | | --- | --- | --- | | 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 | Partial | | Privacy-first (no cloud required) | Yes | No | | Works fully offline | Yes | No | | Rewrite/edit mode | Yes | Yes | | Ask/generate mode | Yes | Partial | | Technical vocabulary | Yes | Partial | | iOS support | Yes | No | ## Pricing Comparison ### Wispr Flow - **Model:** Subscription - **Starting price:** $10/mo - **Notes:** Free trial available ### 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 - Wispr Flow: **$10/mo** - Kensi Cloud: **$12/mo** - $2/mo more for on-device privacy, Ambient mode, iOS support, and technical vocabulary ## Strengths ### Wispr Flow Strengths - Learns your writing style over time - Good AI correction that adapts to context - Works in any app on Mac - Clean, minimal UI with fast dictation flow ### 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 Wispr Flow if you... - Want AI that learns your personal writing style - Are comfortable with cloud-based audio processing - Don’t need offline capability or on-device privacy ### Choose Kensi if you... - Care about audio privacy (on-device processing) - Need to work offline or on restricted networks - Want meeting transcription (Ambient mode) - Need iOS support ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How does Kensi compare to Wispr Flow? Both are Mac dictation apps with AI correction. Wispr Flow sends audio to the cloud for processing and learns your writing style. Kensi processes speech entirely on-device, offers a fully offline AI tier, includes Ambient mode, iOS support, and 80+ technical term mappings. Audio never leaves your device with Kensi. ### Is Wispr Flow private? Wispr Flow processes audio in the cloud — your speech is sent to their servers. Kensi’s speech recognition is always on-device. Even with Cloud correction, only text is sent — never audio. The Privacy tier is fully offline. ### Does Wispr Flow work offline? No. Wispr Flow requires an internet connection for both speech recognition and AI correction. Kensi’s Voice and Privacy tiers work completely offline with zero network dependency. --- ## 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 Willow](/compare/willow.md) - [Kensi vs VoiceOS](/compare/voiceos.md) - [Kensi vs Superwhisper](/compare/superwhisper.md) - [Kensi vs Talon Voice](/compare/talon-voice.md) - [Kensi vs Dragon NaturallySpeaking](/compare/dragon.md) --- > Canonical: https://kensi.ai/compare/willow # Kensi vs Willow *AI-powered voice dictation for Mac, Windows, and iPhone with smart formatting.* > **Kensi vs Willow:** A side-by-side comparison of Kensi and Willow for voice-to-text dictation — covering features, pricing, privacy, and platform support. ## Feature Score - **Kensi:** 12/12 - **Willow:** 6.5/12 ## The Bottom Line Willow is a strong AI dictation app with cross-platform support, smart formatting, and context awareness. It shares several features with Kensi including AI correction and iOS support. Kensi differentiates with Ambient mode for meetings, deeper screen context with @-mention resolution, Ask mode for content generation, per-app vocabulary with bundle ID matching, and a lower starting price ($2/mo vs $15/mo). ## Feature Comparison | Feature | Kensi | Willow | | --- | --- | --- | | On-device speech recognition | Yes | Partial | | 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 | Partial | | Privacy-first (no cloud required) | Yes | Partial | | Works fully offline | Yes | Partial | | Rewrite/edit mode | Yes | Partial | | Ask/generate mode | Yes | No | | Technical vocabulary | Yes | Partial | | iOS support | Yes | Yes | ## Pricing Comparison ### Willow - **Model:** Subscription - **Starting price:** $15/mo - **Free offering:** 2,000 free words (no credit card) - **Notes:** Team plan $10/mo/seat. Enterprise custom pricing. ### 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 - Willow: **$15/mo** - Kensi Cloud: **$12/mo** - $3/mo less with Ambient mode, Ask mode, and per-app vocabulary included ## Strengths ### Willow Strengths - AI correction with smart formatting, punctuation, and filler word removal - Context awareness — reads what you’re working on for better accuracy - Cross-platform: Mac, Windows, and iOS with AI keyboard - Custom vocabulary for company names, industry terms, and jargon - Quiet/whisper mode for dictation in silent environments - 100+ language support ### 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 Willow if you... - Want cross-platform dictation across Mac, Windows, and iOS - Need AI correction with smart formatting and filler removal - Work in quiet environments and need whisper mode ### Choose Kensi if you... - Need always-on meeting transcription (Ambient mode) - Want deep screen context with @-mention resolution - Need Ask/generate mode for content creation - Want per-app vocabulary with bundle ID matching ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How does Kensi compare to Willow? Both apps offer AI-powered dictation with correction and formatting. Willow supports Mac, Windows, and iOS with context awareness and custom vocabulary. Kensi adds Ambient mode for meeting transcription, deeper screen context with @-mention resolution, Ask mode, per-app vocabulary with bundle ID matching, and starts at $2/mo vs Willow’s $15/mo. ### Does Willow work offline? Willow offers an optional offline mode with a local model for Mac and iOS, but it uses a smaller model than the cloud version. Kensi’s Privacy tier ($18/mo) runs both transcription and AI correction fully on-device with no quality compromise. ### Is Willow cheaper than Kensi? Willow starts at $15/mo (with 2,000 free words to try). Kensi starts at $2/mo for Voice, $12/mo for Cloud with AI correction. Kensi includes Ambient mode and Ask mode at every tier. --- ## 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 VoiceOS](/compare/voiceos.md) - [Kensi vs Superwhisper](/compare/superwhisper.md) - [Kensi vs Talon Voice](/compare/talon-voice.md) - [Kensi vs Dragon NaturallySpeaking](/compare/dragon.md) --- > 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) --- > Canonical: https://kensi.ai/compare/superwhisper # Kensi vs Superwhisper *AI-powered voice-to-text app for Mac, Windows, and iOS with local Whisper models.* > **Kensi vs Superwhisper:** A side-by-side comparison of Kensi and Superwhisper for voice-to-text dictation — covering features, pricing, privacy, and platform support. ## Feature Score - **Kensi:** 12/12 - **Superwhisper:** 8.5/12 ## The Bottom Line Superwhisper is a strong competitor in the AI dictation space with local Whisper transcription, AI correction, and cross-platform support including iOS. Kensi differentiates with Ambient mode for meetings, deeper screen context awareness with @-mention resolution, a fully offline AI tier, and richer technical vocabulary with 80+ built-in mappings and per-app entries. ## Feature Comparison | Feature | Kensi | Superwhisper | | --- | --- | --- | | On-device speech recognition | Yes | Yes | | 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 | Partial | | Privacy-first (no cloud required) | Yes | Partial | | Works fully offline | Yes | Partial | | Rewrite/edit mode | Yes | Yes | | Ask/generate mode | Yes | Yes | | Technical vocabulary | Yes | Partial | | iOS support | Yes | Yes | ## Pricing Comparison ### Superwhisper - **Model:** Subscription - **Starting price:** $8.49/mo - **Notes:** Also $84.99/year or $249 lifetime. Free tier with small models. ### 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 - Superwhisper: **$8.49/mo** - Kensi Cloud: **$12/mo** - $3.51/mo more for Ambient mode, deeper screen context, and per-app vocabulary ## Strengths ### Superwhisper Strengths - Good on-device transcription using local Whisper models - AI correction with multiple modes (Super Mode, custom prompts) - Context awareness via Super Mode (app, selected text, clipboard) - Works in any app via clipboard insertion - Cross-platform: Mac, Windows, and iOS - Lifetime purchase option available ($249) ### 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 Superwhisper if you... - Want a dictation app with Whisper-based local transcription - Prefer a lifetime purchase option over ongoing subscription - Need cross-platform support across Mac, Windows, and iOS ### Choose Kensi if you... - Want always-on meeting transcription (Ambient mode) - Need deep screen context with @-mention resolution - Want a fully offline AI correction option - Need per-app vocabulary with bundle ID matching ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How does Kensi compare to Superwhisper? Both apps offer on-device speech recognition with AI correction. Superwhisper uses Whisper models and has Super Mode for context awareness. Kensi adds Ambient mode (always-on meeting transcription), deeper screen context with @-mention resolution, a fully offline AI tier, and 80+ built-in technical term mappings with per-app vocabulary. ### Is Superwhisper cheaper than Kensi? Superwhisper starts at $8.49/mo (or $249 lifetime). Kensi’s Cloud tier (with AI correction) is $12/mo. Kensi includes Ambient mode and deeper screen context. Kensi’s Voice tier (no AI) is just $2/mo. ### Does Superwhisper work offline? Superwhisper can transcribe offline using local Whisper models, but AI correction requires a cloud connection. Kensi’s Privacy tier ($18/mo) runs both transcription and AI correction fully on-device — zero network calls. --- ## 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 VoiceOS](/compare/voiceos.md) - [Kensi vs Talon Voice](/compare/talon-voice.md) - [Kensi vs Dragon NaturallySpeaking](/compare/dragon.md) --- > Canonical: https://kensi.ai/compare/talon-voice # Kensi vs Talon Voice *Hands-free computing and voice coding for power users.* > **Kensi vs Talon Voice:** A side-by-side comparison of Kensi and Talon Voice for voice-to-text dictation — covering features, pricing, privacy, and platform support. ## Feature Score - **Kensi:** 12/12 - **Talon Voice:** 5.5/12 ## The Bottom Line Talon Voice is designed for full hands-free computer control and voice coding — a different category than Kensi. If you need complete hands-free computing (mouse control, window management, coding by voice), Talon excels. Kensi is purpose-built for fast, accurate voice-to-text with AI correction, designed for people who primarily type but want to dictate faster. ## Feature Comparison | Feature | Kensi | Talon Voice | | --- | --- | --- | | On-device speech recognition | Yes | Partial | | AI/LLM text correction | Yes | No | | Screen context awareness | Yes | Partial | | Works in any app | Yes | Yes | | Ambient/background mode | Yes | No | | Custom personas | Yes | Partial | | Privacy-first (no cloud required) | Yes | Yes | | Works fully offline | Yes | Yes | | Rewrite/edit mode | Yes | No | | Ask/generate mode | Yes | No | | Technical vocabulary | Yes | Yes | | iOS support | Yes | No | ## Pricing Comparison ### Talon Voice - **Model:** Free (beta) / Patreon - **Free offering:** Free beta with optional Patreon support - **Notes:** Conformer model requires Talon beta access ### 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 ## Strengths ### Talon Voice Strengths - Full hands-free computer control, not just dictation - Excellent custom voice command system - Strong developer and accessibility community - Good technical vocabulary via community scripts ### 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 Talon Voice if you... - Need full hands-free computer control (RSI, accessibility) - Want to write code entirely by voice - Are willing to invest time learning voice commands ### Choose Kensi if you... - Want instant voice-to-text without learning commands - Need AI correction for grammar and formatting - Want meeting transcription (Ambient mode) - Need iOS support ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is Talon Voice better for coding than Kensi? They solve different problems. Talon lets you control your entire computer by voice, including writing code character by character. Kensi lets you dictate natural language that gets intelligently formatted for technical contexts. Kensi is faster for prose and documentation; Talon is more capable for pure voice-only coding. ### Is Talon Voice free? Talon is free during beta with optional Patreon support. Kensi starts at $2/mo. Talon requires significant time investment to learn voice commands, while Kensi works immediately — just hold a key and speak. ### Can I use both Talon and Kensi? Yes. Some users use Talon for hands-free computer control and Kensi for quick, natural dictation with AI correction. They complement each other well. --- ## 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 VoiceOS](/compare/voiceos.md) - [Kensi vs Superwhisper](/compare/superwhisper.md) - [Kensi vs Dragon NaturallySpeaking](/compare/dragon.md) --- > Canonical: https://kensi.ai/compare/dragon # Kensi vs Dragon NaturallySpeaking *Enterprise speech recognition by Nuance (Microsoft).* > **Kensi vs Dragon NaturallySpeaking:** A side-by-side comparison of Kensi and Dragon NaturallySpeaking for voice-to-text dictation — covering features, pricing, privacy, and platform support. ## Feature Score - **Kensi:** 12/12 - **Dragon NaturallySpeaking:** 5/12 ## The Bottom Line Dragon was the gold standard for desktop dictation for decades. However, it’s Windows-only, uses older correction technology, and Nuance has shifted focus to healthcare under Microsoft. Kensi brings modern AI correction, cross-platform support (Mac + iOS), screen context awareness, and a privacy-first architecture at a fraction of the cost. ## Feature Comparison | Feature | Kensi | Dragon NaturallySpeaking | | --- | --- | --- | | On-device speech recognition | Yes | Yes | | AI/LLM text correction | Yes | Partial | | Screen context awareness | Yes | No | | Works in any app | Yes | Yes | | Ambient/background mode | Yes | No | | Custom personas | Yes | Partial | | Privacy-first (no cloud required) | Yes | Partial | | Works fully offline | Yes | Partial | | Rewrite/edit mode | Yes | Partial | | Ask/generate mode | Yes | No | | Technical vocabulary | Yes | Partial | | iOS support | Yes | No | ## Pricing Comparison ### Dragon NaturallySpeaking - **Model:** One-time purchase - **Starting price:** $200+ - **Notes:** Dragon Professional Individual. Dragon Home discontinued. ### 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 - Dragon NaturallySpeaking: **$200+ one-time** - Kensi Cloud: **$12/mo** - Kensi pays for itself vs. Dragon's upfront cost in under 17 months ## Strengths ### Dragon NaturallySpeaking Strengths - Industry-proven speech recognition with decades of development - Strong vocabulary learning and user adaptation - Enterprise features and compliance certifications - Voice commands for document editing ### 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 Dragon NaturallySpeaking if you... - Are on Windows and need enterprise-grade dictation - Need compliance certifications for regulated industries - Prefer a one-time purchase over subscription ### Choose Kensi if you... - Use a Mac or iPhone (Dragon is Windows-only) - Want modern AI/LLM-powered correction - Need screen context or Ambient mode - Want an actively developed product ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Is Dragon better than Kensi? Dragon has decades of speech recognition development but uses older correction technology. Kensi uses modern AI/LLM correction, works on Mac and iOS (Dragon is Windows-only), and includes screen context, Ambient mode, and privacy-first architecture. Dragon costs $200+ upfront; Kensi starts at $2/mo. ### Does Dragon work on Mac? No. Dragon for Mac was discontinued in 2018. Kensi is built specifically for macOS and iOS. ### Is Dragon still being developed? Nuance (acquired by Microsoft) has shifted Dragon’s development focus to healthcare (Dragon Medical). The consumer/professional versions receive minimal updates. Kensi is actively developed with regular updates. --- ## 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 VoiceOS](/compare/voiceos.md) - [Kensi vs Superwhisper](/compare/superwhisper.md) - [Kensi vs Talon Voice](/compare/talon-voice.md)